Pressure washing and cleaning business owners are often asked, "Do you perform residential or business services?" Some companies start out in commercial services right from the start, but most start by performing residential function and then transition to commercial work.
Getting started in commercial work generally takes a larger financial commitment and expense. Serving commercial clients requires investing substantial dollars in start-up gear and spending a sizable amount in labor and inventory dollars until a solid, predictable cashflow becomes reality. It's quite common when performing commercial services, for example, to be paid 30 to 90 days after services have been completed. The benefits of offering commercial providers are steady function, predictable cash flow, and protection. The percentage of profit may be lower than residential function but there is usually convenience in knowing you possess steady income scheduled on the books. Landing commercial customers requires a large emphasis on cold call product sales and face-to-face meetings rather than marketing campaigns (such as costly direct marketing and mailing programs).
So how will a little company make the transition to offering commercial providers?
The first question a little company should ask itself is what percentage of their business should be commercial? For example, a company may choose to target 25% of their business as commercial to transport it through the slower winter months. Targeting a small percentage like this should give the owner the sense of security she or he needs to understand that function will become there to cover expenses through the slow times. Simultaneously, no single commercial agreement will control their business. Even start-up and small growing businesses who are aiming for the residential market could find this mix of commercial business an excellent formula for success.
Another question is how can my company contend with large companies which have even more resources and money? The clear answer is to target a specific market that takes benefit of your company's strengths.
In targeting any specific market, begin small. It is okay to carefully turn down jobs that are bigger than your company can currently service. If you are targeting commercial building cleaning services you may consider targeting structures that are six stories or less. In case you are providing industrial fleet cleaning services you may target companies with fewer than 50 products. There can be an army of businesses which have truck and vehicle fleets that number between 10 and 50 devices. By targeting these companies you may be in a position to give a better, friendlier services than the larger companies. In case you are providing flatwork cleaning services, search for the smaller strip malls and shopping centers. You certainly do not need to start out looking for car parking garages and malls which have thousands of square ft to completely clean. There are various contractors that aim for smaller sized restaurants, hospitals, and concert halls that have a whole lot of foot visitors and need professional cleaning on a regular basis.
An additional advantage of targeting these careers is the potential for http://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=power washing added income by giving 'up-sell' services (such as for example buying carts, building exteriors, cement, stairways, etc.) or add-on services like window cleaning and snow removal. If that is a direction you would like to take your company, you should produce a business plan that will serve as your street map to growth and success.
To continue to answer fully the question of "How can I compete with the larger companies?" you might want to answer the question with a issue, such as "How can a big company compete with me?" A organization that targets these smaller commercial customers can provide a far more personal service compared to the larger businesses can. It really is easier to become familiar with the people you will work for, and also to change your solutions as their needs transformation. These more intimate and personal associations have a tendency to build exceptional customer loyalty that larger businesses just can't contend with. A salesperson or supervisor who handles these accounts frequently adds touches rarely seen by larger businesses such as personally delivering Christmas cookies, cards, or small gifts at holidays. These are the advantages that your organization has as you grow the commercial part of your business. Establishing your firm in addition to the larger businesses has advantages that may appeal to many of the decision makers who might consider doing business with your company.
So for those considering growing their pressure cleaning business, make a plan with particular goals and work that strategy. Post your business plan or goals in a visible area so that they aren't forgotten. Let all your employees see and purchase into your company strategy. Communication at all levels will keep everyone operating toward the same goal. When employees see the opportunity for steadier work and advancement they too will get excited. When morale and pleasure are running high, this results in increased productivity and stronger customer service. Before long, instead of asking how exactly to grow your how to find cheap power washers business into industrial services you may be thinking about in the event that you still want to provide residential services!
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