Why Start a Cleaning Business in Australia?

If you’ve been thinking about starting a cleaning business in Australia, now is a great time. Opening a cleaning service in Australia is an excellent opportunity because of the growing demand for cleaning services across residential and commercial sectors. 

The most recent statistics say that the Australian cleaning industry is valued at around AUD 13.1 billion, with the commercial sector contributing AUD 8.8 billion and growing at 3.5% annually. This demand is largely due to increased hygiene awareness after the pandemic and busy lifestyles, making cleaning services more necessary for homes and businesses.

What’s more, starting a cleaning business is accessible for many entrepreneurs due to its low startup costs compared to other industries. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start a cleaning business in Australia and succeed. 

Business Planning: Laying the Foundation

If you’re wondering how to start a cleaning business, creating a solid plan is the first step to finding clarity. Before opening a cleaning service, you must lay the foundations and create a step-by-step plan. 

Define Your Niche 

There are many niches in the cleaning industry, so understanding how to start a cleaning business is important. Consider whether you want to focus on residential, commercial, or specialised services such as carpet or eco-friendly cleaning. Choose a niche that aligns with the local market demand and your interests and experience. As your business grows, you can continually expand your service offerings.

Create a Business Plan 

If you’re wondering how to start a cleaning business, your first step is to create a business plan. It should include key elements such as an executive summary, company description, market analysis, services offered, marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational plan. Set clear, achievable goals for your business, both short-term and long-term. 

Set a Budget

While starting a cleaning business is relatively affordable, you’ll still need to account for initial startup costs. Consider expenses such as equipment and supplies, insurance, marketing materials, vehicle expenses, and legal and registration fees. Explore financing options such as personal savings, small business loans, or even crowdfunding to secure the necessary capital for your venture.

Legal Requirements and Compliance

If you’re wondering how to start a cleaning business in Australia, you’ll need to complete several key steps to operate legally

1. Choose a business name
2. Register for an Australian Business Number (ABN)
3. Decide on a business structure

For your business structure, you can choose between being a sole trader, a partnership, or a company. Each option has different implications for taxes, liability, and operational flexibility, so consider your choices carefully.

You’ll also need to apply for specific licences and permits. Licensing and permit requirements may vary by state or territory, but generally, you’ll need:

• A general business licence
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Public liability insurance

It’s advisable to check with your local council for any additional permits or licences required in your area.

Aside from that, you’ll also need to understand your tax obligations as a business. As a business owner, you’ll need to:

• Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) 
• Keep accurate records of income and expenses
• Lodge business activity statements (BAS) regularly
• Pay income tax on your business profits

Consider consulting with a tax professional to ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws and regulations. 

Sourcing Cleaning Supplies in Bulk

If you’re learning how to start a cleaning business, one of the first steps is to stock up on a solid amount of high-quality cleaning products. Buying in bulk can help you reduce costs by lowering the per-unit price, improve operational efficiency with fewer trips to suppliers, and ensure you have a steady supply of essential items.

At Bulk Buys, you can find a wide range of cleaning products at competitive prices. By sourcing your supplies from a trusted vendor like Bulk Buys, you’ll be well-prepared to provide top-notch services. Some essential products to consider include:

Essential products for your cleaning business include:

• All-purpose cleaners and disinfectants
• Floor cleaning solutions
• Window and glass cleaners
• Microfibre cloths and mop heads
• Disposable gloves
• Garbage bags and bin liners
• Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels)

Visit our collection of professional cleaning supplies to find everything you need to get started and keep your business well-stocked with high-quality cleaning supplies.

Marketing and Operational Tips for Success

Once you’ve learned how to start a cleaning business and your business is properly set up, the next step is to make it stand out and attract clients. That’s where you’ll need effective marketing strategies to ensure regular business and sales. Here are the key strategies to help you promote your cleaning business and run smooth operations. 

Build a Strong Brand 

Creating a strong brand identity is crucial for standing out in the increasingly competitive cleaning industry in Australia. A memorable brand includes a memorable logo and a cohesive visual style with consistent colours, fonts, and imagery. Your brand should also have a compelling story that connects with your target audience. 

Promote Locally

When you’re starting a cleaning agency, promoting it locally is your best chance at rapid growth. To promote your business to local clients, consider targeted door-to-door flyer distribution, strategic social media marketing on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, partnerships with local real estate agents or property managers, and implementing referral incentives for satisfied customers. 

Hire a Team

As your business grows, you may need to expand your team. When the time comes to do so, focus on conducting thorough background checks, implementing comprehensive training programs, and clearly communicating your company’s standards and values to new hires. If you’re learning how to start a cleaning business, these steps will be crucial to maintaining consistency and delivering top-quality service as your operations scale.

Focus on Customer Service

It’s no secret that exceptional customer service is key to building a loyal client base for any business. If you’re figuring out how to start a cleaning business, prioritising customer service from the beginning will set you apart from competitors. Maintain punctuality and reliability, communicate clearly with clients, and address concerns promptly and professionally. To boost retention, you can even consider offering loyalty discounts or referral programs. 

Conclusion: Launching Your Cleaning Business in Australia

If you’ve been thinking about starting a cleaning company, you might ask yourself: is a cleaning business profitable in Australia? The answer is yes. Starting a cleaning business in Australia can be highly profitable due to the growing demand for cleaning services.

The industry’s low startup costs, combined with consistent demand, make it a viable option for new entrepreneurs. So, if you’re wondering how to start your own cleaning business, follow the steps outlined in this article to set yourself up for success.