Need Help Pricing A Job - Cleaning Talk - Professional Cleaning and Restoration Forum

CleaningQueen · 12-17-2009, 10:02 PM

Hi,
I live in N.C. and have had a residential cleaning service for 21 years. I have had several commercial accounts but never anything large. I have the opportunity to bid on a really nice account and find myself afraid of overcharging and/or cheating myself. I have to give an estimate by next week on simply sweeping 55,000 sq. ft of floors. There are obstacles, lots of pipes, but mostly just open areas. I also need any suggestions on doing the job efficiently. Any suggestions, comments or prayers are appreciated!Email me jeneanneswoger@yahoo.com

jacsma · 01-18-2010, 10:27 AM

My husband has been cleaning attorneys' offices, etc. for the past 30 years. He's had several customers that he's kept for as much as 20 years.
I tend to think he very much Underprices himself, and I've had many friends agree with me on this.
We are now bidding on another job, and I've read and read and researched and researched some more, but can't really get a handle on an average price for this area (I'm in NC).

This job is a dental office and dental lab.
3 bathrooms, reception area, dentist's office, 4 patient/exam rooms consult room, hallway, breakroom and kitchen. The lab is about 30x30, which would need to be mopped and wax occassionally scraped off floor. The kitchen and breakroom would need to be mopped and cleaned as well. The area around each exam chair is tile, but all other areas are carpeted.
Cleaning would be Monday thru Thursday
Also, they are closed for one to two weeks at a time, several times a year.
How would you price this? You don't charge for the times that they're closed do you?
They are currently using Service Master, and are very unhappy with them - but I have no idea what kind of price I'm competing with.
Thanks so much for any (quick) help that you can offer. This woman is waiting on my response.

Oh, also wants us to strip and wax the floor and clean windows inside and out twice a year.

To be honest, I've already sent a quote in for a weekly price. She's now asking me if this price is weekly or daily (will she be charged for the days that they are closed). I'm just looking here to see if We've screwed ourselves yet again, or if we're wrong about being underpriced. Anyone have any idea what Service Master rates are like?
Is it acceptable to ask a customer what they're paying now?

Thanks for any help
Pam

jacsma · 01-18-2010, 10:52 AM

oh, and my husband thinks this would take him 1 1/2 - 2 hours per night to clean.

Coloradocarpetcleaner · 01-20-2010, 05:07 PM

I would add an hour to two hours for travel time and add money for after hour cleaning. I would also call Service Master and ask them how much they would charge for a commercial building that takes an 1.5 hrs. per night.You can charge at the very least the same since they are unhappy with this service. Your an owner operator and care a lot more than the employee who is cleaning from service master so charge more not less.