How to compare janitorial bids when the prices don’t make sense.
If you’ve ever asked several cleaning companies for quotes, you’ve probably seen a wide range in pricing. One might quote $5,500 per month, another $8,500, and a third might fall somewhere in the middle. All of them toured your building and saw the same scope of work — so why the big difference in cost?
It’s easy to think the cheapest company is giving you the best deal or that the most expensive one is just overcharging. But in the cleaning industry, there’s more behind the numbers than you might realize.
Labor Hours Make the Biggest Impact
Janitorial work depends heavily on people. The number of labor hours a company includes in your plan is usually the main factor in pricing.
Lower prices often mean fewer cleaning hours. That can lead to rushed work, skipped tasks, and more complaints. It might save money at first, but if the quality drops or you have to switch vendors, it could end up costing more in the long run.
On the other hand, a higher price often includes a more realistic number of hours to do the job well. This means more consistent cleaning, better attention to detail, and a team that’s not overwhelmed or overworked.
Pay Rates and Staffing Quality Matter
Another key difference is how much the cleaning company pays its employees. Some of the cheapest vendors pay minimum wage and offer little training. That can lead to high staff turnover and poor service.
Companies that pay better wages and invest in training tend to have more reliable staff who take pride in their work. These teams are more likely to stick around, get to know your building, and deliver higher-quality service.
Better pay often brings better performance — and fewer headaches for you.
What’s Actually Included?
Before making a decision, ask what’s included in each bid. That $3,000 gap in pricing might cover:
- Special services like floor buffing or window washing
- More hours of labor
- Regular inspections and supervision
- Reporting systems to track complaints or issues
- Backup staff to avoid service gaps
One company might be offering a full-service program, while another is only covering the basics.
Don’t Focus Only on the Price — Look at the Plan
A low bid might seem attractive, but it can come with hidden problems. Missed tasks, frequent complaints, and unreliable service can waste your time and hurt your business image.
Instead of asking just, “What’s the price?” ask, “What’s your plan?” How many hours are included? What services are covered? How do they ensure quality?
Choosing the right cleaning partner means looking past the dollar amount and focusing on the value they provide.