How to Get Cleaning Contracts With Local Banks

Banks can be a lucrative business for you if you know how to get cleaning contracts with them.

Much like hospitals, banks have very specific, very regulated policies on what and how to clean. And though banks may be one of the most challenging places to clean, they also pay very well. But not every commercial cleaner knows how to get cleaning contracts with banks, and the competition for those contracts is fierce. However, once you get a foot in the door, cleaning banks is a financially rewarding niche market.

The strict security regulations do make banks a challenge to clean. They’ll have to give you access to highly secured areas, not to mention you may need special products to clean some of their space and equipment, some of which is made from atypical materials to enhance the security or look of the bank. (In fact, some areas they still may not allow you to clean at all.) With so much at stake, banks can be, for good reason, quite picky about the cleaning companies they choose.

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How to get cleaning contracts, from getting started to signing the extension

Research is always a good starting point if you’re thinking about how to get cleaning contracts with banks. We recommend starting with smaller, local banks instead of the big corporate giants. Smaller banks typically have fewer locations and better relationships with other local businesses such as your own. You may even start with a proposal for the bank your company does business with. In your research, find out what kind of cleaning services they already have? What’s missing that you can offer? What do they look for in a cleaning service? This information may take some digging, but it’s an essential part of winning cleaning contracts in the financial industry.

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to go canvassing. That’s right, go in person to each bank on your list and ask to speak to someone who makes decisions about janitorial services. The most significant benefit of going in person is that you’re giving the bank manager as much of a chance to trust you as you can from the start. Trust is going to be a considerable part of securing a bank contract. They have to know for sure that you and your employees are honest, reliable, and professional.

Also, make sure to tailor your pitch to be industry-specific. What’s important to them to be kept clean? What can you offer that would especially interest a bank? Speak to their needs, and they’ll be more likely to engage you to meet those needs.

Because banks have such a high level of security, there are some areas they may not allow you to clean. It’s important to note these so that when you get to contract time, you can specifically mention these places so there’s no confusion later on about which cleaning services you agreed to.

Specify any areas that require special cleaning products. Banks are constructed with different materials than a lot of places, and they want to maintain a certain look despite a lot of use, such as at a teller window where people are signing checks, and deposit slips all day. Learn all you can about the surface materials and cater to those needs in your proposal. If you want to impress, include a cleaning task checklist to clearly outline what you plan to clean and what you don’t.

What to expect from your bank contract

Federal law allows for all banks to conduct criminal background checks on third-party contractors. They want to be confident that none of the people you send to them have criminal pasts. This is a crucial step in how to get cleaning contracts with financial institutions. They absolutely will not hire someone with a criminal history, and if you don’t already know your employees’ backgrounds, it could cost you at the last minute. Be prepared and do checks on your employees when you hire them so you can be confident.

You can also expect banks to ask for referrals. If you have another bank client, they should be the first one you think of. If not, choose a client that handles sensitive material and get a referral from them. In fact, referrals are a huge part of winning cleaning contracts with local banks. Referrals speak to the character of your company, not just the quality of your cleaning. Ask your clients ahead of time if they’ll refer you so you’re ready when the bank manager asks.

If you do secure a bank contract, be discerning when you choose the staff that will work there. Even if your employees don’t have criminal backgrounds, there may be some who act more professional than others.

Bidding on a bank contact in and of itself is probably a wise decision. Not only is it financially lucrative, but it gives your business an excellent reputation, and it can lead to a lot more well-paying business. Just remember to take your time with that bid and do it right!

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