The way your commercial cleaning business operates changed dramatically in 2020. Here’s how you can update your standard commercial cleaning company proposal to reflect those changes.
Back in the good old days of 2019 (which, yes, already seems like decades ago), a commercial cleaning company proposal for new clients was pretty straightforward. You’d do your walkthrough of the facility, recommend and list your services, you and the client would both sign, and that was about it. Your team does the work; the client pays you; everything is peachy.
Then we got the year 2020, which has changed how we do everything from our grocery shopping to professional sports to where we source janitorial supplies. It’s also changed both the way janitorial professionals do their job, and what our customers expect from us.
Because of those changes, if you haven’t updated your standard cleaning company proposal, you’re behind the times. You could even be losing business because of it. Your customers want to know how you’re cleaning and sanitizing for the COVID-19 virus. They want to know what steps your company is taking to be as environmentally friendly as possible. And that’s just the beginning.
This is good news, though. You have a chance to impress your potential clients before they start asking those questions. All you need to do is…
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How to update your commercial cleaning company proposal to meet client expectations
Your typical cleaning company proposal probably includes sections that state the services you offer, recommendations for a given facility, add on services, and general business details like estimated costs, cleaning frequency, and so on. But if you really want to step ahead of your competition and win more bids, you need to get into the details and either add or expand some of the sections in your proposal. Here are five places to start:
1. COVID cleaning procedures. There’s absolutely no way you can leave this out. Even when we have a vaccine and life returns to “normal,” people will still want to know how you handle contagious viruses. As much as we would all like never to experience this again, COVID-19 isn’t the first significant virus outbreak that we’ve had to contend with, nor will it be the last. Just in the previous 20 years, we’ve faced SARS and H1N1 (the swine flu). Plus, there are always routine viruses like the seasonal flu or even the common cold. One approach would be to bullet point this section to detail your process. As an example:
- All cleaning team members wear masks and appropriate PPE.
- We use disinfectants approved by the FDA as effective against the COVID-19 virus.
- We use state-of-the-art electrostatic sprayers to ensure complete disinfectant coverage.
- We follow all current CDC guidelines for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing potentially contaminated areas.
- Our team is fully trained in Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control through OSHA-approved education centers.
2. Team approach. In a time when new information and best practices are continually coming to light, stressing a team approach can give your commercial cleaning company proposal some added weight. Be sure to emphasize any professional memberships you hold, how frequently you are in contact with suppliers to keep up with any new products, and highlight any professional relationships you may have with medical teams, infectious disease experts, or cleaning industry researchers. While this might seem like no big deal to you, it can go a long way in showing that you take your work seriously enough to focus on continual improvement.
3. Commitment to the environment. Go into detail here about your environmentally-friendly practices. Maybe you have a fleet of zero-emissions electric vehicles that you use. Or perhaps you embrace simple steps like more efficient ordering of supplies so you can reduce waste. List the green cleaning products you use, and cite studies showing how effective they are at cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. Again, you might bullet point this section.
- We source all our cleaning products from companies that prioritize sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Our products are 100% biodegradable.
- We select recycled and earth-friendly products wherever possible.
4. Verified cleaning. New clients are hoping for the best when they hire you. But even though your cleaning company proposal details what work your team will do, you can put the client at ease by offering them a simple way to verify the work you do. How will you do that? When you use enhanced communication software, like the JM Connect App, your team can share images of the cleaning process with you and with the client. Your clients can see, in real time, how effective and professional your team is.
5. Enhanced communication. Another aspect of apps like JM Connect is that they allow the client to reach you or your on-site team to ask questions or relay information. In an age when we are all running around busy, it’s a huge benefit for clients if they can get in touch with you and get updates on your work progress just by opening an app. No more scrolling through the contact list or finding your website to get your number – simply open the app and bingo! And all your communication regarding their location is stored right there, so you both can quickly look back through conversations and communications to track down any information you might need.
These sections of your commercial cleaning company proposal don’t need to be extensive. They don’t need to turn your proposal into a book-length work. You can keep it simple and still include all the information. But if you want your clients and potential clients to feel comfortable, safe, and absolutely sure about contracting with your business, these sections need to be there.
Be a pioneer in the cleaning industry with software that helps you keep track of COVID-19 norms. Contact us today to see how Janitorial Manager can help your business be a leader in commercial cleaning safety and compliance.