A concern I am often asked about is related to how to start a carpet cleaning business with no experience.
It is a very good concern because if you don’t know what you are doing you can cause serious damage to people’s carpets, floors and furnishings. This can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs or replacements. It can also lead to a bad reputation in your city with potential clients and customers.
So, what do you do if you are inexperienced but have a desire to start your own carpet and floor cleaning business. There are several options to consider.
How to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business with No Experience: Work for Another Company
TRUISM: There is a lot of turnover in this industry. Many companies run several vans that have 4 to 7 cleaning appointments everyday, 6 days a week. The typical technician is usually male and between the ages of 18 and 25. They are often good workers but they are young. Working 8 to 12 hours each day, 6 days a week, is often more than they want to do. It is very common for them to quit within a few months.
Bottom line: Companies are often looking to hire and train new technicians
You may look into getting hired by one of these companies. This will benefit you in 3 major ways.
- First, you will get the training you need. You will work with a seasoned technician and get hands-on training and experience. You will learn the chemicals and the various cleaning processes. The company may even enroll you in IICRC courses so you can receive vital certifications.
- Second, you will determine if the business really is a good fit for you. Many people enter the business every year and … many people leave it every year. The fact is that some jobs you will do will be easy and fun. Others can be challenging and time consuming or just down right frustrating. This is just the nature of the business. These things don’t bother folks like me because, at least for me, the good always outweighs the bad.
- Third, typically these companies pay very well and offer good benefits. You can make some very nice money.
Once you feel confident in your skills, then you can leave the company and start your own business.
How to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business with No Experience: Take Classes
There are many classes available for the newbie carpet cleaner. Many are offered online and many are in-class at a physical location.
The upside is you will learn all the aspects of carpet and floor cleaning. In fact, you will learn far more than you will ever really need to know such as how carpet is made and the different types of fibers. It is good to know these things but one doesn’t really need a full class to acquire such knowledge.
You will also benefit from those who attend the class with you, especially if it is a class at a physical location. Many “students” are already in business and have been for years. They may be taking the class as a refresher or to update their IICRC certifications.
Meeting these folks and listening to their stories and experience can be very helpful. As I shared in a previous post, many cleaners are very happy to help newbies learn the business and get started.
While taking classes can be informative and helpful, they also take time to complete. It really depends on how eager you are to get started and what kind of person you are. Many people prefer taking a class (or classes) before starting the business. Others may be more eager and want to learn as they go.
Get a Coach
Business consulting and coaching seems to be THE thing these days. Coaches are experienced and bring TONS of knowledge to the table. Hiring a coach is usually more affordable and brings MUCH more value than taking classes. Working with someone who knows the ropes because he has been in the trenches for years is a practical approach.
With a coach you get your specific questions and concerns answered. Their time and energy is focused on you and your success. They help you understand every aspect of the business and assist you in making clear decisions.
I wish I had a coach when I started. Back in those days coaches simply didn’t exist. I learned all I know by trial and error. Yes, there were a few classes and some tips from some friends in the industry but basically I taught myself by going through the school of hard knocks.
I made countless mistakes and lost thousands of dollars falling for the marketing gimmicks that exist. The good news is that even though I learned the hard way, I did indeed learn. I am now ready and able to help you get started.
So, yes there are answers for those who want to to know how to start a carpet cleaning business with no experience.
If you’d like a free 20-minute consultation CLICK HERE and set an appointment. I am sure I can help you.
Thanks,