What You Should Look For When Comparing Janitorial Companies?

Long before drafting an RFP or narrowing the field of janitorial companies, spend plenty of time clearly
identifying your requirements. The more detailed your expectations - and your RFP -- the more precisely
your needs can be met.  

If you're new to the game, talk to vendors informally to help you uncover the range of services available. 
(or you can give me a call … )

Once you've nailed down performance measures, it's time to tackle the RFP.  A finely-tuned RFP gives
janitorial companies the necessary information that ensures an accurate response -- and makes
side-by-side bid comparisons much easier.

Later, when the bids come in for your custodial services, don't get caught comparing apples to oranges. 
Be specific -- up front -- about your requirements (see the list below).

· Cleaning Specifications*

· Employee training

· Indemnifications

· Quality Assurance

· Supplies: Quality? Quantity? Who pays?

· Cleanable Square Footage

· Equipment: New vs. Used

· Insurance Requirements: Rates and coverage limits

· Recycling

· Supply Storage Areas         Communications

· Hours, Days of Service

· Payroll Taxes: FICA, FUI, SUI

· Safety

· Workers' Compensation

· Contract Duration

· Identification: Badges, Uniforms

· Personnel Screening

· Staffing Levels

Narrowing the Field of Janitorial Companies
When deciding which janitorial companies to consider, use these criteria as a guide:

Commitment to Quality
Does the company really have a quality assurance program to "Inspect what you Expect?"

Reputation/References
History repeats, so references should be a major factor in your decision.  Talk to references, visit their buildings
and inspect the quality of the vendor's custodial services.

Scope of Resources
Is the vendor able to expand with you?  Do they offer the operations manuals, training programs, or back
office support you need?

Existing Relationships
Relationships are a key factor for the RFP inviting process. Not all janitorial companies are created equal.
Large contracts require a large trust level.

Cultural Match
Is the vendor large or small? Local or national?  Do they mirror your company in terms of scope, locations,
objectives?  Do they participate in reputable industry organizations?

Added-Value Capacity
Do they offer additional services that can be easily absorbed within their existing custodial services?

Price
The bottom line is critical, but beware of the "penny-wise, pound-foolish" syndrome. Inexpensive janitorial
companies could end up costing you more in the long run. Make sure you identify the labor, equipment
and supplies needed to do the job right.