How Much Should You Charge for Commercial Building Cleaning Services: All You Need to Know

When it comes to commercial building cleaning, the price you set isn’t just a number; it’s the heartbeat of your profit margins. It’s not just about quoting a number; it’s about finding that sweet spot where your clients see the value and you still make a profit that keeps your business thriving.

Picture this: set your commercial cleaning prices too low, and you might win some clients initially, but soon you’ll find yourself drowning in operational costs, struggling to maintain quality service. On the flip side, set it too high, and potential clients might look for more budget-friendly alternatives.

The art lies in striking a balance where your pricing reflects the quality and thoroughness of your cleaning services. Think of it as a delicate dance where you want your business to stand out for its exceptional service without burning a hole in your pocket, a well-choreographed routine that not only covers your operational costs but also allows for growth and investment. It’s the difference between merely surviving and thriving in the competitive cleaning industry.

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Despite being an imperative, many cleaning businesses struggle with setting up a price for their service. They may be capable of providing excellent service, but they fail to draw up a comprehensive and competitive commercial cleaning rate chart for their customers.

The problem lies in the very nature of the industry since the price of commercial building cleaning services depends on a myriad of factors. Firstly, the industry is highly competitive, with varying levels of service quality and pricing models. Navigating this landscape requires a delicate balance between offering a competitive rate and ensuring profitability.

Additionally, the diverse nature of commercial spaces demands customized cleaning solutions, making it challenging to establish a one-size-fits-all pricing strategy. Moreover, fluctuating costs of labor, cleaning supplies, and equipment further complicate the pricing equation. As commercial cleaning companies strive to meet client expectations, finding the sweet spot that aligns with market demands, covers operational expenses, and secures a reasonable profit margin becomes a complex puzzle that requires constant recalibration.

Given its complex nature, pricing commercial cleaning jobs can be tricky at times, especially for new businesses. But fear not, we’ve got you covered.

In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about pricing your commercial cleaning services, including what factors to consider when pricing a cleaning job, different types of cleaning rates, average commercial cleaning rates, and so on. Most importantly, you’ll learn the most efficient way to calculate the right price. So, read on to learn how to price a commercial cleaning job.

Table of Contents

What Factors Impact Your Pricing?

Before you set a price for your commercial building cleaning services, it is important to learn the factors that generally impact the pricing. If you fail to grasp these, you might be at risk of underpricing or overpricing your services, leaving the sustainability and profitability of your company vulnerable in the long run. So, before you proceed to research the average commercial building cleaning rate, take a moment to consider the following factors.

Labor Costs

The backbone of any cleaning service is the labor force. Consider the wages, benefits, and training costs for your cleaning staff. Factors such as experience levels, specialized skills, and the complexity of tasks can influence labor costs. An accurate assessment of these expenses is fundamental to establishing a viable pricing structure.

Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

The type and quality of cleaning supplies and equipment you use directly impact your operational commercial cleaning costs. Environmentally friendly or specialized cleaning products may come at a higher price, and maintaining modern equipment incurs ongoing expenses. These costs should be factored into your pricing to ensure you’re covering all necessary resources.

Frequency and Scope of Services

The frequency of cleaning and the scope of services provided are integral to your pricing model. Daily, weekly, or monthly cleaning schedules will have different cost implications. Additionally, the size and layout of the commercial space, as well as the specific cleaning requirements, will influence the time and resources needed for each job. The price of cleaning a small office space will necessarily be less than that of cleaning an entire office building.

Location and Accessibility

The geographical location of the commercial building can impact your pricing. Consider travel time, fuel costs, and any additional expenses associated with reaching the site. Accessibility issues, such as the presence of elevators, parking availability, or building layout, can also affect the time and effort required for commercial building cleaning tasks.

Customization and Special Services

Offering tailored or specialized cleaning services can justify higher pricing. Whether it’s implementing green cleaning practices, incorporating advanced disinfection protocols, or addressing unique client requests, customization adds value and allows you to differentiate your services in the market.

Insurance and Liability

Adequate insurance coverage is crucial in the cleaning industry. Liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance protect your business and employees. The costs associated with insurance premiums should be factored into your pricing to ensure that your business is financially secure in case of unforeseen incidents.

Market Competition

The competitive landscape in your local market plays a significant role in pricing. Analyze what other cleaning businesses are charging for similar services and assess how your offerings compare. Striking a balance between being competitive and maintaining profitability is essential for sustainable growth.

Economic Factors

Economic conditions, inflation, and fluctuations in the cost of living can impact your overall operational costs. These external factors may necessitate periodic reviews and adjustments to your pricing to ensure that your business remains financially viable.

Client Relationships and Loyalty

Building long-term relationships with clients can lead to repeat business and positive referrals. Consider offering loyalty discounts or incentives for clients who commit to long-term contracts. Balancing the need for profitability with client retention strategies is crucial for sustained success.

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with industry regulations and standards may incur additional costs, such as training programs, certifications, or adherence to specific cleaning protocols. Ensure that your pricing reflects the investment in maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.

How to Price Your Commercial Building Cleaning Services?

Now that you know what to consider while pricing your commercial building cleaning services, it is time to focus on the most important task—pricing your job.

To do this right, you must know the standard market rate in your area. This is vital to keeping your rates competitive and maintaining profit.

In the USA, average commercial cleaning rates can vary from $0.07 to $0.15 per square foot, or between $50 and $100 an hour. Usually, cleaning businesses set their commercial cleaning rate chart based on the following standards:

By Job Type

Commercial cleaning rates vary based on the type of cleaning service. The following chart shows the cleaning rate range for various cleaning services.

By the Hour

You can also charge your customers per hour. This way, you will set a rate for an hour, and the customer will pay you for the total hours you have worked for them. The hourly rate, however, depends on the type of cleaning service you are providing and also, the type of facility you are working in. for example, if you are providing a deep cleaning service for a small office space, you may charge $25 per hour. But if you are cleaning a medical facility with specialized equipment, charges may go up to $75 to $125 per hour.

By Square Footage

This is probably the most common practice for pricing commercial cleaning jobs. It provides a transparent and straightforward approach for both cleaning businesses and clients. The larger the area, the more cleaning services cost due to labor and supply costs.

The following chart shows the average cleaning rate based on area size. Below is an approximate chart for commercial cleaning price per square foot.

Flat Fee

Flat pricing for commercial cleaning services offers simplicity and clarity for both cleaning businesses and clients. Instead of calculating costs based on various factors, such as square footage or specific cleaning tasks, a flat pricing model provides a fixed rate for a comprehensive package of services.

This straightforward approach eliminates the need for intricate calculations, making it easy for clients to understand and budget for cleaning services. Businesses adopting flat pricing can offer a standardized cleaning package that includes a range of tasks suitable for most commercial spaces.

Custom Pricing

Custom pricing for commercial cleaning services is a strategic and client-centric approach that recognizes the unique requirements of each business space. Instead of employing a one-size-fits-all model, custom pricing involves a meticulous evaluation of the client’s needs, the intricacies of the commercial environment, and any specialized services requested. Factors such as the size of the space, the frequency of cleaning, and the nature of industry-specific cleaning demands are considered in crafting a personalized quote.

This approach ensures that clients receive tailored solutions that precisely address their cleaning requirements, promoting a higher level of satisfaction.

How are Commercial Cleaning Rates Calculated?

Here is a step-by step guide to calculating your commercial business cleaning rates:

Determine Base Rate

Establish a base rate per hour or per square foot. This serves as the starting point for your pricing structure. Consider factors such as labor costs, overhead expenses, and desired profit margins when setting this base rate.

Evaluate Labor Costs

Calculate the labor costs by estimating the time it will take to complete the cleaning tasks. Consider the number of cleaners required and their hourly wage or salary, including any benefits or additional labor-related expenses.

Account for Overhead Expenses

Factor in overhead costs such as cleaning supplies, equipment maintenance, insurance, and administrative expenses. Divide these costs by the number of hours or square footage to distribute overhead expenses across your services.

Calculate Profit Margin

Determine the profit margin you want to achieve. This is typically a percentage of the total costs and serves as the markup for your services. Add this percentage to your total costs to calculate the final service price.
With all this information, you can easily calculate your cleaning price for a job. Or you can also use a commercial cleaning calculator available online to do the job for you.
While calculating, you may also consider the following aspects to fine tune the pricing:

Consider Frequency of Cleaning

Adjust your pricing based on the frequency of cleaning. More frequent services may justify a lower cost per visit, while occasional or one-time cleaning might incur a higher rate.

Customization and Special Services

If you offer specialized or additional services beyond basic cleaning, determine how these services impact your pricing. Consider offering these as add-ons with separate pricing or incorporating them into your base rate for comprehensive packages.

Assess Industry-specific Requirements

Different industries have unique cleaning requirements. Evaluate the specific needs of the client’s industry and adjust your pricing accordingly. For instance, medical facilities or industrial spaces may require specialized cleaning approaches.

Consider Accessibility and Layout

Evaluate the accessibility of the commercial space and its layout. If the cleaning tasks are more challenging due to factors like multiple floors, tight spaces, or limited access, adjust your pricing to reflect the additional effort required.

Factor in Client Expectations

Consider the client’s expectations regarding the level of cleanliness, response to emergencies, and flexibility in scheduling. Align your pricing with the services you offer to meet or exceed these expectations.

Market Research and Competition

Research the local market and analyze competitors’ pricing structures. Aim to offer competitive rates while ensuring your business remains financially sustainable.

Account for Economic Factors

Periodically review your pricing to account for economic factors such as inflation and changes in the cost of living. Adjust your rates as needed to maintain profitability and cover increased operational costs.

Wrapping Up: Set Your Prices Right with the Right Software

Pricing commercial building cleaning jobs can be a lot of work, but not if you use the right tools! Now you can leverage the power of automation and make it easier than ever. And the best choice in this regard is Field Promax.

Field Promax stands out as an invaluable tool for commercial cleaning businesses, offering a comprehensive solution to streamline the often intricate process of calculating pricing for their services. The software’s efficiency lies in its ability to factor in diverse elements crucial for pricing, such as square footage, frequency of cleaning, and the specific needs of different industries. Field Promax ensures accuracy by accounting for labor costs, material expenses, and overhead, providing a well-rounded understanding of the financial components involved in each cleaning job. Its user-friendly interface empowers businesses to easily input and manipulate data, enabling quick and precise calculations that result in fair and competitive pricing for clients.

Moreover, Field Promax is the optimal choice for estimating commercial cleaning jobs due to its versatility and adaptability to the evolving needs of the industry. The software’s customization features allow commercial cleaning businesses to tailor their pricing models based on unique client requirements, ensuring a personalized approach that resonates with various industries. Its real-time updating capabilities mean that businesses can adjust pricing strategies promptly in response to market changes or fluctuations in operational costs.

Field Promax not only simplifies the complex task of calculating pricing for commercial cleaning services but also enhances efficiency, client satisfaction, and overall business profitability. With its advanced features and user-friendly design, Field Promax stands as an indispensable tool for commercial cleaning businesses seeking an effective and reliable solution for estimating and calculating pricing.

So, if you want a hassle-free experience for pricing and yet maintain profitability, switch to Field Promax.