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Understanding Office Cleaning Costs: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners & Managers

Business owner reviewing a detailed cleaning cost estimate for office maintenance

Factors Affecting Office Cleaning Costs Mason

When it comes to hiring professional office cleaning services, one of the biggest questions on the minds of office managers, GMs, and facility managers is the cost.

It may sometimes seem like contractors simply come up with prices out of thin air, but there is actually a methodology behind it. In this article, we will explore the variables that impact office cleaning costs, helping you gain a clearer understanding of how these prices are determined.

 

Table of Contents:

  • Factors Affecting Office Cleaning Costs 
  • Business Objectives: Tailoring Cleaning Services to Your Industry
  • Service Frequency: The More You Buy, the Lower the Unit Cost
  • Day and Time of Service: Supply and Demand Dynamics
  • Payment & Invoice Terms: Considering Cash Flow for Cleaning Service Providers
  • Hours Per Month: The Impact of Building Size and Required Hours

 

 

Business Objectives: Tailoring Cleaning Services to Your Industry

Business Objectives

It may seem unusual, but the Cincinnati metro market is home to over 30,000 businesses, each operating in different industries with unique needs.

A financial services business catering to wealthy clients may require a higher level of cleanliness for appearance purposes, while medical buildings prioritize cleanliness for practical reasons.

Some manufacturing plants may have clean rooms that only need standard cleaning in office areas. Understanding your specific business objectives will help determine the level of cleaning required and, consequently, the associated costs.

Service Frequency

The frequency of cleaning services per month plays a significant role in cost determination. As a general rule, the more services you purchase, the lower the unit cost.

For example, scheduling 21 services a month allows for daily cleaning, which is more efficient compared to having only 10 services per month. The per clean rate tends to be higher for fewer services, as the building accumulates more dirt and takes longer to clean.

Day and Time of Service

Supply and demand dynamics are crucial in determining the rate per service. The specific days and times you require cleaning can influence costs. If cleaning needs to be performed after 11 pm, for instance, there is a smaller labor pool available for contractors, leading to higher wages. Being flexible with the timing can help optimize costs.

 

 

Hours Per Month: The Impact of Building Size and Required Hours

Payment & Invoice Terms

Cash flow is an essential consideration for most cleaning service providers. While many businesses have a standard net 30-day payment cycle, some require longer periods, such as 60 or even 90 days, before sending an invoice. It’s important to understand that most commercial cleaning businesses are relatively small and may face significant cash flow burdens.

Some may choose not to bid on properties with longer payment cycles or add a mark-up to cover the extended waiting period.

Hours Per Month

Apart from service frequency, the size of the building and the number of hours required per month greatly impact per clean costs. Supervision plays a crucial role here.

With larger buildings, a supervisor or team leader can be assigned nightly, ensuring efficient operations. However, smaller jobs may require a supervisor to drive to multiple sites each night, resulting in additional costs.

Conclusion

By considering the factors outlined above, you can gain a better understanding of how professional office cleaning costs are determined. By aligning your business objectives, service frequency, day and time of service, payment terms, and the number of hours needed, you can work with cleaning service providers to find a solution that meets your budget and maintains a clean and productive office environment.

 

 

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