Hi Steve,
I just found this site almost by accident while Googling “carpet cleaning businesses for sale”. (By the way, this is a great site- I am very impressed.) Anyway, after a lot of investigating I’m thinking about getting into carpet cleaning and thought that maybe buying an existing business instead of starting from scratch would be a better way to go. What would you have to say about this idea?
Starting Out in Maryland
Dear Starting,
Actually buying an existing carpet cleaning business can be a good way to cut your growth curve if only because the typical business in this industry sells for an absurdly low price. Your gain-their loss!
It’s not unusual to see the entire carpet cleaning business selling for not much more than the liquidation value of the equipment and vehicles. So assuming you want the equipment the customer list, phone number, etc. all comes as a bonus.
Of course, you should exercise “due diligence” and verify the reputation of the business, quality of its clients and the prices that they have been charging before you buy. In other words, do you even WANT the type of clientele that the business has attracted? (You’ll find that many carpet cleaners are great people but don’t have a clue on how to profitably price their work.) But buying an existing business is definitely an option worth checking out.
Steve
PS Also many business sellers will finance much of the purchase price and at very favorable rates. And don’t be afraid to negotiate. Frankly speaking, you should be in the driver’s seat simply because many of the carpet cleaning businesses for sale out there are not moving real fast. Like everything else in business- it is a supply and demand equation.
One other suggestion, Starting. Honesty (if not self-interest) compels me to mention that as a new owner in the carpet cleaning industry you would be well served to attend our Strategies for Success seminar right from the git-go. For example, Jon Fields with RestorePro in Sandusky, OH attended SFS years ago while his very first machine was being installed at our Roselle facility. The man had NEVER TOUCHED A SCRUB WAND! Please read what happened to Jon as an industry “new boy”!
