Stiff business competition is actually good for the consumers. It makes way for higher quality of service and lower service prices. The cleaning service business is alive and well because of competition. Whether you specialize in home, office or industrial cleaning service, it is important to be at par with your competition.

Almost all cleaning services offer the same thing: carpet cleaning, residential cleaning, move in/move out cleaning, new home cleaning, commercial cleaning, turn key cleaning, pressure washing and window cleaning. And most probably, they are also using the same equipment to perform these tasks. So can one new cleaning service company get into action and get a part of the clientele? There are many innovative ways to do that, the following are some tips:

• Ask around. Find out who your closest competitors are and if you can offer a lower service price, do so. You need to consider the maintenance of your cleaning equipment and the rate of your staff.

• Think of an attractive business name. Something that is easy to remember and if possible get a contact number that is easy to memorize. Recall is important.

• Get the help of friends. Recommendations can mean a lot. If a cleaning service company is highly recommended by a trusted friend, even when your prices are just the same as the more established names in the business, the higher the chances that you’ll get the cleaning job.

• Offer varied services. Maid services, six-month packages, follow up services—be creative in your services. Customize services to satisfy every client. It takes a little more effort but it will pay off in the end.

• Small things that you do for your client will never go unnoticed. Take the initiative in extending your services. Call it a first timer bonus or a loyalty bonus.

• Keep everything on a professional level. Some clients don’t want the extra unnatural treatment that you do for them. Establish rapport. Pay attention to special requests and instructions. Do your job excellently. Be prompt.

• Get affiliated. Is there a trustworthy association that you can join to add credence to your business? Join in and expand your network. You may even get recommendations from your co-members.

• Get organized. Make a list of all the services that you offer and put an estimate timetable on each task. This will give the clients an idea about the length of time they need to allocate for cleaning services and keep the progress of your staff in check as well.

• Provide good training to your staff. Always update your knowledge base. Are there new equipment to buy to improve further your service? How about the training of your staff, are they ready to use these new cleaning facilities?

• Don’t offer cleaning services that you are not ready to perform excellently. As much as possible have a dry run in your own home. You would know if your company is already equipped with skills. If you can’t do it very well, don’t it at all. You may only end up tainting your good name because of a sloppy new service.

For more: How to start a cleaning service