August focus: Domestic Cleaning Service

Pre-Opening Checklist

Check your product kit to make sure that you have all supplies needed, and that any equipment you will be using is in complete working order.

Magnetic signs or painted logo on sides and back of car or truck, displaying telephone number and contact name.

Uniforms – if you choose to work in a uniform it is always wise to have a good quality collared T-shirt embossed with your business name and telephone number on it. If you don’t wear a uniform it is always best if you look neat, well presented and professional.

Business Cards – Use your logo or letterhead on all printed matter, flyers, printed copy of your ad etc.

Insurance – Vehicle, Public Liability, and Income Protection. These are a part of the complete coverage that you should have.

Telephone – Have a dedicated phone for your business, with a suitably professional message on your answering service. Messagebank is not as effective as a trained individual for correct answering of the phone, however, if your message advises that you are working and cannot come to the phone but will get back to your caller as soon as you are able, then it usually satisfies the caller enough that he or she will leave a message. See the later article on Telephone Techniques for how to answer the phone correctly.

Cheque accounts – Open a business account and a personal account. Keep the two separate. If you can afford to you may desire to purchase a company in order to reduce your provisional taxation in the first year of business. See your accountant for advice.

Visa (V), Bankcard (BC) and MasterCard (MC). Use logos in all your advertising and on the sides and back of your car or truck.

Accounting System – business records – use the budgeting forms weekly, and see your accountant every three to four months.

Licenses – You do not need a license as such to run a Domestic/Home Cleaning Business, but you should register your business if you intend to sell it further down the track.