Perhaps you have decided to finally seek out the services of a professional commercial cleaning company.
Or maybe your current janitorial service provider just isn’t cutting it.
In looking for a building services contractor, you are overwhelmed with just how many companies are out there.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of cleaning companies: one-man operations, start-ups, professionally operated local Michigan janitorial services, large national companies, and more.
Then you consider pricing — and it’s all over the place.
Most facility managers operate with tight budgets. So how is a Facilities Manager to find the lowest price for the most service, consistently and responsively delivered?
With Janitorial Services, Do You Really Get What You Pay For?
With janitorial pricing, it really isn’t as simple as “you get what you pay for.”
In the cleaning industry, price doesn’t precisely correlate to service.
Because of the low perceived barrier to entry, many new companies emerge every year.
Most are out of business within months, but while they operate, they muddy the waters with confusing pricing.
Some companies price extremely low to win your business, only to later realize it’s unsustainable — and then come back asking for more money.
Other companies throw out inflated numbers hoping you won’t compare quotes.
Their high price may imply quality, but pricing is not what determines results — professionalism and systems do.
Best Cleaning Practices Balanced With the Lowest Responsible Price
Whether cleaning around patients, children, or allergy sufferers, safe, effective procedures are essential to reach the lowest responsible price.
“Lowest responsible price” means protecting building assets and ensuring occupant safety while still meeting conservative budgets.
If the lowest price doesn’t meet responsible standards, you lose money and time long-term.
A knowledgeable contractor helps you strike the right balance: effective, safe cleaning that still fits realistic price points.
To do this, you need an established janitorial service that understands how to correctly assess your building’s needs and price accurately for consistent service.
Working With Your Building Service Contractor to Determine What You Need
Labor is 50–70% of your contractor’s cleaning budget.
An experienced commercial cleaning service will carefully evaluate your cleaning requirements.
This determines the correct labor hours.
Some BSCs estimate using total square footage, but most require more detail, including:
- Square footage of carpet, non-waxed tile, waxed tile
- Number and size of restroom fixtures
- Employee population
- Number of daily visitors
- Number of shifts
- Specifications or Work Load
This creates an accurate calculation of required labor.
Knowing the right chemicals for your building is another critical component.
Your building type (factory, office, medical, school) and occupant sensitivities matter.
People increasingly report odor sensitivities. And even Green Seal certified products don’t always eliminate allergens.
A professional BSC will ask questions about your building and people.
Selecting equipment is another key factor in determining the lowest responsible price.
Backpack vacuums work for 98–99% of carpet applications — the best productivity for the cost.
But if you expect visible “M” lines on plush carpet, a backpack vacuum won’t satisfy you.
Likewise, if you have extensive hard floors and your contractor doesn’t suggest a floor machine, you may be disappointed, especially in winter when mop lines become obvious.
Do you want a professional-looking staff in your building?
Some BSCs cut costs by not providing uniforms or ID badges.
This leaves you with unknown people in your building — a major security concern.
A proactive BSC ensures uniforms and badges and even introduces team members before starting.
The Janitorial Pricing Balancing Act
The lowest price is not always the responsible price.
It is possible to get safe, healthy, consistently good cleaning that still fits your budget.
The best approach is working with an established, professional local Michigan commercial cleaning company that follows proven best practices.
These include guaranteed responsiveness, quality employees, proper training, green cleaning options, and more.
An educated consumer gets more satisfaction from a contractor that uses transparent business practices and clear pricing.
A little due diligence upfront can create a long-term partnership and help you avoid the disruptive process of firing vendors and searching for replacements.
