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DUE to busy work schedules, many professionals in Zimbabwe do not have the time to handle tasks such as general cleaning, deep cleaning and carpet cleaning.
This has opened up a huge market for cleaning services.
Starting a cleaning business in Zimbabwe can be a profitable venture, with demand for such services growing in both residential and commercial sectors.
However, it requires careful planning, financial investment and compliance with local regulations.
Below is an outline of the costs and key requirements to establish a cleaning services business anywhere in the country.
Business registration
The first step is registering your business with the Registrar of Companies. This includes name reservation (US$5 to US$10). You also pay a company registration fee (US$50 to US$150, depending on the company type — private limited, partnership or sole proprietorship).
In addition, you will need a tax clearance certificate from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, which is free but essential for legal operation.
Without this certificate, clients may withhold up to 30 percent of payments as tax.
Licences and permits
Depending on your location and the scale of your business, you may need:
Local authority licences — The amounts vary, depending on municipality or city; they typically range from US$100 to US$300 annually.
Health and safety compliance — You will need to adhere to standards set by the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure the safety of employees and clients. The cost of compliance can range from US$50 to US$200. This includes basic workplace inspections and equipment approvals.
Equipment and supplies
The cost of cleaning supplies and equipment will depend on the scope of services you plan to offer.
You may also need a company vehicle, especially for mobile cleaning services. A second-hand vehicle in good condition can cost US$3 000 to US$5 000.
Staffing
Hiring trained and experienced cleaning staff is crucial.
Salaries vary, but for an entry-level cleaner, expect to pay US$100 to US$200 per month.
For a business starting with three to five employees, you should budget US$600 to US$1 000 monthly for wages.
Marketing and branding
To attract clients, you will need marketing materials such as business cards, flyers and, potentially, a website.
Marketing costs may range from US$100 to US$500, depending on your strategy.
Considering these expenses, the total startup cost for a small to medium cleaning business in the country is US$2 500 to US$10 000.
These costs will vary depending on the location, equipment and scale of operations.
What is your experience of opening and running a clothing shop in Harare? You can send information on your experiences and other feedback to: 0771538827 (WhatsApp) or [email protected]
Online Reporter