For facility managers that have made the decision to outsource their janitorial services, the next big decision will be who to hire to provide those services. Hiring the right janitorial service provider---the first time---will get your outsourcing initiative off to a good start. Conversely, hiring a janitorial service that is ill-equipped to meet your specific requirements can set your program back months, if not longer.

The janitorial service market is extremely competitive. In most cases a facility manager will have several service providers from which to choose. Local providers as well as larger geographical companies. This can make the selection process a bit tricky. However, there are a few basic questions that a facility manager can ask that will help clarify the selection process a bit.

"How long have you been providing service in my area"?

A service provider that is well-established in your area will bring distinct advantages: familiarity with the local market, established access to the local workforce, knowledge of local pay rates, and experience with any unique geographically-unique janitorial requirements.

"Do you serve other accounts that are similar in size to ours"?

Ideally you would not want your account to represent too high a percentage of the provider’s business. But, you also don’t want to be so small that you get lost among bigger clients. Hiring a janitorial service provider that has several accounts similar to yours in size can create a well-balanced relationship.

"How transparent is your cost/pricing structure"?

You don't want surprises or secrecy. The provision of cost/pricing information that is clear and non-ambiguous sets the foundation for a strong engagement. Any attempt to provide murky pricing information, or to refuse to be open about their pricing structures, can be a sign of incompetence, or worse.

"Are you CIMS certified"?

A janitorial service provider that is CIMS certified will bring industry best-practices to your facility maintenance program. In addition, those providers that have taken the initiative to earn the CIMS certification have demonstrated a real commitment to achieving and maintaining operational excellence.

"Do you have "green-cleaning" capabilities"?

If you are the manager of a "green" facility you will want to hire a janitorial service that has extensive green cleaning experience. Make sure their stated experience can be validated.

"Do you have a documented Training Plan for your cleaning staff"?

Can they produce a documented Training Plan that they use for their cleaning personnel? Is there solid evidence that their Plan is actually in force and not just a paper product?

"Do you have a documented Quality Program that includes a closed-loop Correction Action Process"?

What does their Quality Program look like? Can they demonstrate that their Program is effective? How effective are they at resolving quality issues so that they do not recur?

Getting satisfactory answers to these questions will greatly increase your chances of hiring a janitorial service provider that will provide outstanding service and long-term value.