Start a Commercial Cleaning Business - Steps 8-10
So, now you have advertised and you have your paperwork in order, so what's next?
Step 8: How to do a bid estimate:
Next you have to do a free estimate. Most importantly, arrive on time neat in appearance. You do not need to wear a suit and tie, but a nice polo top with nice pants would be great. Make sure you are clean shaven, hair is neat and your nails are clean.
Then you would walk thru the building with pen and paper in hand. Write down what you see room by room. Bring measuring tape with you to determine room size. They have those rolling tapes that are perfect for these. Write down the type of flooring, number of desks, number of stalls and urinals in the bathroom, etc. Go over what your client would like/not like you to do and ask what they would like you to do that they current or previous clean does or does not do. You want to make them feel that you are willing to make their lives easier. Buildings do not like to go through cleaner after cleaner.
After you are done with the walk thru thank them for their time and inform them of when you can provide them with the bid. Don't take longer than a couple of days to compile a bid for them. If you are good enough, you could do it right then and there to put them on the spot. Make sure you bring your bid papers with you just in case. It is also a good idea to put your bid papers together in a folder. Your bid papers should include a cover letter, bid proposal, references, insurance certificate and business cards.
So, now you have submitted your bid and hopefully got the job. Now it is time to clean.
Step 9: Cleaning Supplies:
Make sure you are very cautious about your cleaning supplies. This is an ongoing expense, so make sure you purchase quality, but cheap products. There are janitorial stores locally where you can get your products, but the internet will be your best friend here.
Buying microfiber cloths that you can wash will save you a lot of money over paper towels. You can buy your equipment used. Just look on craigslist or your local paper.
You have to look at your health as well when you make your decisions. It has been found that backpack vacuums are the best for commercial buildings. You may also want to look at green cleaning so you are not inhaling fumes while cleaning.
Step 10: More Resources to Help Your Business Grow:
Now that you have your business in place and are filling up your schedule, you want to make sure you have resources in place to help you should you need any during the course of your business. I have found numerous websites with discussion forums that are free to use. These forums consist of other cleaning business owners asking and providing help to people just like you. Use these to your advantage to get any help you may need from filing your taxes, to what to expense, how to run a home office, bidding help, insurance help and much more. Some of my favorite forums are IJCSA and ICPA.
Now that we are done with our steps to start a commercial cleaning business, please feel free to ask us any questions should you still need help. We are happy to help you!
Step 8: How to do a bid estimate:
Next you have to do a free estimate. Most importantly, arrive on time neat in appearance. You do not need to wear a suit and tie, but a nice polo top with nice pants would be great. Make sure you are clean shaven, hair is neat and your nails are clean.
Then you would walk thru the building with pen and paper in hand. Write down what you see room by room. Bring measuring tape with you to determine room size. They have those rolling tapes that are perfect for these. Write down the type of flooring, number of desks, number of stalls and urinals in the bathroom, etc. Go over what your client would like/not like you to do and ask what they would like you to do that they current or previous clean does or does not do. You want to make them feel that you are willing to make their lives easier. Buildings do not like to go through cleaner after cleaner.
After you are done with the walk thru thank them for their time and inform them of when you can provide them with the bid. Don't take longer than a couple of days to compile a bid for them. If you are good enough, you could do it right then and there to put them on the spot. Make sure you bring your bid papers with you just in case. It is also a good idea to put your bid papers together in a folder. Your bid papers should include a cover letter, bid proposal, references, insurance certificate and business cards.
So, now you have submitted your bid and hopefully got the job. Now it is time to clean.
Step 9: Cleaning Supplies:
Make sure you are very cautious about your cleaning supplies. This is an ongoing expense, so make sure you purchase quality, but cheap products. There are janitorial stores locally where you can get your products, but the internet will be your best friend here.
Buying microfiber cloths that you can wash will save you a lot of money over paper towels. You can buy your equipment used. Just look on craigslist or your local paper.
You have to look at your health as well when you make your decisions. It has been found that backpack vacuums are the best for commercial buildings. You may also want to look at green cleaning so you are not inhaling fumes while cleaning.
Step 10: More Resources to Help Your Business Grow:
Now that you have your business in place and are filling up your schedule, you want to make sure you have resources in place to help you should you need any during the course of your business. I have found numerous websites with discussion forums that are free to use. These forums consist of other cleaning business owners asking and providing help to people just like you. Use these to your advantage to get any help you may need from filing your taxes, to what to expense, how to run a home office, bidding help, insurance help and much more. Some of my favorite forums are IJCSA and ICPA.
Now that we are done with our steps to start a commercial cleaning business, please feel free to ask us any questions should you still need help. We are happy to help you!
