Choosing a cleaning service for your business may seem like a small decision, but it really can impact your business reputation and ability to conduct your business. If you hire a company that does a sub-par job, your office could be left dirty and unkempt, leaving you and your staff to do the rest. Pair that with a company that charges an arm and a leg for its services, and your business can be out a lot of money with very little to show for it.
Before choosing your next commercial cleaning company, here are 7 things you MUST ask the companies you consider:
What Services Do You Offer?
Different commercial cleaning companies offer different levels and types of services. Some provide full top-to-bottom cleaning, including ductwork and floor polishing. Others only offer surface cleaning, sweeping, and light bathroom cleaning. You need to find a company that offers the level of service you envision for your business cleaning. Some services to consider include:
- Janitorial services
- Window cleaning
- Hard floor cleaning and maintenance
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Power washing
- Special event cleaning
Some companies automatically will disqualify themselves based on the types of services they offer, allowing you to dig deeper into the brass tacks of the company’s practices and prices when making your decision.
Do You Carry Insurance?
No matter how experienced and well-trained the staff, accidents happen. Things get knocked over and broken, or cleaners get injured. You want to be sure the company you hire has proper insurance in the event of damage done to your business’s property as well as workers’ compensation coverage for its cleaners. If the company you select does not carry sufficient insurance, you could be held liable for that expensive plate-glass window replacement or that cleaner’s bills from a broken leg.
How Do You Hire Your Cleaners?
In most cases, the cleaning crew is going to be in your building after hours. You need to make sure you can trust the crew with your equipment and confidential records. A reputable cleaning company should be willing and able to walk you through the hiring process, which should include extensive interviews and background checks. Once hired, staff members should be put through a training process to ensure that each member of their crew provides the same uniform level of service.
Can You Provide References?
A reputable company will be happy to provide the names and phone numbers of past and current clients for you to talk with. Contact as many of these references as possible and ask about the quality of service, reliability of the crew, and their overall satisfaction with the company. Also, search for each company you consider online and read as many reviews as you can find. References coming directly from a company are likely to be filtered to the most positive, while online reviews will give you a broader picture of the good and the bad.
How Many Facilities Similar to Mine Have You Cleaned?
Not all cleaning companies are experienced in commercial cleaning. Separate those experienced in cleaning businesses from those who just began offering the service with this question. While taking a chance on a service less experienced in commercial cleaning may help you get a good deal and can give a crew some much-needed experience, you are less likely to experience hiccups and issues with a company that has provided the service for several years.
Do You Provide Your Own Cleaning Supplies?
Some companies prefer to work with specific brands and types of products. In many cases, that means the company will provide them to each crew, or they may charge a monthly fee for supplies. Other companies may ask you to provide the products you wish to have used, allowing you to choose what’s best for your budget and any sensitivities your employees may have. If you are cost-conscious or particular about the products used in your office, make sure to find a company that allows you to provide your own.
Do You Offer Green Cleaning Services?
For some businesses, commitment to the environment is especially important. Maybe your office has made an effort to go as paperless as possible in recent years, or you have recycling bins out in every room. There are some commercial cleaning companies dedicated to using only green cleaning products. If this is an important cornerstone of your business, find a company that either provides its own green cleaning products or will allow you to provide your own.
Experienced Commercial Cleaning Services in Frederick County, MD
Since 2001, The Busy Bee Maids has provided exceptional cleaning services to homes and businesses throughout Frederick County, Maryland. We are proud to consider each and every current and former client a reference – just ask! For more information about how our commercial cleaning services can support your business, contact us today.
