How to Choose a Commercial Cleaning Service
One would think choosing a commercial cleaning service to keep their facility would be a not too difficult task. Most maintenance managers of facilities, responsible for overseeing the cleanliness and health of these building, know this is simply not as simple as it sounds. The kind of facility and its needs dictate the services required. The appearance of the facility plays a big role in the success of the business, whether it's a supermarket, retail store or perhaps a hospital. A dirty appearance makes a negative impression! With cleaning as an $80 billion dollar industry, there's an extensive list of commercial cleaning services, some of which have decided to franchise. They range from small, mid-size and large, and all have their own menu of services to offer. So, what exactly are some things to look for when making a decision?
Let's focus on the facility and size. With regards to the sort of business and size of one's facility helps narrow down the set of commercial cleaning services to analyze. Are you experiencing multiple locations requiring service? Next, decide on the services you need; the sort of surface(s) that require to be cleaned, and what kind of frequency are you looking for? Lastly, decide on your allowance. Once this list is in place it's time to start the interview process. Jot down all your questions.
For a mid-size to large facility there are most likely multiple area or kind of areas to be cleaned. Whether it is a supermarket, retail space, school, hospital or perhaps a warehouse, everywhere has floors to be cleaned and maintained. But what kind of surface is it? Is it ceramic, vinyl, concrete, carpet? Remember the windows. If it's a supermarket you might require department cleaning, such as meat rooms, bakery, deli & hot foods, etc... Is it a hospital? Hospitals and schools have their own level of "clean" to maintain, with strict rules, regulations and procedures to be followed. Choosing a larger commercial cleaning service who supplies a diverse menu of services is going to be your best choice. Make sure to add to your list commercial cleaning service franchises, as they tend to always offer the services you will most likely require and can provide them to multiple locations in the event you need this.
Below are a few important questions to help you make your choice on the selecting the right cleaning service:
1. What services do they specialize in?
2. Are they a franchise company? Can they service multiple locations if necessary?
3. Do they will have the man-power to accomplish the services you require?
4. What is their experience?
5. What types of cleaning products do they use? and why?
6. What types of clients do they currently provide services for? Do they will have experience with other businesses like yours?
7. Do they have references? A commercial cleaning company who will give you at the very least 3 references of current clients is a strong indication this company is confident of these abilities to provide the services you need and in the way you deserve to possess your facility look.
You want to look for a well rounded commercial cleaning service which has a proven track record of retaining its clients. After all you don't want to have to help keep repeating the hiring processing. Review the answers to these questions carefully to help narrow your list of possible cleaning services to select from. Before making your final selection there are many additional items in the same way important in your choice making process.
Does the company have liability insurance and is it adequate enough to safeguard you against a potential liability claim arising from the cleaning? Do they maintain worker's compensation insurance for his or her workers? Most states require this type of insurance. Don't just take the cleaning company's word stating they will have insurance. Many companies usually do not carry insurance, or only carry a minimal amount. Get yourself a copy of their insurance certificate. If you hire them insist upon being added as a certificate holder and additional insured, so you are updated with a new certificate when it expires or if the policy is cancelled.
Every reputable commercial cleaning service will undoubtedly be happy to provide proof of insurance. Select a commercial cleaning service that has insurance to safeguard you and your commercial facility in the event of damage to your premises and problems for the cleaners while they are on your property.
Cleaning Products & Equipment:
FOR THE Protection before you hire the commercial cleaning service feel the facility to find out what they intend to use on the many surfaces. Many inexperienced commercial cleaners utilize the wrong products or use the right products improperly. Some in-experienced cleaners use the wrong equipment. This may cause permanent damage or stains to your premises. An established and experienced company will gladly take time to tour your facility, see the work which must be done and even help you in developing a schedule to help keep the facility clean and shiny.
Cleaning Checklist:
Ask the commercial cleaning service for a cleaning checklist which will list all the services performed for every cleaning. This list of guidelines or "work order" ought to be signed by management to ensure that the commercial cleaning contractor to submit billing. This insures you will pay just for services which have been provided to your satisfaction.
Pricing Structure:
Ask the commercial cleaning service for their pricing structure not merely for the services you will require regularly but also for any incidental services which might arise throughout your contract with them. So they are cleaning your floors 3 x a week? But, what if something occurs to need a strip and wax of the ground area? How much will that cost? An established commercial cleaning service understands budgets and will understand your have to have an idea, if not a solid dollar amount for the forms of services necessary or which might become necessary.
Lastly, policies. Ask to see the companies policies on types of payment they accept, their cancellation policy and when they offer a guarantee.
Selecting a commercial cleaning service doesn't have to become a time consuming task if you are using the information from this article as a tool to assist you in making a choice. A commercial cleaning service that takes the time to answer all of your questions, who takes enough time to survey the facility and contains a thorough knowledge of the services to be performed is more likely to meet and most likely will exceed your expectations!