Turning in a realistic bid is more important than submitting a low bid that wins the job, if that bid causes your business to lose money. One of the most challenging aspects of operating a cleaning company is bidding on jobs. Daycare cleaning jobs must meet strict state licensing requirements. It is important to remember that the lowest bid does not always win the job. Daycare managers who have experienced problems in the past with poor quality and low bidding might associate rock-bottom bids with substandard quality. For this reason, a client might reject any bid that is much lower than the norm.

Set an appointment with the owner or manager of the daycare center. When you call, verify that they will have enough time to walk you through the facility and discuss job requirements. The purpose of the meeting is to inspect the facility, gain valuable information about the job and to establish rapport with the client.

Inspect the facility with the manager or owner. Ask key, pre-planned questions to gain important information about the job so that you can prepare a realistic bid. Take notes for later review, and take photos. Be prepared to measure the facility if you are not provided with dimensions for the space to be cleaned.

Inquire about the reason they are changing cleaning services. The answer will provide you with important information about what the prospective client wants and why they have been dissatisfied in the past. Addressing this issue in the bidding process and during the facility inspection will give your company an added competitive advantage.

Write a follow-up letter thanking the client for the meeting and outlining why you are confident that your company can provide good service to them. Send the letter immediately after the facility inspection.

Prepare the bid by compare this job with other similar jobs to estimate time requirements. Breaking down all the individual tasks can make it easier to calculate the cleaning time required. Estimate an hourly cost and add in your desired profit margin and material costs.

Review your calculations carefully to ensure that you did not forget any expenses that could cost you your profit. Proofread the final copy before turning in the bid.

Deliver the bid in person if possible to be sure that you don't miss the deadline, and that the right person gets it.