[Rousey]

My two partners and I are venturing in to commercial cleaning after being (still are) in the Domestic market for 6 years. The domestic area we have boxed off with over 300 homes being cleaned on a weekly basis between the 2 biz we already own. The question is, where do you get the work from? Is it Google adwords, yellow pages, social networking, leafleting, cold calling, a bit of all of them!!?? We know it's not as simple as the domestic cleaning, we have all the bizness boxed off in the respect of our type of contract, products we will use, employment law, etc, etc

It's getting that first break?? How and where did you get yours and any advice you may have, will be appreciated.

Thanks

The Greener Cleaners

[Pristine Clean]

Well, most people would say this topic has been covered many times - do a search and you will find lots. But it could be me... I dont actually think the search facility is that great on this forum or any form actually that I visit as its not been tweeked enough.

So, heres is what I think you could do....as you stated its a bit of everything.

It also depends on what commercial cleaning you are aiming for?

Office cleaning

Builders cleans (hard work)

Communal cleaning

Specialised cleaning like graffiti etc.

Your quotations / Tenders will probably have to be more professional than in the domestic market. So you need to do a bit of research there.

Advertise in Yell.com or yellow pages works well for us but its not for everyone.

Cold calling works very well. becareful of TPS Gets dates of when the company are renewing the cleaning contract keep a data base then call back a few weeks beofre hand and see if you can arrange a meeting and a quotation.

Insurance employers and public liability is a must,,, sometimes certain companies require you to have a set 5 - 10 million cover in place.

The marketing is the same as domestic and come to that all marketing has all the same priciples and you will get there if appied correctly.

As for the actual work, in the commercial sector I personaly believe that its easier to clean an office or communal area than a domestic property.

You will also require T&Cs aimed more at commercial clients.

And get use to 30 days payment and them paying on 60 days...some 90 days. Plus late payments...larger companies always seem to keep you waiting....especially if its a large amount of money...normal excuse is waiting for check to be raised or your on the next payment run which is in 49 days etc...get use to it.

Lastly as for the first break, its alway the hardest. Be competitive on price but not cheap. Best to call a few of the competition and get some prices in your area.

Try and remember back when you had your first domestic contract getting that was hard I bet! But did you you tell them that they were your first client? Bet you did not tell them that...."No we have lots of domestic clients in and around the area"... its all the same  ****.


Now breaking into commercial may be the best time of all especially with the "CREDIT CRUNCH" Lots of firms are cutting back. Except most cleaning contractors their making the best living ever so they say on this forum.

So you could approach them as to offer value for money - not cheap. and cut the cleaning bill down and offer a better service.
Best of luck

Dave

[Rousey]

Thanks Dave. Points noted, especially re payments!! We are starting Office cleaning first and then building from there. Thanks again.