by Patricia Watson

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: February 24, 2009

To create a successful cleaning bid, you will need to organize your plan of action. In most cases, you would present a general proposal first.

You can eliminate the need for submitting a proposal, by including an overview of your company with your job bid.

Always include a cover page with your bid presentation. There are some key points you should include in your opening letter:

1. Company name (if you have a logo incorporate it here).

2. Address, phone, fax etc.

3. The body of your cover letter should be an innovative overview of your company. Include your goals and promote your strengths.

On a separate page list all your references. Include names and phone numbers. Make sure you contact each of your customers and get their permission. They will appreciate the heads up and be prepared when you prospective client calls them.

The bid quote should be precise. One page is sufficient. You should list all of your service prices. Remember to include your rate for extra duties. A rider at the end of the quote will advise your customer what your charges are for unexpected cleaning duties.

The last page of your bid will be the contract. When your prospective client decides to hire your company, they will need to sign this contract. It should not be too long. If it runs on for several pages, with heavy legal language, it may make your customer uneasy.

Keep it simple and to the point. It is an agreement that promises you will finish the job. Your customer's signature ensures that you will get paid for your labor. This signed contract is very important. If the customer decides to withhold payment, you will have leverage with his signature, in the courts.

How you write and present your bid can be the determining factor in getting hired. Take your time and do it in a professional manner. Many cleaning contractors have been passed over simply because they submitted a hasty and vague bid.

Put your bid in a binder, arranging the pages in the correct order. You should submit your proposal in person. Always be on time. If there is a specific date and time for accepting quotes, be well within the boundaries. It is unprofessional to be late, and puts your company in a bad light.

Never leave your potential customer guessing. They should feel confident, after reading your cover letter and bid, that you are meticulous with your details.

If your bid is professional looking, your company will be seen as professional. Submit your quote with confidence and good luck on your new cleaning job!

Learn more about this author, Patricia Watson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.