Download the Vendor Scorecard
Use this checklist to compare commercial cleaning companies side by side before choosing one.
Best for offices, mixed-use properties, schools, medical offices, and retail facilities in MA & CT.
1) Why this decision matters
Commercial cleaning performance affects tenant satisfaction, employee experience, safety perception, and how your property is judged during walk-throughs. A weak vendor may look fine in month one and decline by month three when staffing slips, communication breaks down, and quality checks become inconsistent.
In Massachusetts and Connecticut, strong operations usually come from vendors with repeatable systems: defined scope, clear supervision, and quality documentation.
2) Core criteria to evaluate
| Category | What good looks like |
|---|---|
| Scope clarity | Tasks, frequencies, and areas defined in writing (not a vague one-liner). |
| Staffing reliability | Coverage plan for absences, turnover control, and trained replacements. |
| Quality control | Routine inspections, documented findings, and corrective action process. |
| Communication | Single accountable contact, response expectations, and escalation path. |
| Compliance | Current insurance, role-appropriate training, and site protocol discipline. |
| Pricing transparency | Clear inclusions/exclusions and change-order terms before start date. |
3) How to compare bids without guessing
Do not compare proposals by price alone. Normalize scope first, then compare total value:
- Confirm task frequency line by line (restrooms, trash, high-touch, floor care).
- Check if consumables are included or billed separately.
- Verify who performs periodic services like deep cleaning and floor work.
- Review response time expectations for urgent requests.
- Require the same service assumptions across all bids before choosing.
4) Questions to ask before signing
- Who is my day-to-day point of contact, and who is backup?
- How do you handle call-outs and same-day coverage gaps?
- What does your monthly QA reporting include?
- How do you train teams for site-specific procedures?
- How are scope changes documented and approved?
- Can you show recent examples in similar MA/CT facilities?
Need Help Comparing Two Proposals?
Send both scopes and we can identify gaps in frequency, staffing assumptions, and hidden cost risk before you commit.
5) Red flags that predict service failures
- Proposal has no detailed scope matrix.
- No clear supervisor/account manager structure.
- Vague answers about QA and issue resolution timelines.
- Price is materially lower with no operational explanation.
- No references from similar property types.
- Contract language is weak on change orders and accountability.
6) Next step: simple vendor scorecard
Use a weighted scorecard for scope, reliability, QA, communication, and price transparency. This avoids emotional decision-making and helps your team defend the final vendor choice.
FAQ
How many cleaning proposals should I compare?
Three is usually enough if scope assumptions are normalized. More than three often adds noise unless you are evaluating very large multi-site contracts.
Should I choose the cheapest commercial cleaning company?
Not by default. Choose the provider with the strongest scope clarity, staffing reliability, QA process, and accountability at a defensible price.
What should be in a monthly cleaning report?
At minimum: completed scope summary, quality check notes, unresolved issues, corrective actions, and upcoming schedule adjustments.
How can I reduce cleaning complaints after contract start?
Use a detailed startup walkthrough, baseline photos, clear communication protocol, and first-90-day QA cadence with measurable checkpoints.
Do you serve both Massachusetts and Connecticut facilities?
Yes. Oasis Total Solutions supports commercial cleaning programs across MA and CT with defined scope, quality checks, and one accountable contact.