What Your Commercial Cleaning Contract Should Include
If you're new to the commercial cleaning game and just starting your own business, you have many things on your to-do list. What type of equipment will you purchase? How will you find the best employees? How will you market your business? Where will you find customers? All of those are very important! But you also shouldn't overlook a fundamental for your janitorial services business – a contract.
Contracts are crucial because they protect both your business and your client in the event of a dispute, clearly communicate expectations and telegraph professionalism.
So how do you know what to include in your commercial cleaning contract? Read on to find out!
1. The basics
It may seem obvious, but you must include the legal name, address, and contact information for your business in your commercial cleaning contract as well as a business license number if you have one.
2. Cancellation policy
If a client cancels at the last minute, your commercial cleaning business will lose money! Emergencies are a reality, but you can help discourage frivolous cancellations by developing a simple, clear policy and including it in your commercial cleaning contract. For example, what is the timeframe by which a client can cancel without a monetary penalty? What is your cancellation fee? Is it a percentage of the cost of the cleaning or a lump sum?
3. Dates and times of commercial cleaning services
Your clients will want the cleaning to take place on specific days and times. Include that in the contract as well as if you are providing a one-time cleaning or weekly or monthly cleanings. Be sure to allow for changes if necessary.
4. Payment terms and methods
Your contract should include information about when your clients can expect to receive an invoice and by when they'll need to pay, as well as what forms of payment you accept and your preferred method of delivery such as on-site, via mail, or online. For example, can they use Venmo or PayPal? Or do you only accept credit cards or checks? Lastly, include language about what will happen if they don't pay by the time specified, such as late fees or collections.
5. Specific services
What type of commercial cleaning or janitorial services will you provide at each visit, and which will you perform intermittently? Do you vacuum and mop at each visit but wash windows only on an as-needed basis? Including this information ensures there is no miscommunication regarding customer expectations.
6. Pricing
Your commercial cleaning contract should include a concise explanation of how you charge such as per hour, per square foot, or a flat rate for each visit.
7. Provision of cleaning supplies and equipment
Itemize each piece of equipment and specify whether you will supply it or if you expect your client to do so. For example, if you will only use your tools, your contract should say that. If clients have the option to choose for your crew to use their equipment, it should state that as well.
8. Dispute resolution
No matter how professional your company is or how considerate your clients are, there are times when disagreements arise. Your commercial cleaning contract should explain exactly how you will resolve any disputes including whom your clients should contact and how.
The Janitorial Store: Helping you build a successful commercial cleaning business
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