There is no getting around it - your cleaning business needs high quality cleaning supplies and equipment so you and your employees can effectively do the job of taking care of your clients' buildings. There are several places you can buy the chemicals you need to clean. Over 50% of the respondents to a recent survey done by thejanitorialstore.com showed they buy their supplies from a big box retailer. But there is a better solution to buying cleaning supplies and equipment than purchasing Lysol, 409, or window cleaner from a large retail store. A janitorial supplies distributor can supply your cleaning company with professional products and much more.
At first glance the cleaning products bought through a janitorial distributor may seem to be higher in cost than the products bought from a big box retailer. However, the professional quality products you get from a distributor are higher quality products that clean better and more efficiently.
Distributors have products available in concentrated form, which means a small amount goes a long way. You'll actually be spending less than you would if you bought from a retailer. The price may initially seem higher, but once you see how far concentrates stretch just by adding water, you will see that buying cleaning products in a concentrated form is a bargain. Distributors may also offer quantity discounts for high volume purchases.
In addition to higher quality products and the ability to offer volume discounts, there are many other reasons that your cleaning business will benefit from doing business with a janitorial supplies distributor:
Distributors keep records of the items that you buy. They also keep track of warranty information. Distributors can also provide you with MSDS sheets and OSHA's right to know information on the cleaning products that you buy from them. As you know, you're required to have MSDS sheets on all cleaning chemicals you use and have them available for your employees. Most retailers won't be able to offer MSDS sheets.
Janitorial supply distributors have in-depth product knowledge. Looking for a product to give your restrooms a "fresh smell"? Forget about buying Pinesol from a retailer. Pinesol has a strong smell that people may find offensive. A distributor will be able to recommend a suitable air freshener for your particular situation. A good distributor can recommend products and will know if a lower priced product is just as effective as a higher priced item.
Don't know how to use a cleaning product or piece of equipment? Your distributor will be able to train you and your employees on how to use new products and equipment properly. Your distributor will also be able to share information on how to use products that can help your staff become more efficient. Rather than saving just a few pennies by buying a product from a retailer, you can save a substantial amount in labor savings with the product information you can get from a distributor.
Equipment breakdown? Some distributors may even offer repair service for your cleaning equipment saving you the time and headaches of sending your equipment back to the manufacturer for repairs.
Do you need a specialized cleaning product for a building or job? Your distributor will have suggestions for the product you need and if he does not have it on hand will know where to order it from.
Pricing alone should not dictate where you buy the supplies for your cleaning business. The value you get by buying cleaning supplies from an experienced distributor is priceless. Rather than saving a dollar or two on cleaning products by buying through a big box store, you can save hundreds of dollars on staff time by working with your distributor. And those savings will lead directly to more profit in your pocket!
