If you are looking to partner with a third party service provider such as a commercial cleaning company or Janitorial Services for the first time or are deciding whether to renew your current contract, here are 11 success factors we have identified in serving over 15 million square feet of business facilities every day …
What factors to consider before signing a commercial cleaning or Janitorial Service contract?
1: References.
Ask cleaning companies for references that can attest to the quality of their service.
2: Experience and training.
Experience is critical, but it is so much better when backed by ongoing training. Ask for information on the training staff cleaners receive, who trains them, and how often they receive their training.
3: Certifications.
Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) comply with the following: They protect you and your business and, in some cases, save you money. Ask for a list of all the certifications related to your business.
4: Insurance.
Make sure any commercial cleaning company you consider is fully insured and insured for the safety of you, your company, and your facility.
5: Availability.
Ask your cleaning company about the times and hours when they are not on duty. Do you have any? What is your policy regarding emergency requests or issues that arise outside of regular business hours? Get real life examples of how they have reached specific customers.
6: Responsibility.
Find out how the company will measure and monitor your success on your job site. How will you provide the feedback and what will they do with it? Is there a formal complaint procedure? Can you provide tracking tools?
7: Green cleaning.
Find out what green cleaning products, processes and certifications the cleaning companyand if they can help your business obtain the kinds of green certifications that will help you meet your environmental goals.
8: Customizable plans and programs.
Don’t get cornered by a cleaning program that provides too much cost or insufficient plans for your installation. Ask the supplier if they offer any additional services that can streamline your processes and improve your bottom line.
9: Security.
Make sure that any company you work with complies with the laws of OSHA, provide uniforms and / or badges so that your personnel are easily recognizable, have established processes and procedures to protect confidential records and keep them and your personnel and facilities as secure as possible.
10: Supplies and Equipment.
Ask about the products and equipment the cleaning company uses. Are they respectful with the environment? Do you buy locally? How much are they spending on supplies and are they actively looking for ways to save?
11: The personal factor.
Ask to meet the person or persons in charge who will manage your account. Find out what procedures are in place to replace cleaning personnel who are not doing the job or are not suitable for your facility.