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Posts tagged janitorial business
How to Bid Janitorial and Commercial Cleaning Jobs
Feb 24th
Everyone has an opinion.
Price Per Square Foot
Some say knowing how much to price a janitorial, office-cleaning bid at is as easy as multiplying the total cleanable square feet of a building by so many dollars or cents per square foot. Unfortunately, this formula is often tossed about without even mentioning if the figures are based on a month or a year; a piece of information those new to the cleaning business would not doubt find quite valuable to know.
For example, per square foot figures ranging from $0.08 – $0.14 per sq. ft. or $0.95 – $1.50 per sq. ft., are offered up with little or no explanation; assuming it’s common knowledge that the former generally refers to a monthly calculation; while the latter is meant for a yearly price estimate.
Educated Guess
Others suggest you should rely on your own experience, simply guesstimate how long it should take to clean, and then charge so much per hour. But, that advice can be equally misleading. And the cleaning contractor with little or no experience is at a real disadvantage. The number and kind of cleaning jobs janitorial companies face can vary greatly in size, frequency and difficulty, as well as, in the actual nature of the cleaning (i.e. professional office, industrial/manufacturing, retail, restaurant etc).
In time, many cleaning business owners come to realize the differences from one project to the next can be so significant; the idea of pricing jobs based on their best guess of cleaning times is simply not a reliable or effective bidding method. In fact, even if they could somehow, eventually, develop a way of personally guesstimating the price for cleaning jobs, they may still be leaving their cleaning business vulnerable.
On one hand, what if they ever plan on having someone else do the bidding for their cleaning business? How long would it take to thoroughly teach a new person everything it took them so many years to learn? Too long is right! And in the worst case, what if, god forbid, something unforeseen ever happens to the business owner… leaving those left behind to run the cleaning business, but with no systematic way to estimate how long a cleaning job should take or how much they should charge.
Plain and simple, for most cleaning businesses who want to grow, bidding and estimating jobs should not rest solely on one person’s shoulders. Instead, there needs to be a reliable and easy to use bidding system.
‘Standardized’ Production Rates
Finally, still others insist you should just use a "standard", generalized, overall, production rate to figure the hours needed to clean a building, and then again, simply charge so much per hour.
There are two primary kinds of production rates in the cleaning business.
One is production rates for individual cleaning tasks; which means how much sq. ft. one person can clean in one hour… performing only one task. There are also overall cleaning production rates which generally refer to how many sq. ft. of a building can be cleaned by one person in one hour performing an entire set of what some may refer to as "standard" cleaning duties.
This overall production rate approach would suggest you simply divide the total area to be cleaned by a given ‘overall’, ’standard’ production rate figure – take the resulting hours, and multiply by your hourly rate.
The only problem, of course, is that every building is unique, and the kind, level and frequency of cleaning tasks each prospective customer wants can differ greatly in type, frequency and degree of difficulty. This makes it difficult to rely on a so-called ’standard’ production rate designed to cover a whole set of so-called ’standard’ type cleaning tasks… with an acceptable level of confidence the time estimates will be reliable and the resulting price decision will be a profitable.
Workloading
So, if this one-size fits all approach falls short too – what does work? What is the best place to start?
Answer: Workloading.
That’s right, workloading each job so you have a calculated cleaning time unique to the building you’re bidding on is the place we recommend most cleaning companies should start when it comes to bidding.
And, what is workloading?
Well, it’s the process of figuring out a time estimate for how long a building should take to clean by basically "loading" the "work".
What "work"?
Well, of course, all the cleaning tasks needing to be performed.
In simplest terms, workloading is the process of entering specific information about a building such as individual measurements (i.e. room dimensions), floor types (i.e. carpet, tile) and fixture counts (sinks, toilets), and then matching them up with an appropriate series of schedules consisting of specific cleaning tasks and associated production rates to generate an average per visit cleaning time.
It really all comes down to calculating an estimated cleaning time for the building you’re bidding on. And when you have a calculated cleaning time, you can move forward confidently to pricing the job.
From there, cleaning business owners can multiply a monthly hours estimate times a properly ‘loaded’ hourly rate to determine a monthly price to charge.
When you start with calculating a cleaning time you’re way ahead of the guy who is simply guessing a price using an over-simplified method.
Janitorial bidding software programs are extremely useful and available to help you "workload" the janitorial jobs you’re bidding on.
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Janitorial Jobs – Become a Custodian
Feb 24th
Janitorial jobs have suffered much like any other industry jobs have due to the economic crisis across the country.
What Are They?
The definition for these types of jobs is rather broad, they are often confused with cleaning type jobs but according to the Department Of Labor, these types of jobs are more technical than cleaning jobs. The duties may include more maintenance type of duties than cleaning duties. Some general duties may include the following:
1) Boiler/Furnace Maintenance- a janitor may be required to maintenance a boiler or furnace.
2) Light Repair Duties- these duties may be defined simply as changing light bulbs, or may be as great as plumbing work.
3)Sidewalk Maintenance- clearing sidewalks and other walkways in common areas of debris, snow and ice.
4)Emptying Trash/Monitoring Incinerator-removing trash, calling rubbish removal company, monitoring an incinerator device in large apartment buildings.
Generally housekeepers or other cleaning type job descriptions are not expected to perform the additional duties that janitorial jobs would. Someone in this type of position may also be required to inspect building areas for repairs that is beyond their scope, but may be required to contact the right person to repair it.
Pay Rate
The pay rate for these types of positions will vary from state to state, but is usually above minimum wage and because of the additional duties that are assigned will be a couple of dollars more than a general housekeeper would expect to be paid.
In some states that are unionized the pay rate is set by the union. In other states that is not unionized the pay rate can be anything above minimum wage. Clearly it is up to the employer and the employee to come to terms on a pay rate.
Where Are They Most Likely to Be Employed
Most likely janitorial jobs are set in buildings that are commercially owned properties or in large apartment buildings. Schools, hospitals, government buildings, manufacturing plants all will probably have these types of positions.
Finding A Job
Finding a job of this nature in this economic climate may prove to be quite difficult because many companies have cut back on staff dramatically to try to save some money. Difficult but not impossible, scouring the local classified ads is a great place to start. Searching local government websites may also prove fruitful. Networking with people that you have a relationship also might result in a list of potential janitorial jobs.
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When Starting a Janitorial Service – Weigh Your Options
Nov 30th
When considering a new startup in the Janitorial business, should you go it alone, work with a partner or hook up with a franchise?
All three ways have their pros and cons and you have to consider your own personality as well. Your thoughts and ideas on how a business should be run might greatly differ from even your closest friend and if so you would probably be better off working on your own. It will mean a lot more work and overseeing different areas but even extra stress and effort would be worth the extra income and freedom.
On the other hand, if you had a business partner, you would be relieved of a lot of duties that could take you away from offering premium service to your customers as well as growing the business and collecting the revenue in a proper fashion.
Many people us a franchise when they start a janitorial business and that in and of itself is almost like having a partner. The franchisees typically have to pay between ten and thirty five percent to the mother ship and are relieved of the responsibility of carrying the receivables and sales.
The franchise generates new business on a regular basis and pays you whether the client pays or not so there is some worthwhile tradeoff when you go that route. Of course, some of the business that the franchises’ salespeople generate may not be your cup of tea and that can have some adverse effects on your business situation.
So when you do venture out into the world of self-employment, take some time and weigh all your options.
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Nov 30th
A janitorial cleaning service is one of the best businesses for a hardworking, blue collar person to start from scratch. Every business and every building needs to be cleaned once in a while – in some cases, many times each day. With the overhead involved with hiring employees to provide janitorial services, it is convenient for a company to outsource to a commercial janitorial service provider.
This is where you step in!
If you are reading this article, you are probably looking for advice on how to start a janitorial service. Hopefully the following information and advice will get you moving in the right direction.
Start Up Costs and Financing Sources:
$500 and up
It is possible to get started with almost no investment, but you will be in a much better position if you have a few hundred dollars of basic equipment available. Equipment for a full-scale commercial janitorial service may run many thousands of dollars.
Writing a sound business plan describing how to start a janitorial service in your area – including detailed market research and plans for future growth – may help you to secure some of your initial funding from venture capitalists or angel investors.
Pricing Guidelines for Service:
Base your time at $20 to $50 per hour (before taxes and expenses) and price your services according to the time you expect to spend on each task.
Itemize the exact services you intend to provide. Charging by the hour tends to make clients comfortable asking you to do more and more work for the same money. Be clear that you provide certain services for a certain price. By charging a flat fee, you will continually earn a better hourly rate as you improve and become more efficient.
Advertising and Marketing:
Get listed in the yellow pages under all of the main services you provide. This is more expensive than one general listing, but you can’t expect all of your potential clients to look under “Janitorial Services” when they are really looking for “Window Cleaners”.
Face-to-face selling can go either way. Some managers and store owners like the fortitude of this very direct way of marketing, but others find it very annoying – especially if they get a lot of people coming in and asking to wash the windows. Always obey “No Soliciting” signs.
Walk around town and identify businesses which look like they really need your help. Send a professional-looking brochure to the general manager.
Essential Equipment:
A janitorial cleaning service can start very small and build up as it grows more popular. It is sometimes possible to start out by using the equipment of the client companies, buying your own equipment with that revenue.
Get a unique uniform – and unique does not mean outrageous! A uniform looks much more professional than jeans, and it can provide a marketing service for you, as well. When people recognize your janitorial cleaning service working at the company down the street, it lends credibility to you when you approach them for a contract.
Much of the following equipment will become useful as your business expands:
Safety Equipment:
- dust mask
- safety goggles
- heat resistant gloves
- heat resistant apron
- slip resistant, steel toe shoes
- hard hat
General Supplies:
- dust mop, brooms, and dust pans
- vacuum cleaner
- window squeegee and buckets
- wet mop and bucket
- scrub brushes
- towels, lots of towels
- window cleaning solution
- degreaser solution
- carpet cleaning solution
- plunger
- drain “snake”
- basic tool set: hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
- tape measure
- utility knife and plenty of blades
- tool belt
- ladder
- 50-foot water hose
- pressure washer
- chainsaw
- weed whip
- a cargo van to carry it all
Income Potential:
$15,000 to $60,000 per year, going solo.
There is a limit to the amount you can earn working alone. As you become more successful at negotiating with clients, you can eventually start hiring other people to do the work. The ultimate earning potential is unlimited.
Target Market:
One of the nicest parts about janitorial services is that you don’t have to look for new customers week after week. After you secure a few accounts, you will have a fairly steady source of income that only changes infrequently.
Convenience stores, restaurants, grocery stores, strip malls, and office complexes are all great places to start looking.
Tips for Success:
- Always be professional and courteous. Everyone encounters stressful and undesirable working conditions once in a while. It will carry you a long way if you can remain respectful and calm when dealing with these situations. Don’t let your clients walk all over you, but don’t let them walk out on you!
- Janitorial services are very repetitive from day to day. Keep a mindset toward using your time more and more efficiently.
- Go the extra mile. Do what you can to go above and beyond your clients’ expectations. This translates to job security and a better reputation in the industry.
- You should get your janitorial cleaning service bonded and insured. If you are not bonded and insured, your prospects for business are very limited.
Training, Skills or Experience Needed:
The best training is to have worked as a janitor for some time so you know what you’re getting into. It is not easy work. Read a few books on how to start a janitorial service. No matter how much you already know, you are sure to find new information that will help you to be more successful.
Schooling is not usually necessary, but you can earn better money and find more contracts if you learn to maintain HVAC or other common equipment. There are independent classes available for this type of training.
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Nov 30th
Tired of getting down on the floor and scrubbing? For most folks running their own business, this is not exactly the part of the job they love best. Most folks also don’t like coming in an hour early or staying an hour late to sweep, dust and run that smelly blue stuff through the toilet a time or two.
That’s why we hire commercial janitorial services. Not only does it save you from doing the dirty work yourself, it also puts the work in the hands of professionals. After all, most of us aren’t born cleaners.
Make Those Floors Shine!
The biggest cleaning headache, whether it’s a small closet-sized office or a 15-story skyscraper, is floors. Floor maintenance is probably 50% of your cleaning trouble, and sweeping for 10 minutes just isn’t going to get it done.
A commercial janitorial service will handle all your floor maintenance needs, from sweeping and mopping to waxing and buffing. They have the latest gear and chemicals on the market, and they can do your carpet cleaning and pressure washing as well. Very few of us can afford to stock up on the gear you need to remove these tough stains and blemishes.
When The Windows Turn Brown…..
Window cleaning is another major janitorial duty most of us don’t want to take on by ourselves. If you’ve ever cleaned your own windows, you know how tough it is to get it just right and not leave a big smudge that says, "Nice try". These services can do your windows perfectly using the latest techniques and equipment.
It’s The Little Details That Really Matter
Windows and floors are the biggest and most noticeable problems, but there are lots of tiny details that most of us never bother with cleaning. One example is your vents. If you don’t clean your air conditioning and heating vents, you are inviting every toxin and contaminant into your work space for workers and customers to enjoy.
Dusting is another small problem. Most of us can run a duster over the desks and surfaces, but you really need somebody with the state-of-the-art dust removal equipment to get it all. There are also the high surfaces which are most prone to dust, and which you don’t want to climb on chairs to do yourself.
Odor removal is an especially tricky problem if you’re not an expert cleaner. Where is that smell coming from? I don’t know, but it stinks and your customers might prefer the nicer smelling place down the street. Odor removal is best left to a specialist.
There are many more tiny details that a commercial janitorial service can help you with like wall washing, upholstery cleaning and mold prevention. These little details are what make the difference between a clean office and an office that is sparkling each morning when you come into work.
Hiring a commercial janitorial service is a step in building your business. For every small business owner, there comes a day when they decide they’ve had enough of mopping and scrubbing, and they can shell out a few bucks to have somebody else do it. Find a commercial janitorial service in your area, and leave the dirty work to the pros.
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Internet Marketing for Commercial Cleaning Business
Oct 27th
You may have the best cleaning services on the state and your company may possess the best commercial cleaning equipment available today. However, one of the most important things to remember for your commercial cleaning business is that it takes more than service to make it through the cut-throat world of the service sector.
If you are looking for a way to promote your commercial cleaning business, one of the best and most accessible ways to go about this task is through the use of online marketing. Because the internet is one of the most accessible media available, more and more people are utilizing the web for their advertising needs. Here are several of the easy steps for you to be able to launch your own internet marketing campaign.
E-mail lists
When it comes to online marketing, emails are one of the most important things to have around. In cyberspace, the wise online marketer knows that the email contact is the most important piece of information on the web. This is because the email acts as the personal identification system in the web.
Email marketing, therefore, has become one of the most successful types of online marketing strategies to have around, since these contacts are essentially the company’s direct connection to the potential buyers. Because of this, one of the best ways to market your commercial cleaning business is through email marketing. There are several steps to successfully launching your email marketing campaign.
Lead generation
First step is to generate your janitorial service leads. The leads are the email contacts that you will use for you marketing strategy. One of the best ways to do this is through article posting in public online forums, where you can post well written material that will entice the reader to avail of your services. Add a link at the end of each article to allow them to contact you and for you to have a copy of their email address. Another way to generate leads is through lead selling companies which can be found on the internet. Be careful, however, of the types of leads that you get. The best email contacts are still those that are derived from consenting internet users who volunteer their email addresses along with other contact information such as the best places.
Article-writing
Once you have generated your janitorial lead, the next step is to create well crafted articles. This should be sent in sets, one to entice your potential customers, and another to provide the details of the service offered. But before you start your program, it is important that you have an auto-response system integrated into your email in order to provide swift response to the answers that potential clients will pose.
Updates
Once you have begun your email marketing strategy, always keep in mind that clients also need updates. For this, be prepared to occasional send additional articles offering new products, janitorial services, as well as activities that are launched by the company. With these easy steps, you can be assured that you will have an effective online marketing campaign to go with your excellent cleaning services.
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Oct 19th
Recent years have witnessed some of the most tragic financial happenings that have culminated in the global financial crisis as well as the major recession. Among the many industries that have collapsed, however, there are a few that remain. These are often the service sectors that are always in high demand no matter the external conditions. One of these includes the janitorial services. For as long as there are couches that get dirty, carpets that get soiled, and houses in general that go from clean to dirty no matter what homeowners try to do, the janitorial services are a mainstay in the service sector.
Hot item companies
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the janitorial companies are also one of the hot item companies that many people are considering. If you are one of the people who are considering starting janitorial services for financial stability, there are several important things to keep in mind however. One of these reminders is the continuing importance of advertising and marketing as a way to ensure that you remain on top of the game. Today, new trends in marketing are emerging and if you want to get that all important one step ahead of the pack, one of the best options to consider is online marketing. Here are several ways for you to start.
Pay per click advertising
One of the simplest ways to get into online advertising is through pay per click advertising. For many beginners in the fine art of online marketing, the common problem that is encountered is the inability to start. With all the many options to consider, this is understandable. Pay per click advertising is simpler, however, in that it is a service that can easily be bought from search engine companies. The logic behind this form of advertising is simple.
Information searches
According to online activity research, most internet users use the World Wide Web mainly for information searches through the use of search engines. When you use the services of pay per click advertising, each time an internet user inputs a search that is related to your website, the search engines will place your site on the first page of the search results. With pay per click advertising, each time an internet user clicks on your site in search engine results pages as a result of search engine companies placing your site first on their list, you pay the search engines a given fee.
Web advertising
Another easy option that you can try in order to jump start your janitorial company on the World Wide Web is through the use of web advertising. These also use minimum internet know-how to allow novice internet marketers the best ways to promote their sites. In web advertising, you choose a site that is related to the services which you render, and pay them for space on their web pages for you to post you advertisements. Most online forums that attract thousands of web users each day offer these services and allow you to divert a good number of users to your own site.
Online marketing is one of the best ways to ensure that your janitorial company will have the much needed edge above others. Through these tips you can easily get ahead of the pack.
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