It seems like so long ago that people completed business deals with just a simple handshake and a promise to keep their word.
That handshake deal meant your word was your bond. And it didn’t come with hidden fees, strings attached, or surprise add-ons.
In today’s winner-take-all, rushed, close-the-deal mentality, many companies will say anything to get your business.
But delivering on those promises can be an entirely different story.
So, are there still office cleaning companies that truly deliver on their promises?
And if there are, how can you as a Facility Manager cut through the fakers and pitch men to find the best office cleaning services?
No One Wants an Office Cleaning Service That Creates More Problems Than They Solve
A good deal isn’t a good deal if you have to chase down your custodial services just to get the job done.
As a Facility Manager, you just want the work done right the first time.
After all, isn’t that why you outsourced your office cleaning in the first place?
Incredibly enough, in the building services industry, simply doing what you say you’re going to do goes a long way.
That’s why it’s so frustrating when cleaning teams repeatedly fail to meet expectations.
You already have enough on your plate without managing a building services company too.
With tight budgets and increased responsibilities, most Facility Managers are handling more than ever.
The last thing you need is more to worry about. You need a company and office cleaners who deliver the service they were hired to provide.
Your Office Cleaning Services Should Do What’s Expected and Then Some
With commercial office cleaning companies, the goal shouldn’t be to simply meet expectations.
It should be to exceed them.
Of course, no one is in the business of giving away services or working for free.
But it’s amazing what a few small “extras” can do when they’re done consistently.
Even just two minutes of extra attention to detail adds up. It gives customers more than what was promised.
Still, in today’s crowded market, it can be difficult to find a cleaning company that is truly committed to effective service.
So how do you find a Detroit area commercial cleaning company that can deliver on their promise of great service?
A Local Office Cleaning Company Can Deliver Results and Responsiveness
Many Facility Managers assume that if they manage large facilities (or multiple facilities) they need a national cleaning company.
In reality, there are only a few scenarios where a national janitorial company is the best option.
By and large, national cleaning companies aren’t likely to have the personnel to be personal.
They run by the numbers and often can’t offer the customization that strong local providers can.
A lot of people assume the only options are a “one man and a van” or a massive national company. But there’s a big range in between.
Large commercial office cleaning services in Michigan can offer many benefits of a national provider, while still being local and accessible.
A local Detroit commercial cleaning company has stronger community ties and is committed to keeping jobs and tax revenue in Michigan.
At the same time, larger local companies still have buying power that can save you money on supplies like paper goods.
They’re also more likely to staff up or staff down based on seasonal and changing needs.
And unlike national providers, local companies can’t easily replace clients from other markets. That means they often work harder to protect service and reputation.
Finally, with a local Michigan cleaning company, you’re less likely to jump through hoops to reach decision-makers.
Choose an Office Cleaning Service for Their People
Any facilities services company you choose must understand that their people matter most.
It’s the front-line office cleaners, custodians, day porters, and medical office cleaners who enter your facility every day.
Those people must be trustworthy, well-trained, and managed in a way that predicts success.
So ask prospective providers: What are your people processes?
How do you find, screen, hire, train, and manage good people?
Strong systems reduce turnover. And lower turnover increases the value of what you’re buying.
A professional janitorial service that invests in people will usually be happy to explain what makes them different.
Look for a Cleaning Company That Offers a Wide Variety of Services
In any facility, cleaning and maintenance needs pop up outside the normal scope.
That may include preventive maintenance, commercial handyman services, medical office cleaning services, window cleaning, repairs, special floor care, carpet cleaning, construction cleaning, and preventative maintenance.
Having a Facility Maintenance company you trust can save you time and money.
It’s often easier and more affordable to work with one proven provider instead of hiring multiple vendors.
The Best Janitorial Services Offer Transparent, Easy-to-Follow Pricing
When it comes to commercial cleaning prices, you want bids that are clear and easy to understand.
First, transparent pricing allows you to compare bids “apples to apples.”
Second, it helps you know exactly what you’re getting for your janitorial budget.
That creates a clear standard for measuring whether your cleaning company is delivering on their promise.
Cloudy, fuzzy janitorial pricing is often a warning sign. It can lead to future price increases, add-ons, and extra charges.
Does Your Janitorial Service Understand the Science of Smart Cleaning?
Great office cleaning isn’t just about how things look. It’s about the science of cleaning and getting it right.
The best commercial cleaning services understand touch points, disease prevention, cleaning for health, dwell times, and green cleaning.
They also know how to use the right products and processes for each area of your facility.
Do you have a restroom cleaning service that simply wipes surfaces? Or one that truly prevents the spread of germs?
Are they using color-coded cloth systems? Are teams trained in cleaning for health?
Well-trained office cleaners don’t just keep buildings sparkling. They help keep people healthier too.
Referrals and Certifications Like CIMS Can Help You Build a Short List
A referral from a trusted colleague is always valuable when you can get it.
If you can’t, certifications like the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) can help you narrow your options.
CIMS is a challenging certification that only highly professional building maintenance companies achieve.
CIMS certification evaluates key areas that translate directly into better service for customers.
There are no true shortcuts to finding an office cleaning company that consistently delivers.
But with a little due diligence, you can find a professional janitorial service that will serve your facility well for years.
