How to compare janitorial bids when the prices don’t make sense.
You request janitorial quotes from a few vendors and get back a wide range of prices — $5,500 from one, $8,500 from another, and something in the middle from a third. They all looked at the same building and the same scope of work. So what’s going on?
It’s a common situation and can be confusing. It might seem like the cheapest option is the smart choice, or that the high-priced one is just inflating costs. But there’s usually a bigger story behind the numbers.
Fewer Hours = Lower Price (and Lower Quality)
In commercial cleaning, labor hours are the biggest factor in cost. A company that charges less is usually planning to spend less time cleaning your building.
That might sound okay at first, but fewer hours often lead to rushed work, missed details, and more complaints from your team. Over time, that can lead to frustration, turnover, and having to start the search for a new vendor all over again.
Higher-priced bids usually reflect more realistic staffing — enough time to do a thorough job consistently.
Who’s Doing the Cleaning?
Another big reason for the pricing gap is the quality of staff. Low-cost cleaning companies often hire workers at or near minimum wage. That can mean high turnover, lower motivation, and inconsistent results.
Vendors who pay higher wages, provide training, and avoid overloading their staff usually have more dependable crews. These workers stay longer, care more, and get to know your facility — all of which leads to better results over time.
What’s in the Contract?
Always ask what's included in the bid. That big price difference may not be just about labor. One quote may include:
- Specialty services like floor scrubbing or carpet cleaning
- Additional man hours
- Site supervisors or quality checks
- Tools for tracking service issues
- A backup plan when staff call out
The other quote might be bare-bones — covering only daily basics with little support behind it.
Look at More Than the Bottom Line
It’s tempting to go with the lowest price, but that can lead to more problems than it solves. Before signing on, ask vendors to explain how many hours they’ll work, who’s on their team, and how they maintain standards.
The best janitorial partner won’t always be the cheapest — they’ll be the one that gives you solid, dependable service you can count on.
