How to Evaluate 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 & foremost, ask about their experience. A commercial cleaning company website is not usually enough information to demonstrate its experience & standards. Some questions to ask include:
- What is their experience in your industry, potentially your business type & overall experience in janitorial services?
- Do they have a cleaning checklist hat 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 & are crucial at the beginning of your evaluation to get a good idea of whether or not they are 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 ave a wide range of services, which are not all standard. It is important to ensure they have what you are 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 & maintenance
- Reception area cleaning
- Kitchen/restroom cleaning & disinfection/restocking
- Window cleaning
- Waste removal
- Sanitation/disinfection programs
- High-touch cleaning
- 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 & 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 & 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 & products when cleaning. This can include using natural or biodegradable cleaners, recycling & reducing waste & 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 & water. It also prevents toxic materials from entering our landfills, contaminating soil & groundwater.
Choosing a janitorial service 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.
5. Ask for references & reviews.
When looking for a facility service provider, one of the first things you should do is check for references & 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.
6. Confirm employee screening methods.
It is important to ensure that employees working in your business & near your employees are thoroughly screened before being hired. This includes verifying worker legal documentation, references & conducting criminal background checks when required. By doing so, you can rest assured that your employees are safe & that your business is in good hands.
7. Make sure they are licensed & insured.
Another important thing to consider when choosing a service provider is whether or not they are licensed & 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.
8. Get an estimate of the work involved.
After you have a sense of the company's experience, services & reputation, it is important to consider the cost & the work involved. Janitorial companies price their solutinos in a variety of ways. Some charge by the hour, some by the square footage of the space they are cleaning & others have a flat fee for all services. It is important to understand how a company prices its services before hiring them to know what to expect.
9. Now, compare prices.
Then, once you have received quotes from different companies, it is time to compare the prices of each provider. Do not just choose the cheapest option - make sure you are getting what you pay for in terms of quality & service. Just because it is the cheapest does not always make it the best. Take the time to read through contracts & compare pricing structures before making your final decision. Questions like, what are the payment terms, how do they bill, when do they bill & are there any extra fees are important to get upfront.
10. 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 & wearing the proper attire. Additionally, how do they onboard & 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 & quality of work provided.
11. Get everything in writing.
Finally, once you have chosen a provider, ensure you get everything in writing - from the scope of work to be completed each week, month, etc. to the price you will 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 & that everyone is aligned on expectations.
Final Thoughts on Janitorial Services
Choosing a facility service & commercial cleaning provider is an important decision for any business owner or facility manager. Take your time & research to find a company that will meet your needs & exceed your expectations regarding quality, service & price. Always get everything in writing before work begins!
Contact Pritchard today to learn more about the right solutions for your facility & follow on LinkedIn for the latest news & updates.
