Why Is There Such a Big Price Gap in Janitorial Quotes?

How to Make Sense of Cleaning Proposals That Don’t Line Up

You send out a request for janitorial quotes and the results are all over the map — maybe $5,500 from one company, $8,500 from another, and a third lands somewhere in between. All of them visited your facility, reviewed the same cleaning tasks, and had access to the same information.

So why are the prices so different?

It’s a fair question — and one that many managers ask. But when it comes to cleaning services, the price tag often reflects big differences in what each vendor is actually offering.

Time Spent Cleaning Is the #1 Cost Factor

Cleaning is a service that depends on people. The more time cleaners spend on your property, the higher the cost will be — and that’s usually the biggest factor in any janitorial bid.

A low quote usually means fewer hours. This can lead to rushed work, incomplete cleaning, and more complaints from your employees or visitors. You might be saving money on paper, but dealing with poor service can cost you time and energy down the line.

On the flip side, a higher-priced proposal often includes more labor hours. That means the cleaning staff can work at a manageable pace, pay attention to detail, and deliver consistent results day after day.

Wages and Worker Quality Play a Big Role

Some companies keep their costs low by paying their workers the bare minimum. Unfortunately, that often leads to high turnover, low motivation, and spotty service.

More professional cleaning vendors tend to pay above-average wages, offer training, and build stable teams. These workers stay longer, get to know your space, and provide better service overall.

In short: better pay helps attract and keep better people — and that improves the quality of your cleaning.

Watch What’s Included (or Left Out)

Not all bids include the same level of service. That big $3,000 price gap might cover:

• Specialty cleaning like carpet shampooing or hard floor care
• More staff hours per week
• On-site supervision and regular inspections
• Digital tools for logging issues or feedback
• Extra staffing when someone is out sick

It’s important to ask what’s included in each proposal — and what might be missing.

Choose Value, Not Just Price

When comparing bids, don’t just ask “How much does it cost?” Ask, “What am I getting for that price?” Make sure each vendor explains how they plan to deliver quality service — including hours, staff, supervision, and support.

The right janitorial partner won’t just keep your building clean — they’ll help you avoid headaches and keep things running smoothly.