Tips for Evaluating Janitorial Services for Your Business
Find the right cleaning company for your business by properly evaluating janitorial services prior to making the move. Office cleaning is a big business, and there are a lot of companies that offer commercial cleaning. How do you know which one is right for your business? When it comes to a commercial cleaning service, not every cleaning company is created equal.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best commercial cleaning services, from the quality of their work and services provided to the cost of their services. Below, we've provided tips on evaluating janitorial services so you can make the best decision for your business.
1. Ask about their experience.
First and foremost, ask about their experience. A commercial cleaning company website isn't enough to demonstrate its experience and standards. Some questions to ask include:
- What's their experience in your industry, potentially your business type, and overall experience in janitorial services?
- Do they have a cleaning checklist that shows their standard cleaning practices?
- What kinds of products do they use?
- Do they prioritize green cleaning?
These questions are a great place to start and are crucial at the beginning of your evaluation to get a good idea of whether or not they're a good fit for your business.
2. Next, get a list of services they provide.
Now that you understand their experience, what services do they provide? Commercial cleaning companies have a wide range of services, which are not all standard. It's important to ensure they have what you're looking for based on your company's needs. Services can include:
- Frequency options that include daily, weekly, or monthly cleaning services
- Hard-surface floor / Carpet cleaning and maintenance
- Reception area cleaning
- Kitchen/restroom cleaning and disinfection/restocking
- Window cleaning
- Waste removal
- Sanitation/disinfection programs
- High-touch cleaning
- and more!
3. Do they have a quality guarantee?
Another important factor to consider when evaluating a cleaning company is the quality of their work. You want to ensure they have a good reputation for providing high-quality services and that your business will receive a quality, thorough cleaning every time. Does the service provider inspect the quality of their work? What systems do they have in place to ensure timely responses to issues? Is there an overall way to measure progress and staffing?
Finally, ensure that the company has a quality guarantee in place so you can be assured that they will fix any problems with the quality of their work.
4. Look for green cleaning programs.
Janitorial companies need to have green cleaning programs because it helps protect the environment. Green cleaning is using environmentally friendly methods and products when cleaning. This can include using natural or biodegradable cleaners, recycling and reducing waste, and choosing products with low environmental impact.
When a janitorial company uses green cleaning methods, it helps reduce the number of harmful chemicals released into the air and water. It also prevents toxic materials from entering our landfills, contaminating soil and groundwater.
Choosing a janitorial company with a green cleaning program is an easy way to help protect the environment and ensure the safety of your employees and/or customers.
4. Ask for references and reviews.
When looking for a janitorial service provider, one of the first things you should do is check for references and reviews. You can ask other businesses in your industry for recommendations or read online reviews to get an idea of what other customers have said about the company's work. Either way, this is a good way to get an idea of the quality of work you can expect.
5. Confirm employee screening methods.
It's important to ensure that employees working in your business and near your employees are thoroughly screened before being hired. This includes verifying worker legal documentation, references and conducting criminal background checks when required. By doing so, you can rest assured that your employees are safe and that your business is in good hands.
6. Make sure they're licensed and insured.
Another important thing to consider when choosing a janitorial service provider is whether or not they're licensed and insured. This is important because it protects you from liability in case something goes wrong while the janitors are working in your office or if they damage any of your property. You should always ask for insurance proof before hiring any professional service provider.
7. Get an estimate of the work involved.
After you've got a sense of the company's experience, services, and reputation, it's important to consider the cost and the work involved. Janitorial companies price their services in a variety of ways. Some charge by the hour, some by the square footage of the space they're cleaning, and others have a flat fee for all services. It's important to understand how a company prices its services before hiring them to know what to expect.
8. Now, compare prices.
Then, once you've received quotes from different companies, it's time to compare the prices of each provider. But don't just choose the cheapest option - make sure you're getting what you pay for in terms of quality and service. Just because it's the cheapest doesn't always make it the best. Take the time to read through contracts and compare pricing structures before making your final decision. Questions like, what are the payment terms, how do they bill, when do they bill, and are there any extra fees are important to get upfront.
9. Check for professionalism.
Commercial cleaning companies should always be professional in their interactions with clients. This includes being on time for appointments, maintaining a clean work area, and wearing the proper attire. Additionally, how do they onboard and train employees? Is it clear who the primary point of contact will be should there be any questions or concerns? These are the little details that can make a big impact on the relationship and quality of work provided.
10. Get everything in writing.
Finally, once you've chosen a janitorial service provider, ensure you get everything in writing - from the scope of work to be completed each week, month, etc. to the price you'll be charged for services rendered, including if there are any extra fees outside of routine maintenance. This will help ensure that there are no misunderstandings later in the partnership and that everyone is aligned on expectations.
Final thoughts on evaluating janitorial services
Choosing a janitorial service provider is an important decision for any business owner or facility manager. Take your time and research to find a company that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations regarding quality, service, and price. And always get everything in writing before work begins!