by Brian Mamo
The easiest and most efficient way to get commercial cleaning prices for your business is to put a bid out and see what comes back. If you’re new to this process then you may find the results overwhelming. The barriers set to enter into the commercial cleaning industry are low, and this leads to many startups and fierce competition for contracts.
With the economic situation here in Michigan, you should be extra careful of fly-by-night janitorial services. It’s easy to spot them if you know what to look for when comparing the various bids that come back to you.
The competition between established cleaning companies, new start-ups, and the aforementioned fly-by-bight guys leads to fragmented pricing which can lead to confused potential clients. Follow these tips to find your way through the janitorial pricing maze:
- Don’t be taken aback when you see commercial cleaning prices far below cost to well over market and everything in between. This is the result of many inexperienced start-ups flooding he market.
- If a company’s commercial cleaning prices are far too low, then it is a red flag that they are (1) going to play “shell games” with your pricing down the road (2) engaging in illegal hiring practices that could come back to haunt you.
- If janitorial pricing is too high then you’re not getting a good value. Look for a company whose price is reasonable, responsible, and fits your budget.
- Know how janitorial service pricing is estimated. Examine this article for an extensive breakdown and tips on commercial cleaning pricing.
- Ask other facility and building managers for any references. Testimonials are a great source for finding reliable janitorial service pricing.
- Thoroughly interview companies before taking prices from them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or inquire about even the smallest of details, like uniforms.
- Only accept commercial cleaning prices from established companies that know the industry and have been a part of it for a number of years.
- Ask for references and check them out thoroughly.
- Provide a standard service specification so the bidding companies are all giving you janitorial pricing on the same services.
- Ask if they offer open book pricing. A reliable and honest company will be more than happy to sit down and review every item and calculation line by line.
Basically, the thing to keep in mind is that the janitorial industry is one of stiff competition. When you put your business out there for commercial cleaning bids, you’re going to receive many offers. Do your homework beforehand and you’ll come out ahead and confident that you are getting the best service and the best value.