I cant believe some of the posts I have just read - not all the bigger contracts are offered to the likes of OCS etc. Some facilities managers hunt for local firms that can do the job at the right price, safely and efficiently. Advertise, get a pro image and a good website (not a freebie load of rubbish either, invest for success - you need good SEO too) and yes your in with a chance too. Speculate to accumulate its that simple. Advertise, advertise and advertise but in the right places. Where would you look for a WC firm if you were sat in an office? Dont listen to the idiots use you loaf!!! Keep spending your dosh on rubbish estate cars, trolleys and 175 ltr systems and never advertising and you will get nowhere but where you are right now!!! Ok if you happy with that but why not let others who want to discuss how its done do so with out putting your negitive comments in. YES YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!
If you think you can make more money on domestic you are sadly deluded. Ok you do need to spend time and money, traveling and quoting, writing RA /MS making follow up and courtesy calls etc etc, but you charge for it!
Ok I agree its all about volume, most of the quotes I see on here for £1 a window no matter how many windows there are, are simply ridiculous and posted usually by people that just dont have a clue. How did you learn to quote for domestic - trial and error. Commercial is the same - a follow up call if you don't get the contract will help you understand why you didn't get it (and remember you can't win them all) Most facilities managers I have come across are happy to discuss the quote with you.
You dont need to be a massive firm either, you just need to be realistic and co-operate with others.
For those that want to gain quality commercial work - read between the lines use the positives and ignore the idiots!!!