Coupon Business Idea

Coupons are in high demand as people look for ways to save money. A coupon business costs very little to start, but has the potential for high earnings. That makes it a smart choice for home based entrepreneurs.

When you first learn how to start a coupon business, you will discover that there are two principal ways to make money. The first method is where local businesses pay you to include their business coupon in your booklet. The booklet is then freely distributed.

The second method is where local business submit coupons for inclusion into the booklet at no charge, but the booklet itself is sold at a predetermined price. Either way, it is best to concentrate on one method when you first start out.

A home business will require a business license and may require a zoning variance, so check with your local licensing agencies and apply for the necessary permits and licenses.

In addition to properly setting up and registering your business, you will need the following:

Computer

Printer

Desktop Publishing Software

Flair for Design

Seek out and build a relationship with a reliable local printer. Using your own home printer will likely be sufficient in the beginning, but as your customer base grows, it will be more efficient and less expensive for you to work with a professional print shop.

HOW TO START A COUPON BUSINESS – KEYS TO SUCCESS

Learning how to start a coupon business requires that you plan strategically. Intelligent pricing will be essential. Your goal will be to factor in all of your costs and make a profit while still charging an affordable price. Don’t forget to include costs such as your time, printing, supplies, and mailing fees.

Excellent sales and communication skills will give you an edge as you talk to business owners and coupon seekers. When speaking with potential customers, always focus on the benefit they receive if they choose to buy from you.

Use common sense. Rather than including coupons from five different pizza establishments, include coupons from only one. Each booklet should be filled with complementary business coupons, not competing promotions. Business owners expect to see an increase in profits themselves by utilizing your services. If they don’t, they won’t participate again.

FINDING CUSTOMERS AND GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

Every business with a coupon in your booklet should have a supply of coupon books readily available for consumers. If you are using the free booklet method, make them available at grocery stores, libraries, schools, and other public venues. If you are selling coupon booklets, knocking on doors is one way to go. Approach local organizations who may be interested in using the booklets as fundraisers. Use low-cost ads in the local newspapers to advertise your coupon business.

As more business owners and coupon users become aware of your services, you can start to look for ways to add more profit. One way is to have a professional web site developed and sell coupon booklets online. Another option is to create a variety of themed coupon booklets. For example, design different coupon booklets for diverse target groups, such as newlyweds, parents, college students, or the retired.

If you are enthusiastic, artistic, and people oriented, learning how to start a coupon business is the ideal first step in turning your frugal franchise into a profitable, long-term venture.

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Janitorial Business Idea

The following article will give you an overview of how to start a janitorial business.

Janitorial businesses provide cleaning and other maintenance services to all types of businesses. The work can be physically demanding but the profits are good and the demand is constant.

It is also a business that can be started from your home for less than $5,000 with a first year average profit of around $40,000.

Since you will be cleaning most business in off hours without owners or employees present, most businesses will prefer providers that are privately insured and bonded. This is provided by an insurance agency and you will need to fill out a state application.

For about $100.00 annually, you can get a contractor license bond with $12,500 coverage which should be sufficient if you are planning to supervise all work.

JANITORIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED

The equipment and janitorial supplies needed for how to start a janitorial business varies and depends on how large you want to start out and what services you want to offer. For almost all jobs you will need brooms, mops, a powerful vacuum, cleaning agents, trash bags, cleaning cloths, and gloves.

If you plan on working with hospitals or large office buildings you will also need a floor buffer and floor tile maintenance products. Whatever size business you want to begin with, keep in mind the following:

The cleaning industry consists of approximately 17,000 commercial cleaning franchises but there is plenty of room for your company. Before considering how to start a janitorial business, survey your market.

How many cleaning services are there and what size are they?

How many businesses or potential customers are in your target area?

What business types are being underserved?

Also, work with you local small business association for market and area research and networking.

HOW TO START A JANITORIAL BUSINESS

Keep it simple and start by isolating one particular type of business. If you plan on running an office cleaning business try to get all of your clients on similar service packages with the same materials. This will simplify your inventory and you will have the opportunity to make your cleaning process efficient. When you master a basic service start to expand slowly (or even diversify with a house cleaning business).

Control your growth. Growing too fast can be detrimental to your business. Clients who receive poor services will not only cancel service but spread the word to your potential clients. Be realistic in your capabilities and hire help as needed. Also, take the time to properly train your employees so they can adequately represent your company’s standard of service.

Working capital is an absolute necessity in any business. Clients will pay late, equipment will break, and cleaning supplies will be lost. If you don’t have at least 3 months reserve any small problem can start a financial downfall that will close your business.

When growing your business look for niche opportunities. Some cleaning services successfully expand into plant supply and maintenance, office aquariums (very popular in medical offices), outside window cleaning, etc. You may also want to consider complimentary businesses such as carpet steam cleaning, landscaping, security, parking lot painting, and duct cleaning.

Keep in touch with your clients. Give them many opportunities to rate and comment on your services. This will help you discover the services that clients value and you can adjust your service packages accordingly – flexibility and adaptability are key when learning how to start a janitorial business.

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