How to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business in Greenville, South Carolina

Starting a carpet cleaning business in Greenville, South Carolina, may be very profitable. Since this city has the largest population in the state of South Carolina and is home to large institutions such as Furman University, you may be able to find many people interested in your carpet cleaning services. Also, the Greenville economy is dominated by the sale of electronic equipment and chemicals, which may translate into affordable rates for the chemicals and equipment you will need to operate your business.

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  Perform market research. This action can give you insight on the current trends in the carpet cleaning industry and what your potential clientele will be willing to spend for your services. You can research the carpet cleaning corporate market by talking to your competitors' current customers, researching relevant historical data and reading news articles that discuss the carpet cleaning industry. You can find out how many competitors you have by reading the annual U.S. Census Bureau's "County Business Patterns" publication because it reveals how many carpet cleaning businesses are located in the Greenville area. If you need help, you can ask a consultant who specializes in market research for advice.

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  Find a properly zoned location for your carpet cleaning business. The right location will allow for you to have place to store your carpet cleaning equipment and perform your daily business activities with ease. You can secure a location for your company by leasing a storefront, building a new structure, or buying a company that already specializes in carpet cleaning. Greenville real estate listings, which can be found by searching online ads and/or checking local newspaper classifieds, can help you locate potential sites for your business headquarters. If necessary, contact a Greenville commercial real estate agent or business broker for additional assistance.

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  Obtain a business license, insurance and special permits for your carpet cleaning company. A Greenville business license and adequate insurance will help safeguard your carpet cleaning company from legal issues that may arise due to customer injuries, government requirements and business-related mishaps. You can download a business license application online at the official Greenville government website. Your business licensing fees will be based on your company's location, classification (carpet cleaners are classified code "03") and its gross revenue. If you have specific questions regarding your business license and fees, call the Greenville Revenue Division at 864-467-4505 for assistance. Contact a business insurance agent to help you determine what insurance plan is best for your carpet cleaning business.

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  Make a detailed business plan, which can be on put on paper or stored on your computer. Once you have one, you will be able to carry out the concept you have for your carpet cleaning company in an organized manner. Creating a business plan involves documenting important details about your business in a logical manner; information such as employee salaries, projected income and expenses are included, and it is usually at least three pages long. As you look over business related documents such as invoices, utility bills and tax assessments, you will find relevant data that can be used to create your business plan. You can visit a Greenville Small Business Development Center for assistance, if necessary.

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  Obtain adequate financing to pay for initial business costs, such as commercial real estate, office supplies and equipment. Calculate the total cost of all necessary business expenses in order to determine how much money you will need. You can finance your company in many ways; for example, you can use your own money, secure funds from investors or borrow money from a bank. Contact a corporate financial planner for assistance, if needed.

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  Advertise you company. Your business may not be profitable if people don't know that it's open. Fact sheets, testimonials and press releases about your company can be used to promote your business to individuals who may interested in purchasing your products or services. Attending local trade shows in Greenville can help you promote your company to a wide range of people who may want the type of service you provide. You can demonstrate your services to individuals who stop by your booth and answer any questions they may have about your business. Also, creating a website that describes your service and fees can help you promote your company online. If you need help advertising your business, you can visit the Public Relations Society of America's website (www.prsa.org) for relevant information.