Owning a business in the cleaning services sector can be a profitable venture if you make an informed decision about the type of services you plan to offer. While many entrepreneurs may be drawn to owning a specialized business, like carpet cleaning, a broader scale business such as commercial cleaning, might be a better, more profitable fit. Especially if you choose to partner with an established franchise in the industry.
Carpet Cleaning Business Profitability
When you think about all the homes and businesses that have carpeting, it seems reasonable that a business designed to clean carpets could provide a steady income opportunity. According to IBISWorld, the carpet cleaning industry accounts for $6.6 billion annually in revenue here in the U.S. However, it’s important to keep in mind the profit margins might be more restrictive with a carpet cleaning franchise or an independent carpet cleaning business compared to a full-fledged commercial cleaning franchise. By focusing solely on carpet cleaning, a single service, you may not amass a large and steady customer base in the way that a commercial cleaning franchise would with an expanded offering of services.
Is Carpet Cleaning a Sound Investment?
While starting a carpet cleaning business from the ground up has profit potential, keep in mind that your investment isn't just about the initial outlay for equipment and marketing. It's tied closely to the return on investment (ROI) over time. Establishing a name, building trust, and expanding your clientele organically can be an uphill battle. What’s more, the limited scope of services can also mean fluctuating demand, making it challenging to forecast profits and scale.
A Closer Look at Commercial Cleaning
In comparison to a carpet cleaning business, owning a janitorial business that offers a full menu of cleaning services to customers may be a better investment opportunity. While IBISWorld revealed that carpet cleaning is a $6 billion industry, commercial cleaning bypasses that at $90 billion in the U.S. This sector, which encompasses a wide array of cleaning services beyond carpet cleaning, shows promising—and consistent— growth trajectories.
Commercial Cleaning Business Advantages
A commercial cleaning business allows you to cater to a variety of clients – from corporate offices to retail spaces, medical facilities to educational institutions. This diversification ensures a more consistent demand and steadier revenue streams than a basic carpet cleaning business would. Commercial establishments often require cleaning services more frequently than homeowners might need carpet cleaning, leading to potentially more substantial and stable contracts. Pair this with the fact that commercial spaces usually prioritize cleanliness for both professionalism and health reasons, and you’ll have the advantage of a steady stream of potential clients.
Consider a Commercial Cleaning Franchise
Not only does commercial cleaning provide a more complete list of services compared with carpet cleaning—but if you look at the benefits of choosing to franchise with a brand like ServiceMaster Clean, you’ll understand why we’ve grown to 600 locations as a leading franchise in our 65-year history.
- Branding: When you invest in a franchise, you're not starting from scratch. You're aligning yourself with a recognized and trusted brand. This established reputation can save you years of effort in trying to prove your credibility to potential clients.
- Support and training: Most franchises provide training programs and ongoing support to help franchise owners with business operations. However, not all training is the same. At ServiceMaster Clean, you’ll be trained in all facets of the business at our ServiceMaster Academy giving you not only guidance on how to run your business, but also a thorough understanding of the janitorial services we provide. ServiceMaster Clean also provides business management consulting, along with a best-in-class operational online platform to equip you with insights on the newest cleaning technologies, advanced business management methods, and effective marketing approaches to ensure your business flourishes.
- Operational blueprint: Rather than navigating the turbulent waters of business operations alone, a franchise provides you with a proven model. This blueprint can drastically reduce the learning curve and operational pitfalls.
- Networking: Being part of a franchise means being part of a larger community. This network can be invaluable for insights, partnerships, and business referrals. When you face a challenge in your business, you have a team of franchise experts to assist, along with fellow franchisees, who can offer firsthand advice.
- Diversified services: With a franchise like ServiceMaster Clean, you're not limiting yourself to just carpet cleaning. You're delving into a vast range of commercial cleaning services, multiplying your potential client base.
Franchising with ServiceMaster Clean
Regardless of the economic climate, franchising in the commercial cleaning and janitorial industries offers a promising pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs like you. Even in challenging financial times, businesses prioritize and allocate funds for dependable janitorial solutions. ServiceMaster Clean offers necessary services that ensure the seamless operation of businesses and various commercial establishments throughout the year. Our clientele, which spans across office spaces, healthcare institutions, retail hubs, and more, all have one thing in common: the need for regular upkeep. With clients contracting for daily, weekly, or monthly cleaning routines, you can look forward to a steady stream of income.
At ServiceMaster Clean, we are always looking for folks who have a strong work ethic and want to grow a business. Leveraging the expansive potential of a commercial cleaning franchise may be the right move for you. Want to learn more? Get started by filling out our online form!