Blind Cleaning Business Idea

Most people hate to clean dusty, dirty blinds. And, as a result, they stay dusty and dirty, which is not only unsightly, but also can exacerbate allergies and asthma.

A blind cleaning business makes it easy to keep windows in tiptop shape.

HOW TO CLEAN BLINDS

The majority of blinds on windows today are vinyl and aluminum. In order to clean them, you can do the spray and wipe method, or take the blinds down to clean.

When you take the blinds down, you can put them in a bathtub with a cleaner, thoroughly wipe them down, rinse and dry.

Some people even take their blinds to a do-it-yourself car wash, and use an empty stall as their cleaning space.

While these methods work, they are time consuming. As a business owner, you need a quicker, simpler solution. Consider what technology has to offer:

ULTRASONIC BLIND CLEANING

Ultrasounds are high frequency sound waves that are used to remove dirt from items that are immersed in a cleaning solution. Jewelers often clean jewelry in ultrasonic machines.

With an ultrasonic blind cleaning machine, blinds are placed into the machine and the sound waves gently but thoroughly remove dirt from crevices. In addition, the process is quick—30 seconds for a set of blinds. A drying agent is applied to finish the process, and you’re done.

Ultrasonic blind cleaning machines can be purchased or leased. Depending on the setup of your business, you can attach one to the back of your car as a trailer, and make your business mobile.

Or, you can keep it in a stationary position, such as a garage or storefront, so clients can drop off their blinds to you as needed.

Unlike the home cleaning business, the blind cleaning business uses the same technology and equipment whether you’re cleaning a home, hotel, hospital, restaurant or office. Therefore, your potential client base can be huge, but your system of work can remain the same.

FINDING CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR BLIND CLEANING BUSINESS

As mentioned earlier, you have several options in how you set up your business.

• You can go to your clients and clean at their location.
• You can pick up blinds from your customers, take them away for cleaning and bring them back, typically the same day.
• You can have a storefront location, similar to a dry cleaner’s, where customers drop off and pick up their blinds.

Your marketing techniques will depend on which method you choose. However, determine which location has the possibility of bringing you the most business.

If you can find clusters of customers (in an office park or a large neighborhood for example), it may make sense to go to them. Consider adding window-washing services to your business so clients can get the whole package.

If your business comes from all over, and your analysis shows customers are willing to take down their blinds and come to you, a permanent location may be the answer.

With good market analyses, good equipment and a willingness to work, you can find success in the blind cleaning business.

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Vending Machine Business Idea

The vending machine business is an important industry for increasingly active people who need this convenient option for foods and drinks.

This is a wonderful opportunity for generating “passive income” for continual cash flow.

Annually, more than 5 billion drinks and 8 billion snacks are sold through American vending machines. A Department of Commerce study showed that fewer than 5% of new vending businesses fail – compared to a 65% average for other small businesses.

The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 has provided new tax deductions for the self-employed.

The vending machine business offers flexibility and independence to its owners. Other companies advertise the popular products sold in these machines, so there’s no need to worry about that.

All you need is to be physically fit and be able to meet three basic parameters: location, product and machines.

Vending offers a flexible schedule. Many start part-time and gradually build up their routes.

Available options include franchising or the purchasing of established routes. It should also be noted that this is a 100% cash business, which should make it appeal to many new entrepreneurs.

DEVELOPING A BUSINESS PLAN

Develop a business plan for your forecasted expenses and revenue. According to experts, approximately 78% of your gross revenues will go to expenses, so after accounting for vehicle maintenance and repairs, be sure to factor this in to your plan’s calculations.

When you first start out, you should focus yourself on finding locations, acquiring equipment, and determining good product mixes. Later you can look into finding new locations and centering yourself on filling every one of your clients’ needs.

Also be sure to monitor the owners of current machine locations to see if there’s any way your company could improve the service they receive.

Expansion options include movie rental kiosks and medical device and candy machines amongst many others.

YOUR VENDING MACHINE BUSINESS – LOCATIONS

The most basic sales task for the vending machine business is attracting good vending locations. Find a high traffic location or company with many employees. Bulk targets should include schools, hospitals and factories though the competition here is high and service expectations high.

Tailor your product mix to the specific business or venue you’re serving, and compare the pricing structures of your competition so as to be able to offer more competitive services.

FINDING GOOD VENDING MACHINES

Be sure to always seek out good-quality vending machines and vending supplies, and don’t ever buy what people aren’t looking for. With this in mind, also be sure to select attractive machines capable of drawing in customer interest.

Good machines are small, efficient, provide good product mixes, offer change and can display the newest products. Only buy used vending machines if absolutely necessary.

In dealing with your clients, small things such as providing a “Vending Company Service Form” and an efficient method of dealing with coin returns make you look professional. To reinforce this image, look at joining the Better Business Bureau.

If your vending machine business provides high-quality products and services, it can establish a good reputation, then use word of mouth advertising to generate long-term profitability for you.

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