Your business needs cleaning services. Where do you start? Most businesses fire up Google and start searching for local cleaners. But, is this really the best way to go about it? Not really. What you want to do first is try to get references from other businesses that you know and respect - businesses that always seem clean. Ask them who does their cleaning. Alternatively, ask friends and family, if you know they use a cleaning service. When all else fails, of course, there’s always your favourite search engine. Here’s how to negotiate the deal.

What Does The Contract Say?

Contracts typically cover specific services. If it’s not in the contract, then the company does not do the work. Contract-cleaners also typically require you to accept their services for a minimum period of time. So, for example, a contracted cleaner may require you to purchase cleaning services for at least 6 months, possibly a year. This puts you on the hook for those services, regardless of the quality of the job done.

Of course, you often have recourse if the job isn’t done according to your liking, including “right to cure” provisions which offer you either a bill of credit for services or additional, extended, cleaning services in the event the job isn’t done properly.

However, not all cleaning contracts contain this provision, so read over your contract carefully before signing it.

Is There a No-Contract Provision?

Ideally, you will start with a company that doesn’t require lengthy contracts, or any contracts whatsoever. These types of companies operate on a month-to-month basis, so you only pay for services as you need them. For example, one of the better-known companies out there that offers this type of arrangement is Total Concept Commercial Cleaning.

You are not locked into a contract, and instead are billed every month for services.

The upside to an arrangement like this is that you’re not making a long-term commitment. Even when a company does offer “right to cure” provisions, it doesn’t always mean you’ll have an easy time collecting on those promises. A no-contract company solves this problem right from the get-go.

Do They Do A Walkthrough?

A good cleaning company will do a walkthrough. This is where a staff member will explain to you the services you may need, what will be cleaned, and what your rights and responsibilities will be. It also gives the cleaners a better idea of what they need to charge you, so you get fair and accurate pricing.

Conduct Several Interviews

Just like you wouldn’t hire the first employee candidate that walked through the door, you shouldn’t hire the first commercial cleaner that wants your business. They all want your business. You should interview at least 3 cleaners, ideally 5. Why 5? Because, it gives you a little more information about the marketplace. Any more than that and it turns into quite a lot of work finding a cleaner. Any less and you may not be getting the absolute best survey of the pricing in the marketplace.

Jamie Smart, a long-time business owner, has hired his share of cleaning companies over the years. An avid writer, he enjoys helping other business owners by posting what he has discovered over time. Look for his informative articles mostly on business, corporate and office-related websites and blogs.