Running an Odor Removal and Decontamination Business

Business Overview:

If you want to start a business that genuinely helps people and is in high demand, you should consider running an odor removal and decontamination business. Odor can come from many places and can be nearly impossible to remove from homes, vehicles and properties without professional equipment and services. Realtors, property managers and auto dealerships are always looking for high quality cleaning services that can not only remove odor but can decontaminate an area as well. Similar to commercial cleaners but with more training and certifications, odor removal and decontamination technicians remove tough things like pet smells, tobacco smoke, and fire, water and smoke damage. Before you get too far with this business, you should draft a business plan to help you focus your efforts and decide what types of services you will offer. Certifications are available in the areas of water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, odor control and upholstery and fabric cleaning. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration offers such certifications and, although not required, having such credentials will help immensely when you are ready to market your business. If you are not interested in becoming certified yourself, you can hire certified professionals to work for you. This would free up your time to concentrate on marketing your business. Another option available to you is purchasing a franchise. This option will cost at least $25,000 USD but will come with equipment, training and marketing assistance. It may also come with a monthly fee based on how much you use the equipment. If you do not want to own a franchise, you can purchase large items like fast dryers, industrial carpet cleaners, deodorizing foggers, dehumidifiers, etc. either used or wholesale for a fraction of the cost of buying them retail. You will also need a large truck or van in which to transport these items. Check with your local government office to see what licenses and insurance are needed for this type of business. The final items you will need to purchase are safety clothing and equipment for your technicians (goggles, uniforms, boots, gloves, etc.) Depending on your area, your clients may need odor removal and decontamination services performed in homes, cars, offices, boats, hotels, restaurants (front of house and kitchens), athletic facilities or schools. The area(s) your business specializes in will determine how and to whom you market your services. You could even work with the police department in your area to clean up crime scenes. The possibilities are virtually endless which makes this one of the most versatile business ideas available today. The startup costs are high but you will quickly make that money back since you can charge top dollar for your services. If you contract your services with realtors and car dealerships, you will have a steady income as you will visit their properties and vehicles regularly to handle their cleanup needs.

A Day in the Life of an Odor Removal and Decontamination Business Owner:

Your day will begin by checking your schedule for any appointments that day. You will make sure you (or your technicians) have the supplies needed and you will make your way to the job site. If you are not doing the odor removal yourself, you can concentrate on marketing and following up with your clients to ensure they are pleased with the job your technicians did. You will record your income for the day and check your finances to make sure everything is in order.

About Your Customers:

Your customers will be individuals or businesses that need professional odor removal and decontamination services. They could be realtors trying to sell a home, homeowners needing to remove an impossible pet smell or car dealers needing automobiles refreshed to sell.

What You Need to Start:

• Business plan
• Certification or certified technicians (not required but recommended)
• Equipment
• Truck or van
• Safety gear for technicians
• License and insurance
• Website (optional)
• Computer with finance software

The Good:

• Your business is providing a valuable service.
• The demand is high and you can charge top dollar for your services.
• You are likely to get repeat business if you do a great job and have excellent customer service.
• You don’t have to do the work yourself; you can hire technicians to work for you.
• Franchises are available that come with everything you need to get started.

The Bad:

• Startup costs are high.
• It can take time to get your certification or find certified technicians.

Resources:

• Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration
• Cleaning and Restoration Association
• Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians
• Restoration Industry Association

About The Author

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