How to Bid a Commercial Cleaning Job
Posted by Suji Siv @Clean Group on 2023-04-02
How to Bid a Commercial Cleaning Job
As the demand for commercial cleaning services continues to grow, more and more companies are entering the market. However, to stand out and win contracts, it's crucial for cleaning businesses to know how to bid on commercial cleaning jobs effectively. Here are five key steps when bidding on a retail cleaning job.
- Conduct a Site Visit
When bidding on a commercial cleaning job, conducting a site visit is essential to assess the scope of work and the cleaning requirements. The site visit should be scheduled when you can thoroughly evaluate the space and ask any questions about the job. During the site visit, take note of the size and layout of the area, the type of flooring, the number of restrooms, and any other unique features that may require special attention. It's also essential to assess the level of cleanliness and the current condition of the space to determine the amount of work needed to get it to the desired standard.
Another important consideration during the site visit is safety. Be sure to take note of any potential hazards, such as loose or damaged flooring, that could pose a risk to your employees or the client's staff. You should also consider any access or security requirements and plan accordingly.
After the site visit, following up with the client to clarify any details or questions you may have about the job is essential. This will ensure that you clearly understand the scope of work and the client's expectations.
- Determine the Cleaning Frequency
Determining the cleaning frequency is essential when bidding on a commercial cleaning job. The frequency will depend on factors such as the size of the space, the number of employees, and the level of foot traffic. For example, a small office with a few employees may only require cleaning once or twice a week, whereas a large retail store with heavy foot traffic may require daily cleaning.
Working closely with clients is essential to determine their cleaning needs and preferences. For instance, some clients may prefer cleaning after hours to minimize disruption to their operations, while others may choose cleaning during business hours. You should also consider any specific cleaning requirements, such as specialized equipment or products for particular surfaces or materials.
- Calculate the Labor Costs
The labour cost is one of the most significant expenses when bidding on a commercial cleaning job. To calculate the labour cost, you must determine the number of cleaning hours required to complete the job and multiply it by the hourly wage rate. It's essential to consider factors such as the cleaning frequency, the space size, and the level of cleaning required when calculating the labour cost.
It would help if you also considered additional expenses, such as employee benefits, taxes, and insurance. Ensuring that the labour cost is realistic and covers all fees associated with the job is essential.
It's also important to consider the efficiency of your cleaning crew when estimating the labour cost. If you have an experienced and efficient team, they can complete the job in less time than a less professional team, saving on labour costs.
- Estimate the Cost of Supplies and Equipment
In addition to labour costs, you must estimate the supplies and equipment needed to complete the job. This includes cleaning products, tools, and equipment such as vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, and pressure washers.
When estimating the cost of supplies and equipment, it's essential to consider the quality and durability of the products and equipment. Cheap or low-quality products may save you money in the short term but can lead to additional costs in a long time if they need to be replaced frequently. Investing in high-quality, durable equipment and supplies are essential to minimize the risk of breakdowns or malfunctions.
You should also consider any eco-friendly or sustainable cleaning products or equipment that may be required. These products may be more expensive than traditional cleaning products, but they can be a selling point for clients who prioritize sustainability.
- Submit a Competitive Bid
After conducting the site visit, determining the cleaning frequency, calculating the labour costs, and estimating the cost of supplies and equipment, it's time to submit a competitive bid to the client. The request should be presented professionally and transparently and include all the details of the job and the associated costs.
When submitting the bid, it's important to emphasize the value you provide and what sets you apart from your competitors. This may include your experience, team qualifications, commitment to sustainability, or ability to accommodate the client's specific requirements. You should also provide references and examples of past work to demonstrate your capabilities and expertise.
It's essential to ensure the bid is competitive while covering all the costs associated with the job. This will ensure you can deliver high-quality cleaning services while making a profit.
In conclusion, bidding on a commercial cleaning job requires careful consideration of several factors, including conducting a site visit, determining the cleaning frequency, calculating the labour costs, estimating the cost of supplies and equipment, and submitting a competitive bid. By taking the time to evaluate the job requirements and provide a competitive bid thoroughly, you can set yourself apart from the competition and win more cleaning contracts.
Source facts about how to bid on a commercial cleaning job:
- "The Ultimate Guide to Bidding Commercial Cleaning Jobs" by Swept provides a step-by-step process for bidding on commercial cleaning jobs, including conducting a site visit, determining the cleaning frequency, calculating labour costs, estimating the cost of supplies and equipment, and submitting a competitive bid.
- According to the ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, factors to consider when bidding on a commercial cleaning job include the size and complexity of the space, the level of cleaning required, the frequency of cleaning, the number of employees, and the type of equipment and supplies needed.
- A Cleaning & Maintenance Management study found that successful commercial cleaning bids typically require a profit margin of between 20-30%, which considers all the costs associated with the job, including labour, supplies, and equipment.
- The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) recommends including a detailed cleaning checklist in your bid proposal, outlining all the cleaning tasks that will be performed and the frequency at which they will be done to ensure that both you and the client have a clear understanding of the scope of work.
- According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), bidding on a commercial cleaning job requires researching the market and competition, identifying the client's specific needs and requirements, and developing a detailed pricing strategy that covers all the costs associated with the job.