The means-end theory maintains that the way buyers relate to products can be represented by a hierarchy of connected levels of value – (1) product or service attributes, (2) functional and physiological consequences of use, and (3) desired end states.  In other words, product or service attributes are simply a means to accomplishing an end, with…

Not being able to find the right janitorial services can evoke frustration. Much like when buying a new car, you must understand what you need to look for and to know the right steps to take. Several weeks ago, my daughter–a recent college graduate–was in the market for a new car. When she asked for…

For people trying to find the right commercial cleaning service for their building, the most common refrain we hear is “It’s pretty simple, we just want our building to be clean.” These prospective customers we talked to have tried multiple cleaning vendors and/or have tried using an in-house team that continue to give them frustrating…

What’s the difference between buffing and burnishing, and why does it matter? Often, we receive scopes of work from prospective customers that will indicate “Monthly Buffing of Hard Surface Floors.” Or, a facility manager will let us know that he/she expects the “floors to be buffed once a month.” In this article, we hope to…

Robotics and automation have had a profound impact on several industries.  Manufacturers have used robotics since the early 1980s for a variety of tasks.  Distribution and fulfillment centers are experiencing an influx of robotics to assist in loading, unloading, picking, and sorting.  Robots are also influencing the medical (surgical robotics), agriculture (GPS tractors and harvesters),…

Should Kentucky public schools consider outsourcing custodial services? As with any significant change, the shift to an outsourced solution will require careful planning and communication. Whether stated or unstated, the following questions will be on the minds of administrators, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders as you consider an outsourced solution: 1. How does the cost…

Most janitorial services agreements offer a set monthly fee for a defined scope of work. It is common in the building/cleaning services industry for contractors to quote a “low-ball” price win business. However, when the actual work begins, contractors discover that they have either (a) underestimated the amount of time needed to complete the tasks…

Your company has decided that it is time to make a change in the cleaning/janitorial services at your facility. Your supervisor has asked you to contact a few vendors to obtain proposals. A quick Google search for cleaning companies in your area reveals everything from “Marsha’s Merry Maids” to “ACME Global Facility Services.” So, which…

Whether a company or organization chooses to perform their custodial services using an in-house or outsourced solution, one problem always persists: finding and retaining good custodial workers. This article will explore some reasons why it is difficult to locate and keep custodians, and possible strategies to help alleviate this difficulty. REASONS FOR THE DIFFICULTY 1.…