Ask around and some facilities managers will tell you that commercial cleaning companies are all the same, but that's not true. Like nearly everything else, there are A+ commercial cleaning companies, there are cleaning services that deserve a big fat red “F” for fail, and there are other commercial cleaning services that fall somewhere in between the two extremes. You and your facilities deserve a high level of cleaning and maintenance from your commercial cleaning company. Are you getting that?
Is your commercial cleaning company making the grade, or consistently failing to deliver on the job promised? And how do you communicate with a commercial cleaning company that's earning a solid “C”? Is it possible to address the issues, improve communication, and get better service without switching to a new commercial cleaning company? Can you afford a better cleaning service? What makes for an A+ commercial cleaning service, and how do you figure out who's going to make the grade?
What Makes a Commercial Cleaning Company Exceptional?
There are a number of factors that set truly exceptional commercial cleaning companies apart. First, a reputable and experienced local Michigan commercial cleaning company will offer clear pricing. Not only are they confident enough to give you the information to compare the cost of their services to that of another cleaning company, they understand how important it is that you know exactly what you're paying for. How else can they ensure they deliver the kind of service you expect if everyone isn’t on the same page?
All too often, shady or inexperienced commercial cleaning companies have confusing pricing, or they underbid to lock you in, only to come back later asking for more money or quietly cutting work they agreed to perform.
The best commercial cleaning companies know that they are in the people business first and the cleaning business second. Find a commercial cleaning company that takes the time and effort required to hire the best people, and you will likely get a cleaning service that will make the grade. Any commercial cleaning company that doesn’t do proper due diligence puts you, your employees, and your facilities at risk.
Don’t let a subpar commercial cleaning company trade you down with illegal hiring, unscreened (or improperly screened) employees working in your building at night, or OSHA violations.
A high-quality commercial cleaning company will have a formal way to address any issues or concerns you might have. Any experienced commercial cleaning company knows that problems are bound to happen, but what matters is how quickly and accurately issues get resolved. If your commercial cleaning company does not have something solid in place to deal with your concerns, they are not serious about service.
Lastly, the best commercial cleaning companies take their business seriously. From employee training to the products and equipment they use, they understand how each decision affects their business and yours. A commercial cleaning company in Michigan that is worth keeping will be enthusiastic and professional about the work they do.
How Can You Weed Through All the Commercial Cleaning Companies to Find a Winner?
Weeding through all of the commercial cleaning companies in Michigan is a serious undertaking. Unfortunately, checking references, confirming training procedures, and validating that a commercial cleaning company is properly screening and training employees takes time. Yet if you leave these important stones unturned, you are far more likely to end up with a commercial cleaning company that underperforms (or worse).
The problem is that a commercial cleaning company that wants your business can say anything. It is up to you to confirm what you're being told and dig deeper to make sure those assertions actually hold water. The good news is that once you find a commercial cleaning company that delivers on their promises, cleaning and maintaining your facilities becomes much easier. Still, many facility managers ask the question: is there an easier way?
Finding the Best Michigan Commercial Cleaning Service Might Be Easier Than You Think
There is, in fact, an easier way. The ISSA is a professional organization that works with commercial cleaning services and the cleaning industry. The ISSA offers something called CIMS: the Cleaning Industry Management Standard. This voluntary certification requires that a commercial cleaning company meet the highest industry standards set by industry leaders.
CIMS certification is difficult and rigorous, and only the most professional, dedicated commercial cleaning companies reach for it. By choosing a Michigan commercial cleaning service that has attained CIMS, you’re ensuring you’re doing business with a commercial cleaning company committed to the highest industry standards.
Getting Your Commercial Cleaning Company From Good To Great
Perhaps you have a good local Michigan commercial cleaning company, but they’re not great. Is it possible to work with them to raise the grade and get the level of service you feel you are paying for? It is possible, but it takes effort.
Cleaning companies are only as good as their communication with clients, and if they’re failing to be responsive to what you need, it’s up to you to move communication in the right direction. Consider sitting down with your commercial cleaning company to review your cleaning specification so everyone understands what is included and what is expected. Figure out what you need, then ask for it.
A good commercial cleaning company that values your business will work hard to bring their service up to your expectations. If you take this route and you still aren’t happy with the service you're receiving, it may be time to move on.
When to Graduate to a New & Better Commercial Cleaning Service
Although it can be challenging to find the best commercial cleaning service, they are available. What a difference it makes for facility managers not to have to micromanage their facilities cleaning crew. One of the benefits of outsourcing your commercial cleaning is getting day-to-day management responsibilities off your plate.
If your commercial cleaning service is failing to do this, you are likely doing work that you are paying them to do. If that’s the case, start the process now of looking for a new and better commercial cleaning service. Whether you get referrals from other facility managers or use ISSA CIMS certification to build a shortlist, you can find a commercial cleaning company that thoughtfully cleans and maintains your facilities and earns straight A’s.
