What you'll get from this guide
- 2026 commercial cleaning rate benchmarks by square footage
- Copy-paste proposal email template with cover letter + SOW
- Good/Better/Best pricing tier strategy to win more bids
Why Commercial Cleaning is the 2026 Growth Engine
While residential cleaning offers steady cash flow, commercial contracts build wealth. A single office building can be worth $2,000/month recurring, compared to $150/month for a home.
But the game is different. You can't just text a price. You need a formal Proposal and Rate Sheet that looks professional.
In this guide, we'll cover:
1. 2026 Commercial Rates (Per Sq Ft)
2. The 'Good, Better, Best' Proposal Strategy
3. A Copy-Paste Proposal Template
2026 Commercial Rate Benchmarks (USA)
Small Office (<1k sq ft)
$0.15 - $0.25
Medium Office (2k-10k)
$0.10 - $0.18
Large Facility (10k+)
$0.07 - $0.12
Medical / Dental
+25%
The #1 Mistake: Pricing by Hour vs. Pricing by Value
In residential, you often charge hourly. In commercial, never quote hourly to the client. Calculate your costs hourly internally, but quote a Flat Monthly Rate.
Why?
- Efficiency Profit: If you get faster, you keep the extra profit.
- Perception: Managers budget monthly, not variable hourly costs.
- Scale: It's easier to sell '$1,500/month' than '$45/hour for unknown hours'.
The Winning Proposal Structure
The Cover Letter
Address their specific pain point (e.g., 'Dusty desks', 'Overflowing trash'). Prove you listened during the walkthrough.
Scope of Work (SOW)
Detailed checklist of what is included. Be specific: 'Empty all trash bins', 'Vacuum effective traffic areas', 'Sanitize door handles'.
Insurance & Trust
Attach proof of General Liability and Workers Comp. Commercial clients usually require this.
The Price (Investment)
Present the monthly fee clearly. Optional: Offer 'Good', 'Better', 'Best' tiers (e.g., 2x week vs 5x week).
Want this running automatically?
ServiceHub automates follow-ups, reminders, and booking confirmations so nothing falls through the cracks.
Copy-Paste Proposal Template
Here is a simple email template you can use to send your proposal. We recommend attaching the full PDF proposal, but this email gets it opened.
<div style='background:#f8fafc; padding:20px; border-radius:8px; border:1px solid #e2e8f0; font-family:monospace;'>Subject: Proposal for [Company Name] - Cleaning Services
Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you on [Day]. Based on our walkthrough, I understand your main frustration is [Pain Point, e.g., inconsistent lobby cleanliness].
We specialize in fixing exactly that for local offices like yours.
Attached is our proposal to keep [Company Name] spotless.
Summary:
- Service: 3x Weekly Janitorial
- Includes: Floors, Restrooms, Trash, High-Dusting
- Monthly Rate: $[Amount]
We can start as early as [Date]. Do you have any questions on the scope?
Best,
[Your Name]</div>
Win More Commercial Contracts with ServiceHub
Commercial clients expect professional technology. ServiceHub upgrades your image instantly.
- Digital Proposals: Send beautiful PDF proposals that clients can sign online. No more Word docs.
- Automated Billing: Set up recurring monthly invoices. The system charges their card automatically—never chase a check again.
- Client Portal: Give office managers a login to view past invoices and upcoming schedule. They love the transparency.
?FAQ: Commercial Cleaning Proposals
Should I require a contract?▼
How do I calculate square footage?▼
Who pays for supplies like toilet paper?▼
How often should I raise prices?▼
Next Step: Compare Your Stack
Before you change your workflow, compare options side-by-side in this guide to cleaning scheduling software.
Send Professional Proposals in 30 Seconds
LeadDuo ServiceHub lets you create, send, and track commercial proposals that look like a million bucks. Get signed faster.