Some people make the mistake of thinking that cleaning/janitorial jobs are a walk in the park, which is pretty far from the truth. This kind of job takes a lot of hard work and understanding, and it’s not the kind of business that anybody can get into. Janitorial or cleaning jobs vary in size and scope, but if you’re looking to start a company in that direction, there are things you need to know about the business. The most important part of the gig is when you bid on a cleaning job, especially if it’s commercial. Here we’ve outlined some very important steps you need to follow, from visiting the space to having an in-depth discussion with the client about exactly what they need.
Visit the place
You definitely can’t make a bid for a cleaning job without visiting the place, so that’s the first step you need to do. Take a walk through the area that needs cleaning so you can determine the size and scope of work that needs to be done. This also shows the client that you know what you’re doing, not just making random estimates out of thin air. Determining the area of the place and the amount of work will also help you set a fair price.
Is there a special service involved?
You need to discuss with the clients if they need a special service done with the place. For instance, if the facility had a water damage incident and needs a special kind of cleaning, the service will differ, and so should the pricing. There are companies specialized in this kind of situations. When you have a special situation, it’s always best to look for someone who’s dealt with similar incidents before, because you don’t want a company trying their luck with you.
Do your own math
After you’ve visited the space and discussed the client’s needs, it’s time to sit down and do a little planning on your own. It’s now time to figure out the necessary manpower, equipment, and preparations needed to tackle said space. You’ll also calculate how many hours it will take to get the job done. Next comes calculating the costs, which will include the hourly wages of the cleaners times the number of days for the job, cleaning supplies, transportation, and any other extra costs that might arise. Then you add your margin of profit, which should be reasonable because this is a bid, so other companies are going after it, too.
Make the bid
After all is said and done, and you have a final number for the client, it’s now time to make the bid. You’ll do so by creating a bid letter, which should have your company name, contact information, and managerial contacts as well. Then you put down your final offer to the client, and it’s always best if you write down a detailed clarification of the expenses. In other words, tell them what each clause will cost, much like you did when you were figuring out the cost. After that, wait and hope you get the job.