Tips To Start A Successful Oven Cleaning Business

Coming out of the pandemic, millions of new businesses have begun operating across the states. In 2022, over 5 million enterprises started in the US. And over in the UK, one business lender reported that 93 new businesses sprung up every hour from January to June.

2023 looks like being a record year for post-pandemic startups, even in a trying economic climate. Some businesses are recession-proof, such as transport or childcare. Cleaning services are another growth area, and the pandemic had an effect there.

Would an oven-cleaning business be a good startup?

There is more focus on sanitation and cleaning since Covid, and cleaning services are in more demand. These businesses cover both commercial and residential areas. Therefore, they are used by tenants for check-out cleans, time-strapped homeowners, and restaurants that need to follow H&S protocol.

And there are specialist cleaning services which are better performed by professionals than anyone else. Professional cooker cleaning services are used by homeowners, landlords, and businesses. But, could you start an oven-cleaning business and be successful?

Research if there is any demand

Before you can consider starting any new enterprise, you need to see if there is any demand for it.

It can be difficult to ascertain how much demand there will be for oven cleaning services, but you can speak to potential customers. For example, if you are going to consider cleaning commercial ovens, speak to supermarkets that provide hot food, bakeries, and any business that makes food products in your area.

You could also check out the competition. How many businesses in your area are offering this service, and how long have they been operating? Can you provide better service and be competitive?

Get trained professionally

Unless you are already adept at oven cleaning for commercial operations and homes, you will need to be trained.

Not only will you need to know how to remove certain parts such as oven doors to clean properly, but you will also need to understand how to use cleaning products safely. Health and safety are an important part of oven cleaning, and many oven cleaners are corrosive and can cause burns and irritation.

Make a business plan

At this point, you are sure there is a demand for oven cleaning in your area, and you are fully trained. But, you should still prepare a business plan.

You need to work out costs and if your business can be profitable. You will need to consider how to finance your new firm too. There are tips for new businesses to become profitable. However, unless you are self-financing, you will need to factor in loans and interest.

Finance your startup

While there are businesses that can be created with almost zero expenditure, most require some finance in place. Over 80% of businesses fail because of poor cash flow. So, you may need to consider using savings, loans, or finding some form of investment.

This takes careful consideration. A partner can help you to lessen the financial risks, but it will also dilute profits. Using your savings means you won’t have any loan repayments, but you will be taking all the financial risk. Business loans are another possibility but you will need to make repayments on time, and interest rates are high currently.

As this article was written, the average business loan interest rates ranged from 3.19% to 6.78%. If inflation continues to rise you could find your loans hard to repay, especially if you don’t hit your targets.

Brand your business

Branding your startup is a vital part of creating a new business. And you shouldn’t rush this. Once you pick the name for your company, you will largely be stuck with it. The branding needs to be used on everything from social media to your website to the livery on your vehicle.

Branding is part advertising and part marketing. It is a way that you can build awareness, and be recognized. Companies such as Crown Cleaners are aware of the importance of branding and building a loyal customer base. If your van is seen driving in your area and parked outside buildings where you are working, you might be remembered by potential customers.

Price your services competitively

You need to make a profit, but you must also be affordable and competitive. When you make your business plan it is worth putting in some time to check out all the competition.

Set a radius that you are happy to work in, then look for every oven cleaning service that serves that area – there may be some outside your designated zone. Then, do the math and see if you can offer a lower price.

It isn’t just about the cost though. You might be able to offer additional incentives such as a quality guarantee, or a loyalty bonus. Contracts could be negotiated to offer better deals for commercial customers too.

Create a marketing strategy

Marketing strategies help you to grow and they can be designed for short-term boosts or long-term.

As you are likely to be operating within a set radius, you need to understand local SEO for small businesses. Certain firms will obtain their customers from within a limited area. For example, plumbers don’t need global exposure, they need Google My Business so local customers can find them.

You can use local SEO, your own website, local classifieds and newspapers, flyers, and social media, to market your business.

Summary

An oven-cleaning business might be a good startup idea for 2023, depending on the demand in your area. Being able to offer commercial and residential cleans will make you more flexible, and have a wider pool of customers.

A business plan is a must, plus financing. You will need to train, and often this will be offered by oven manufacturers themselves. Once you have decided on a name and branded yourself, you will need to market your business. And with some luck, 2023 might be the year your oven-cleaning business takes off.