Thinking about starting a carpet cleaning company in Australia? Domestic and commercial carpet cleaning services could be in demand in your area, making this an excellent small business idea. But before you can get carpet cleaning contracts, there are several steps you may need to complete first.
This guide will help you start a carpet cleaning company in Australia, from training and certification to buying cleaners insurance. Let’s get started!
1. Training and certification
Domestic and commercial carpet cleaning is an art and a science. While there are no mandatory training requirements in Australia, getting a certification could help you provide better services to your customers and set yourself apart from the competition.
Training and certification for professional carpet cleaners teaches practical skills, such as identifying fibres, removing stains, safe handling of cleaning chemicals, and how to operate cleaning equipment. Courses can be taken online and may be completed in a matter of days, depending on how the coursework is presented and the number of hours per day you can devote to it.
2. Write a business plan
Going into business with just an idea may not be the wisest move. Having a detailed plan with specific goals you are working towards could set you up for success. A business plan helps guide important business decisions, including the customers you go after and how much you’ll charge for your services.
A business plan may be required to receive a bank loan or other funding for your carpet cleaning business. An accountant could help you build the financial parts of your plan.
3. Register your business
Small businesses must complete a few steps to make their operation legal in Australia. These may vary slightly depending on your state or territory, but generally, you will need to:
- Decide on a business structure, such as a sole trader, company, or partnership. There are pros and cons to each option. A solicitor or accountant may be able to help you decide which will work best for your small business.
- Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN), an 11-digit number that identifies your business. You will need an ABN to issue invoices and collect and pay GST (if necessary).
- Register your business name if you plan to do business under a name other than your own. You might also want to take the additional step of trademarking or copyrighting your business name.
- Apply for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) if you think you’ll make a gross income of $75,000 or more (minus GST). Most small businesses easily meet this threshold, so it’s important to apply early.
4. Buy equipment and supplies
Investing in quality cleaning equipment is essential for any carpet cleaning business. Cheap supplies and equipment could damage a customer’s carpeting—an expensive error you’ll want to avoid! Buying good equipment might also help you save on repair or replacement costs, especially if you follow care and maintenance instructions.
As you choose your equipment, you might want to keep your carpet cleaning van setup in mind. Make sure the vacuums, steam cleaners, and other gear you buy will fit in your van. Finding ways to secure them could help prevent damage as you drive from job to job. You may also need room for waste disposal, particularly if you will be working with hazardous cleaning materials.
5. Consider cleaners insurance
Every small business faces risks that could be a lot harder to clean than a carpet! Working carefully and following safety precautions may help you prevent many issues, but accidents can still happen. Cleaners insurance provides a backup plan for your small business. You might consider policies such as:
Public Liability – This cover can help if you accidentally damage a customer’s property or cause them injury.
Business Insurance – This cover can be customised to help you with events such as replacing lost or stolen equipment, repairing broken equipment, or handling unplanned business interruptions.
Personal Accident & Illness – This cover can help you keep paying the bills if you are unable to work due to a serious illness or injury, even one that happens while you’re on holiday.
6. Get carpet cleaning contracts
With your business set up, equipment ready to go, and insurance at the ready, it’s time to find customers! There are many ways to advertise your cleaning services. You may opt for traditional methods (like print and radio ads), digital advertising (online and through social media), or a combination of the two. A marketing professional could help you decide where and how to advertise to potential customers.
And don’t forget about your personal network! Referrals made by friends and family could help you get carpet cleaning contracts in the early days of your business. Those happy customers may refer you to others in return, creating “free” advertising for your carpet cleaning company.
Carpet cleaning business checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to help you start your own carpet cleaning business in Australia:
- Complete training and certification – This could be a selling point for customers and help you win contracts over your competitors.
- Write a business plan – Researching the competition (the services they offer, how much they charge, and where they advertise) is part of the planning.
- Register your business – Check what’s required in your state or territory to ensure you are operating legally.
- Buy equipment and supplies – Invest in quality tools that will help you work safely and efficiently.
- Consider cleaners insurance – Compare Public Liability, Business Insurance, and Personal Accident & Illness online in minutes with BizCover.
- Advertise your business – Consider online and social media ads if you’re working with a small budget, and don’t forget to ask your network and previous customers for referrals.
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This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording.
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