Even though most people toy with the idea of starting their own business, few actually follow through. There are many reasons for that and, some of them are very valid.

Statistically, most small business start-ups fail within the first couple of years. Unless you are able to absorb that kind of financial hit and emotional trauma, it might be better to hang on to the security of receiving that paycheck every week. However, for some, the image of working for someone else for the next 30 years or so is simply unacceptable. If you happen to fall into that group, then it is important that you choose wisely when it comes to the type of business to make your entrepreneurial debut.

While there are pros and cons to each category of business, those related to commercial cleaning services are somewhat more straightforward and less complicated than retail, manufacturing or others that are service based. Some of those include:

Small start-up costs – unlike a service that is directed to the general public, marketing for your cleaning services, in the beginning, will consist of personally contacting local business and building owners.  Equipment expense will be minimal. Vacuum cleaners, buffers, mops, buckets, chemicals and supplies can be purchased as needed and added to when new contracts are acquired. Insurance and labor will be the most significant outlay, but income should quickly balance employee expense, since you will not have to bring them on board until you are being paid for their services.

Limited knowledge and expertise – cleaning requires a lesser degree of specialized knowledge than many other services, like plumbing, electrical work, accounting, web design, etc. This is not to say that someone can simply walk in and competently clean an office building or industrial space. Use the wrong cleaning solution on a marble entryway in the lobby or the client’s oak or walnut wood flooring and that will be made extremely clear. However, becoming proficient does not require formal education or expensive training.

Personally demanding – on the flip side, the vast majority of time, commercial cleaning is done when the rest of the world is spending time with their families, watching TV, going out to dinner or a ballgame or sleeping. As with any business, being successful takes active participation and monitoring, so that means that a large part of your time will be spent working evenings and nights. Plus, since small business owners rarely have the luxury of only wearing one hat, your days will usually consist of following up with clients and submitting proposals for new contacts.

Running a commercial cleaning service requires a lot of time, energy and commitment. It can be extremely stressful. Is that worth the tradeoff of escaping the corporate cubicle? Only you can say.