I thought it would be useful to create a resource page that you can always come to for all of your start-up needs. What I offer on this page is some recommendations of companies that I have either used or think may be of use to you. It’s a good idea to bookmark this page for your reference and convenience.
DISCLOSURE: I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend (at no additional cost to you). If you purchase any items through my links odds are I’ll earn a commission of some kind. I only recommend products and services that I have used or think may be useful to those starting or operating a cleaning business.
MY MOST RECOMMENDED
If you look at nothing else on this page, these are the most vital in my humble opinion. I find myself regularly recommending the following firms again and again, in emails, podcasts and my weekly posts in the blog. I use them because they make my life easier, and I’m confident you’ll agree too.
BLUEHOST
100% of my websites are hosted on Bluehost. Why? Because the 1-click WordPress installation is incredibly easy, even for beginners. Plus their customer service via phone or chat is excellent. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using Bluehost for every single site you create!
AMAZON
Amazon is a tremendous option because it allows you to find an outstanding selection of cleaning related products AND compare prices at the same time. Even more savings are available if you are a member of Amazon Prime. It’s “Win-Win” as they say.
COMMERCIAL GRADE VACUUMS
The links below take you to “brand specific” Amazon pages. The companies listed offer commercial grade units. Some brands are more costly than others so take the time to make the choice that is best for your given situation. For the record I used Sanitaire Uprights (and a few Oreck), ProTeam Backpacks and Oreck Canister Vacuums in my business. With that said, everyone has their personal preferences and I’ve heard good reviews (and not so good reviews) about every brand out there. The bottom line is you will need to experiment and see what works for you!
Vacuums (Upright):
Vacuums (Backpack):
Vacuums (Canister):
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
OpenOffice
Need a complete suite of office applications? I don’t mean just a word processing program (though one is included) but everything that goes with it. Need a program for spreadsheets, graphics and databases too? Then the OpenOffice.org program is for you. Want to know what is the best part of this program? The price! It’s free.
This is a wonderful program that rivals Microsoft Office (which I used to use). You can put a copy on every computer you have for no charge, not a penny. No expensive updates down the road (like the other programs) either. Stumbled across it about 5 years ago and have been using it ever since.
QuickBooks
The only accounting software I have ever used. If you can write a check you can use this program. Loading the program is easy and intuitive. Since the set-up was done I have not looked back. Come tax day you just make a “accountants copy” and copy the file to a portable storage device and give that to your accountant. Taxes done!
McAfee
I don’t know about you but I’m not a fan of viruses (computer or otherwise). Having your computer infected is no fun. When your computer gets infected it just gives you one more thing to put on your to-do list (which is already loaded). So to prevent that you need some good anti-virus to keep your computer running strong.
MARKETING
Constant Contact
I’ve been using Constant Contact since 2009 for my email capture and online marketing efforts. Their products are easy to use, even for a beginner, and they offer a ton of useful training programs to get you up to speed. I couldn’t be happier with their services.
3 Mag
These folks sell refrigerator magnets (among other items). I think they are one of the best ways to get your marketing message out there. For some reason no one throws away refrigerator magnets. I see them in almost every house I’m in, so why not put them to use in your business?
MISCELLANEOUS
Legal Zoom
I love the concept of affordable legal service. I have not used their service but like the idea of it. I would definitely bounce the price against what a neighborhood lawyer would charge just for kicks.
ADP
The thought off having to do payroll used to scare the living daylights out of me, but then my accountant suggested ADP. So I signed up, and never left for the entire time I ran my business. They make the process painless, so you can focus on what you do best (which is getting more business).