Is there a niche in the cleaning market...?

[hobbgoblin]

I have a friend who has been out of work for some time but who used to have some sort of cleaning set up a long while ago. She is seriously lacking in confidence on many levels but is also very self sufficient and capable. Entirely without qualifications so her options are limited, but she is a hard worker.

I keep talking to her about setting up the cleaning thing again as we are certainly in the sort of area where every other household has a cleaner iyswim.

Anyway, I wondered if I could stoke the coals of her imagination with a bit of a niche idea and see if that grabbed her. She is a bit defeatist so I think she needs to feel like she is offering something someone else isn't.

So... would an organic/traditional service be quirky and potentially successful?

I'm thinking bicarb and vinegar and Ecover, with a lpg vehicle to get from A to B.

Obviously would have to be able to provide an excellent service in terms of the actual cleanliness, but would the Abel & Cole crew of organic consumerism choose this over the Bleach and Domestos cleaning offerings already out there?

maybe, but I think price would have to be competitive still - I think if prices were the same, but you could polish your eco halo, people would choose eco. If you have to pay a premium for eco...well the wallet will probably win.

I think it's a nice idea but, tbh, I know quite a few people who are either getting rid of their cleaner or cutting down their hours (and I'm in exactly the sort of area you describe).

And she'd have to think about the up-front investment in terms of the car etc before she starts.

Sorry, not meaning to be defeatist too! Maybe just finding out what people are paying and under-cutting a bit might get her started?

Agree with LadyBee and squeaver. I think it might be a good way of differentiating herself but she would need to charge the same prices as non-eco cleaners. I think a new vehicle would be out of the question. Also my cleaner uses my cleaning products but she would obviously need to bring her own so that might make her less competetive. Worth a try I think but she shouldn't invest too much up front.