(c) 2008 Brent Wale

If you are either thinking about starting a cleaning company, or if you already own and operate a cleaning company, Your probably thinking about how you will bid on new accounts. First, lets talk about how much to charge when bidding on new accounts.

On your first few jobs take notes of the workload and time it takes for each operation, so you will know what to consider when bidding on future jobs, and how long it should take you, or your employees.

You’ll want to have a checklists to use when walking through the job with the prospective client, so you can find out, and record exactly what is wanted and bid accordingly. The objective is to bid the amount that will satisfy both you as a business person and the client.

Here are a few suggestions before making your final bid. Check the outside of the building to see if there are additional chores that could or should be included. Such as sweeping a parking lot, straightening the trash bin or washing the outside windows. Also check the general appearance (which will tell you the quality of work they expect),and see if there is someone that may be hard to please.

Always look for a behind the scenes person who has been there for a long time. These are typically the type of people who will be the one that calls you back to empty a missed ashtray. If I spot such a person, I add 10% to the bid and everyone stays happy!

What about Competing with lower price competitor’s without lowering your price?

Experienced clients know that you get what you pay for. So you don’t have to lower your price to beat your competitors. There is a better and smarter way. You can beat your competitor without lowering your price. Offer More Benefits. Offer more services. Take the time to really find out what they are looking for. Whats the most important thing to them when hiring a cleaning company. Let them know how important that is to you and your company. Get personable. Dont just rush through things.

Clients always compare the benefits they get from their purchase, they don’t mind to pay higher prices for better & more benefits.

What about your cleaning company being bonded?

Many businesses will not deal with janitorial companies unless they are bonded. Because you have access, often a set of keys to their buildings and they share the alarm codes as well. Normally the cleaning is done when no one else is there. A bonding service also helps protect you. If there is ever a question, the bonding agent arbitrates.