Hiring a janitorial service can feel like entering into a relationship. There are good fits and bad ones, and if you aren’t cautious, you might end up regretting the decision.
Is it possible to predict whether or not the partnership will end well? What red flags should you look for? And more importantly, what types of cleaning contractors should you avoid from the start?
Here are three categories of janitorial companies that you should steer clear of. Avoiding these types will help you bypass the headaches of a failing partnership.
As you evaluate potential vendors, make sure to filter out these kinds of companies.
The “No Experience with Facilities Like Yours” Janitorial Company
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is hiring a cleaning company that has never managed a facility like yours. This is even more critical if your building is anything more complex than a typical office space. Different kinds of properties—such as hospitals, manufacturing plants, retail stores, and corporate offices—present distinct challenges that require specific expertise. A company that hasn’t handled these unique situations before may struggle to meet your needs, leading to disappointment and an early end to the relationship.
The “We Don’t Have Local Management” Janitorial Company
The janitorial industry is highly competitive, pushing companies to expand into new regions to grow their business. While it can be beneficial to have new companies in a market, problems arise when those businesses lack local personnel to manage day-to-day operations. For a janitorial service to run smoothly, local management is essential. If a cleaning company is based out of town without local support, it will likely have difficulty meeting your expectations. A lack of local oversight often results in unmet needs and a strained working relationship.
The “We Do Everything” Janitorial Company
Imagine you’re hiring a contractor to build a house. You’re given two options: the first is a custom home builder with a portfolio of homes built each year, and the second is a general handyman who has worked on various projects but only built a couple of homes. Unless you’re willing to compromise on quality for the sake of saving money, you would probably choose the specialist over the generalist.
The same applies when selecting a janitorial company. Some companies are experts in specific areas, such as floor care or servicing small businesses, while others attempt to handle everything. If a cleaning company says they’ll take on any job without specialization, that could be a sign that they aren’t the best fit for your particular needs. Choosing a company that doesn’t align with your facility’s needs could lead to a quick end to your partnership.
Finding the Right Fit Matters
Picking the right janitorial contractor isn’t just about cost; it’s about finding the perfect match for your facility. Does the company have experience servicing similar buildings? Do they offer local management capable of responding to issues promptly? Do they specialize in the specific services you require? When you can answer “yes” to these questions, you’ve likely found a suitable candidate for your cleaning needs.
Taking the time to evaluate these factors will save you the trouble of a failed partnership and ensure you build a long-term relationship with the right janitorial service.
