Counting Pennies To Protect Cleaning Margins

If a facility has become accustomed to a certain level of custodial services they may go through a period of adjustment where the current BSC (Building Service Contractor) will be unfairly blamed for not keeping up appearance or cleanliness.  There is the distinct possibility that the BSC will come under intense scrutiny with someone counting staff, complaining about janitors always on break, poor cleaning stories (aspirin in corner for two weeks always plays well) and there may be a movement to replace the service with someone eager to get the contract with any promise they can generate.

If all services are using the same labor pool, abiding by the same pay rates and benefits, utilizing the same equipment and supplies, then the only real difference is management and communications.  This can be a dangerous time for the current cleaning service.  The incumbent BSC needs to make sure they are closely monitoring their activities, complaints, requests, etc and that they are communicating with the customer as well as key tenants on a regular basis.  They need to not only be responsive but they also need to reaffirm in every way possible that the customer has made a wise decision in partnering with them during these difficult days.

As to Plan C, the BSC needs to take a close look at current staffing levels, equipment and supplies to make sure that they are as productive as possible.  They need to identify any tasks that either have been excluded or can be reduced.  They need to focus on those cleaning areas that are of importance to the customer.

Plan C strategies means thinking outside the box and counting pennies to protect your margins and the investment you have made in this contract.  We will continue to take a look at the differences in Plan A, B and C in future articles. 

Your comments and questions are always welcome. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.