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  • Jun 13, 2009, 09:02 PM
    Clough

    Hi, Cleaningman23!

    Weekend is going okay, so far! How is yours going? I've picked up some new business and also lost a job because of a misunderstanding.

    If you check out the first answer page of the site, we're having a battle with a troll here!

    He started it by trying to bash Fr_Chuck...

    I do have to get ready to play for church in the morning, just to let you know...

    Thanks!
  • Jun 13, 2009, 09:11 PM
    Cleaningman23

    Mine is going well too! I was real busy this week!
    What battle!
    Its time to step in!
    Me to I also have church! But not until noon!
    I have this proposal due Monday so I am real nervous

    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
  • Jun 13, 2009, 09:19 PM
    Clough

    We're having problems with a member by the name of userfame.

    Well, you could still work on the proposal some tonight. I have to be at the church by 10:00, but I haven't been sleeping particularly well for a number of nights.

    I haven't seen Stringer around here today. But, you know that he really cares and will be willing to help you with your proposal.

    Do you have the proposal in the kind of format that you think they will want?

    Thanks!
  • Jun 13, 2009, 09:29 PM
    Cleaningman23
    Well
    I have proposal sheets already printed up.. I just have to filling the info.
    I have talked to stringer and he said he will help me out tomorrow!
    Thank God!
    I still have a few questions about the proposal to ask him!
    So well see what happens!
    But I think I am hitting the bed for the night.. I drank a few guinesses and I am beat!
    Will you be on tomorrow to char?
  • Jun 13, 2009, 09:33 PM
    Cleaningman23

    Chat hehe
  • Jun 13, 2009, 09:36 PM
    Clough

    Yes, I'll be on tomorrow night. I'm sure that you'll do fine with the proposal!

    I love Guinness Stout, by-the-way!

    How many pages is your proposal going to be, please?

    Thanks!
  • Jun 13, 2009, 10:00 PM
    Clough

    I'm going to "call it a night", also, Cleaningman23! I've got to be ready to lead the congregation in singing tomorrow.

    I wish you well and sweet dreams for you!

    Good night!
  • Jun 13, 2009, 10:33 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    Well
    I have proposal sheets already printed up..i just have to fillin the info.!
    I have talked to stringer and he said he will help me out tomorrow!
    Thank God!
    I still have a few questions about the proposal to ask him!
    so well see what happens!
    But I think I am hittin the bed for the night..i drank a few guinesses and I am beat!
    will you be on tomorrow to char?

    Clean... .please list your questions in a post so I can see them prior to working up a price.

    Also, please post your proposal form....

    Thanks,

    Stringer
  • Jun 13, 2009, 10:43 PM
    Clough

    If your proposal is in a Microsoft Word or Excel format, you should be able to attach it to a post here.

    Thanks!
  • Jun 13, 2009, 11:49 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    If your proposal is in a Microsoft Word or Excel format, you should be able to attach it to a post here.

    Thanks!

    HI my friend,

    Yes that should work Clough... I want to ensure that he covers his *ss in his pricing and protects himself in his proposal/contract. I know how these things can get if the slightest thing goes wrong... and the customer presses it...

    For example; if one of my people break something and it can be proven, we will obviously make restitution. But so many times, things are lost, misplaced, or even taken by another of the client's employee...

    I put in my proposal;

    "We shall make reasonable and prompt restitution by cash in the amount of replacement value, replacement, or repairs, subject to your approval for any damages for which we are liable."

    The key is,it has to be proven that we are liable. Why would I pay for something when I was not completely sure that we did it? If there is proof, I will gladly make immediate restitution. I get calls many times a week; someone took my shoes that were under my desk... someone took a valuable pen off my desk, someone broke a vase that was on my desk... Clough, I can't tell you how many times the items were found at their homes, in a drawer, or another worker finally says that they broke something... If on of my people is found to be guilty, I press the matter to no end and terminate immediately and press charges if necessary also, for many reasons but mostly to set an example.

    Thanks for letting me ramble on so... not happy tonight... got two tickets; illegal lane change and improper lane usage... he took my license and I have a court date on July 9th. I deserved it, some jack*ss p*ssed me off totally tonight and I wasn't going to take it... but the state cop caught me. He said that he could get me for speeding and road rage and I would spend the night in a cell, but he didn't do that... it was my fault though, I deserved what I got. :(

    Stringer
  • Jun 14, 2009, 08:15 AM
    Cleaningman23
    1 Attachment(s)

    Ok guys here you go
    I have uploaded it and saved it for word..
    For some reason my word on my PC asks for a serial number so I have to use word processor
    Soory about last night I went to bed a little early
  • Jun 14, 2009, 08:22 AM
    Cleaningman23
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    HI my friend,

    Yes that should work Clough... I want to ensure that he covers his *ss in his pricing and protects himself in his proposal/contract. I know how these things can get if the slightest thing goes wrong....and the customer presses it....

    For example; if one of my people break something and it can be proven, we will obviously make restitution. but so many times, things are lost, misplaced, or even taken by another of the client's employee.....

    I put in my proposal;

    "We shall make reasonable and prompt restitution by cash in the amount of replacement value, replacement, or repairs, subject to your approval for any damages for which we are liable."

    The key is,it has to be proven that we are liable. Why would I pay for something when I was not completely sure that we did it? If there is proof, I will gladly make immediate restitution. I get calls many times a week; someone took my shoes that were under my desk...someone took a valuable pen off my desk, someone broke a vase that was on my desk...Clough, I can't tell you how many times the items were found at their homes, in a drawer, or another worker finally says that they broke something...If on of my people is found to be guilty, I press the matter to no end and terminate immediately and press charges if necessary also, for many reasons but mostly to set an example.

    Thanks for letting me ramble on so....not happy tonight...got two tickets; illegal lane change and improper lane usage....he took my license and I have a court date on July 9th. I deserved it, some jack*ss p*ssed me off totally tonight and I wasn't going to take it...but the state cop caught me. He said that he could get me for speeding and road rage and I would spend the night in a cell, but he didn't do that.....it was my fault though, I deserved what I got. :(

    Stringer

    Sounds like someone has a lead foot hahaha
    I don't tihnk anyone is ever in a good mood after their license gets taken away
    Road rage ? Hehe

    But you My proposal form! I can't modify it! My Microsoft word says it expired or something... I bought a form already made...

    Can I fax it to you?
  • Jun 14, 2009, 08:27 AM
    Cleaningman23

    Do all proposals have to be typed out?
    Btw Thank You for looking out for rme with the things getting misplaced..
    Also I tried to email them and ask If I had to bid on the third property and received no response... They also did not tell me the length of contract they want... One or two years..
    I know the current provider was there for two years
  • Jun 14, 2009, 11:12 AM
    Stringer

    Clean, I am about to do you a great favor my friend. What you posted are only the specs... they need to be incorporated into a 'proposal' which is what I will send you.

    This information that I am sending you has a 'cost'... It is years of work to properly put together and is a 'living document.' Not that I am going to charge you anything, but I want you to realize that this could have a value to the right people/companies of many $$$$$$. This is definitely a 'jump start for you.

    I am about to email you a shorten copy of the proposal that I use. I have taken out all references to my company name and any pertinent direct information about me or any company/s. I have reviewed it and listed in BOLD where you need to insert your client's name and your company's name. I have spent and hour and a half on this, I hope it helps you.

    Go over this very carefully. It is also a contract when the client signs it. Anything that you feel is not in your best interests or you feel does not apply... simply delete that portion.

    I would print it out on your company's letterhead and give them two copies... one to sign and return to you and one to keep. PUT BOTH in BINDERS of some kind to be professional.

    I do not want to post all this information as it is the culmination of years of effort and expense and I may have legal complications? This document has been reviewed and approved by our attorneys...

    Use it well, but read it very carefully as you will be responsible for any of its content when you give it to a prospect.

    Now...

    Under the "Specifications" portion; List here your specifications (the one that they gave you and you posted here) as they are the requirements and the 'bible' for the proposal in that these are the things that are expected of you and your company to provide (services), and the frequencies.

    Let me know on here (AMHD) when you have received the format that I sent you, please. And then we can possibly start working on pricing...

    I want to get this wrapped up so I can spend some time outside with my grand kids today... K?

    Stringer
  • Jun 14, 2009, 11:53 AM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    sounds like someone has a lead foot hahaha
    I dont tihnk anyone is ever in a good mood after their license gets taken away
    road rage ? hehe

    But ya My proposal form! I can't modify it!! My microsoft word says it expired or something .... I bought a form already made.....

    Can I fax it to you?

    You can post it here Clean, it is only an internet proposal form... right? Let's compare the one that I sent you and this one.

    No, I am not in a good mood about that... but, he was correct and... I was wrong.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 11:57 AM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    Do all proposals have to be typed out?
    Btw Thank You for looking out fo rme with the things getting misplaced..
    Also I tried to email them and ask If I had to bid on the third property and received no response...They also did not tell me the length of contract they want.... One or two years...?
    I know the current provider was there for two years

    Yes... it is your protection, first and foremost. And of course, their protection.

    If you tried emailing them yesterday (Saturday) they were home with their families.

    Is there a set time to deliver the proposal tomorrow? Like by; 3 pm or the end of the day?

    Make sure that you ask them 'when will you have a decision made on who will receive the contract.'

    Most of my contracts are open ended, that is I ask for a start date but not an ending date. In my experience, most commercial contracts are for 3 years... some, 1 or 2 years though but not too many. I bid jobs that are larger, a one year contract is not even enough time to recoup your initial investment in equipment and supplies among other costs.

    IF...they have given you anything in addition to the specifications, I need to know about it....:eek:

    Stringer
  • Jun 14, 2009, 01:57 PM
    Cleaningman23
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    You can post it here Clean, it is only an internet proposal form...right? Let's compare the one that I sent you and this one.

    No, I am not in a good mood about that...but, he was correct and ...I was wrong.

    Stringer,
    Once again I would like to say thank you for the outline form.
    I had no clue it was anything like that...
    I am posting the bought version of the proposal I have...
    It is way different than yours...
    I also have carbon copies made...
    I guess It does not let me upload the form on here. It keeps saying invalid file name so I will be emailing you it...
    I apologize my Microsoft word is only read me
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:03 PM
    Cleaningman23
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    Yes...it is your protection, first and foremost. And of course, their protection.

    If you tried emailing them yesterday (Saturday) they were home with their families.

    Is there a set time to deliver the proposal tomorrow? Like by; 3 pm or the end of the day?

    Make sure that you ask them 'when will you have a decision made on who will receive the contract.'

    Most of my contracts are open ended, that is I ask for a start date but not an ending date. In my experience, most commercial contracts are for 3 years....some, 1 or 2 years though but not too many. I bid jobs that are larger, a one year contract is not even enough time to recoup your initial investment in equipment and supplies among other costs.

    IF...they have given you anything in addition to the specifications, I need to know about it....:eek:

    Stringer

    Yes. All it says on the Proposal Request form is to deliver or or Before June 15, 2009..
    So I am assuming that it is by the end of the day

    They have not included any other specifications related to the contract besides telling me that they all begin On July 1st, 2009

    The outline you sent me was for 6 months...
    Should I leave it open-ended?
    Even if they do not give that information should I assume that it would be open ended contract?
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:22 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    Yes. all it says on the Proposal Request form is to deliver or or Before June 15, 2009..
    So I am assuming that it is by the end of the day

    They have not included any other specifications related to the contract besides telling me that they all begin On july 1st, 2009

    The outline you sent me was for 6 months....
    Should I leave it open-ended?
    Even if they do not give that infomation should I assume that it would be open ended contract?

    6 months?? :confused:

    Yes, then leave it open ended as that will be to your advantage. However, they may require a 'termination clause', if they do, I have the wording for that for you too.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:26 PM
    Cleaningman23

    It says client will engage in hiring "company" for a total of six months or with six months after temrinaiton of agreement?
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:39 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    it says client will engage in hiring "company" for a total of six months or with six months after temrinaiton of agreement?

    I have never heard something like this before. I would just list the 'starting date' and let it go from there, if they have an issue with that let them tell you.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:40 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    Stringer,
    Once again I would like to say thank you for the outline form.
    I had no clue it was anything like that....
    I am posting the bought version of the proposal I have...
    It is way different than yours...
    I also have carbon copies made...
    I guess It does not let me upload the form on here. it keeps saying invalid file name so I will be emailing you it...
    I apologize my microsoft word is only read me

    You are welcome.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:41 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    Yes. all it says on the Proposal Request form is to deliver or or Before June 15, 2009..
    So I am assuming that it is by the end of the day

    They have not included any other specifications related to the contract besides telling me that they all begin On july 1st, 2009

    The outline you sent me was for 6 months....
    Should I leave it open-ended?
    Even if they do not give that infomation should I assume that it would be open ended contract?

    We need to wrap this today/tonight... I have staff meetings most of tomorrow and will not be available.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:47 PM
    Cleaningman23

    Yes we do!
    I have all night and will be home for the rest of the evening working on this

    Did you receive my email about the format changing... eek :p
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:47 PM
    Cleaningman23
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    I have never heard something like this before. I would just list the 'starting date' and let it go from there, if they have an issue with that let them tell you.

    It says that in the contract you sent me... :eek:
  • Jun 14, 2009, 02:52 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    It says that in the contract you sent me...:eek:

    I'll have to check that out... :confused:

    What page of the proposal?
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:10 PM
    Stringer

    {{{Ring...ring}}}}} Clean, are you there? Let's get started...

    You can put all three buildings into one proposal,there is no need to recreate the wheel three times since it is the same P.M. for all three buildings... usually, unless the client specifically says that they want three separate proposals...

    Show me what you have done so far please. I've an old man (hee hee) and I have been out in the yard working with my grandson all day... I am tired... and sore.

    Stringer
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:18 PM
    Cleaningman23

    All right lets tackle this!
    All right question number one hehe
    Under the clause
    For who supplies what...
    Would I charge them or the garbage bags... or would that be billed to them with the soaps TP and paper towels..?
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:19 PM
    Cleaningman23
    They specified to me to create separate proposal... YIKES! More work for me ! "(
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:24 PM
    Cleaningman23
    Under the part where it says my company will provide the materials... they stated to me that they wanted me to provide the paper towels.. toliet paper.. soaps... and woman fragrances...
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:25 PM
    Cleaningman23
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    {{{Ring...ring}}}}} Clean, are you there? Let's get started...

    You can put all three buildings into one proposal,there is no need to recreate the wheel three times since it is the same P.M. for all three buildings.....usually, unless the client specifically says that they want three separate proposals....

    Show me what you have done so far please. I've an old man (hee hee) and I have been out in the yard working with my grandson all day...I am tired...and sore.

    Stringer

    Hehe I know how that is...
    I have a 10 month old and he puts me to sleep every day lol
    I will try to make this as quick as possible for you
    "P
    Do you want me to send you the contracts I've made so far?
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:33 PM
    Cleaningman23

    I also had a question about
    The frequency of the cleaning...
    So I have to put in the contract the exact day of the cleaning?
    I do have the information of how often... but not what day... *except on two of the propsals)
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:36 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    Alright lets tackle this!
    Alright question number one hehe
    Under the clause
    for who supplies what....
    Would I charge them or the garbage bags...or would that be billed to them with the soaps TP and paper towels...??

    Yes, charge them for anything that you purchase that is a consumable product... but not your cleaning supplies and equipment... only liners, soaps, TP, PT, fem products (if in washrooms), toilet seat liners, etc... things as these.

    These supplies are usually marked up by 10-15-20%... Give them a copy of the bill and add your mark-up with a grand total at the bottom. You spent your time and used your money to get these supplies.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:38 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    They specified to me to create seperate proposal...YIKES! More work for me ! "(

    Not much more if required... once you have the format... it is just a matter of pasting in the specifications and putting in your pricing for each.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:39 PM
    Cleaningman23

    Should I make a proposal for the building I do not want to clean??
    Just in case they say it is required to submit for all three properties?
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:39 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    Under the part where it says my company will provide the materials...they stated to me that they wanted me to provide the paper towels..toliet paper..soaps... and woman fragrances ....

    If they gave you a SPECIFIC list then put their list into that part of the proposal where it states what exactly you will supply.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:40 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    Hehe I kno how that is...
    I have a 10 month old and he puts me to sleep every day lol
    I will try to make this as quick as possible for you
    "P
    Do you want me to send you the contracts ive made so far?

    YES, please.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:41 PM
    Cleaningman23
    UNder the charges section of the contract... I see that you put a section about carpet cleaning...
    I have not offered these services( or have a industrial machine) yet to them nor they have asked...
    Should I still keep that in there?
    Same thing for the window cleaning?
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:45 PM
    Stringer
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cleaningman23 View Post
    I also had a question about
    the frequency of the cleaning...
    so I have to put in the contract the exact day of the cleaning?
    I do have the information of how often...but not what day...*except on two of the propsals)

    Remember something Clean... you want to be as specific as possible, always. But not in all areas. If they were specific about which days per week then YES put that in the proposal, if they were not then you would simply state 'One day per week'. Then you can discuss this with them in person. ANYTHING that is written down in this proposal is part of the contract... legally (period). This is a serious matter, if )and I hope not) this all turns against you, things in this contract can and will be used against you if necessary.
  • Jun 14, 2009, 06:46 PM
    Cleaningman23
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Stringer View Post
    YES, please.

    All right I will email them over to you!
    They do have information pertaining to my potential client...
    I trust that you will look it over
    ...
    I hope not to hear tomorrow that I lost to stringer on the bids... hehe

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