If you’ve ever looked at a gleaming office space and thought, “I could make that sparkle,” then commercial cleaning might just be your golden ticket. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, landing commercial cleaning contracts can feel like a bit of a mystery. But fear not! If you can’t crack the code, we Candoo. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Define Your Niche
Not all commercial cleaning gigs are created equal. Some businesses need daily office cleaning, while others require specialized services like industrial deep-cleaning or medical sanitation. Finding your niche will help you market your services better and stand out from the crowd.
👉 Pro tip: Focus on a sector where you already have experience or passion. Love spotless floors? Target office spaces. Prefer tackling tough jobs? Warehouses might be your thing.
Step 2: Build a Solid Portfolio
Before a business trusts you with their cleaning needs, they’ll want proof you can deliver. Showcase your best work with high-quality before-and-after photos (bonus points for a short video). If you’re new, offer free or discounted services to a few local businesses in exchange for testimonials.
Step 3: Get Your Pricing Right
Pricing too high will scare off potential clients, and pricing too low will leave you scrubbing away for peanuts. Research your competitors’ rates and calculate your costs carefully. Remember to factor in travel, cleaning supplies, and labour.
💡 Quick Tip: Offering tiered pricing (basic, standard, and premium) gives businesses flexibility and increases your chances of sealing the deal.
Step 4: Market Like a Pro
Now that your business is set up, it’s time to spread the word. Utilize digital marketing, local networking, and direct outreach.
🚀 Ways to Market Your Cleaning Business:
- Google My Business – Get found in local searches.
- Social Media – Share cleaning tips and success stories.
- Cold Emails & Calls – Introduce yourself to business owners.
- Referrals – Happy clients bring in more clients!
Step 5: Nail the Proposal
A solid cleaning proposal should clearly outline your services, pricing, and what makes you stand out. Keep it professional but not overly complicated. Add testimonials for extra credibility.
✍️ Checklist for a Winning Proposal:
✅ Tailor it to the client’s needs.
✅ Include a clear pricing structure.
✅ Highlight your experience and reliability.
✅ Offer a trial period or discount for first-time clients.
Step 6: Network & Leverage Franchise Support
If you’re part of a lawn care franchise in NZ like Candoo, you’re already ahead of the game. Franchise opportunities in New Zealand provide the credibility, support, and brand recognition you need to secure contracts faster.
📣 Fun Story: Dan Doo once walked into a business pitch with a mop and a bucket, plonked them on the table, and said, “I guarantee you’ll never have to lift one of these again.” The client laughed—and signed the contract. Turns out, confidence (and a touch of humour) can work wonders.
Conclusion
Securing commercial cleaning contracts takes strategy, persistence, and a bit of Kiwi charm. Define your niche, build credibility, market smartly, and always put your best foot (and mop) forward.
💬 What’s next?
- Sign up for our newsletter for more business growth tips.
- Share this blog with a mate who’s thinking about diving into the cleaning biz!