It’s a common situation: you ask for janitorial proposals, and the quotes come back with a huge range. One company says $5,500 a month, another asks for $8,500, and a third falls somewhere in between. Same building, same list of cleaning tasks — so why the difference?

The truth is, not all cleaning quotes are created equal. A lower price might seem appealing, but it’s important to look deeper to see what you’re really getting.

Cleaning Time Is the Main Cost Driver

The biggest factor that affects the price of janitorial services is time — specifically, how many labor hours the cleaning company is planning to spend at your facility.

Lower bids often mean fewer hours on-site. That might lead to quick cleanups, missed areas, and growing dissatisfaction from your staff. It could even result in having to replace the vendor sooner than expected.

Higher bids generally include more labor hours. That means tasks are done more thoroughly, and cleaners have time to do the job right instead of racing through it.

Pay Rates Reflect Staff Quality

One of the easiest ways a company can cut costs is by paying workers less. Unfortunately, this often means lower-quality work, high staff turnover, and less reliability.

On the other hand, companies that offer better pay and benefits tend to attract more experienced, dedicated cleaners. They’re more likely to stay with the company, take pride in their work, and understand the specific needs of your building over time.

In short, when companies invest in their people, it shows in the results.

What Services Are Actually Covered?

Not every proposal includes the same services, even if they seem similar at first glance. That $3,000 difference could mean:

• Regular deep cleaning of floors or carpets
• Inside window cleaning
• Extra time in restrooms or high-traffic areas
• On-site supervisors and routine inspections
• Digital tools to track performance and handle complaints
• Backup staffing when someone calls in sick

Without asking, you might not know what’s included — or what’s been left out.

Make a Smart Choice, Not Just a Cheap One

Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. A low quote can lead to bigger problems down the road if the cleaning doesn’t meet your standards or creates more work for your team.

Instead of asking “How much?” ask questions like “What’s your plan for staffing?”, “How do you ensure quality?” and “What support systems do you have in place?”

Choosing a janitorial provider should be about more than cost — it should be about getting consistent, dependable service that keeps your facility looking its best.