Most people will search for a cleaning service by reaching out on Google or social media, and calling out for a quotation. What are some of the pitfalls that are commonly made and what should you avoid any costly mistakes or misplaced expectations? Here are some tips on how to go about choosing your cleaning service provider.
First of all, let me address common mistakes which are applicable whether you are a home owner or looking on behalf of your company
- Choosing based on price – It is totally understandable that your budget may not be flexible and it will be one of the most important criteria in your decision. However, it will be advisable to look beyond price and choosing the cheapest quote. You will get what you pay for most of the time. By paying less, there may be a tendency to shortchange by giving a less than thorough service, or not sending enough workers to complete the job well. For a regular office environment, if the service provider perceives that the profit margin is low, the one who is bearing the cost may be the office auntie, who is paid less than optimally. In such cases, the cleaner will tend not to stay on as they will move to a better paying job. You as the customer will lose out as changing cleaners will inevitably disrupt the work flow for a period of time.
- Choosing based on a brand name – some big companies will provide all round cleaning services but they may not be the most responsive due to the sheer scale of their operation. If you are a small or mid sized office or looking for a cleaner for a one-off job, you are probably better off using a smaller company who will be very attentive to your individual needs and can exercise flexibility in accommodating you. This is not to say that brand name companies are ineffective, but sometimes, it pays to search around to see which companies will be a good fit for you. Look at their track records and talk to the manager to get a good feel of how they service their customers.
a cleaner at work
3. Discuss your expectations and ensure the scope of work is agreed – misunderstandings can arise if both parties are not clear on what the client wants and expects and what the company can provide. It is always advisable to get a proper quote stating the cleaning scope, method and the timeframe for the job spelled out to avoid subsequent disputes. Do inform if there are areas that need special attention eg a particularly dirty bathroom, so that proper attention can be given.
Most companies can and will give a quote over the phone but some will offer a site visit as well inspect the premises before undertaking a job, so that both parties can be clear on the scope and service.
4. Experience and track record – do look up a company’s track record or customer’s review if available, or ask for it. Some companies will specialise in office cleaning, others may be focusing on common area cleaning for condominiums and commercial properties. Others may concentrate on providing regular house cleaning. Depending on your needs, it will be advisable to check with the company on their areas of focus so that you will get an experienced and reliable cleaning service.
5. Inspection & Service guarantee – It is good practice to have a inspection after the cleaning job is completed, especially for one-off cleaning jobs. Establish an understanding that if there are areas which you find are not to your satisfaction after the job is done, they will be willing to go back to complete the job, subject to reasonable expectation. This should apply even it is discovered after the cleaners have left the premises.
If you are looking for a regular cleaning service for your company, these some on additional tips on choosing the right company. You should pay attention to the areas explained below :
- Ensure that the company will be able to send replacements in the event that the assigned office auntie is on medical or annual leave. The service should continue uninterrupted.
- If they are to supply cleaning products and consumables eg toilet rolls, the office auntie should be able to obtain replenishment in a timely manner. She should be able to communicate directly with the supervisor if she needs cleaning support.
- Check that there is a person in charge whom you can contact should there be any issues or you have feedback. The benefit pf outsourcing your office cleaning is to be able to have a reliable service all year round while you concentrate on serving your own customers.
- Find out if they can also provide extra ad hoc services like carpet cleaning, hi-area cleaning (eg ceilings, light fixtures, air con vents etc), annual spring cleaning, hi-jet of building apron etc, especially applicable for building owners, as you may find it more expedient to work with the same company since they would be familiar with your needs and you would have a good idea of their reliability and service standard.
