Cleaning 4 Profit

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Creating your cleaning service proposal

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Example: Cleaning Service ProposalUPDATED 10/18/2021: A well made cleaning service proposal is a key component of the hiring process for your cleaning business.

Get it right and you’ll give yourself a decent shot at getting hired, get it wrong and your going home empty handed.

So the choice is clear…GET IT RIGHT. In order to drive home how that is done, I created a sample cleaning service proposal. As you can see from the picture in the upper right, it is not all that hard to create a proposal that looks good.

In fact the folder that I used can be purchased for less than $5.00 each. If you need one yourself, here is a similar folder I found on Amazon (paid link) – BAZIC Swing-Lock Report Cover, 3156-48P. I highly recommend this style not only because it’s so affordable, but because it makes for a professional appearance. I always keep a half dozen around to make sure I have them when I need them.

Now if you follow my teaching here at Cleaning 4 Profit to any extent, you’ll know that at least half the battle you need to fight in order to get hired revolves around “perception“. In short perception deals with how others “view your company”, and it is INCREDIBLY important.

At the end of the day, your cleaning proposal needs to look sharp. Now that doesn’t mean a sharp looking proposal will get you hired in and of itself, but when you have one it scores you bonus points, and these points ADD UP.

Now that you have the information on what folder type works best, lets discuss the contents of the cleaning service proposal. Let me start off by saying there is no one way to put together a cleaning proposal, as the options are only limited by your imagination. With that said, here are a few ideas worth considering.

Cover Sheet

This is generally the first page so to speak. As you can see from the first picture (upper right) all you need to do is have your name and logo printed on this page. Don’t panic if you don’t have a logo just yet. Though it’s a nice touch, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have one. Just make sure your name is properly centered. On a side note, don’t forget to make sure the text is easily readable, you don’t want the customer fighting hard just to read it.

Cover Letter

This is usually a brief one page introduction. It normally involves thanking the customer for the privilege of being able to submit the cleaning proposal, then a few words about why you would make a good choice if chosen. Keep it brief and on topic for best results.

The Proposal 

This is the guts of the whole proposal. This generally runs about one or two pages for most smaller accounts but can be much larger depending on the complexity of the customers requirements. The goal is to lay out what you are going to provide in detail along with the pricing information. I usually also include all the terms and conditions that apply as well to make sure we’ll all on the same page.

Testimonials

If you have collected any testimonials you really need to include them on their own sheet. Testimonials provide what’s called “Social Proof”, and they are VERY IMPORTANT. When you beat your chest telling everyone who will listen why you should be hired, folks take it with a grain of salt. This is because you have something to gain by all the chest thumping. BUT when your clients tell others why you should be hired it SPEAKS VOLUMES because they have nothing to gain whatsoever.

Certifications Or Industry Memberships

When you first start out, you probably won’t have any so you can skip this part of the equation. However if you have some type designation make sure you include it. This is nothing more than another chance to collect bonus points. Perhaps you were certified in carpet cleaning or you are a member some national cleaning organization. If so make mention of it here, as it shows you take your craft seriously.

Sign-Up Form

Perhaps the most important piece of paper in the whole cleaning proposal! This is where you collect the information from them that says you are hired. I always included one in my cleaning proposals because I thought it gave them a “little shove” in my direction if you know what I mean.

To further drive this home I have included some additional pictures of the sample cleaning proposal I created for this post. For the record, I didn’t take a picture of each page of the proposal. I just wanted to take a couple to give you an idea of how to put it together for yourself.

Picture 1 shows the cover by itself.

 Picture 2 shows it with the open “lever” that makes this cover unique.

Picture 3 shows the see through cover pulled back.

Picture 4 shows part of the proposal itself.

Picture 5 shows the testimonial part of the proposal.

As you can see the proposal looks rather good to the eyes of the customer, which is EXACTLY the effect we are looking for. On a side note, you’ll want to print on the best quality paper you can find as this makes a difference. This is normally measured by the weight of the paper in “pounds”.

I would also recommend you also pay attention to the “brightness” of the paper you use when printing. The higher the number the brighter the paper. This is another “little touch” that makes a big difference when submitting your proposal.

You may also have noticed that I used some different color paper throughout this document. That was no accident, as I prefer to break up the bland look that an all white proposal provides. You of course can do whatever suits your personal tastes.

Well there you have it! I hope this post helps you in your attempt to land customers for your own cleaning business. If you have any additional ideas or suggestions feel free to post them in the comment section below.

Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. If you purchase any items through my links odds are I’ll earn a commission of some kind. I only recommend products and services that I have used or think may be useful to those starting or operating a cleaning business.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hey, I thought your proposal looks really professional how you put it together and the idea of using thicker, more quality paper for bidding on a potential account. I noticed you talked about addressing the customer concerns, past issues, and important details on a seperate page. Would it be okay to include that information in the cover letter instead? Thanks Tom.

  2. Hi Ryan!

    Sure, I see no reason why you couldn’t do that. As long as you find a way to fit in the customers concerns somewhere in the proposal, you should be just fine.

  3. Hello, Can you please tell me what it is to be licensed and bonded, and how important it is to have this.

  4. Hi Marie!

    The word ” licensed ” can have different meanings for different type businesses. Generally for the cleaning business it usually means you are registered as a legitimate company. In other words it means you went through the proper channels to start your business by filling out paperwork where you reside (you are not an unregistered company that may rip consumers off).

    “Bonded” on the other hand generally means your company has “insurance” in case an employee steals something from the premises. I did a podcast on that topic a while back that may interest you. You can find it here http://wp.me/PO3Aj-ca (podcast 022).

    On a side note, making mention that your company is both bonded and insured (aka registered) is worth including in your cleaning service proposal. One of the main goals of your cleaning proposal is to make the customer “at ease” with the prospect of doing business with you. By mentioning these details in the proposal you solidify your standing in the customers mind.

  7. hey,
    is a proposal necessary?i’m thinking of starting a cleaning business and i was just thinking the proposal has has everything i would tell the potential customer anyway..so is it necessary?

    thanks

  8. Hi Larry!

    Yes you do need to create a cleaning proposal. Everything needs to be on paper as this will form the binding contract between you and the customer if they decide to go with your company. Not to mention when it gets documented, it ensures both parties are on the “same page” so to speak.

  9. i am about to start cleaning business but did i need to put the big machines in place before starting ?

  10. Hi!

    Not sure what you are speaking to, but if you are talking about buying equipment BEFORE having any customers then that would be a mistake. Only buy what you need WHEN YOU NEED IT.

  11. I was ask to give a verbal proposal of my services. What should I say and how do I start? I’m so nervous. This will be my first job and proposal. Any ideas or suggestions?

  12. Hey Cristina!

    First off, don’t panic about presenting a cleaning proposal verbally. Remember this…at the end of the day ALL YOU ARE DOING is trying to convince someone that you are capable enough to take out their trash, clean their bathrooms etc… You can do that!

    Secondly, this approach by your potential customers is partially just an attempt to see if “they can play ball” with you in a sense. In other words…will you seem easy to work with if they hire you. So just be likeable, smile and that should take care of itself.

    Lastly they do want to know HOW you will approach the cleaning of the facility. Layout a basic plan of how you will make their facility shine. Spell this out in the proposal (along with the cost) and make a handful of copies in case there are more than one person involved.

    What I always like to do is just STICK TO THE FACTS. Don’t talk endlessly, just cut to the chase about how you operate. I like to say that I’ll be on site for the first week or so to properly train my employee(s) on the correct way of doing things, then I’ll check back with you so see how well we are doing and make corrections from there.

    I’ll spot check to make sure everyone is doing what they should from there on out and I’ll check back with you to make sure you are pleased as well. Keep it real simple and you will be fine!

  18. I got the job…. Thanks for your help! Your great. You were right they just wanted to get to know me.

  20. thank you for sharing and appreciate the update email tips of improving service/business.

    May God increase you and your business.

  24. Hi Watson,
    Am encoureged and motivated by your daily updates,soon I’ll be in the business,watch me out!!!
    Thanks.

  28. Please i want to have a health and safety training with bics training how do I go about it i really have passion for d industry.

  30. hei i would like to these proposal for my company how can i do please let me know!
    and i need some help to make some for my company i have a cleaning Company!!

  32. Hi Tom, i have a question to make but first and foremost, thanks for the article and comments too; they are really educative. well, do you provide any training tutorials for cleaning staff. How about pricing for domestic and commercial services?

  35. Hi Manny! You don’t have to show anything just yet. When you go for the estimate, all you are doing is trying to figure out how long it will take to clean so you can go back home and figure up a price. Once you have the price part figured out, you will THEN need the proposal with contract included.

  36. tanks Tom for ur article,i really apreciate. pls i would like2enroll into ur school, i just startd a cleaning outfit and i will like to know the A-Z about cleanning so i could include it as part of my proposal..

  38. Hi Tom,

    You mentioned something about a template for the proposals? Where might that be located?

  39. Hi Joe! Your question really made me think, where did I mention a service proposal template? Then I searched and found the comment I made beneath the post. I don’t know what I was thinking when I wrote that comment because there is no cleaning service proposal template for download (other than the templates that come with my courses). So… forgive me on that. I made a slip of the tongue.

  40. hi Tom,I really feel good reading through your work,infact i must comment you are an eye-opener and from today i make you my mentor, i like people like you.

  42. Thanks a lot Tom! This has been really helpful! planning on starting a cleaning business but how to go about it or should I say how to start is the major problem I have.

  44. Hi Tom

    I am very delighted by reading all these wonderful comments and feedbacks from various people whom you have assited by giving great ideas.

    I am also into starting up a cleaning business and currently I am in the process of completing my company profile and proposal. I have planned to do these first before I go on registerting the company and submitting my proposal to potential customers.

    Do you think I am doing the right thing or how should I go about this?

    Thanks
    Mary

  45. Hi Mary! Sorry for the delay, been on the road. Anyway… seems like you are doing everything fine. You want to get all your ducks lined up as much as possible, so that when you start you can just focus on marketing. The very beginning needs to be a real push to get customers. This is key because you want the income from your first few accounts to FEED the marketing effort (so you don’t spend your money, but your customers money so to speak).

  46. i would like to know how to bid for cleaning services work, I just wanted to start it and I don’t know what to do I need more clues about the business

  47. Hi Tom, I’m starting my cleaning business. I’ve already registered with the county, received my Employer Identification/Tax ID number and I’m bonded. Do I need other Insurance to start work? It’s pretty expensive for someone just starting their business. I really would prefer to have extra coverage, but that’s an expense that If It’s not necessary, I can work on and get more coverage later.

  48. Hi Rosalind! You probably need what’s called “General Liability Insurance”. The bonding is a nice touch, but in most cases you probably don’t technically need it (though if you already have it, it’s good to keep. I would it as a selling point when meeting with people).

    Goggle “General Liability Insurance” along with your zip code. You will find many options to choose from locally. Go meet an agent, no… go meet two or three!. Compare what their prices are and go with the one you felt most comfortable with. Generally you should be able to make quarterly payments, so there is not so much out of pocket to start with.

  49. Hi Olaitan! Sorry for the delay… in the process of moving. Anyway… your mindset has to CHANGE. there is no “place” where you go to BID. INSTEAD, you promote your company THEN provide prices when people inquire. I recommend that you sign up for my mailing list. Go to the homepage and sign up!

  50. Hi Tom, I’m really having hard time finding my own customers. I’m cleaning commercial offices. I some phone calls to different companies and offices but they usually don’t need or they have cleaners already. Can you give me the best advice on acquiring clients in the future. Who should I target and how can I get a list of new offices or businesses in my area. I live in Seattle.