To borrow a famous line from Shakespeare, “To be or not to be” becomes “To franchise or not to franchise?” when it comes to hiring a janitorial service.

Many business managers face this question, especially if they’ve had mixed results with cleaning franchises in the past. Whether you’re overseeing a small office or managing multiple properties, choosing the right cleaning partner can have a big impact on your operations.

Franchises often attract newcomers to the cleaning industry because they offer training, branding, and systems to get started. While these features benefit the franchise owner, they don’t always lead to the best customer experience.

Some common concerns with franchise-based janitorial services include:

• The performance of individual franchise owners can vary widely—even under the same brand.
• The easy start-up process sometimes means owners lack deep industry experience or long-term commitment.
• With so many options on the market, distinguishing between dependable and subpar franchises can be difficult.
• Many franchises use subcontracted labor (1099 workers), which can lead to lower accountability and uneven quality.

There are times when using a franchise service makes sense, depending on your business’s setup and needs:

• Smaller buildings – Franchises often offer low-cost options for small facilities, making them ideal for businesses with modest cleaning requirements.
• Companies with multiple sites – If your business spans different cities, working with the same franchise brand across locations might provide uniform service.
• Reliable operators within a franchise – While consistency can be a challenge, some franchise owners do maintain high standards and offer excellent service.

Many business managers find that local, independently owned janitorial companies are a better fit for their cleaning needs. These providers offer advantages such as:

• Greater experience and staying power – Independent businesses often have more industry knowledge and have built their reputation through long-term client relationships.
• Stronger capabilities – When it comes to handling large or complex facilities, independent companies are usually better equipped with staff and resources.
• More competitive pricing – Without franchise fees to worry about, these companies can often offer better rates, especially for bigger jobs.
• Custom-tailored service – Independent cleaners are more likely to adapt their services to meet the specific requirements of your facility.

Just as Hamlet pondered life’s big questions, you’ll need to weigh your options when it comes to janitorial services. A franchise might work in some situations, but an experienced, independent cleaning team often delivers better results in the long run.

Need help making the call? We’re here and ready to assist—just reach out anytime.