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Here's what our members are saying...

"We started an air duct cleaning company in 2003 after the economy started to slow we needed additional services to offer. A banker friend of mine suggested I look into the janitorial industry. I found the The Janitorial Store, and shortly thereafter was fortunate enough to meet Steve. And the rest is history. I consider Steve Hanson not only a business mentor but a great friend. 4 years later our janitorial division is nearly 10 times larger then our air duct cleaning division and still growing. Thanks so much to Steve and The Janitorial Store!"

Matthew Kitzmann
Green Clean Solutions
Rochester, MN

"Steve - I just wanted to let you know that I got the 5 times a week account. Thanks so much for returning my call so quickly and being willing to offer advice, answer my questions and be a sounding board for strategy. You are a storehouse of information! I really appreciate your willingness to help. Thanks so much."

Maggie Forsythe
Pinnacle Commercial Cleaning
Northville, MI

"There's something to say about having the ability to pick up the phone & contact the Janitorial Store with a problem, or simply to talk through a proposal that's on your desk. For the past 4+ years, I've happily paid my membership investment into TJS and have gotten an ROI that makes me want to ask Steve & Jean "WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING!?!?!" They have truly been a blessing to the growth of our company & have consistently shared their wealth of knowledge in a family-oriented style manner. I really dig that about them! I really do!! And I appreciate you guys simply being here. I've learned a lot! Blessings to your businesses."

Gerren Sprauve
Clean Slate Janitorial Service
Apopka, FL

"Steve. you have been instrumental in teaching me many things about the commercial bidding process. We just landed our first commercial account. Thank you Steve for sharing your expertise, your time, and helping a beginner get started in this competitive industry."

Jim Jones
Mr Maid Pittsburgh Commercial Cleaning, Pittsburgh, PA

"Jean, you have been a big inspiration to my husband and I. Love the education you bring to our business. The Janitorial Store is a big part of our lives and our business."

Debbie Melville
Mel's Truly Clean, Plymouth, MI

"Jean - thank you so much for your great information. I have to tell you, I made this website my homepage, it has helped me out greatly. I would recommended it to any one starting their cleaning business."

Nicholas Dominguez
Marich Building Services, Tampa, FL

Bidding & Estimating

Bidding and estimating is a challenge for most building service contractors. If you are struggling with any aspect of the bidding and estimating process, we have several tools that will help.

Included with your subscription to The Janitorial Store are the following:

FREE EBOOK (100 pages)

Bidding & Estimating for Cleaning Companies

Are you confused on how to prepare bids for commercial cleaning accounts? If you bid too high, you might lose the job, but bidding too low might mean you won't make a profit on the job. Walking that fine line and bidding correctly can have a huge impact on the success of your cleaning business. This Ebook will show you how to bid, step-by-step.

PRIVATE BIDDING & ESTIMATING DISCUSSION FORUM

Have a proposal to submit but stuck on how to price it? We'll help you work through the numbers and any other questions you have.

BIDDING CALCULATORS

Choose from 10 calculators to help you work through all your estimating needs.

Profitability calculators, production rates, paper usage, trash can liners, soap, air fresheners, feminine hygiene, and window washing.

TEMPLATES AND FORMS FOR BIDDING AND ESTIMATING

Visit the Download Library for a huge selection of templates and walk-through forms to help you submit a professional proposal.

DVD (Discounted for members):
HOW TO WALK THROUGH AND MEASURE A BUILDING FOR A CLEANING PROPOSAL

Congratulations! You did it! You successfully booked an appointment to do a walk through with the person who makes decisions on the cleaning service. Now What? Getting the appointment is just the first step. Don't let yourself down by not preparing -- this is an important part of the sales process if you have any hopes of closing the deal. This DVD is designed to help you learn how to present yourself at the walkthrough, how to interact with the prospect, and how to measure the space. When you do it right, you are on your way to making the sale.

Besides the resources listed above for members, we regularly add to our library of articles on the topic. Scroll through the topics below.

RECORDED CALL: How accurate are your numbers? Providing accurate proposals that are both competitive and profitable

How do you know if the price you just quoted will be profitable? Did you run YOUR costs of doing business or did you use what you heard is the "going rate" for cleaning and the "standard percentage" for payroll costs? Listen as Jean Hanson, Steve Hanson, and guest expert Dick Ollek, discuss how to provide an accurate price that is both competitive and profitable. . . . keep reading

How to Determine Staffing Levels in a Commercial Cleaning Account
Jean Hanson
If you've been in the cleaning industry for a while, you probably have a pretty good idea how many employees it will take to clean a particular building. But using an educated guess is not always accurate, especially in recent years where cleaning specifications are more customized to each building. . . . keep reading

Cleaning Day Care Centers: What To Watch For

As a cleaning business owner, some of my toughest experiences have been with cleaning Day Care Centers. I am certain there are many others who have had great experiences and love working for them. But be aware of the problems you might end up facing once you take them on as a client. Some of the common issues that you must keep in mind while putting together your cleaning service proposal are: . . . keep reading

AUDIO: Bidding & Estimating - Member Discussion
Jean Hanson

You've probably heard that there are a lot of variables when it comes to bidding and estimating for commercial cleaning jobs, and it's true! So how do you know here to begin, and how do you know how to adapt your pricing to the changes happening in the economy? Join co-founder Steve Hanson, consultant Dick Ollek, and members of The Janitorial Store for a discussion on this hot topic among cleaning business owners. . . . keep reading

Episode #41 -- Tuning In To Dirty Buildings Creates Golden Opportunities
Jean Hanson

Are you tuning in to dirty buildings? Learn how to create golden opportunities to submit cleaning proposals just by being observant and asking one important question. . . . keep reading

Episode #38 -- How To Reconnect With Cleaning Prospects That Don't Respond To Your Calls
Jean Hanson

Having a hard time getting prospects to respond to your calls? In this episode, learn why cleaning prospects fail to respond to your calls and what you can do about it. . . . keep reading

Should I Price My Cleaning Services By The Hour Or By The Square Foot?
Steve Hanson
This is a question we get from commercial cleaning business owners all the time. For those of you who do residential cleaning, there ARE some companies that price by the square foot, but it is much more common to estimate your time and apply your hourly rate. But for you commercial cleaners, it becomes a bit more complicated since there are so many different types of commercial cleaning accounts and dozens of variables that affect your ultimate price. . . . keep reading

Episode #33 -- Winning the Bid and Winning the Customer -- What's the Difference?
Jean Hanson

Dick Ollek of Consultants in Cleaning discusses the difference between "bidding" the job and submitting a proposal and why it's important to know the difference. He also shares what it takes to win the customer. . . . keep reading

FORM: Pre-existing Surface Damage Waiver

Have your client sign this form before cleaning a surface, when pre-existing surface damage exists. The form includes space to describe the pre-existing damage. It also documents when and how the customer was informed of the damage and that they agree to have you clean the surface anyway. . . . keep reading

I Submitted My Cleaning Proposal ... Now What?
Steve Hanson
I can't tell you the number of times cleaning business owners have asked us this question. They did a walk through, submitted a proposal, and then left with hopes of getting a new client. The problem is, they left the proposal with the prospect and didn't schedule a time to follow up. That means they put the control into the hands of the prospect, instead of guiding them through the process of making a decision. What should you do instead? . . . keep reading

Episode #23 -- Following Up After Submitting A Cleaning Proposal

Have you ever submitted a cleaning proposal and then didn't get a reply as to whether or not you got the account? This episode will help you figure out how to solve this common problem. . . . keep reading

Is Price Really the Objection?
Sharon L. Cowan, CBSE

We hear daily about proposals being rejected because of price or that prospects are looking at bottom line numbers only and don't care about the delivery of service. Or perhaps you are reading that EVERY prospect is price driven and the only way to win accounts is to be the lowest guy in town. Now, while many RFPs or ITBs require that lowest price wins the award, there are many prospects who are looking for a different level of service when hiring a janitorial company. Seeking out those who are value driven and marketing to those prospects will be a great use of your time and energy. . . . keep reading

Episode #22 -- What Does it Take to Win the Cleaning Bid Over The Competition?

A lot of cleaning business owners struggle with losing a new account to a competitor. They wonder to themselves, "what the heck does it take to win the bid over the competition?" . . . keep reading

Episode #17 -- Why Cleaning Prospects Don't Make a Decision & Efficiency Tips

In this episode find out why some cleaning prospects don't get back to you with a decision on your proposal and just what you can do about it. . . . keep reading

RECORDED WEBINAR SERIES: Bidding & Estimating Basics for Commercial Cleaning Companies

By this time next month you could win more proposals with these winning strategies! Join Steve Hanson, co-founder of TheJanitorialStore.com for this recorded webinar series as he shares the strategies he has used for bidding and estimating to build 2 successful cleaning companies. This is a series of 4 webinars. Also receive 31 documents including handouts for each session, sample proposal covers, cover letters, 4 sample proposals, walk through worksheets, supply worksheets and more. Read more about what is covered each day, and buy the CD. . . . keep reading

You Got The Appointment To Sell Your Cleaning Service...Now What?
Steve Hanson

You did it! You successfully booked an appointment with the person who makes decisions on the cleaning service. Now What? Getting the appointment is just the first step. Don't let yourself down by not preparing -- this is an important part of the sales process if you have any hopes of closing the deal. Here are some tips for pre-planning your appointment: . . . keep reading

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