Why Go Commercial?
Commercial cleaning contracts offer several advantages over residential work: predictable monthly income, less client-by-client scheduling, and typically higher total revenue. A single commercial contract can replace 10-15 residential clients in terms of income.
Getting Started: What You Need
Before approaching commercial prospects, make sure you have:
- General liability insurance ($1M minimum, $2M aggregate)
- Workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees)
- Commercial auto insurance
- A business license and any required local permits
- Professional-looking uniforms and branded materials
Finding Prospects
Start small. Target offices under 5,000 square feet, medical offices, real estate offices, and small retail spaces. Drive through business parks and note which buildings look like they could use better cleaning. Many small businesses don't have contracts and rely on their own staff.
The Walk-Through and Bid
Request a walk-through of the facility. Measure square footage, count restrooms, and note special requirements. Calculate your bid based on frequency, scope, and difficulty. For a standard nightly office cleaning, expect to bid $0.08-$0.15 per square foot.
Closing the Deal
Present a professional proposal that includes scope of work, frequency, pricing, and your insurance certificates. Offer a 30-day trial period at full price — this removes risk for the prospect. Follow up within 48 hours and be prepared to start within a week of signing.
