New and Need Pricing Help?

Hi,
As you can tell my name is Jeff.  I have had a commercial/residentional cleaning service for 10 years and just recently added on carpet cleaning.  I usually charge .15-.20 per sq ft, depending on size, ect.  I usually do it myself as extra income for me. However I have just had my first really big carpet cleaning offer and not for sure how to charge it.  It is a city office center that has close to 20,000 Sq Ft. of carpet.  Can anyone help me with some general guidelines.  What are ususally the going rates for that much carpet.  I do not want to rip me off or the customer.  And I am affraid that if I bid to high he might get more estimates, but if I bid it decent I do not think he will.

I would say that greatly depends on your local economy and what exactly are you going to be doing for your price.  Do they want guard, deo, soil retardant?  what equipment are you using?  What if anything are you moving?  Are you OP or steam.  I would ask if they have had it done before, they may have an idea of what they are going to be spending.  I would call some of your local carpet cleaning competition.  See what they are charging for commercial work.  In my area people tend to charge around 15 cents a square foot for just cleaning on commercial.  Major spots and others are extra.  You may want to play it safe just to make sure you get the appointment and you may be very upset or very pleased.  10 cent a square is $2000 you did not have before.

Edited by FuzzSucker - 07/January/2009 at 12:12am

See what they are charging for commercial work.  In my area people tend to charge around 15 cents a square foot for just cleaning on commercial

Edited by ok0510 - 02/November/2008 at 3:54am

lol

.08 seems to be the bottom skum charge per square foot for anyone.  I price a lot of stuff around .13 & .14 and it fills my schedule.  .20 will lose you some business due to price.  For 20K square ft I would bid at .11 fi you dont have to move anything.