If you’re thinking about hiring a commercial cleaning service for your business, then there are some essential factors that you should consider before taking the plunge with a new contract.
How to choose the right commercial cleaning service for your business shouldn’t just come down to sticking a search term into Google and seeing who comes out at the top for your location. Tempting though this may be, choosing the right service provider means doing your research since paying for a flashy website and a sponsored place at the top of the search engines doesn’t always equal delivery of the goods!
A clean and well-maintained workplace creates a positive impression for your clients but also promotes a healthier working environment for employees. Not to mention relieving you and/or your staff of the responsibility to do this job and do it well. Finding a reliable and efficient cleaning company could be the next great decision you make for your business.
Take Stock of Your Cleaning Needs
Before you actually start looking for a cleaning service, it’s a good idea to identify and make a note of the specific cleaning needs of your business premises. Think about the following:
Frequency – How often do you need your cleaning service? Daily, weekly, or monthly?
Scope – What areas require cleaning? Office spaces, restrooms, common areas, etc.? Do you need them all done on the same day or can the tasks be distributed over a specific time frame?
Special Requirements – Do you need any specialised cleaning services such as an initial deep clean, carpet cleaning, window washing, or sanitising?
The more you understand about your needs, the more specific you will be able to be when you start making enquiries or researching for a commercial cleaning service. Knowing your needs will help you find a service that caters to your specific requirements.
Research Local Commercial Cleaning Companies
Obviously, you want a cleaning company that is in the same locale as the premises you want cleaning, so the best place to start is by searching for cleaning companies in that area. As we outlined above, the most suitable cleaning service for you isn’t necessarily going to be the ones at the top of your search results and it’s important to take a deeper dive into what’s available in your area.
Look out for companies that display good reviews or solid testimonials. Check their websites and social media profiles to get an idea of their services and customer loyalty. A company with positive testimonials and a professional online presence, with plenty of information about what they do is often a good sign.
Some commercial cleaning companies are nationwide so bear in mind that with these, you may not get the friendly, local, hands-on service that you might come with a local cleaning service.
Check and Compare Price Points
Before you even go any further with researching, once you have created a short list, it’s time to get some quotes and compare some prices. There’s no point in doing additional research on a company if their price point is out of budget for you so establishing this first will save some time.
Contact several cleaning companies and request detailed quotes. Compare their prices and services to ensure you get the best value for your money. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Consider the quality of service and the company’s reputation as well.
Availability for When and What You Need
Commercial cleaning companies are often busy organisations. Ideally, they should be able to accommodate your schedule but if their client book is full, they may need to recruit additional staff to take on a new contract with you. They should be clear with you regarding a timescale for when they can commit. Make sure you’re clear about the hours of cleaning you require so that it doesn’t disrupt your business operations.
It’s also worth enquiring about their availability for emergency cleanings or special events since it will save you time researching another cleaning service, should you require these in the future.
An experienced cleaning company will know that most businesses have unique cleaning needs. Companies that offer customisable cleaning plans mean that you get services tailored to your specific requirements.
Is Their Customer Service Up to Scratch?
By now you will have had a few interactions with some of your shortlisted cleaning companies. Were they personable and courteous? Did they get back to you in good time? Good customer service is a sign of a professional company. Evaluate how they handled your enquiries and concerns. A company that values its clients will likely provide a better service long term.
Do Your Due Diligence
Once you’ve found a cleaning company that matches your budget and has the availability you need, check that they have the necessary credentials and experience. Here’s some ideas of what to look for:
Licensing and Insurance – A reputable commercial cleaning service should be licensed and insured to protect you from any liabilities in case of accidents or damages.
Experience – How long has the company been in business? Whilst this isn’t always going to be the best measuring stick for whether they provide the best service, companies with years of experience are likely to provide better service.
What Cleaning Methods and Supplies Do They use?
This may or not be of importance to you but different cleaning companies use different cleaning methods and supplies. At the very least, the company you choose should use safe and effective cleaning products. But you may have specific preferences or requirements – such as green cleaning solutions or a known allergy to specific ingredients – so make sure you discuss these with the company.
Ask for References for Peace of Mind
If you feel you need to, ask to speak to some of their existing clients. A reliable commercial cleaning service should be able to provide references from past or present clients, without hesitation. If you contact these references, it will give you a more rounded picture of the company’s reliability, quality of service, and professionalism.
Check Before You Sign
It may sound obvious but before signing any contract, review it carefully. Ensure all services, schedules, and prices are clearly outlined. Look for any hidden fees and make sure there is a clear cancellation policy in place. If in doubt, get a second pair of eyes on it and ask for clarification on anything you’re uncertain about.
Housekeeping Club – Your Local Commercial Cleaning Experts
Choosing the best commercial cleaning service for your business involves careful consideration of your specific needs. With years of experience behind us, we know what a reliable and efficient cleaning service looks like and that it promotes a clean and healthy work environment for your business.
For professional and dependable commercial cleaning services contact us for a friendly chat. We offer customised cleaning solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients. Get in touch with us today for a free quote!
Tags: cleaning service, commercial cleaning, hospitality cleaning, office cleaning, retail cleaning