I recently started a commercial cleaning company (incorporated, insured)and met with two business advisors (won't mention the name of org)... they weren't too encouraging... said I was trying to start too big and figured I didn't need the business for income because I still work part time as a software developer... they said I didn't have a clue... just because I asked them if it would be effective if I outsourced an outbound appointment setting campaign. I have already tried online campaigns, however, that resulted in more people looking for jobs than companies looking for bids. (I did go on 2 bids: 1 I overbid and the other they wanted a 1x cleaning and emailed that they were interested but then never responded when I tried to follow up with scheduling)

I am not sure exactly what you are asking Venture. "outbound appointment setting campaign"?

What are you trying to do? An overview please.

Please explain in more detail and if I can help I would be pleased to do so.

Stringer

Yes, are you looking to hire a group to do phone calls and try to set up appointments ?

Many places do this, but it can be costly and often have few results.

The best and most used way is to get off your desk and go business to business meeting the Maintenice managers and find out who they use, what they pay, if they do it themselves and starting to build up a relationship to sell them now or down the road.

Yes, that's exactly what I meant. Hiring a call center to do the appointment setting in order to meet with the property/facility manager.

Also, is it appropriate to ask how much they currently pay?. and do they hesitate to answer that question?

Also, is it appropiate to ask how much they currently pay?...and do they hesitate to answer that question?

It is but only under certain circumstances Venture.

Stop in ask if you may see the person who 'contracts; for their nightly janitorial services. If you are lucky you may get to see them right away, if not collect their name, title, phone number, email and fax. Actually ask if you may have their card all of this should be on it. Make an appointment to see them. Like any type of sales it is build not only on the product/service but trust, professionalism, knowledge, innovation, competitiveness, passive aggressiveness, etc.

It is appropriate to ask what they are presently paying 'IF' you have had a chance to build some quick rapport, if not then do not ask at this time. They may feel that you are pushing it somewhat.

May I ask do you have any experience in the operational end of cleaning?

Stringer

Stringer,

Thanks for that info. You know I don't have any experience in the operational end of cleaning. I have read up quite a bit on it: from site visit(I feel comfortable doing it) to creating a professional proposals/contract. I have a good idea what to charge in the my area(I think... might have to go on a few more bids). I just don't have that kind of sales in me if there isn't already an appointment set up.

Also, I have a another question regarding biding on city housing common areas... is it lowest bid wins?

Thanks again.

Stringer,

Thanks for that info. You know I don't have any experience in the operational end of cleaning. I have read up quite a bit on it: from site visit(I feel comfortable doing it) to creating a professional proposals/contract. I have a good idea what to charge in the my area(I think...might have to go on a few more bids). I just don't have that kind of sales in me if there isn't already an appointment set up.

Also, I have a another question regarding biding on city housing common areas....is it lowest bid wins?

Thanks again.

You will have to learn to make 'first contact' Venture or you will have little success I am afraid. Every day that you meet someone new in your life you are selling yourself. I personally enjoy and like meeting new people and I enjoy making it a pleasant experience. Just be knowledgeable, pleasant and be yourself, if you like people it will show through.

Most often in government and municipal bidding the bid package wording is; " low and or best qualified bidder'. So yes, usually if you are requested to bid and receive a bid package then you are qualified and it usually comes down to price I am afraid. Especially in this economy Venture.

Please explain, you have no experience in the cleaning business?

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

Thank you again for the info. I was supposed to start this business with a friend who had experience working at his family owned property management company out of state while in college. So, I started the whole marketing plan and did it all in a about 1 week(website, double sided folding flyers, adsense/adword plan... )it all costs $$ and he decided to back out because he didn't have the finances for starting up... he was going to be the experience in the operational end of the cleaning business. I got so excited about the project I decided to continue forward. And here I am learning the operational end as I'm going along. I think I can really benefit from you intput. Thanks.

hi Stringer,

Thank you again for the info. I was supposed to start this business with a friend who had experience working at his family owned property management company out of state while in college. So, I started the whole marketing plan and did it all in a about 1 week(website, double sided folding flyers, adsense/adword plan...)it all costs $$ and he decided to back out because he didn't have the finances for starting up.....he was going to be the experience in the operational end of the cleaning business. I got so excited about the project I decided to continue forward. And here I am learning the operational end as I'm going along. I think I can really benefit from you intput. Thanks.

Just ask away Venture, be glad to help.

hi Stringer,

I'm back! And I was curious to know about the best way to invoice the customers. If it''s a daily cleaning 5x/wk seems too long to wait until the end of the month to invoice.

hi Stringer,

I'm back! and I was curious to know about the best way to invoice the customers. If it''s a daily cleaning 5x/wk seems too long to wait until the end of the month to invoice.

All commercial cleaning is billed monthly for the most part, barring any special agreements where the client request something else.

Some companies will invoice for the month as soon as they start and request payment on the 15th Venture. This can be justified by 'sharing' the cost so to speak. It doesn't hurt to try this. If they disagree then invoice right away with payment due at the end of the month with a 1 or 2 % late charge if not paid on time (This is usually overlooked if a good client though).

Stringer

OK, great that's exactly what I was thinking. Thank you so much.

ok, great that's exactly what I was thinking. Thank you so much.

You are welcome Venture, please keep me advised on your progress.

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

I need your personal/professional opinion on my situation. It's like this... in the last month or so I've been on 4 bids and didn't seem to get any of the jobs. They were all looking to find a new cleaning company because their current one wasn't doing a very good job. I've emailed the proposals and followed up with all of them with an email to confirm that they were able to open the emailed document and that if they had any question, comments or concerns to free to contact me. No one has responded in any way. So these people I've met with aren't the warmest and fuzziest I've ever met. Not sure if it's just the attitude of just meeting with the cleaning company. I've worked and still work in corporate america

(oops typing too fast)... and really haven't met with such cold people. Is this common attitude in the business?

HI Venture,

Welcome to my world.

Not really, YOU bring the professionalism to this business. How you handle yourself, what you say, how you say it and... how you dress and carry yourself. True like in any sales there is always going to be those who for some reason are 'stand offish' in reality Venture it is the 'sizzle.' Granted you need to be a good, thorough, professional company that always tries to do the very best you can and never stop learning. But what sells the steak in the restaurant is the sizzle (sound of the hot steak on your plate) and the smell before that delicious taste. What you present is very important not just plopping a cold steak on a plate. Like insurance, cleaning isn't important until IT IS and you need it.

I never, unless it is the only way, email or fax a proposal/contract (period). It is most important to get 'face' time, quickly build rapport with your contact AND hopefully the decision making person. Dress in a sports coat, tie and shinny shoes... I know, it sounds old fashioned but I dress this way for meetings because I am a professional and I do it out of respect for my prospect. Set yourself aside from the herd of cattle, be serious about what you do and treat it with respect. You will be surprised how many will pick up on this and treat you the same way. During these meetings you need to ask the RIGHT questions: when will you make your decision, who will make the final decision, can I meet this person, (can I have his/her info: full name, email, title----do you have their business card, etc?), what EXACTLY were your problems with your present cleaning company, how long were they cleaning here, why are you making a change, what are your top three important items that you want from your cleaning company, etc?

Don't slough, sit up straight, look them in the eye, smile (at the proper time) and MOST IMPORTANT ---LISTEN intently AND take notes in front of them. Offer them help/advice/suggestions that may not even benefit you but may help them.

Sell your business not because you need the business but because you can do the job and HELP your prospect.

When you make the initial call ask them for a brief meeting to understand them and their needs. Remember, "no one (including your prospect) wants to hire a company that is not going to work out and has to be terminated, you lose and they lose". They want you to get them to respect you and have confidence in you. They want you to convince them and to prove to them that if they choose you they made the right decision. They want to feel 'warm and fuzzy' about their decision Venture.

I always sell value first (why they should hire us). Come up with a list of why you and your company are different and better without sounding like an egoist... just confident.

Try calling each bid that you lose to do a post review. Tell them it will only take minutes and will assist you greatly;

What were the reasons they hired the other company initially? Was I competitive, how close? "Sir", will you please be candid with me; why did I lose the bid? What could I have done better? If it was only price the how much higher was I or can you give me a percentage of how much higher I was? Tell them that you very much appreciate their time and value their comments that it will only advance your knowledge and your company and make you better at what you do, you need to know where you stand. (Do this each time). Even if you get the contract, at some point sit down with them and have them give you the reasons they chose you also.

I have only touched briefly into this venture with you but I hope it helps some. You have to have the attitude and the tenacity that you will not fail and that you will make as many calls and bids as necessary to get the contracts.

I am sure that you have heard the expression that in order to have others like you you have to like yourself. This carries into business also. Treat them as though you are looking for new friends. And hopefully that is what they will become. And they may even give your name to others also (referrals - best way to get new business).

God I love selling... You take something that is nothing and you 'birth' it and nurture it to maturity and it was you, no one else, but you, you created the 'sale.'

Read my 'signatures' below Venture.

Stringer

Hi Stringer,
Thank you so much. The information was very insightful and funny because I had a vision of myself in a "sports coat, tie and shinny shoes"... I'm a female :)... and I don't think I look like someone who would be coming in to clean their facility and I think they kind of shut me out automatically and they're the ones who avoid the eye contact, quickly walking me through the facility, giving me very short answers to any questions that I ask.
I actually haven't made any calls to try to get business. Every facility bid that I've gone on has been them calling me based on their internet searches. I have asked how they prefer to receive the estimate and all have said via email.

I will take your suggestions and implement them in my initial meetings and see how things change.

Thanks again.

hi Stringer,
Thank you so much. The information was very insightful and funny because I had a vision of myself in a "sports coat, tie and shinny shoes"....I'm a female :) ...and I don't think I look like someone who would be coming in to clean their facility and I think they kind of shut me out automatically and they're the ones who avoid the eye contact, quickly walking me through the facility, giving me very short answers to any questions that I ask.
I actually haven't made any calls to try to get business. Every facility bid that I've gone on has been them calling me based on their internet searches. I have asked how they prefer to recieve the estimate and all have said via email.

I will take your suggestions and implement them in my initial meetings and see how things change.

Thanks again.

Ha ha, I suppose that I should apologize Venture (ma'am :)).

There are always challenges, always will be. If it were easy... well you know... It is an obtained, learned skill along with the tenacity or intrinsic fortitude that an individual has deep inside. Keep doing it, selling is the life blood of any business, nothing happens until you or someone sells it.

I sense that you have the drive to succeed Venture but never let up. 20 years ago when my partner and I started our company he had little experience in sales or in the commercial cleaning business, he learned though. He is good on the operations end and I mostly handle the sales and PR part. Now he lives in a house valued at over $900,00.00, drives a big Audi and vacations about 12 weeks a year at our 3,000 sq ft condo in Naples Fl beside a beautiful golf course.

But for the first few years we struggled some and when necessary we also cleaned. We focused on a niche market (medical cleaning) and learned everything about medical cleaning. We do over $7 million a year in business, but WE DIDN'T in the beginning, each of us took only about $2,000.00/month for the first two years. We determined that we would do whatever it took to be successful. Now we give to charities, speak at seminars and conventions, etc.

You have to continually educate yourself in sales and your market/business, make yourself the expert. Find and absorb everything you can about this business.

Anything I can do to help you I will. I like working with people that WANT to put in the time and effort to be a success.

Stringer

Thanks Stringer,

Failure is not an option for me... Ever! I Will do whatever it takes to succeed in everything I do. It's not so much for the money that I'm doing this because I don't need this money to live on. It's the challenge... the glory of succeeding on what I set to accomplish... it's all about self fullfilment not about the material things. I'm generous now it would only allow me to be more generous.
I'd love to hear you guys speak at a convention or seminar... you have some great information and willing to share it in a kind way(very important). Let me know if you ever do an event in the Boston area.

Thanks Again

[QUOTE=venture;3124831]Thanks Stringer,

Hi Stringer.

I'm back and have a few accounts now. I've been asked for estimate on cleaning a bank. Is a bank any different than any other office area?

Thanks.

[QUOTE=venture;3124831]Thanks Stringer,

Hi Stringer.

I'm back and have a few accounts now. I've been asked for estimate on cleaning a bank. is a bank any different than any other office area?

Thanks.

Yes, primarily security.

Some banks require background checks on all workers and supervision.

All waste from the 'teller lines' are usually kept for seven (7) days. Then on the eight day of cleaning the first day's waste is thrown away.

Also security may require that you arrive and leave at certain times of the night.

And remember that you are most likely being videoed.

Stringer

Thanks Stringer,

I got the job!

Thanks Stringer,

I got the job!

Great Venture, glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know.

Stringer

OK Stringer,

I got a really weird request to take the trash from a office cleaning job. They basically are moving into a new office space and won't be renting a dumpster. The trash would include 10 regular trash containers, 1 shredder container, 2 restroom containers and 1 kitchen trash... every night. How would I go about pricing the trash disposal... and am not even sure where I'd take the trash other than back home with me... uugghhh.

ok Stringer,

I got a really weird request to take the trash from a office cleaning job. They basically are moving into a new office space and won't be renting a dumpster. The trash would include 10 regular trash containers, 1 shredder container, 2 restroom containers and 1 kitchen trash...every night. How would I go about pricing the trash disposal....and am not even sure where I'd take the trash other than back home with me....uugghhh.

Really?

In 35 years in this business I have never, never had that request Venture. This is beyond your responsibilities, if you do this you are open to other problems;

No insurance to transport trash of any kind other than to a designated container.

Even though this is an office you could have hazardous waste ( blood from band aids, blood on cotton swabs, body fluids such as urine, throw up, etc... ). This is strictly controlled by the law and could bring law suits.

If you or your staff is injured while transporting this... well...

They are going beyond reason to save money. You are NOT a trash hauler and you don't want to be either.

You could also run into trouble with unions that do transport trash.

Tell them that they need to make arrangements to have a dumpster/s or get permission to use someone else's that is on site, this is SOP.

'Not with a ten foot pole... '

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

So now I need some tips on hiring people. I'm not a micromanager type of person so what's the best way to go about it?

Hello Venture,

Do you have any employees presently?

The key is having enough work to keep good people and give them steady work.

Hiring 'key' people is vital. People that you can trust and want to grow with your company (give them incentives). These people are sometimes hard to find and you may go through some before you find the right one/s.

Interview them closely and be detailed in asking questions about themselves, their attitude/s, work ethics, family oriented (?), experience in this business, contacts (can they help find workers for the company), etc.

We were fortunate in the beginning that we found a person that fits all the criteria above and they were with us for three years and then we helped him start his own cleaning company.

Now we have an Operations Director, 9 supervisors, three two man floor crews and over 300 employees. The supervisors are responsible for hiring workers, their evaluations, promotions and terminations when necessary after three written warnings.

Stringer

Yikes, that's quite a crowd... 300. No, I don't have anyone yet. However, I will be needing someone and that would involve giving them the keys to a couple of sites. I just don't know how to tackle that. How do you know that you can really trust them with the keys and should there be a signed document when you give them the key responsiblitiy even though I have insured/bonded them as well as a criminal background check. Also, do most cleaners like to clean solo or as part of a team. I was thinking a team effort would be more efficient and thorough.

Yikes, that's quite a crowd... 300. No, I don't have anyone yet. However, I will be needing someone and that would involve giving them the keys to a couple of sites. I just don't know how to tackle that. How do you know that you can really trust them with the keys and should there be a signed document when you give them the key responsiblitiy even though I have insured/bonded them as well as a criminal background check. Also, do most cleaners like to clean solo or as part of a team. I was thinking a team effort would be more efficient and thorough.

It is to your advantage when more than one person cleans Venture. Should one be sick or just not show you have a back up plan as you should always have with everything. Remember your contract calls for the sites to be cleaned regardless of any situation.

Admittedly initially you have to take a chance on people, just find ways to reduce that risk when ever and where ever you can. This business involves a lot of trust. Trust in you from your clients and your trust in your employees to do the very best job in town. Remember you have to produce always as there are many that will take your business quickly if you don't keep your clients happy... communicate with them also.

In the beginning it is difficult and sometimes you have to devise something that 'shores' up your odds. In the residential cleaning business, which my wife started and 4 years later sold for a nice profit, she held the first paycheck as other owners in that business did. Then when anything was broken or perhaps stolen (something which happens rarely, but crap flows downhill and the cleaning person is always the first to get blamed, kind of like the oil catch pan under the engine) or they leave and you need something back from them they get their check when you get the keys. Sometimes only a portion of each check is kept until a certain total is arrived at. Tell them it will be placed in a savings account and the interest will also be paid to them. After a time and they prove to be good employees then give them that money. This is your choice, I never have done this in my commercial business though.

Get to know your workers very well, their home, family, etc that helps also.

In twenty years we have NEVER missed a payroll, you should never either as this is one of the biggest motivators for the workers. Give a small cash bonus when is it warranted too.

In the beginning it is very hectic and requires a lot of your time, heart and energy... however remember failure is not an option never...

And finally, there will be heartbreaks and disappointments but the rewards are an extreme 'high.' That feeling that YOU took something that was nothing taught it how to crawl, walk and run... is very satisfying Venture along with rewarding.

Stringer

Stringer,

Thank you so much for the info. I just started an employee handbook and will include the holding of last pay check bit, will include a core values section... you've brought up some great points for interviewing and I got some good ideas on how to expand on it... Thanks so much!

As always Venture you are very welcome. If I may be of further assistance let me know.

Stringer

As always Venture you are very welcome. If I may be of further assistance let me know.

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

What is the min/max evening hours that employees are usually looking for. Are most of them working a second job?

hi Stringer,

What is the min/max evening hours that employees are usually looking for. Are most of them working a second job?

It is my hope that you are using employees and not sub contractors Venture, it will save you a ton of problems in the future my friend.

A lot of our employees are 'part time' which is 32 hours / week or more as described by the sate and feds. We have some that work more than one location per night based upon the size of each and the hours involved each night. Although the time spent traveling to the second account is on the clock.

It is important to give enough hours to keep good people and in some cases where the location is in an area where it is difficult to find good help you have to pay more per hour. Anything over 40 hours per week is over time Venture at time and a half. Remember this in your pricing.

Actually tracking your hours is vital and you could keep most at 30 or less hours per week. We pay twice per month not every other week.

In response to your question; Some, not many do work other jobs, hopefully not for a competitor though. We offer most around 30 hours per week.

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

No, I'm not using subcontractors... not sure what that other post was about.
Yes, I've already looked into my state's labor hr laws. I wanted to get a better idea of what kind of hours a cleaner is looking for. I want to provide them with enough hours to have them stick with the job and just wasn't sure if most would be coming from another full time job and would only want 2-4hrs each night.

Also, In a few days I'm going to bid on an upscale apartment complex it's going to be the common areas and management offices. Do you have any tips for me. This might require a day porter there to maintain the gamerooms, gyms, indoor play area etc. I don't have the specifics of the sq ft yet. Thanks, you've been a great help.

hi Stringer,

No, I'm not using subcontractors ...not sure what that other post was about.
Yes, I've already looked into my state's labor hr laws. I wanted to get a better idea of what kind of hours a cleaner is looking for. I want to provide them with enough hours to have them stick with the job and just wasn't sure if most would be coming from another full time job and would only want 2-4hrs each night.

Also, In a few days I'm going to bid on an upscale apartment complex it's going to be the common areas and management offices. Do you have any tips for me. This might require a day porter there to maintain the gamerooms, gyms, indoor play area etc. I don't have the specifics of the sq ft yet. Thanks, you've been a great help.

Some workers do have other jobs Venture, handle it on a per person basis and ask good questions during the interview process.

Check the specs carefully as always and ask questions about anything that you are not absolutely sure of. This also gives you a chance to get your 'face' in front of your prospect again, always a good thing.

One problem with apartment or condo jobs is that sometimes every tenant thinks that they are your boss and even though not directly... they are. In essence you will have many 'managers', each wanting you to do something for them or telling you how you are doing your job. If you get the job, set up with management exactly how communications/complaints and requests will be handled.

A day porter is a 'special' hire Venture. He/she has to be very punctual, neat, clean, always polite, IN UNIFORM (even if just a tee shirt with your company name on it), cheerful AND remember WHOM they actually work for. Sometimes they become so close to your client and their people that they feel indispensable and they can be hard to handle, politely remind them who signs their check each pay day. And that they represent the company. And remember that they are not 'gophers' (go-for this or that), they have specific job tasks and you should provide them and management with a list of their daily tasks and the approximate time each will be preformed. Along with what time is break or lunchtime.

The common areas can be a problem especially in the winter months with slush and salt on the hard floors and the carpet/s.You will have to plan to devote additional labor/time to this as the floors are the first thing that everyone notices, one task that the day porter can help out with. Make sure that when you train your crew that they understand that they have to always take care of any carpet spots. Everything else is pretty standard work Venture. However as I said read your specs carefully as there may be some unusual items in there such as use of the washer and dryer, cleaning any equipment, etc.

Read the specs and let me know.

Stringer.

hi Stringer,

So, I got the specs for the facility... no odd requests. Just approx 15000sqft (4 floor levels)of mostly carpet hallways and several laminate floored rooms(what's the best way to clean those?) & steam Carpet 1x yr.

hi Stringer,

So, I got the specs for the facility....no odd requests. Just approx 15000sqft (4 floor levels)of mostly carpet hallways and several laminate floored rooms(what's the best way to clean those?) & steam Carpet 1x yr.

When you say 'laminate' floors do you mean VCT hard floors? If so, do these floors have wax on them already?

If they do and you are to refinish them then you must strip off all the old wax and re-coat with at least 3 to 4 coats of new finish (wax). Do you know how to do this? If not, let me know please. If you are to only sweep and mop them then so be it, but most often they want them refinished.

We have tried ALL types of carpet cleaning and have found from experience and many, many seminars with carpet experts and carpet companies that the hot water extraction method is best (If properly done).

Please check and recheck those specs Venture and make sure that you understand everything they are asking for.

I hope that yo get the job. If you do, after the job is completed BE SURE to have the job sup or someone with authority with the client to walk the job with you personally and ask them to sigh off that all is done to their satisfaction. If no, then then list things that they want redone and complete them and again walk through. This leaves them no reason to delay payment.

Stringer

No, they're not VCT, I know how to do that. They're like hardwood but not... they're woodlooking like pergo flooring style.
Yes, I've read about the hot water extractor and plan to order one for another job within the next month.
The sign off sounds like a good idea. The specs said they were a net 90... how common is that? Does that translate to not getting paid for 3 months?

No, they're not VCT, I know how to do that. They're like hardwood but not....they're woodlooking like pergo flooring style.
Yes, I've read about the hot water extractor and plan to order one for another job within the next month.
The sign off sounds like a good idea. The specs said they were a net 90....how common is that? does that translate to not getting paid for 3 months?

Research the pergo online Venture to be sure; 'Cleaning pergo floors.'

Most on-going commercial cleaning is net 30, a few are net 60. Contractors though do like to stretch it some, yes it means three months. You possibly may have some options though; If you get the contract ask for half in 30 and the balance in 90, mention that over 60% of your cost is labor and that you have to pay that out immediately.

Stringer

Research the pergo online Venture to be sure; 'Cleaning pergo floors.'

Most on-going commercial cleaning is net 30, a few are net 60. Contractors though do like to stretch it some, yes it means three months. You possibly may have some options though; If you get the contract ask for half in 30 and the balance in 90, mention that over 60% of your cost is labor and that you have to pay that out immediately.

Stringer

OK, Thanks so much for your input Stringer.

OK, Thanks so much for your input Stringer.

Good luck.

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

I'm trying to look back in the posts where you mentioned the type of carpet extractor you used and I can't seem to find it or was it my imagination?

I did see the one about you mentioning the seminars... where can I look into those?

hi Stringer,

I'm trying to look back in the posts where you mentioned the type of carpet extractor you used and I can't seem to find it or was it my imagination?

I did see the one about you mentioning the seminars...where can I look into those?

Just got back in the house, watering all the plants Venture...

I don't remember where you said that you are located however I suggest that you look for a used medium carpet extractor. Check your local newspapers, COMMERCIAL CLEANING SUPPLIERS, and talk to all your employees (they know more than you think).

I do highly suggest that you build a relationship with a local Cleaning Supply Company, the commercial products work much better than those bought at big box stores and after a while you can build credit and have them bill you (30 days or payment plan). As I said before they usually offer seminars that are vital and you can call them for advice on cleaning problems and many more items. We use three different companies although mainly one and they deliver and in some cases drop ship to you work site.

Ask away...

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

Initially, I did start to look for used but realized it was pricy and really used. So, since I have the money I'd rather purchase new and not deal with junk. Even if they say it works great, people will price equipment not much lower than a new one of its kind. If the equipment looks like it would leave more dirt than it would pick up, it's not worth it.

hi Stringer,

Initially, I did start to look for used but realized it was pricy and really used. So, since I have the money I'd rather purchase new and not deal with junk. Even if they say it works great, people will price equipment not much lower than a new one of its kind. If the equipment looks like it would leave more dirt than it would pick up, it's not worth it.

Sorry Venture I made a bad assumption like most new businesses I thought that you may be on a shoe string budget and I was trying to help there.

You are so correct about new equipment, we put only new equipment in each new site that we get and lately that has increased to 10 or more per month. Remember that you also get a warranty on new equipment, that helps a lot.

Actually, going back to used equipment for a minute, most of these machines have an 'hours' meter that tells you how many hours it has been used, although that can be altered. And the costs are close on used and new you are correct.

Did you read my post about building a relationship with a Cleaning Supply company? It has benefits.

Stringer

hi Stringer,

Is the "hourage meter" internal on the machines?
Yes, I did read the relationship post.
May I through a name out there for you... I've gotten a few of their products and like them... (powr*(&$*^.flite)... tried a makeshift encryption in case I can't mention it.

hi Stringer,

Is the "hourage meter" internal on the machines?
Yes, I did read the relationship post.
May I through a name out there for you...I've gotten a few of their products and like them....(powr*(&$*^.flite)....tried a makeshift encryption in case I can't mention it.

My end of our business includes general knowledge of operations Venture, my business partner likes the operations end and gets off if an 'O' ring fits properly :)

But yes I am familiar with this equipment and it does a pretty good job. We use some of theirs along with others, we have our own repair shop.

Remember I have been doing this for over 35 years (18 with my own company, 7 as a VP of Sales for a national cleaning company) and even though my end is sales, admin, PR, customer service, hiring management personnel, etc you can't help but learn a thing or two about operations. :)

The hour meter's location varies as to where they are located but most are on the block.

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

More questions:
I submitted the proposal for the apartment complex and I gave them a weekly rate and told them that monthly was calced x52 and / 12... was that wrong to do that? I read in one of your other posts to always give them a monthly price.

Also, when submitting the proposal should I ask how it should be delivered or should I just deliver it in person even if I'm given a card to email it?

Another... I went to walk through an animal hospital that wanted floors done strip/wax. They also sell pet food and there was city mice/rat poop all over the shelves... it was really gross... how is something like that handled?. I completely overpriced it. I wouldn't want to be inhaling that and wouldn't send someone else in there to inhale it either.

I think the last question: at what sf point should price decrease as the sf increases?
e.g. 2000sf might be at $50/hr 5000sf maybe $40... 10000sf less
Are there sf points the decrease the rate?

Thanks

Hi Venture,

I only have a minute presently, and wanted you to know that I read your post/questions. I will get back to you as soon as I can. Could be tonight or possibly tomorrow.

On the middle of negotiations presently.

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

More questions:
I submitted the proposal for the apartment complex and I gave them a weekly rate and told them that monthly was calced x52 and / 12....was that wrong to do that? I read in one of your other posts to always give them a monthly price.

Also, when submitting the proposal should I ask how it should be delivered or should I just deliver it in person even if I'm given a card to email it?

Another.....I went to walk through an animal hospital that wanted floors done strip/wax. They also sell pet food and there was city mice/rat poop all over the shelves....it was really gross....how is something like that handled?......I completely overpriced it. I wouldn't want to be inhaling that and wouldn't send someone else in there to inhale it either.

I think the last question: at what sf point should price decrease as the sf increases?
e.g. 2000sf might be at $50/hr 5000sf maybe $40......10000sf less
Are there sf points the decrease the rate?

Thanks

Residential and construction clean ups are usually given as a total price for the work done. Examples/exceptions; Residential cleaning weekly, paid weekly when completed. Construction clean ups, one time payment when completed unless... it is a 'phased job'. Meaning there might be (say) three phases which in that case paid as each phase is completed.

I always make every attempt to personally deliver every proposal; personal contact, face to face, builds some trust and mutual respect.

As in cleaning surgical sites which we specialize in, you and your cleaners should wear proper PPE in insure health. (not interested in vet jobs Venture... can't pay me enough and they are usually only once or twice per week... need a fire hose! :)).

As to you pricing question... A lot of variables apply; do they pay on time (run a D&B or BBB), is the 2,000 sq ft job totally stacked with a lot of furniture and items that will take you longer, is the 15,000 sq ft job mostly open and sparse, is it close by, how many days per week ( if 5 good, if 1 or 2 not so good.. higher priced, etc).

But in general for a 5 day per week job as an example; 2,000 sq ft could be $0.19 to $0.23/25 sq ft and a 10,000 sq ft $0.17, 30,000 sq ft possibly $0.15 sq ft, etc. BUT remember cover ALL your costs and profit and NEVER bid below that figure.

Your example of hourly (although you can use hourly) is off some. The emphasis is not on charging a much higher rate per hour, but remembering that with a competitive hourly rate you will use/calculate more hours for a larger job and thus translates to more $$. This is not a get rich quick business although it has been very good to me. (I know, you were probably not thinking that is was... :))

Old story; Two out of work 'bums' on a city bench. One says I always went in a the lowest price, the other said 'nawwwww' I was always high in my pricing... both never really got it! Trial and error but learn quickly!

Remember Venture as I said before pricing is always your decision in the end. :)

Stringer

Hi Stringer,

Thanks that was helpful. Although I don't know what your acronyms stand for.
There must be a formula out there re sqft price increases and sqft price decreases... yes, it's my degree in economics speaking as well as the software developer in me.
Goodness, I have a whole book of questions I could ask you but don't want to bore you to death.

Thanks again.

Not boring me at all Venture, this is why I am here, ask away, if I can help, I will.

"PPE"; Proper Protective Equipment

Stringer