As the owner or manager of a Fort Worth area business, you
probably experience high traffic. Because of this, you know it can be daunting
to keep your business looking its very best. You may be overwhelmed managing
operations and trying to clean on top everything you do each day. You may have
considered hiring a janitorial service to lighten your workload but aren’t sure
where to start or how to find a trustworthy company in the Fort Worth area?
A long list of companies can be had with a quick Google
search, but how do you know who is reputable and will do the quality job you
need?
Frequently, when businesses search for a janitorial service,
they don’t take the time to research and qualify candidates. This is because
they are looking for a specific price point or need someone that can start
quickly. Unfortunately, hiring a company just based on these factors can often
mean inferior service and frustration.
These steps help you narrow the field of candidates and
eliminate companies that may not be able to provide you with the level of
service you need and leave you a qualified pool of candidates to choose from.
To select the best-suited vendor for you, you should review the information you
collected during our first two suggested steps.
The company you select should be compatible with your needs,
provide a detailed and strategic plan for cleaning your space, has scalable
services to meet future growth, employs well -trained individuals, and uses
professional equipment. Ideal candidates also provide in-depth cleaning
services and can handle seasonal needs or special projects. Companies should be
insured and able to provide proof of liability and workers comp coverage as
well.
The ideal janitorial service company will also be able to
visit your site and provide you with a free, written estimate. A company
willing to give a free estimate indicates a company that is working for more
than profit and is looking to establish a partnership with you. Also, ask any
potential provider for a copy of their standard contract to review. It is
critical to read through the contract to understand its terms, limits, and any
recourse you may have should you be unsatisfied with your service.
Establish
Expectations
You can avoid upset if you approach your search for a
janitorial service like you would a search for a new employee. Interview
cleaning service candidates like you would a potential new hire; ask questions,
ask for qualifications, and ask for references.
We have put together a few quick tips to help you prepare
when searching for your cleaning crew:
First, outline your needs, and the types of cleaning you
would like the service to do. Do you require special carpet or flooring
maintenance? Do you have special sanitizing or deep cleaning needs? Do you have
any seasonal or special projects? Translate your outline into detail of your
requirements to review with the janitorial service companies you contact. This
is to ensure you effectively communicate your needs and set the expectations
for your service.
Next, consider the frequency you need service and make sure
to communicate that with potential vendors. Because your business is located in
a busy metro area, you may need service more frequently and want to ensure the
company you select can meet your demand. Also, advise of any off-limits areas
in your office or business to establish boundaries for your vendor and its
employees.
Ask Away
After you have detailed your needs to potential vendors,
make sure to ask questions. These questions should cover their hiring and
background check, billing cycle, and terms of your contract.
Once you have gathered information from all potential
service providers, compare details to find which vendor will be the best match for
your business. Also, check their online reviews and ask for references.
Questions to ask potential vendors. Questions to ask
potential vendors should cover topics like customer service (response time,
communication, and how complaints are handled), employees (how employees are
hired and vetted, training, and certifications), and billing (frequency, terms,
and types of payments accepted). Another area to cover with a potential vendor
is insurance coverage – be sure to ask if the vendor you are interviewing
carries liability and workers comp insurance.
Also, you should expect questions. Any vendor you interview
should have questions for you regarding your expectations and cleaning needs.
Qualifications to look for.
Be sure to ask for any requirements from potential providers. Such
skills include how long they have been in business, the number of clients, and
any special abilities like handling hazardous waste or specific sanitation
requirements.
Call References. Ask for a list of references and call them
to ask about their satisfaction and level of service. Another way to follow up
is to visit their references to visually inspect them to see if the level of
service is on par with your needs.
