A simple guide for managers comparing janitorial bids
If you’ve ever requested proposals from multiple cleaning companies, you’ve probably noticed something surprising. One vendor may quote around $5,500 per month, while another comes in at $8,500. A third company may fall somewhere in between.
All of these companies walked through the same building. They looked at the same restrooms, hallways, offices, and common areas. They were given the same list of cleaning tasks.
So why do the prices vary so much?
At first glance, it may seem like one company is overpriced or that the lowest bidder is the obvious choice. But janitorial services are more complex than they appear. The price often reflects major differences in how the work will actually be performed.
The Number of Cleaning Hours Matters Most
The biggest factor behind any janitorial price is labor hours. Cleaning is a service that relies almost entirely on people, so the amount of time a team spends in your building plays a major role in the cost.
A lower price usually means fewer cleaning hours each week. That often leads to rushed work and skipped tasks. When cleaners are trying to cover too much space in too little time, details get missed. Over time, that can lead to complaints from employees or tenants about the condition of the building.
A higher bid often means the company has scheduled enough hours for the job to be done properly. With more time available, cleaners can work more carefully and keep the building consistently clean.
Employee Pay Can Affect Service Quality
Another reason prices vary is how cleaning companies pay their staff. Some vendors keep their prices low by paying minimum wage and offering little training.
Unfortunately, this approach often leads to frequent employee turnover. Workers may leave quickly for better-paying jobs, and new staff may not be familiar with your building or expectations.
Companies that invest more in their employees tend to offer better pay and training. This usually leads to more experienced crews and lower turnover. A stable team learns your building, understands the cleaning standards, and delivers more reliable results over time.
Look Closely at What the Proposal Includes
Not every cleaning proposal covers the same services. That price difference of several thousand dollars may include additional support such as:
- · Periodic floor care like buffing or scrubbing
- · Interior window cleaning
- · Additional labor hours for high-traffic areas
- · Regular quality inspections or supervision
- · Systems for tracking service requests or complaints
- · Backup staffing when a cleaner is absent
A lower bid may only cover the most basic tasks, while a higher proposal might include a more complete service program.
Focus on the Overall Plan, Not Just the Price
When comparing cleaning proposals, the lowest number doesn’t always provide the best value. A very low price can sometimes lead to ongoing service issues, missed work, and frustration for your team.
Instead of focusing only on cost, ask each vendor to explain their plan. How many hours will their team spend in the building? What services will be included? How do they monitor quality?
The answers to those questions will often tell you far more than the price alone.
Choosing the right cleaning partner isn’t just about saving money. It’s about finding a company that can consistently deliver the level of service your building needs.
