If you’re looking for a business that sparkles, why not look at a cleaning franchise? Demand for cleaning services was well and truly accelerated during the COVID pandemic. Both domestic and commercial clients took seriously the need for better hygiene. Despite the brunt of the pandemic over, demand continues for cleaning services. Here are 10 top reasons to invest in a cleaning franchise.
1. A Business In A Box
If you’re reading this then you’re probably either a franchisor or someone looking to get into business ownership. Well there are a few ways you can go when it comes to owning a business. You can either start up a business from scratch, buy an existing business for sale, or invest in a franchise. There are many advantages and disadvantages between startups and franchising, and the right one for you will of course depend on preference and circumstance.
However – investing in a franchise is often considered a “Business in a Box”, because it is exactly that. Where you’d be spending money on logos, branding, equipment and consultancy, you get all of that for the investment. Depending on the type of cleaning franchise you invest in, you’ll be getting not only a proven business but everything you need to hit the ground running. This would often include starting cleaning supplies, cleaning equipment, stationery, launch marketing and your own website. Depending on the type of franchise, you might receive vehicle livery, staff uniforms and more.
2. A Proven Cleaning Business Model
Because you’re investing in a “Business in a Box”, you’re also getting a proven and established business model. This is well accepted as one of the top reasons of going down the franchising route. When you start up a business from scratch, you start off with zero reputation. Nobody knows your brand and nobody is aware of your business’s presence in the market.
However when you invest in a franchise, you’re getting a proven and widely recognised business. One which carries the reputation of other franchisees and the franchisor. This reputation has a positive effect on the network and can help influence the decision of the consumer when choosing a cleaning provider. Ultimately this leads to better business.
Reputation aside, you’re buying a business that works. The branding – it works. The marketing – it works. Obviously franchising isn’t a get rich quick scheme, you do need to make the effort to build the brand in your own area. But it does carry certain powers that don’t exist when starting from square one.
3. Group Purchasing Power
Step back for a moment and think about starting a business from scratch. Where are you going to get a steady supply of cleaning products? Obviously not Mr Muscle from your local ASDA. Where are you going to source the cleaning products and equipment for your staff (or yourself)? Even if you find a supplier, prices will almost certainly cost more than that within a franchise network.
Most franchises, be it commercial or domestic cleaning, will benefit from increased buying power. Franchisors will have agreements in place with cleaning product suppliers. A group of franchisees using the same supplier benefits the supplier because he’ll have repeat business from a large trusted franchise network. In exchange for their business, the supplier will often provide the franchisees with better-priced products.
4. Different Working Styles to Suit You
Most cleaning franchises, be it domestic or commercial, will offer one of two types of business. Some franchises will offer a management type business, whilst others will do a sole operator type system.
Management Type Cleaning Franchises
Management franchises are businesses where the franchisee doesn’t carry out the work on behalf of clients. Instead, the franchisee manages a workforce who do the hands on work. The franchisee will be tasked with finding clients and often providing work for the cleaners. Sometimes the franchisee may not even need to do that – at least not once the business is fully established. The franchisee might employ admin staff to deal with this. What the franchisee does is often very much up to them. Obviously it is up to them to ensure the business is successful, so in the early days it should come as no surprise that a lot of hard work will be involved regardless of the franchise type. Ongoing, franchisees should expect to regularly promote the business. This includes social media, client retention marketing – the like.
Sole Operator
As you’d expect, this is a franchisee-and-a-van, single person operation. Most franchisees will have the option to take on more cleaners if desired, but the franchisee should expect to do their fair share.
Both of the above offer fantastic work life balance. Let’s take a look at that in some more detail.
5. Flexibility to Be Your Own Boss
Whether going down the management or solo operator route, cleaning franchise opportunities offer considerable flexibility. Down the management route, so long as the business gets marketed and staff get their work, when you do the work is very much up to you. Maybe you want to work early mornings and late evenings. Take the day off in between. A lot of cleaning businesses can be run part type, regardless of the business type.
As you might have guessed, both business types will involve a lot of home / office based working. Management will typically occupy more home/office time, whilst with a solo operator business there will still be some back office requirement (marketing etc).
When it comes to solo operator working, you’ll have the freedom to book clients in to your own personal schedule. This is great if you’re someone looking for a franchise that works for parents.
6. Unlimited Earning Potential!
Building on from that last point, being a solo cleaner enables you to pack as much in to the working day as you wish. You’ll have some flexibility when it comes to pricing your services (but check with the franchisor first). If you want to work 6 days a week to maximise your income, there’s nothing stopping you. In the same sense, if you prefer to operate only a couple of days a week, working alongside another job or business, that too is an option.
As your business grows you may wish to employ additional cleaners and the more clients you get, the more turnover you can expect.
7. Cleaning Franchises Are Often Low Cost
Cleaning franchises are one of the most affordable types of franchises. Namely because they have minimal overheads. Overheads will typically be higher with a management operation due to staff etc, but initial launch investment can be very cheap. Obviously prices will vary depending on the franchise and the package, but you should expect to pay less than £20k for your typical domestic cleaning franchise.
Some cleaning franchises can be bought for under £10,000. You’ll almost certainly need some working capital, to keep stocked up on cleaning supplies and ongoing marketing until you break even.
8. A Fully Supported Business in a Fully Supported Sector
Franchising is widely recognised as a better way of becoming a business owner. Thanks to its higher success rates compared to starting up alone, many banks are able to assist with the necessary franchise funding. It’s not unheard of that banks will lend up to 70% of the franchise investment.
Almost all countries will have a franchise association too. A company set up to support franchising in their country. In the UK, the British Franchise Association is the most widely recognised and welcomes franchises of all sizes to its member community. Through a network of members, suppliers and partners (including banks!), the bfa are able to help anyone franchising their business or anyone looking to get into franchising – either through themselves or their partners.
When looking for a franchise you’ll be bound to come across bfa members, identified by their membership status badge.
Franchising is a very well supported sector, right down to the franchise itself. When you join a franchise, the franchisor will provide full training and support as part of the initial investment. Ongoing training as well, usually in exchange for a monthly fee. This gives you the assurance that you’re never alone.
9. Enjoy Repeat Income
Whether you’re running a typical domestic cleaning franchise, a window cleaning business or an oven cleaning franchise, most franchisees can enjoy repeat business. This means you spend less time finding clients, and more time making them happy. Repeat income is where clients continue to use your services. Rather than one off cleans, clients will often book future cleans in advance. There is also the chance to upsell. Oven cleaning franchises for example have diversified to cater for BBQs, hobs and ovens.
10. An Asset You Can Later Sell
As you run your cleaning business, it develops a reputation that later has a positive effect on the value of the business. When you finally decide to retire or change career, you can sell the business. Many franchises can be sold for £50k+, others in the six-figure region depending on various factors. The reputation, the size of the territory and the number of clients, staff and turnover all come in to play with valuation of the franchise.
Either way, you’ll be able to retire knowing you’ve ran a business successfully and the future of the business lies in good hands.
Cleaning is one of the biggest franchise sectors on the planet. From window cleaning to ovens, gutters to drains, domestic to B2B, many can be found for less than £25K. Take a look around Franchise Planet and discover your future cleaning franchise.
