BIDDING TIP

My friend and author of a fantastic resource for you (Start an Office Cleaning Business), Sam Rodman, just sent this to me. I know you'll find it helpful:

Hello!

In these tough economic times, I thought it important to share
with you my thoughts on bidding. First of all, remember that
the service of office cleaning is in fact a recession-proof business.

There are many offices and office buildings that already pay for this
service because they need it. Even in tough economic times, they still need
it and they still pay for it. So you have that working for you.

I still get new customers for my office cleaning business and you can too.
When the going gets tough the tough going.

BIDDING TIP

Your goal is not to just make phone calls and mail out letters. Your goal is to submit your bid and then mail out your bid follow- up letter. Do those things first and getting the customer will follow.

If you need to, involve a salesperson in your business. If you do that , I suggest that you offer them a 10 percent commission every month for the first 6 months on each new account. At that point the commision would stop.

Whatever price you come up with for a new account you should still try to discuss it with the decision maker and come to an agreement regardless of any other bids they may have. You want them to employ you and your cleaning business over any others.

So , discuss the situation with the individual in charge. Point out to them that your cleaning service includes everything listed on the first page of your service agreement.
In addition to that,( if need be) tell them that you will include the changing of the burned out ceiling lights as part of your service. This is a very good selling point and quite often a deal breaker. Most cleaning companies do not perform that service but you can offer to include it.

There is always a price range in which an office or building could be cleaned for. Normally that range could go up about 50 percent higher than the price that you have in mind.
Point out this range to the decision maker and ask them if this is in their budget?
Try to come to an agreement with them and get the job for your cleaning business, regardless of any other bids. It's not all about the price.

There is a security issue for them to consider as this is an indoor service. They don't want anyone in their office anymore than you would want anyone cleaning your home. Especially different people all of the time. Get personal with the decision maker.
What is it going to take for them to employ you and your cleaning business over anyone else?

Be persistant with them. Follow up with phone calls , letters and even a personal visit.
Build up your own list of prospects. Even if that list starts out small, say 10 prospects,that would be just fine. You can refine your list as time goes by. Keeping only the hottest prospects on your top 10 list. Keep in touch with them and always try to come to an agreement with them in person.

By asking them the question, "is that in your budget?" you are involving them in the price.
You are getting their feedback and their help in coming to an agreement on the price. Most people will be helpful with you and they will at least open up with you regarding the price they are willing to pay you for your service. Use questions as a tool when speaking with the decision maker as this will always help you out.

Start an Office Cleaning Business
For more tips and resources check out my Squidoo lens--http://www.squidoo.com/StartAnOfficeCleaningBusiness