Update on starting my own Cleaning Business (not)

What a shame. I'm so sorry to hear it didn't work out for you despite your best efforts. I suppose it takes time to build up this business and word of mouth is what people rely on I reckon. Don't give it all up though. Could you still be available if people asked? Even a little job would contribute something and could snowball slowly? I do hope so.

Hi Jane...yes I can continue to be self employed cleaning and realise it takes time to build up a business..the trouble is I just didn't have that time available. I could possibly still take on new customers but it would have to be word of mouth, then the jobseekers allowance would be reduced accordingly.

I'm also sure there is something around the corner for you biker just keep at it I think of you often and wondered how you where doing,not to worry something will crop up when you are least expecting it we all have loads to offer to the workforce its just getting tapped into it isn't it,are you getting any help from the jobcentre at all,some of my job placement people say they are just forgotten about when they are placed with our Charity for 6mths a case of out of sight out of mind comes into play I think.xxx glamma xx

So sorry your endeavours failed but you gave it your best shot. ??

Hi *glamm) I have only just gone back on the JS so no doubt I will be given my orders on Friday.. I still work one day a week at the R.S.P.C.A charity shop which I really enjoy (just a shame they don't pay volunteers as it would be perfect little job)

ty grannylyn yes onwards and upwards.

Well done for giving it your best shot, biker - sorry it didn't work out. Something will turn up!

Bikergran, I volunteer in a charity shop and one of the volunteers got a paid job as a shop manager. It may be worth asking.

Forgive me Biker but I can't remember where you live. If it's a particularly poor area then you're going to have to cast your net further afield.

I personally know of someone who lives on a council estate in the north of England which is not too far from a very exclusive 'enclave' .... there are numerous such areas in the UK. She put an advert in the local paper and has been inundated with work ever since; not just cleaning but house clearing, spring cleaning and catering, and now has a team working for her.

You've put a lot of effort in so far, don't give up!

I am sorry that it has not worked out.....so far.

I agree that it is about finding your target market and advertising in shops and mags that relate to people who can afford a cleaner. And once you have a few, then word of mouth begets more work. It really does take time to build these things up and the EAS does not seem to take that into account. How very frustrating for you after all your efforts.

How disappointing biker As others have said, perhaps you need to target the 'posh' end of town!

Feel for you Biker my OH tried the SE route to work and what he was offering was fine when free...different story for paid work,he is now working for an employer ,doing what he was trying to set up himself

Bikergran I was only thinking of you yesterday as your name makes me smile (we have a motor bike).
I'm sorry that this venture didn't get off the ground. (I know where your coming from re pension I have 9 yrs to wait)
Would it be possible as you love animals so much to look after some small pets (at yours or at owners home).
Cats and dogs can be sorted with kennels and cattery, other small pets are more difficult to find temporary accommodation for.
It could be for holidays or if owner in hospital.

Good luck for the future.

Where are you based??

Just a thought as you have been checked and have your certificates also experience (no need to say how much)
Ask for a reference from 'your one and only customer'.
Then see if you can join an 'up and running' cleaning business in your area.
If that not possible try your local council, as they have offices, nursing homes etc.

Fingers crossed for you

Hi again all

Liz46 yes it has crossed my mind that a vacancy may come up in the charity shop, but at the mo they already have a manager and assistant manager, plus I don't have the knowledge as the training seem to be nil! Iv'e just about learned the till since being there since September..the manageress doesn't seem very forthcoming in training up volunteers..more like making use of them! but I still enjoy it.

Riverwalk I live not far from the affluent Ribble Valley area (around 5 miles away) but with not having my own transport other than my scooter it proves difficult to expand.I only choose Cleaning as it required minimal qualifications and low costs to start up. I do prefer retail since working in the charity shop.

I did target "certain areas" with my postcard drop, but not one response.

jeevive73 I am in the Oswaldtwistle area (Oswaldtwistle shopping village as it is known) Lancashire.

cherrytree yes my one and only customer would be happy to provide me with a reference (I don't work for her any longer as I had to decide if to keep going or give up the E.A.S I decided I couldn't take the risk of hanging on any longer for any new customers as I would be left with only £61-50 per wk instead of the Jobseekers at £73 per week).

Although I work for the R.S.P.C.A I don't have any animals any more, I had to have my 2 cats p2s last year and don't really want to look after others at the mo.But thanks for the idea.

As others have said I remain positive and I'm sure something will pop out the woodwork I have great faith as in one door closes another one opens....

I have thought about you a lot while you haven't been posting and am so sorry that things didn't work out. Just keep the faith and keep trying. Will be willing you on

x

I was just wondering how you were getting on Biker. Sorry it hasnt worked out, it sounds as if you did everything you could. If only you lived near me, I would give you a job!

What a shame biker, life just isn't fair sometimes. You did all that was possible, no one could do more. Something will come. Keep positive and believe. .

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but all praise to you, you deserve something to come right for you.

As you may know, I spent a fair bit of time in and out of various jobs after redundancy, fingers crossed that things will come good for you.

Hi bikergran sorry things are difficult at present, I have one idea which may help.
My daughter has a cleaning business and among her customers is a an elderly couple and the lady has Alzheimer's. Though my daughter's main role is cleaning she also provides support for them and helps by just being another person to keep an eye on things. There is no actual caring involved. My daughter also helps a family who have a son with learning disabilities and other people do not accept his odd behaviour. This is maybe an avenue to explore with your local authority or Age UK.
Good luck

What about house sitting for people with pets?

Sorry it did not work out. Would it be possible to do the odd cleaning job "on the side"?

I have a cleaner and I supply everything so I do not understand why you are having problems taking items on your bike. I know that some people do not supply sufficient cleaning cloths but that would be easy to pop in a carrier bag and on your bike. I do hope that something works out, you have worked hard enough for it.