Starting your own business and being your own boss offer a lot of freedom, flexibility, and fulfilment. However, there’s a lot of risks involved as well. This is why, for those who want to play with safer odds, franchising is the better approach.

With a business franchise, you don’t have to start from scratch. What’s more, depending on the type of products or services offered, you also don’t need a big initial investment. One of the best examples here is a professional cleaning franchise. Indeed, it’s one of the easiest, most popular ways to get into business in New Zealand.

What Is a Cleaning Franchise?

A cleaning franchise is just that: a franchise of a cleaning business. You usually have three routes to choose from—commercial, residential, and specialised.

Commercial cleaners cater to businesses, while residential cleaners cater to households. On the other hand, specialised cleaners offer specific services such as high-rise window washing or deep-cleaning focussed on disinfection.

However, do note that many commercial and residential cleaners also fold-in specialised services. For example, many household cleaners also have the equipment to clean carpets and some commercial cleaners can also provide disinfection, exterior wall cleaning, and more.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Owning a Cleaning Franchise?

As previously mentioned, buying a cleaning franchise is one of the easiest ways to start your own business. This doesn’t mean that you won’t encounter any difficulties, of course. Still, with an established name behind you, you likely won’t experience the same issues that plague new entrepreneurs.

What’s more, owning a cleaning business means you’ll have a steady stream of clients. Cleaning might seem like a straightforward chore, but it takes expertise to truly get it right. As such, there will always be customers who will look for professionals who can deliver high-quality results at reasonable prices.

A few more benefits include:

  • marketing assistance

  • training

  • mentoring

  • tried-and-tested business model

  • opportunity to own and operate

  • freedom to choose locations and working hours

How Do I Find The Best Cleaning Franchises For Me?

When buying a cleaning franchise, it’s best to start local. If you’re from Auckland, then find a cleaning company concentrated in Auckland that offers franchises. This way, you’ll have the advantage of familiarity.

It’s also a good idea to get recommendations from friends, family members, and colleagues about their preferred professional cleaner. Ask what they like about the cleaner’s services, and take note of them so that you can replicate those qualities when you start your own business.

For the actual search, the internet is a logical place to look. Make sure to study each company’s business model and the amount of support you’re going to get. The latter is especially important for new entrepreneurs and those who are new to the cleaning industry.

It’s also important to check reviews and feedback, both from customers and other franchisees. In addition, take a look at the company’s mission and vision. As a business owner, it’s important to find a franchiser with values that align with yours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Franchises

There are many who will get a cleaning franchise as their first foray into entrepreneurship. Thus, it’s only logical to have a few questions on how to go about it. Here are some frequently asked questions to help make a few things clear:

What are my financing options?

Most cleaning business franchises actually offer in-house financing to buyers who meet requirements. Depending on the agreed-upon terms, you’ll have about 1 to 2 years to pay for the franchise. Remember that, at the end of the day, these companies are businesses and they need to protect their investments.

There are also banks with franchisee financing programmes, although they might not be as generous with their payment terms compared to the franchise owner.

Do I need a vehicle to buy a cleaning franchise?

Some franchisers may provide you with a vehicle, but most will require you to have your own. White is the preferred colour of a lot of franchisers since this is associated with cleanliness. In addition, white is also easier to customise for branding purposes.

Can I buy my own supplies or am I required to buy my own supplies?

Many cleaning business franchises give a free set of supplies to first-time franchisees to help get them started. Afterwards, it’s your responsibility to purchase more.

It’s highly recommended to purchase succeeding supplies from the franchiser since they will be able to get you discounts. In fact, a lot of cleaning businesses require their franchisees to order cleaning supplies from them. That’s because it’s easier to maintain consistency and high standards in safety and quality when every owner uses the same products.

Do I have to work full time?

It all depends on your availability and investment. Some prefer to do it part-time as they’re learning the ropes and eventually transition to full time. The cleaning schedule of your customers is also a factor in the number of hours you have to work. 

After I buy the franchise, can someone operate it on my behalf?

Most cleaning business franchise owners are also the operators. If you feel the need to hire someone to work for and with you (e.g., your business is booming), ask the franchise if there are any procedures to be followed. Most will be requiring security checks and training, at the very least, to maintain quality standards.

 

Crewcare offers cleaning franchises in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Wellington. If you're in any of these areas, you can quickly book a meeting with one of our franchise managers to see if it's a good fit for you. We can't wait to welcome you to our growing family of 200 plus owner-operators.

Good luck with your franchising endeavour!