Commercial cleaning is highly profitable if you take it on with the correct techniques. Learn the best way to start by speaking with one of our professionals in the field.
Cleaning for residential and commercial use are two completely different realms. However, many entrepreneurs try to succeed in both. Jeff Cross, ISSA media director, discusses the things business owners should know before entering the commercial cleaning field in conversation with Sharon Cowan, CBSE, CEO and president of Cleaning Business Consulting Group.
Suppose you’re a domestic cleaning business looking to expand into the commercial sector. In that case, Cowan says the first option to consider is the amount of commercial work you’re after, and if “you’re going to dip your toe in the water and just take what organically comes your way, an occasional office here and there, or if you’re going to have a full-fledged division and set up some goals, set up a budget, some timelines, and some action plans.” She says getting your feet wet may be a good idea; however, adding a commercial section to your company requires much work and planning. If you are considering making this change, Cowan recommends attending every event, conference, or occasion that you can and hiring a consultant who can guide you through managing a commercial cleaning company.
For entrepreneurs who are ready to take the jump to commercial clean-up, Cowan offers these four methods to get started:
1 | Locating clients
Finding customers and securing commercial accounts require various marketing strategies, from cold calling to digital marketing. Cowan states that “any service business is a people business,” so social networking and community involvement are crucial. She suggests that you get your name known to the community to ensure that you’re the first thing that pops into your mind when someone thinks of the need for janitorial services.
In addition, having face-to-face contact with clients is much more essential for commercial cleaning than in residential. Instead of providing online quotes or bookings, commercial customers require in-person meetings to decide on the timeframe for cleaning and the scope of work and cost. “Being seen and seeing people” is the most important thing you need to do to succeed in this field, Cowan explains.
2 | Job pricing
A proper pricing system for commercial work is vital. However, it can be difficult to achieve online, so it is recommended to meet in person with your client to view the space, discuss their requirements, and develop a rapport with them. Like residential cleaning, the cost of jobs is according to the time needed for cleaning. However, cleaning more excellent commercial spaces in a time than you can for residential squares is possible. “We might move through a house at 800 square feet an hour to clean, whereas in a commercial property we might move through at 2500 an hour to clean,” Cowan says. In commercial spaces, there are a variety of variables that could determine how long a task takes and how it is priced. That’s why in-person estimates are required.
It’s also important to remember that commercial cleaning profit margins are usually lower than residential margins. However, the amount and frequency and the amount of revenue are typically higher with retail customers. Because it requires many customers from residential homes to produce the same gains as a handful of commercial customers, Commercial cleaning also needs less travel time and is easier to handle, follow up with, and keep.
3 | HR staff
Commercial cleaning staffing looks distinct as well. Cowan claims that the majority of commercial cleaning work is nighttime and, instead of looking for full-time “career cleaners,” you need to look for part-time cleaners looking to earn a little extra income day each week. They are easier to locate compared to full-time day cleaning staff, and they are highly stable employees who have day-time jobs (with references and a history of work that you can follow) and are willing to work only a few hours per week.
4 | Maintaining clients
After you’ve hired your team and your business cleaning department is in operation, The next step is maintaining the clients you’ve accumulated. “The secret sauce for keeping those accounts is consistent delivery of service,” according to Cowan. “And the best way to ensure that you are consistent is through constant supervision. You shouldn’t hand people mops and buckets and a key to a building and not be able to see them for a month.” A quality control supervisor must monitor your cleaning crews during the evening to increase the communication between staff members, their rapport, and accountability. Furthermore, Cowan recommends having a supervisor come to the accounts during the day and conduct checks when the client is present. This creates trust and credibility with your customer and demonstrates your commitment to providing top-quality service.