Offices need cleaning yet most businesses don’t employ in-house cleaning staff. Instead, they outsource the job to agencies. It’s a win-win for everyone, as the businesses know all areas will be cleaned regularly and the agency can offer its services to multiple companies. The downside is that a lot of office cleaning agencies don’t provide consistent service. If you are thinking of building a business in this competitive market, here’s what you need to know.
Invest in a Reliable Vehicle
While you may start by using your own car to travel between clients, this isn’t sustainable in the long term. Investing in a van or similar means you can add company branding, such as a logo and contact details. It will help you build a visible brand and attract new clients, especially in larger business parks where people will see you coming and going regularly.
Look for a vehicle that’s large enough to accommodate cleaning equipment and reliable enough not to break down at regular intervals. Leasing is an economic way to have a new or newish van and the cost is tax deductible.
Buy Products from Specialist Suppliers
Don’t pick up cleaning supplies from the local supermarket. They will be a lot more expensive. Instead, look for specialist suppliers that sell janitorial and hygiene products at more competitive prices. You can buy the main products you use in bulk and save money.
As the business expands, you may need more specialist PPE items, such as protective masks and gloves for use with harsh cleaning products. Look for PPE suppliers that offer a range of other products, including cleaning supplies, so you can save money on combined orders.
Hire Reliable Staff
Finding reliable staff is the biggest challenge for an office cleaning company. This type of job tends to attract a range of people looking for part-time work to fit around other commitments. Not all of them will be reliable, however.
Screen applicants carefully and conduct DBS checks to ensure they are honest. The last thing you need is an employee helping themselves to the petty cash while cleaning an office late at night. Hire applicants on a trial basis and review their work carefully in the early days. Put them with a more senior member of your team so they can keep a close eye on them.
Monitor the Standard of Work
Regularly review the standard of work for your employees. Conduct spot checks so you can make sure they are doing everything they’re being paid for and not slacking off playing on their phones. It is common for standards to slip once a contract has been won; don’t let this happen to your business, as reputation is everything.
Act on Feedback from Clients
Ask clients for feedback at regular intervals, so you can act on any minor problems before they snowball and cause you to lose the cleaning contract.
Building a successful office cleaning business can be done with some hard work and the right employees on board. Good luck!
