The 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring Your Next Janitorial Company
Is your current janitorial company’s idea of cleaning your building simply pulling the trash?
Are you tired of inconsistent or non-existent service? Does it bother you that different people are in your building each time it is cleaned? Is it frustrating you that when you call to complain, you are not getting your issues resolved?
If so, it is time to look for another janitorial company. But wait, haven’t you been through all of this before? Wouldn’t you like to find a janitorial company that you can build a long term relationship with, and feel like you are getting your money’s worth at the same time?
This can be done, and here are the seven questions you need to ask any prospective janitorial company:
1. Are you bonded and insured?
If you are dealing with a reputable janitorial company, they will have commercial general liability insurance. This covers your building, and your neighbor’s building for any damages that occur during the cleaning of your building.
We never like to think of anything bad happening, but if it does, the only way to protect your business is if your cleaning company had CGL (commercial general liability) insurance when you retained them.
Most state minimums for CGL insurance is $300,000.00 per occurrence. However, to be on the safe side, look for a company with at least $1 million in CGL insurance.
The bond covers employee dishonesty, such as theft or vandalism. Many bonds start out as low as $5,000.00 in coverage. Established companies will carry anywhere from $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 bonds.
You may ask for a copy of their bond and insurance during the bid process. If they cannot provide this, you should not consider their proposal.
2. Do you perform background checks and drug testing?
Again, this is a common practice with reputable cleaning companies. And they will be willing to provide you with this for each person in your building.
3. How long have you been in business?
Established companies will have references that span several years. Do you really want to open up your facility to a start up business?
Also, make sure that the managers or supervisors are full time. If you are dealing with someone who has a “day job” what will happen if you try to contact them while they are working their other job?
4. How many employees do you have?
This may seem like an odd question, but what if your cleaner is sick? Do they have a back-up plan to get your building cleaned?
5. What type of training do your personnel receive?
Is there a formal training program followed? Can they provide you with proof of this training? This can be the difference between a long term service and a “90 day wonder.”
6. What if I am unhappy with your service?
How easy is it to contact you? Is there 24 hour availability? How fast can a conflict be resolved? The established company will have directives in place to resolve disputes and provide smooth operations in the cleaning of your facility.
7. Is there a contract?
Be wary of any janitorial company that wants you to sign a long term contract, such as one year or two years. The industry standard right now is a 30 day service agreement.
This means that either party can cancel at any time with 30 day written notice. This protects both parties. It protects you and your facility from having a cleaning service “walk off the job.”
In turn, it protects the jobs of the cleaning service personnel and allows their staff time to find a new source of income should their jobs come to an end. Janitorial companies who care about both their clients and their staff will provide 30 service notices.
These 7 questions should help you in choosing a new janitorial service provider.
