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Sourcing Commercial Cleaning Equipment When Starting a New Business

Before the pandemic, the cleaning service industry was part of the $33 billion facility services industry, with more than 55,000 companies providing commercial cleaning in the United States and more than 2.3 million cleaning service workers. Now, with the cleaning and disinfecting of public facilities taking on a new level of importance during the pandemic, it&#;s no surprise that people are considering starting up their own cleaning company.

The Opportunity for New Commercial Cleaning Companies

Needless to say, that with more than 5.9 million U.S. commercial buildings containing a total of 97 billion square feet as of , there&#;s a lot of space to clean!  But cleaning business operator be warned, that while the opportunity is great, it is also competitive.

A new Market data study examined the U.S. commercial cleaning and maintenance services industry. The study found that the business is extremely competitive, comprised of 1.4 million establishments &#; mainly small operators, including 36,000+ U.S.-based franchised outlets. Competitors run the gamut from mom & pop cleaners to commercial cleaning giants.

But don&#;t let the competitive landscape deter you. The pandemic has mandated more frequent deep cleanings to combat infectious disease spread and may ultimately redefine the way the industry cleans beyond COVID-19. Using a checklist for commercial cleaning businesses will help you to cross your T&#;s and dot your I&#;s, but when it comes to deep cleaning, one of the key areas in determining the long-term stability and profitability of your business hinges on the commercial cleaning equipment you source.  The following guidance will help you in sourcing the right tools for your start up.

Making Your List of Commercial Cleaning Tools & Equipment

The Janitorial Store provides training on running and growing a cleaning business, and we found their lists of tools, supplies and equipment below comprehensive and helpful as you organize your sourcing efforts. These lists are divided into three categories: 1) Tools, which are the items that are repeatedly used for ongoing cleaning tasks; 2) Supplies, which are products that need to be replenished regularly; and 3) Equipment, which are heavier and more durable goods.

Cleaning Tools List:

These are the items that you and your cleaning crew will bring with you to every job to use daily for regular cleaning tasks. They include:

Supplies List:
This list includes commercial cleaning products that get used daily as part of your cleaning routine.

• Latex and neoprene gloves
• Window cleaning solution
• Bathroom cleaning solution
• Disinfecting solution
• Garbage bags
• All-purpose cleaners

Equipment List:
These larger cost items will provide years of service use.

Sourcing Commercial Cleaning Equipment and Tools

Whether starting a new business or expanding upon an existing one, sourcing the right cleaning equipment can have a significant impact on cleaning staff productivity and safety, as well as the cleaning and disinfecting effectiveness. There are several factors that should go into the purchasing decision and after over 50 years in the commercial cleaning business, we&#;ve identified the following list of important considerations that have proven to help business operators make better upfront decisions.

1. Consider the Price of the Equipment in Terms of the Longer-Term Cost and Value

One of biggest mistakes that we see is business owners, facility manager and building service contractors making a cleaning tool decision based on price alone. The problem is that price &#; how much you pay for a product initially &#; doesn&#;t take into account the longer-term cost of using the product and ROI.

While one cleaning product may initially cost more than another, you need to consider other costs associated with the cleaning process to compare apples to apples, such as:

• Training time for custodial staff;
• The time it takes cleaning staff to complete the task at hand using the product;
• Any future maintenance anticipated or recommended for the product;
• The lifespan of the product, and if certain choices, such as choosing a microfiber mop vs. a cottons string mop, contributes to the product&#;s longevity and
• How the design of the product may or may not enhance the safety of workers and therefore minimizing injuries and/or days out of work. For example, using a window cleaning kit that features a telescoping pole to clean hard to reach areas, allowing staff to avoid moving furniture and/or using ladders.

In a competitive industry, you also have to the consider the business risks you assume when you buy based on price alone.  While you may reap the initial benefits of saving money on a less expensive product, you&#;ll ultimately be unable to compete with the larger commercial cleaning businesses.  Going for the cheaper products is tempting, but in addition to hidden costs, there are quality, productivity and performance issues that may keep your business and staff from meeting cleaning expectations.  And when expectations are not met, the result is a dissatisfied customer. Once you disappoint enough customers, the larger issue is poor customer relationships and a damaged business reputation.  According to market research, 55% of commercial cleaners lose business due to customer satisfaction.

2. Get All the Details from Potential Suppliers

When looking for an equipment supplier, there is a laundry list of considerations and questions you can ask potential vendors, things like online ordering availability, invoicing and purchase orders, sales reps&#; expertise, training and support resources, equipment maintenance programs, financing options, etc. One point that we encourage you to consider is the product guarantee that the supplier does or does not offer. Some questions that you can ask:  

• Is there a warranty? How long is it? What does it cover (parts, repairs)?
• What are the training requirements for this product? What will that cost you? Can you get help with training from the manufacturer or your supplier?
• Does this product align with your company&#;s sustainability goals? You may want to consider buying green cleaning products, as this can be a very appealing feature to some clients.
• What are the maintenance costs and how do they compare to other options?
• What is the life expectancy of the equipment? How does that compare to others?

3. Look for a Reputable, Experienced SupplierWanting to source quality tools designed to make the cleaning experience cleaner, faster and safer, one of the best ways to do so is to select a reputable provider for your cleaning equipment. To best gauge the reputation of potential suppliers, you can explore their customer testimonials, customer use cases and product reviews available on their website. If they are not available, you should feel comfortable requesting this information.

Learn More About Modern Commercial Cleaning Equipment

Starting a commercial cleaning business or expanding on existing services can feel like a daunting task, but as far as the equipment and supplies you&#;ll need go, if you approach it strategically, your chances to meet profitability goals improve. Choosing the best commercial cleaning products and making purchasing decisions should not be based on price alone, so take the time to explore the considerations above that will serve your business better over time.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Felici Machinery.

In , revenues for the cleaning industry was at $50 million dollars. 3.5 million people were employed by 875,000 cleaning companies.As we head deeper into , the economy is expected to grow by a steady 2%. That means it's a good time to start a cleaning business.But before you launch your website and start handing out business cards, you need to make sure you have everything you need. And that includes stocking up on cleaning equipment and supplies.If you're not sure what you need, keep reading. Here's a guide to the complete professional cleaning supplies and equipment checklist you need to start a cleaning business.

How to Determine What Cleaning Equipment You Need

Not every cleaning company is the same. You may want to focus on window cleaning.If so, you won't need the same equipment or cleaning products list that a residential home cleaning business will. Figuring out what services you plan to offer will help to determine exactly what you need.

Cleaning Equipment

Fortunately, most types of cleaning companies don't need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment. It's mostly supplies that are necessary.However, here is a list of the larger pieces of equipment you should own:

• Computer
• Printer
• Vacuum cleaner

You may also want to invest in a carpet cleaner or floor polisher, however, that depends on what types of services your target market needs.

How to Find Quality Cleaning Equipment

To find the best machines, look at online reviews and ratings. Look for products that are reliable, durable, and intended for frequent commercial use.Remember that you get what you pay for. It's usually worth investing in a more expensive piece of equipment that comes with a warranty and additional features than it does to save a few dollars.

Professional Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are the items that help you clean, but not the products themselves. It's doubtful most clients will supply you with any or all of the items you need to clean their property so always bring your own along.Here is a list of professional house cleaning supplies you'll need:

• Broom
• Mop
• Bucket
• Dustpan
• Duster
• Spray bottle
• Rags
• Window cleaner
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Latex gloves
• Extension cords
• Microfiber cloths

You should also buy a container to keep all your supplies in.

Cleaning Products

You should also invest in cleaning products. While a client may have their own, as a professional cleaner, you know which brands work best.Also, if you're a green cleaning company, you'll need to supply your own to ensure that none of the cleaning products are harmful to you or the environment.Here's a list of cleaning products you should bring with you:

• Air freshener
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant
• Glass and window cleaner
• Heavy-duty detergent and/or degreaser
• Oven cleaner
• Furniture polish
• Stainless steel cleaner
• Descaling agent
• Carpet cleaner
• Stain remover
• Wood cleaner
• Toilet and shower cleaner

You may also want to bring along your own dishwashing and laundry detergent.

Office Supplies

Besides a computer and printer, you'll need more supplies to help you run your business. Here's a list of supplies you'll need to run your business successfully:

• Desk
• Chair
• Paper
• Pens & pencils

Software is another office supply that can help you save time and increase your productivity levels and profits. You'll want to invest in scheduling and management software that can help you manage everything from giving a quote to a prospective client to sending invoices.

Investing in Office Software

Look for software that lets you manage the following tasks:

• Schedule appointments
• Accept online bookings
• Convert bids into jobs
• Create professional quotes
• Access all client information
• Get paid online

The software should also let you create and check your schedule. Most offer a convenient app to let you do everything on your smartphone.

Marketing

Without the proper marketing tools, you could have the best cleaning business on the planet and barely anyone will know. While word-of-mouth is best, there are a few more tools you can add to your arsenal to help you spread the word such as:

• Website
• Blog
• Social media profile
• Business cards
• Fliers

Try joining a local networking group. They can help you spread the word and offer guidance and support.

Promotional Marketing

Swag is another great marketing tool. Everyone loves free stuff.And you don't need to spend a lot of money, either. Promotional marketing items such as t-shirts, pens or screen cleaners are a low-cost item that can offer your business a higher ROI (return on investment).

Employees

If you prefer to run the business while employees tackle the cleaning, you're going to need to learn how to find good, reliable, honest employees. Since cleaning company employees are often left alone unsupervised in homes and offices, theft is a very real possibility.It's a smart idea to have background checks performed on all employees. Post local ads, post ads online, at the local college or even through an employment agency.Don't forget you can train employees who are strong candidates but lack professional experience.

Test Equipment & Train Your Employees

Before you begin working with clients, test out your new equipment. Make sure it's working properly.While you can test out the equipment in your own home, to gain real-world experience, as friends, neighbors, and family members if they're willing to let you clean their house for free in exchange for them spreading the word about your services.If you have employees, send them to your friends and family for training purposes. Make sure they know proper procedures and how to use and troubleshoot all of the equipment.

Invest in a Franchise

Before you invest in cleaning equipment and other cleaning company supplies, consider becoming part of a nationwide team. Starting a business on your own isn't easy.We offer training, support, and a built-in network. Click here to contact us to learn more about the benefits that come with owning your own franchise cleaning business.

The company is the world’s best Industrial Cleaning Equipment Supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.