How To Choose Top-Notch Cleaning Services for Businesses

You don't have to be a seasoned business mogul to know that your company's image affects your success.

If you have clients or customers coming to your property, keeping a clean shop is an important part of this. Even if you're an office that doesn't see client visitors, a clean environment can help your employees be happy and productive.

This is why you should take a close look at your local cleaning services for businesses before hiring a janitorial service. Here's how you can find the perfect fit for your company:

Tips for Finding the Best Cleaning Services for Businesses

Whether you're starting a new location or you're replacing a past janitorial service, these tips can help you find the best cleaning crew:

1. Get Clear on What You Want

To find a company that meets your expectations, you first need to figure out what your expectations are. If there are multiple decision-makers involved, get everyone together.

Make a list of the tasks you expect the cleaners to perform. Don't take anything for granted. You'd be surprised which seemingly obvious tasks a lazy cleaner may leave out.

2. Research Reviews

Reviews from past clients should be one of the key factors you use to find your cleaning service. A company can make any promise it wants on its website, but only a client will tell you if they deliver.

Sometimes the easiest place to start is a comprehensive review site. Sites like these have done the legwork for you, listing select features of each company and pulling together a wide cache of reviews.

If you choose to do this research on your own, make sure you check a variety of sites. Sometimes a company has poor reviews on most sites, but they direct all their happy clients to Google, for example. In this case, only looking at their Google reviews won't give you the full picture.

3. Ask for Proof of Workers Comp Insurance

When you've used the review to compile a list of options, it's time to reach out to the companies. You'll discuss your expectations and the type of facility you have.

One question many business owners and office managers forget, though, is asking about workers' compensation insurance. If a cleaning service doesn't have insurance, you may be liable if a cleaner gets hurt while cleaning your facility.

4. Check the Company's BBB Rating

Another step no business should ignore is checking their janitorial front-runners' ratings with the Better Business Bureau. This will show you the more serious issues that have arisen, as most customers only contact the BBB if there is a significant problem.

To check them out, go to the Better Business Bureau website to find your local area's BBB. That's where you can find out their A+-F rating and specifics on why they have this rating.

5. Get Quotes from At Least 3 Companies

All the steps above should help you narrow down your list. When you have your list shortened, contact your top contenders for price quotes.

You should seek quotes from a minimum of three companies so you can see whether a cleaner is outside the norm. Feel free to get quotes from more companies, although contacting too many of them will be time-consuming.

In most cases, a reputable cleaning service will schedule a time to come to your business. Measuring the area and seeing your facility will allow them to understand the scope of the work and give you an accurate quote. This should always be free.

6. Ask What Materials You'll Provide & What They'll Provide

One variable many businesses don't consider until after they hire a cleaning service is the cleaning equipment. There's no industry standard about whether the cleaning service or the customer provides the cleaning supplies. It varies from cleaner to cleaner.

Ask each candidate if they provide their own supplies. If not, ask for a detailed cleaning supplies checklist. This can change how cost-effective a cleaning company is.

7. Get References

As helpful as online reviews are, it's always helpful to talk to an actual customer one-on-one as well. This gives you a chance to ask any specific questions you have. It also lets you verify that their online reviews aren't falsified.

Ask each company you're considering for two or three references. They might need to request permission from their references, so don't be concerned about a delay. Some companies, on the other hand, already have a list of pre-consented references.

8. Feel Free to Negotiate

You don't necessarily have to take a quote at face value. In some cases, it's appropriate and helpful to negotiate. If your favorite company is close to your budget but not quite there, it's worth a try.

9. Read the Contract Thoroughly

When you've chosen the cleaning service that best fits your needs and your budget, they'll probably give you a contract to sign. It might not seem like a high stakes situation, but it's always worth a careful examination.

In particular, look at the commitment you're making. Ensure that you have a recourse option if you're unhappy with the company's service. You don't want to be locked into a contract with a company that isn't doing its part.

Red Flags to Avoid

All the tips above can help you find the best cleaning services in your area. However, you also need to know how to avoid a hiring a disreputable company. Here are the key red flags to keep an eye out for:

• A dramatically lower price than the other companies quoted
• Unclear terms about what tasks the cleaners will perform, and an unwillingness to clarify these terms
• Willingness to give you a quote without seeing your facility
• Variable pricing (other than clear, specialized situations like extra visits or seasonal cleaning tasks)

Any of these can be signs that a cleaning service is being dishonest or may try to take advantage of you.

Choosing the Perfect Commercial Cleaning Company

Finding the right cleaning company will help you keep your employees and clients happy. If you don't need to micromanage them, it will also save you plenty of time and frustration.

The tips above can help you identify the best cleaning services for businesses in your area. For more tips about running your business smoothly, check out our blog.