Is there Money in Commercial Cleaning as a Viable Business in Johannesburg?

Cleaning services are not usually as fancy as other businesses, yet you can make a steady income out of commercial cleaning in South Africa and easily scale to a highly profitable operation that earns you a whopping R100,000+ revenue every month.  The beauty of commercial cleaning contracts is that they’re usually long-term, premium, and secure.  Regular cleaning is necessary in busy establishments like offices, schools, shops, warehouses, and hospitals, and they are always prepared to spend money on high-quality cleaning services and consistent services. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start your commercial business in South Africa and how to turn it into a full-time profitable business. 

Target Market for Commercial Cleaning Business in South Africa

Pitch your business to the following:

• Small to medium corporate companies
• Health Industry (medical practices & clinics)
• Education Industry (schools and daycare centers)
• Hospitality (lodges and restaurants)
• Retail (supermarkets, warehouses, and factories)

Two to three office contracts are enough to return your income expenses and pave a way for scaling.

Tools and Materials To Start Your Cleaning Business

High-end clients expect a commercial cleaning business to use the best equipment and chemicals for their services. You can start with:

Equipment and Prices:

• Budget between ±R8,000 and R15,000 for an industrial vacuum cleaner. Recommended brands like Karcher, Numatic, and Taski are proven reliable.
• ±R20,000 for a floor scrubber or polisher
• ±R10,000 for a pressure washer suitable for cleaning outdoor pavements
• ±R3,000 for small tools like mops, buckets, microfiber cloths, and safety signs.

Cleaning Chemicals 

You can find them cheaper in wholesalers, e.g., Industroclean, Bidvest Steiner, or Makro.

• A 25L multi-purpose cleaner costs R500.
• 25L disinfectant costs R700
• 25L degreaser, usually used in restaurant kitchens and factories for kitchens, costs about ±R800
• A 25L glass cleaner costs around ±R400.
• Budget ±R1,000 for a drum of floor polish and strippers

If you are a beginner, get the most important products first and add extra chemicals once you have a bigger clientele.

Pricing Your Services for Commercial Cleaning

Your service charges will depend on the type of service you are giving, the assistants required, and the size of the building. Most commercial cleaners in South Africa charge as follows:

• R5,000 to R8,000 a month for a small office (size ±100 m²)
• R15,000 to R30,000 a month for a medium office (size 300–500 m²):
• R8,000 to R20,000 a month for a retail shop or a standard restaurant
• R20,000 to R50,000+ a month for cleaning an industrial site or a warehouse

These commercial contracts are usually for 6 to 12 months, renewable, and generate a steady income.

Using a BD Strategy to Find Clients

If you plan on winning new clients, you have to approach them with confidence, professionalism, and convenience. Research who the appropriate contact person is before making your approach. In most companies, decision-makers are

• Retail store managers and office managers
• Facilities or operations managers
• Principals (school)
  

How Much Money You Can Make

There is a guarantee of making high profit margins since cleaning chemical costs are relatively low, yet clients pay a chunk of money monthly for the service.

Here is a breakdown of 1 office cleaning contract at R12,000 per month.

• Hire 2 cleaners and pay them R4,000 each a month = R8,000
• Use R1,500 to buy chemicals and supplies for the whole month
• Spend R1,000 for transport and admin expenses
• You get ±R1,500 profit a month.

You can end up earning R15,000 to R30,000 in profit every month if you manage to secure up to 10 similar contracts. Aim for at least one larger contract (factories, schools) that makes above R50,000+ profit every month.

Scaling Your Commercial Cleaning Business in South Africa

1. For a professional, trustworthy look, aim for trained and qualified staff and brand your products, vehicles, and uniforms.
2. Invest in purchasing 1 or 2 vehicles for multiple labor.
3. Include extra services for more profit, e.g., carpet cleaning, pest control, or hygiene services, i.e., installing sanitary bins and soap dispensers.
4. Register your business on the Central Supplier Database (CSD) to bid for government tenders and municipal contracts.
5. Incorporate office management software like Jobber or Google Calendar to keep records of clients and staff information.

How to Beat the Competition

Any lucrative business will always have competitors; win clients with:

• Using environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals.
• Giving a trustworthy promise, e.g., “free re-cleaning if not satisfied”
• Presenting your potential customers with your previous work, “before-and-after photos,” to show how effective your work is.
• Keeping tabs and communicating with clients to show that you care.

Conclusion

You can start your commercial cleaning business with just four pieces of basic equipment to earn clients and later reinvest your profits to scale up to a fully operational business generating R50,000+ profit a month. Once you manage to secure your first 2 small office clients, aim for bigger establishments and showcase your experience to secure contracts that make real money. To stand out from your competitors, invest in branding, be reliable and professional, and use eco-friendly products. Don’t be afraid to approach the right decision makers and shoot your shot in big establishments; determination also wins.