When you think about starting a business and becoming your own boss, starting a dumpster cleaning business may not come to mind. However, the business has been a really lucrative one bringing in a good income for serious entrepreneurs. Starting a dumpster cleaning business doesn’t require much investment and you don’t need huge money to rent office space.
Dumpsters and garbage cans are used virtually every day and if not removed, can cause a lot of nuisance in the area. So, offering to help commercial and residential buildings clean their wastes and keep the environment clean and appealing will come as a good service to them. And it will also bring you good income whether you decided to run it part-time or full time.
If you have been trying to learn about starting a dumpster and garbage bin cleaning business, here are some tips to help.
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Tips To Start a Dumpster Cleaning Business
#1: Plan Your Business
Planning your business involves getting the basic details you need about the business. You need to know what’s involved before you jump on the wagon. Know how much you need to start and what equipment you will need to buy for the smooth running of the business.
How much do you need to start a dumpster cleaning business?
Although you will need a decent founding investment to start a dumpster cleaning business, the costs, however, are generally lower than other waste management services. Depending on how you intend to run the business, you will be needing around $700 to a few thousand dollars to start a dumpster cleaning business.
The chunk of the fund will likely be going into buying a truck or van to give the business mobility. You will also be spending on business registration, supplies, and marketing.
What supplies and equipment do you need for a dumpster cleaning business?
Dumpster cleaning business is a type of business that has the potential to grow rather quickly, so it’s important you keep your plan organized. To do this effectively, you will need a home office area with software installed. That will help you keep track of appointments and commutes. Apart from that, here are some other things you will need to start a dumpster cleaning business:
- Truck or van
- Cleanser
- Large brushes
- Degreaser solution
- Disinfectant
- Deodorizer
- A portable hose
- First aid kit
- Work boots and large gloves
Who is the target market for a dumpster cleaning business?
Most garbage bin and dumpster cleaning business services industrial, commercial, and residential customers. You should be expecting to offer your service to anyone who has significant waste disposal (What is industrial waste?) needs, such as the one generated by home renovation, construction projects, or businesses. Landlords and property owners will also be good customers for you.
#2: Get the Necessary Skills
Although you don’t need to have a business degree to run a dumpster cleaning business, having certain skills can increase your chances of being successful in the business. Here are some of the skills you should try to get:
- Driving skills and obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Organization skills – you will be dealing with lots of customers whose needs you just have to meet.
- Customer service skills – the way you treat your customers will determine how successful you will be in the business.
- Attention to details – you will sometimes be handling hazardous materials, you will need to be careful to dispose of them without causing any harm to yourself or others.
#3: Write a Solid Business Plan
Having a business plan is important for this type of business. Not only will it help you stay organized and help you overcome future challenges, it also help you secure financing for the business. In order to help the business start well and stay strong, you need to write a detailed business plan for it. That will be your road map as you journey.
#4: Find Financing for the Business
It is not enough to just have a good business idea and skills to run the business, you will need funding to start. Even though a dumpster cleaning business may not be as capital intensive as some other business, it still requires a level of investment to make it successful. So consider where your funding will be coming from. This could be from your personal savings, from family and friends, a loan from the bank or private lenders, fundraising, etc.
However, bear in mind that you will need a good credit score and a percentage of the start-up costs before you can get a loan for the business.
#5: Name the Business
One thing that will help facilitate your marketing and branding efforts is the name of your company. Find a perfect name that will resonate well with your customers. But ensure such a name is also available before you go for it.
#6: Form a Business Entity
Before applying for the legal requirements you need to operate the business, you want to show that you are legally organized to run a dumpster cleaning business. So you will need to form a business entity. There are four options available to you in this wise:
- Sole proprietorship
- Partnership
- Corporation
- Limited liability company
Each of these business entities has its own unique pros and cons, so make sure you do your findings to know which will be best for your business.
#7: Apply For Licenses and Permits
Common licenses you will likely need for a dumpster cleaning business include a driver’s license, employer identification number, sales tax permit, and occupancy permit. There may be more, depending on your state.
#8: Launch Your Dumpster Cleaning Business
Once you have all the requirements and supplies ready, you are good to launch the business. You can launch locally by distributing flyers and business cards in your locality. Ensure to highlight what benefit they stand to gain from your company on your flyers. You can also use free online listings such as Google business and Patch.com to promote the business.
#9: Hire Employees
As the business grows, it may be somehow difficult for you to handle alone. So you will need to get more hands on board to help. You will need to hire more employees. You may need to get an additional driver and cleaners, and that may also require that you set aside a budget for some expenses. Such as paid time off. Workman’s comp insurance, and health insurance contributions.
#10: Come Up With an Excellent Marketing Plan
Good marketing means good business. You will need to get your business noticed by more people to generate a steady stream of new customers and income. You can try online paid advertising and social media marketing. Don’t forget to take advantage of print advertising and email marketing.
You can create a professional website for yourself to make marketing and branding for you.