Loans for Maid and Cleaning Services

As long as there is dirt and grime, there will always be someone willing to pay to get it cleaned up. That is why owning a business offering maid and cleaning services can be a solid path to financial success.

But, owning a cleaning service requires more than a little elbow grease and determination. You may need to find the right funding for the equipment required to get the job done, continuous purchasing of cleaning supplies and general cash flow to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly.

According to entrepreneur.com, there are several ways to find the financing you need, but some require that you put some of your own savings into the business. Before looking at all your small business loan options, you should consider all the reasons you may need funding to help you clean house.

There are a few reasons you may need to seek a loan to either start your cleaning business or help it to grow.

Here are a few you may encounter:

• Paying employees: Whether you are starting out or hiring more help, paying them on time requires cash flow. This affects your business, because you cannot retain good qualified help if you are not able to pay them on time. Clients paying you late for their services can cause a sudden cash crisis and affect your ability to make payroll.

• Buying supplies: Paying for the cleaning supplies and materials required to get the job done takes cash. Your clients will expect you to be prepared with all the supplies you need to make things shine. Don’t let cash flow issues impact the quality of your services.

• Vehicles to get you there: Because your work is done at your customers’ homes or work sites, vehicles are as important to your business as how well you clean. Basically, your company is on wheels, not in a storefront. Your business vehicles need to be reliable, well-maintained, fit your needs in terms of size, and represent your company with style.

• Insuring your business: You will be paying premiums for adequate business insurance, including liability, workers’ comp and bonding your employees.

Maid and Cleaning Services: A Clean Sweep of Financing Options

You need a loan solution that fits your small business needs, which may include one that is quick and does not require valuable collateral or excellent credit to obtain. According to smallbusiness.chron.com, commercial lenders, like your local bank, may not be the best option to choose if you have insufficient revenue or a credit history that does not meet their requirements.

Commercial Bank Loans

Small businesses, with less than 20 employees, will probably struggle to get approval for a loan from a bank, according to huffingtonpost.com. Criteria includes what most small business typically lack; a detailed business plan, excellent credit, lengthy business history and valuable collateral.

Pros:

• If you qualify, the interest rate would be lower than many other loan sources.

Cons:

• Need funding now? You are out of luck. It may take 30-60 days to receive the money you need.

• The application process is long, tedious and requires a lot of financial documentation.

• You are possibly risking your personal property. Bank lenders often require personal guarantees from small business owners. If you default, you can lose your collateral.

• If you are just starting a maid and cleaning services business, banks will not be anxious to loan you money. They typically turn away requests for a start-up loans because new businesses lack a solid three years of business financial history.

Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit is offered through a bank or an alternative lender. Bank requirements usually include an excellent credit score and a lengthy application. Alternative lenders often have faster options and usually look more at your business potential. A business line of credit is a flexible loan tailored to your business that allows you access, as needed, to a line of funding.

Pros:

• It works sort of like a credit card only typically at better interest rates. You have access to funds quickly.

• There is an established limit to the credit, but the guidelines are not as stringent as with most small business loans.

• There are fewer hoops to jump through and you use only what you need.

• Payments are based only on the amount borrowed, not the full line of credit.

Cons:

• The interest rates may be good, but not as low as some commercial loans.

Small Business Association (SBA) Loan Programs

The SBA is a government agency that connects borrowers to one of their trusted lending partners. They then guarantee part of the loan, giving your application more clout. The SBA offers several small business loan options, each with their own set of very specific criteria. Since the SBA guarantees your loan, qualifying with the lenders may be easier than if you approached them on your own.

Pros:

• The interest rates are generally low, depending on your credit rating.

Cons:

• Your application is judged by your credit score, business history and even your resume.

• You will be required to have a very detailed business plan, well-articulated, and include your marketing plans for the future.

• The government is involved so this loan takes time. You may not see any funding for about 90 days.

Alternative Lender Loans for Cleaning Business

The majority of small business owners seeking a loan today are turning to alternative lending solutions. According to businessnewsdaily.com, alternative lenders can offer ease and fast results, where others cannot.

Their business is specialized loan solutions to fit the needs of business owners who risk precious time and possible rejection from the bank and SBA application process. These custom-design options include small business loans and lines of credit, with more flexibility and ease than with conventional lenders.

Pros:

• Usually a simple one-page application can secure your loan. Documentation is also simple and easy to complete.

• Even if your credit is not stellar, you can get approval. The health of your business and your potential is part of the approval process.

• You get approval and the cash you need faster than with other types of lending options.

Cons:

Because they are more likely to take on risk with someone with less than perfect credit, your interest rate may be slightly higher than with a bank or the SBA.

Conclusion

Business owners like those that own maid and cleaning services often require fast, easy solutions to their funding needs. To learn more about creative funding solutions for your business, contact Credibly today!