How to price a cleaning contract

Numerous businesses employ cleaning firms to accomplish their cleaning services. The businesses may need daily, weekly or monthly service. The amount of work and time may vary as well, based on the size of the office or building. Contract cleaning services include day-to-day janitorial duties such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning rest rooms and the like. Some businesses may need other special services, thus increasing your price.

Quote a price based on the square footage of the office. You can base this on the reputation and location of the company you are servicing. Generally, the cleaning service can price 5 to 10 cents per square foot for daily services to a business with a 20,000-sq.-ft office in a large city.

In the case of a new company, charge based on the tasks involved in the contract. Compute hourly labour costs that will include what tasks are involved and how long the tasks will take; add in equipment upkeep and other overhead costs; and incorporate a profit percentage. The median hourly wage of a janitor is £6.70 as of May 2008.

Understand the level of cleaning needed by your client. Find out if the task is limited to mopping, vacuum cleaning, sweeping or polishing. Verify whether the corners of ceilings and walls must be dusted or desks must be cleaned. Determine who will supply the rest room items like soap or toilet paper. Calculate a fee based on all these factors.

Investigate other opportunities for pricing. Get an appointment with businesses in your locality and request a chance to prove the value of your service. Those businesses with no cleaning service or an unsatisfactory service may offer you an opportunity. In such cases, ensure that you determine their necessary requirements and price your contract accordingly. Compare your price to that of their previous cleaning service provider.

Compare the pricing schemes of your competitors and if possible determine prices of cleaning companies in your state. You can modify your prices based on this evaluation in your specific locality.

Change your fees or charges according to your customer's satisfaction. Be flexible.

Modify your fees based on the type of business. Categorise retail, food service and manufacturing into a single pricing sector and charge extra for hospitals. To handle and transport waste from hospitals, you can easily charge £11 to £13 per hour. Hospitals will pay more to transport hazardous waste.