Debra Collins - Owner / Supervisor - Dustbusters Cleaning
Service
14 Years Of
Devotion To Residential & Janitorial Service
Member:
NAPC & ABWA www.dustbustersclng.com
‘My compulsive cleaning habits and youthful
naivety led me to this industry at age 23. Armed with only my enthusiasm, it
was a long journey. It seemed to fit though, so I truly enjoyed the learning
process. Even on my worst day, I can’t imagine doing anything else.’
Start
Up Tips:
After
licensing, applying for ID's, obtaining BWC, bonding, and contractors
insurance:
Utilize
all resources
·
BWC
·
OSHA
·
Small
business development center
·
Online
networking organizations
·
Register
with city, state and federal agencies for bid opportunities
·Delays in acquiring clientele
·Quality and performance issues -
whether justified or not
·Long hours and little if any initial
profit
·Be honest with potential clients about
your experience - vital when addressing future concerns
·Establish a fair rate and don’t cut
it to the bone to get your foot in the door - doing so is a discredit to the
industry, your profit and reduces future rate increments.
·Accept that every job is not for
every company. Protect the image you are building.
·
No employees - have qualified backup /not
just someone you know and trust, but have trained / network with a local
cleaning company if possible
·
With employees - Spare no time or cost on
training and educating your workers AND yourself about procedure, safety and
compliance. Perform intermittent quality inspections routinely after training.
·
Subcontractors - Prepare a subcontractor
policy, enforce it, and retain insurance info.
Training
·
Verbally
explain
·
Physically demonstrate
·
Use visual aids and include written
instruction in employment policies and as envelope stuffers with payroll.
·
Use
daily checklist to assist troubleshooting and accountability.
Prepare Employment Policies Handbook
·
Automobile
policy
·
Sexual
harassment
·
Cleaning
Instructions and procedure
·
General
Rules & Safety Policy
·
Schedule
allowances & disturbances
·
Code
of conduct and behavior
·
Dress
code - include PPE information
·
Request
employee signature and retain for records
·
Glossary
for cleaning terminology, like MSDA & PPE, trade secrets, etc
Acquire all legal and misc documents necessary:
·
Company
Contract, General Service Agreement
·
Nondisclosure,
No compete, Hold harmless Agreement, Release Agreement
·
Employment
App, Employment Agreement, W-4, I-9,
Inspection Checklist, etc.
Seek Professional Help:
· Payroll service - worth the investment for a small company lacking
knowledge in this area. Bi wkly payroll for less than 10 employees averages
$120 - $160 per month.
· Initially, any area you are unfamiliar with should be handled by a pro.
As your knowledge increases with experience, you may take on those issues. It
is very important to get your new business established properly which will
ensure it remains on track!