The Real Numbers Behind Running Your Cleaning Business

Stop guessing about expenses, here's what it actually costs to scale

Hey there,

You know what nobody talks about enough? The real operating expenses that can make or break your cleaning business.

While everyone's focused on landing customers and perfecting their cleaning techniques, there's a whole world of hidden costs that can eat away at your profits faster than you can say "deep clean."

Today I'm pulling back the curtain on the actual numbers, because if you're going to build a sustainable cleaning business, you need to know exactly what you're getting into.

Quick caveat: This is just a small selection of the major expenses. There are dozens more we don't have space to cover in this newsletter, but these will give you a solid foundation.

The Software Stack That Actually Runs Your Business

Let's start with the digital backbone of your operation:

Accounting Software

• QuickBooks Online: $65/month

• This isn't optional. If you're not tracking every dollar coming in and going out, you're flying blind.

Scheduling Software

• Breezeway: $7 per property

• When you're juggling multiple properties and trying to optimize routes, spreadsheets just won't cut it.

Communication Software

• Slack: Free (for now)

• Your team needs to stay connected, especially when you're not physically together.

Website & Booking

• Booking Koala: $57/month

• You need a professional website and landing page where potential customers can learn about your services and contact you.

Here's the thing, these aren't "nice to have" expenses. They're the foundation that lets you scale beyond just you and a mop.

The Operating Expenses Nobody Warns You About

This is where it gets interesting:

Linen Service: $1.50/lb

• You could buy and wash your own, but when you factor in time, water, electricity, and wear on equipment, the service often makes more sense.

Phone: $180/year

• Your customers need to reach you. Period.

Transaction Fees: 3-3.5%

• Every credit card payment costs you. Every. Single. One.

Plus everything else: utilities, rent, supplies, licenses, LLC fees, legal costs, transportation, insurance, salaries, background checks, payroll service, employer-paid taxes...

The Bottom Line Truth

Here's what nobody tells you: these expenses add up to thousands per month, even for a small operation.

But here's what I've learned after years in this business, knowing these numbers upfront isn't scary. It's powerful.

When you know exactly what it costs to run your business, you can:

• Price your services correctly from day one

• Plan for growth without nasty surprises

• Make smart decisions about which expenses are worth it

• Build a business that actually makes money (imagine that)

What This Means for Your Pricing

If you're charging $100 for a cleaning and these expenses eat up $30-40 of that before you even factor in your time and profit... Well, you can see the problem.

Most cleaners price based on what they think customers will pay, then wonder why they're working harder but not getting ahead.

Smart cleaners price based on their actual costs, then find customers who value quality service enough to pay for it.

Ready to Price Your Services Right?

Tired of guessing what to charge? Use our quote calculator at samedayturn.com to factor in all these real operating costs and price your services for actual profit.

What is the difference between a side hustle and a real business? Real businesses know their numbers and price accordingly.

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