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Maid Service Business
PAGE 2
Is This Your Cup of Tea?
Above all, remember you have to really want to do the kind of
work of the franchise you're buying. If you buy a maid service franchise,
you'll be running the business, on top of doing a pile of cleaning. Be
very sure this is what you want before you invest in a franchise. I worked
summers as a hotel maid when I was in college, so believe me when I tell
you that it's hard work, and not particularly glamorous. I recommend you
consider taking a job with an existing nearby cleaning service, to learn
the in's and out's, before you dive into your own business. It certainly
wouldn't be a bad idea to talk to other franchise owners around the country
who have purchased the franchise opportunity you're considering. Ask them
what they like about the business and what they don't like. What would
they do differently if they were starting over? The voice of experience
is the best teacher!
Don't Rule Out Going It Alone
Of course, you can always opt to start your own business. You'd lose the support and experience that a franchise company can offer, but you also save the franchising fees. To keep yourself from "getting in over your head" as you put it, perhaps you may want to start out slow and small with your own home-based business (as opposed to starting out "big" with a franchise and all the fees and royalties that go with it). Sit down and make a list of the pros and cons of going with the franchise and going it alone. Talk to your accountant and run the numbers. The book Start and Run a Profitable Home Cleaning Business by Susan Bewsey can help you understand the issues associated with running your own cleaning business. Lastly, be sure you get legal advice and go over all paperwork with your attorney before you make your decision and especially before you sign anything with a franchisor.
Do your research and give this idea careful thought. (continued)
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