You need to know how to set prices for your janitorial cleaning business in New Jersey because most new cleaning business owners in New Jersey struggle with pricing. Charge too low, and you barely cover costs. Charge too high, and clients walk away. The truth is, pricing isn’t guesswork. It’s a strategy. You need to know your numbers, understand your market, and price based on value, not fear.
Here’s a clear guide to help you price your janitorial services the right way.
1. Know Your Real Costs
Before you send any quote, calculate what it truly costs to run your business. Every dollar matters.
Include:
- Cleaning supplies and equipment (mops, vacuums, disinfectants)
- Payroll, taxes, and insurance
- Transportation and fuel
- Admin and marketing expenses
- Profit margin (aim for at least 20%)
If you don’t know your costs, you’ll always guess your prices, and guessing kills profit.
2. Research Local Market Rates
New Jersey’s cleaning market is competitive, and rates differ by city. A commercial cleaner in Newark charges more than a local janitor in Camden.
Use these as a guide: (just examples)
- Small offices: $0.10–$0.20 per sq. ft.
- Retail or commercial spaces: $0.20–$0.30 per sq. ft.
- Deep cleaning or post-construction: $45–$65 per hour
Check at least five competitors in your area. Compare their service scope, not just price. Clients don’t always pick the cheapest option; they pick the one that feels most reliable.
3. Price Based on Space and Frequency
Every property has different cleaning needs. Pricing per square foot works, but adjust for:
- Size: Larger spaces may get volume discounts.
- Frequency: Weekly clients pay less per visit than one-time jobs.
- Type: Medical facilities and schools require strict sanitization and higher rates.
Example:
- Daily office cleaning (3,000 sq. ft.) — $600–$800/month
- Weekly gym cleaning — $150–$250 per visit
- One-time deep clean — $0.25–$0.35 per sq. ft.
Build packages around these categories. It helps clients see value and simplifies your pricing structure.
4. Charge for Add-Ons and Specialty Services
Add-ons increase profit without new clients. Charge separately for tasks that take extra time or skill.
Examples:
- Window cleaning
- Carpet shampooing
- Floor waxing or polishing
- Restroom sanitization
- Trash hauling
Offer them as upgrades or “premium” packages. Don’t include them in base pricing unless the client agrees to a higher tier.
5. Review Your Prices Regularly
Costs rise. If your prices stay the same, your profit drops.
Review your pricing every 6 to 12 months and adjust as needed.
Clients respect transparency. Explain that higher supply costs or fuel prices require a rate review.
Use a pricing sheet or calculator to stay consistent. A clean pricing process builds client trust.
Partner With Mirola Cleaning Services
Starting a janitorial business in New Jersey can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re figuring out pricing, contracts, and clients. Mirola Cleaning Services helps new and small cleaning brands grow faster through partnership and subcontracting programs.
Here’s what you get when you partner with Mirola:
- Access to real commercial cleaning contracts across New Jersey
- Pricing templates, cost guides, and client proposal samples
- Support with staffing, scheduling, and operations
- Hands-on mentorship from experienced cleaning business owners
You don’t have to start from scratch.
With Mirola, you build your brand under expert guidance, gain steady work, and learn how to scale with confidence.
Partner with Mirola Cleaning Services today. Let’s build your cleaning business together.