Selecting a Commercial Cleaning Service
One would think choosing a commercial cleaning service to maintain their facility will be a relatively easy task. Most maintenance managers of facilities, in charge of overseeing the cleanliness and health of these building, know this is not as simple as it sounds. The kind of facility and its own needs dictate the services required. The appearance of the facility plays a large role in the success of the business, whether it's a supermarket, retail store or perhaps a hospital. Cleaning Products Birmingham makes a bad impression! With cleaning being an $80 billion dollar industry, there is an extensive list of commercial cleaning services, a few of which have made a decision to franchise. They range from small, mid-size and large, and all have their very own menu of services to provide. So, what exactly are some things to look for when making a decision?
Let's start with the facility and size. Depending on the kind of business and size of your facility helps narrow down the list of commercial cleaning services to research. Are you experiencing multiple locations requiring service? Next, decide on the services you need; the type of surface(s) that need to be cleaned, and what type of frequency are you searching 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 more than one 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? Don't forget the windows. If it's a supermarket you may require department cleaning, such as for example meat rooms, bakery, deli & hot foods, etc... Could it be a hospital? Hospitals and schools have their own level of "clean" to maintain, with strict rules, regulations and procedures to be followed. Selecting a larger commercial cleaning service who offers a diverse menu of services is going to be your best choice. Be sure to add to your list commercial cleaning service franchises, as they tend to always offer the services you will most likely require and may provide them to multiple locations in the event you need this.
Here are a few important questions to help you make your decision on the selecting the most appropriate 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 forms of cleaning products do they use? and why?
6. What types of clients do they currently provide services for? Do they 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 also is a strong indication this company is confident of their abilities to supply the services you need and in how you deserve to have your facility look.
You want to look for a well rounded commercial cleaning service which has a proven history 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 from which to choose. Before making your final selection there are many additional items just as important in your choice making process.
Insurance:
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 because of their workers? Most states require this kind of insurance. Don't simply take the cleaning company's word stating they will have insurance. Many companies do not carry insurance, or only carry a minor amount. Get a copy of these insurance certificate. In the event that you hire them insist on being added as a certificate holder and extra insured, so you are updated with a new certificate when it expires or if the policy is cancelled.
Every reputable commercial cleaning service will be happy to provide proof insurance. Choose a commercial cleaning service which has insurance to safeguard you as well as your commercial facility in case of damage to your property and injury to the cleaners while they're on your property.
Cleaning Products & Equipment:
For Your Protection before you hire the commercial cleaning service go through the facility to learn what they plan to use on the many surfaces. Many inexperienced commercial cleaners use the wrong products or use the right products improperly. Some in-experienced cleaners even use the wrong equipment. This can cause permanent damage or stains to your property. An established and experienced company will gladly take the time to tour your facility, start to see the work which must be done and even assist you in developing a schedule to keep the facility clean and shiny.
Cleaning Checklist:
Ask the commercial cleaning service for a cleaning checklist that will list all of the services performed for every cleaning. This list of guidelines or "work order" should be signed by management in order for the commercial cleaning contractor to submit billing. This insures you'll pay just for services that have been provided to your satisfaction.
Pricing Structure:
Ask the commercial cleaning service for their pricing structure not only for the services you will need regularly also for any incidental services which may arise during your contract with them. So that they are cleaning your floors 3 x a week? But, imagine if something occurs to need a strip and wax of the floor area? How much will that cost? A reputable commercial cleaning service understands budgets and can understand your have to have an idea, if not a good dollar amount for the types of services necessary or which may become necessary.
Lastly, policies. Ask to start to see the companies policies on types of payment they accept, their cancellation policy and if they offer a guarantee.
Selecting a commercial cleaning service does not have to become a time consuming task if you are using the information out of this article as an instrument to assist you to make a selection. A commercial cleaning service that takes enough time to answer all your questions, who takes enough time to survey the facility and has a thorough understanding of the services to be performed is more prone to meet & most likely will exceed your expectations!