#FedEx Contractor

[tj-crochets]

It's not quite the same thing, but today, since I was covering for a coworker being gone, I spoke to a contractor I'd never spoken to before. "Okay, before I get you assigned, I just need to know your name" "Okay, great" he said. We both sat in silence for a moment. "For me to know your name, I need you to tell me your name" I said. "Oh! I thought you'd recognize me by my voice!"

this poll brought to you by a text I got from one of the other [my job title]'s contractors while I'm covering for him being gone. The contractor texted me "The answer is as always [his name] [his company ID number]" To which I could only say "what was the question?"

[fatehbaz]

They’ve built a “Great Wheel” on the Seattle waterfront [...].

The small timber village became a military outpost in the Puget Sound War [...], [and] soon evolved into a trade gateway, with timber tailings and other industrial trash from Henry Yesler’s mill used to fill in the marshlands [...], atop which migrant laborers raised tents and shanties [...] now working to feed raw materials into the furnaces of the Second Industrial Revolution burning in the East. [...] The first nationwide strike ripped across the country’s railways in 1877 [...]. Meanwhile, young financial conglomerates rose after the city-devastating fire of 1889, linked openly to local government [...] in the kind of symbiotic public-private relationship that would become a hallmark of the Gilded Age. [...] [L]ocal elites rebuilt [...] downtown [...] from scratch, hosting the tallest building on the West Coast alongside other new constructs [fueled] with money gleaned from the supply chains linking eastern capital to Alaskan gold. [...]

Over the next century, Seattle would see new sequences of boom, bust, and reinvention. Military investment in the region during the First World War secured the city’s ship-building industry and expanded Boeing from a small lakeside hangar into a massive war contractor. [...] Across Washington state, capital had first poured into the “Third Industrial Revolution,” founded on electricity, chemicals, and massive hydropower projects [in the 1930s] [...], then into the “Fourth” wave of petrochemicals, nuclear, and, in the case of Seattle especially, aircraft and missile technology. Each was followed by periods of dramatic decline [...] paired with rapid financialization and, finally, re-orientation around the new industrial cluster [...]. Today the city - again rebuilt [...] - is seen as one of the primary beneficiaries of the “Fifth” Industrial Revolution in information technology, outshone only by California’s Silicon Valley. [...] The digital was increasingly thought of as somehow "immaterial," sustained by intellectual labor more than physical toil [...].

Silicon Valley myths of [...] "immaterial" labor disguise a more gruesome dynamic in which growing segments of the global labor force are being deprived even of the basic brutality of the wage, instead forced out into growing rings of slums, prisons, and global wastelands. [...]

---

Perched alongside a downtown business corridor [...], Seattle's Great Wheel seems to peer out over [...] [the] prophesied “cooperative commons,” an infotech metropolis abutting the beauty of an evergreen arcadia. But travel below Seattle’s cluster of infotech industries and the image appears much the same as that of a hundred years prior - a trade gateway, squeezing value from supply chains by selling transport and logistical support. The southern stretch of the metropolis bears little resemblance to the revitalized urban core of the city proper. Instead of the “cognitive labor” of Microsoft, it is defined instead by the cold calculation of companies like UPS, founded in Seattle when the city was one link in a colonial supply chain built first for timber, then Alaskan gold, then World War. [...]

In south Seattle, this logistics empire takes the form of faceless warehouses, food processing facilities, container trucks, rail yards, and industrial parks concentrated between two seaports, an international airport, three major interstates, and railroads traveling in all directions. Meanwhile, the poor have been priced out of the old inner city, moving southward [...]. [T]hey can be found staffing the airport and the rail yards, hauling cargo in and out of two the major seaports, loading boxes in warehouses [...]. And, beyond them, the shadow stretches out to Washington’s rural hinterlands where migrant laborers staff a new boom in agriculture and raw materials [...] - and further still into America’s long-depressed interior, where the Great Wheel meets its opposite: Memphis, the FedEx logistics city, watched over by a great black pyramid [the infamous Bass Pro Shop pyramid]. [...]

Every Seattle is capable of creating an eco-friendly, “cooperative commonwealth” tended by apps and algorithms only insofar as there is a Memphis that can provide human workers to sort the packages, a Shanghai to build the containers that carry them, and a Shenzhen to solder together the circuits of the machines that govern it all.

---

All text above by: Phil A. Neel. "The Great Wheel". Brooklyn Rail. April 2015. Published online at: brooklynrail.org/2015/04/field-notes/the-great-wheel. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Text within brackets added by me for clarity. Presented here for commentary, teaching, personal use, criticism purposes.]

[bobbyrhickman]

it amazes me that FedEx ground would ban me over my

since I'm banned from FedEx ground I might as well get some use out of my shirt. I did a good job while I was at FedEx ground. I never worked for FedEx ground I worked for a FedEx contractor. But FedEx banned me over my van. So I will use their shirt and thousands of videos. Please contact FedEx ground and FedEx Express and FedEx freight and let them know that their shirt is in good juice

I am getting lots of secondhand use out of my FedEx shirt. A FedEx contractor gave me this shirt. And why just throw it away when I can get good juice out of it. I will make hundreds of these videos. I will wear this shirt

[hazlezah]

Hi, I'm a FedEx Ground/Home Delivery driver and it's more fucked than you think! All upcoming is US based cause that's all I know, could vary depending on location ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

So, let's consider the Big Three(TM) shippers: FedEx, UPS, and Amazon. UPS and Amazon hire a ton of their drivers directly (Amazon flex and seasonal UPS drivers are sort of different I think?), so the drivers report directly to the company, the company directly has "control" over the drivers.

FedEx Ground is not operated by FedEx, but rather contractors who have purchased the right to own a minimum of 5 routes (as of this posting). This means that in one shipping hub (which to complicate things, IS operated by FedEx(TM), and employs package handlers who are employed by them too), you have Contractor Jim and his drivers, Contractor Karim and his drivers, and Contractor Jackson and his drivers.

Each of those contractors pay differently, some by hour, some by day, possibly allow PTO (I've been here 4 years and get 5 days, with three weeks heads up to take it AND it can only be used Jan-Oct because of the Holiday Crazie), maybe absolutely maybe the shittiest insurance, and possibly a 401k.

I get paid $160/day, and I work for about 8 hours each day because that's how long it takes me to empty my truck (some coworkers work 10hrs daily, others work 5, and no it's not fair the range is so wide and I'm pissed about it). It's a good chunk of money! But I'm dealing with rampant chronic pain (approaching 3 years acknowledged-anniversary baby!) that was likely triggered into manifesting because of this job.

Our trucks rarely have AC. Our heat usually comes from the engine (it's plenty to me but I run warm). Dog bites are rampant (hello yes I got bit 4 months in and didn't leave because the PTSD took too long to kick in), and if you're unlucky enough to be in the field as a pretty afab, you're gonna get CREEPS (oh yeah also from the folks at the hub and also other drivers!!!!). But anyways.

UPS is the standard for driver conditions, imo, and that's because they unionized. FedEx has crafted a terrible design of contractors to make that almost impossible, and if UPS ever opens their driving roles to not mandate package handling in their warehouses first, FedEx will tank.

This is long.

TLDR Package delivery sucks so bad!!!! Be patient with the drivers on the road, be kind and leave water out if you can, and be vocal about how fucked up the situation is.

I want slower packages delivered by transportation workers who are paid more to work less and I'm not kidding

[fathimaaaaaa]

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[newtras]

The White House says that de minimis trade lan

The driver of the independent contractor FedEx provides packages at Cyber ​​Monday in New York, USA, on Monday, November 27, 2023. Stephanie Keith Bloomberg Getty images President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order Closing the de minimis trading gap, in force on May 2. Asset In February it suddenly ended De miniis trade dismissal, which allows shipments worth less than USD 800…

[ralfmaximus]

Once there was a Very Important Document that needed to be delivered to a committee by a specific deadline. The Document in question was a contractor bid for a government contract worth many millions of dollars.

The people in charge of the bid worked on it up until the last possible moment. Then, at 5:30 pm on a Friday afternoon, instead of taking this Very Important Document personally to the local Federal Express center... they slid it under the door to my office.

My office, you see, was the shipping/receiving department for this government contractor.

It was (normally) my responsibility to personally handle Very Important Documents exactly like this one, however the normal procedure was to notify me ahead of time. Then I'd know there was a Very Important Document on its way, and I would then personally move Heaven And Earth to get the Document into the hands of FedEx for delivery. Sometimes I hired couriers to carry Important Documents on airplanes if it was super critical.

I'd done this job correctly for two years by this point, and never missed a deadline. My score was a perfect 10/10, and had commendations in my file for excellence in couriorship. I had a reputation for ruthless competence; personally hand a package to Ralf, and it was absolutely guaranteed it would get there on time.

Note that "sliding it under my office door after 5pm on a Friday" is not the same thing as personally handing it to me.

Thus, this particular Very Important Document was not delivered on time. The company did not win the million-dollar contract, because as far as anyone knew, we never submitted a bid.

This was all discovered at 8am on Monday morning when I unlocked my office door and discovered the Very Important Document on the floor.

Of course I instantly notified my boss. Who called upstairs to the department who drafted the bid to let them know the unfortunate news that they had Fucked Up.

Within ten minutes I was the recipient of an angry phone call from the head of that group. He was furious. For a solid three minutes I listened to him yell at me about incompetence, about what an idiot I was, about how much money I'd cost the company, about how he'd do everything in his power to fire my lazy stupid ass.

I listened calmly. Eventually he wound down and stopped.

He had run out of internal script to read.

The man knew he'd fucked up and was terrified of repercussions, so of course he was trying to pin the blame on somebody else. Somebody, like me, who made 1/20th his salary and was (in his eyes) a replaceable cog in the corporate machine.

It was my turn to interact with his script, so we could complete the dance. According to his script, I was supposed to cry and beg for mercy, to admit what a terrible employee I was. Or perhaps I would react with outrage... how dare you accuse me of incompetence?! Or possibly I would deny knowing anything about anything; it's not my fault! I have no idea what you're talking about sir...

But instead of any sort of scripted response, I calmly asked:

"Do you feel better now?"

Long pause while he processed this. Finally, a rage-strangled "WHAT?!" came back to me over the phone.

"The package is still here," I replied. "It's still not been delivered. Your yelling at me has changed nothing. If you like, we can do an emergency courier delivery if you authorize the expense. But yelling at me doesn't help your situation. What do you want to do?"

He hung up on me.

Next I heard the phone ring in my supervisor's office. I could hear her part of the conversation and it sounded like she was talking with the same guy. The conversation was brief, and afterwards she came to see me.

"What did you SAY to him?" she asked.

I told her. She nodded. I asked her if they were gonna do the same-day delivery thing and she said she had no idea what they were planning.

That was the last I ever heard of the Very Important Document, and no, I was not fired. Because the rules were very clear, the bid committee had violated those rules, and I was protected by a very powerful union.

Which gave me the power to ignore Angry Guy's internal script and rewrite everything.

I was walking out of the Walmart today, and a car passed me, and I got this incredibly vivid impression. It wasn't really in words, but if I had to put it into words, the two key points would be

a). I needed to watch that car and

b). That I needed to be careful, because the driver of the car was a massive bitch.

It kind of took me by surprise, because I really had no reason to be beefing with that car, and I also hadn't really had an impression like that since I was religious, which was in my teen years. Right? It'd been a decade since I had a little voice whisper in my ear, and I'd basically written it off as nonsense.

Anyway, I watched the car, because The Spirits or whatever were very insistent that I did. Car drove fine, went into the parking spot, inched forward, and right when it should've just stopped, the driver gunned it for some reason and it ran into the curb and cracked its bumper.

So, the driver got out, and she went to the front of the car to check that yes, she had cracked her bumper, and then she turned to look at me. The parking lot wasn't empty, but we were the only two people standing in that row, and I'd probably been staring at her for tenish seconds now.

She demanded very angrily to know why I hadn't warned her of the curb. And I could have said I didn't know you were about to gun it or is it my job to help every stranger park, or even could you have even heard me, inside your car?

And all of those would have been fine, but I was really, really busy digesting that I had somehow communed with Mormon Jesus again for the first time in fifteen years, and that the communion had mostly been there to let me watch someone park badly (?), so what I responded with was:

"Because it was foretold."

And I can't tell which would be funnier, if she went silent because there's not much to be said to that, or if she went silent because in Utah, she might actually believe me, but we parted ways without more words.

I'm still kind of digesting this myself, actually.

[satrthere]

The White House says that de minimis trade lan

The driver of the independent contractor FedEx provides packages at Cyber ​​Monday in New York, USA, on Monday, November 27, 2023. Stephanie Keith Bloomberg Getty images President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order Closing the de minimis trading gap, in force on May 2. Asset In February it suddenly ended De miniis trade dismissal, which allows shipments worth less than USD 800…

[10bmnews]

De minimis trade loophole to end May 2, White House says

A driver for an independent contractor to FedEx delivers packages on Cyber Monday in New York, U.S, on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Stephanie Keith | Bloomberg | Getty Images President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order shutting the de minimis trade loophole, effective May 2. Trump in February abruptly ended the de minimis trade exemption, which allows shipments worth less than $800…

[tameblog]

You are at your desk grinding away on your daily hour’s budget comparison report when a FedEx package arrives and makes your day. Inside, you find a request for proposal (RFP). All of that cold calling is finally paying dividends. Rejoice!   A quick perusal indicates it could be a great opportunity; however, it will require a high level of commitment in time and resources: a multi-day site tour, a voluminous response requirement and, if selected to make the first cut, an in-person presentation by your entire executive team. At this point, your BSCAI Contracting Success seminar experience reminds you it’s time to ask yourself the two critical questions during any facility services RFP process:   Does this commercial janitorial RFP qualify for us?  Do we qualify for the RFP?  Does the RFP Qualify for Us?   Since becoming a member of BSCAI, you’ve already made a criteria list for your commercial company to qualify for this opportunity. Below are four areas of RFP best practices your list will cover.   Does this account appear to be the right revenue size, allowing you to achieve your janitorial service company’s revenue goal?   Does the client match the facility maintenance market segments clearly defined as an ideal client? For example, a movie theater chain might be a significant client; however, your operational expertise is not geared to multi-site facilities, third shift and seven-days-a-week service accounts. Rather, a single-site facility management contract, full-time day portering and part-time/nighttime requirement may better align with your current janitorial business model.  The revenue and market segment are ideal; however, if the terms and conditions do not qualify, it might not be an opportunity after all. Key points of consideration are:   Risk: Understanding the level of risk involved based on indemnity language  Payment terms: Are the payment terms acceptable regarding your commercial cleaning company’s cash flow requirements?  Insurance Requirements: Does your current insurance policy provide for the types of coverage and amounts required?  Termination Clause: Does the contract allow termination by either party? Unforeseen circumstances like scope creep, non-payment for services, and unrealistic expectations are common examples in facility service contracts and why it is imperative to have the ability to cancel a contract.  Some RFPs are merely requests for vendors to submit information. This typically indicates a client isn’t requesting a proposal to be considered and, instead, the request is for unpaid consulting services provided by your organization. This might take further investigation, perhaps a phone call or email to ask probing questions: Why is the janitorial RFP happening? Is the incumbent allowed to bid? What would it take to make a change?  Do we Qualify for the RFP?  After turning a discerning eye toward the RFP, we must now cast a wary eye toward ourselves, as well. Do we qualify for the RFP? There are a host of reasons facility contractors might not qualify in the client’s opinion. However, that is conjecture.   Hence, let us explore the reasons we may not qualify and ultimately be unsuccessful in securing the business.  Cash flow refers to the flow of money in and out of a business over a specific period. It’s an important indicator of an organization’s financial health. Positive cash flow indicates more money is coming in than going out, while negative the opposite.   A new client means more cash out before more cash comes back into the business. Hence, does the outlay of cash for start-up, transition, cleaning equipment and janitorial supplies at the outset outstrip our means? Furthermore, do the additional payroll expenses due prior to receiving payment for services based on terms in the RFP require seeking outside funding to operate?  Does your company’s risk profile to the potential client seem unreasonable? The client realizes a certain amount of risk by selecting your firm to become the janitorial vendor of choice. Ways your firm could represent risk to them are:  Lack of Experience/Expertise: Does your firm lack industry-specific references that “walk and talk” like them? For example, if it is a professional office/lab/surgical center, does your firm have a list of current references that are professional offices/labs/surgical centers?  Management Team Depth: This was an issue for me during my first 10 years in business. As a small, family owned and operated commercial cleaning company, there was little-to-no management team depth. I was president, head of operations, floater, fill-in, director of HR, (sound familiar?). Mrs. McLemore was payroll, bookkeeping, AP/AR, controller and day maid. Hence, when a rather large financial institution considered us as their vendor, the question arose, “We like you both; however, what happens if either of you become ill or decide to go on vacation? Who will we call?” (We didn’t get the work.)  I have a saying: “Give me the job first. I’ll figure out how to do it later.” However, while an admirable, can-do attitude serves any business well, there are times when discretion is the better part of valor.   Having a realistic understanding of what you and your facility services business can successfully manage (headcount, payroll, geography, number of shifts, hiring, staff, re-staff, quality control, etc.) is essential to ensuring the success of your janitorial operations.   This works both ways. Two examples include:   Are you willing to agree to their terms and conditions as stated in the RFP?    Are the insurance coverage requirements above your commercial cleaning company’s means to acquire?  In either scenario, guess what? You do not qualify. NEXT!  RFPs: Finding the Right Fit for your Business   This article utilizes the collective wisdom acquired by BSCAI members through years of experience with RFPs. The points made are for your consideration. They are meant to provide an outline of a list of questions that should be considered, then asked and answered during the janitorial RFP process. After all, there is plenty of business where we do qualify and, more importantly, just as much that qualifies for us.  This article is a continuation of BSCAI’s Bidding and Estimating content series, helping you learn how to bid commercial cleaning jobs. Read more in the series on Contractor Connections, at bscai.org/contractor-connections-hub.  POSTED ON: 2/18/2025 Industry News & Trends Industry Training & Events Advice from the Field Insights & Updates Source link

[ramestoryworld]

You are at your desk grinding away on your daily hour’s budget comparison report when a FedEx package arrives and makes your day. Inside, you find a request for proposal (RFP). All of that cold calling is finally paying dividends. Rejoice!   A quick perusal indicates it could be a great opportunity; however, it will require a high level of commitment in time and resources: a multi-day site tour, a voluminous response requirement and, if selected to make the first cut, an in-person presentation by your entire executive team. At this point, your BSCAI Contracting Success seminar experience reminds you it’s time to ask yourself the two critical questions during any facility services RFP process:   Does this commercial janitorial RFP qualify for us?  Do we qualify for the RFP?  Does the RFP Qualify for Us?   Since becoming a member of BSCAI, you’ve already made a criteria list for your commercial company to qualify for this opportunity. Below are four areas of RFP best practices your list will cover.   Does this account appear to be the right revenue size, allowing you to achieve your janitorial service company’s revenue goal?   Does the client match the facility maintenance market segments clearly defined as an ideal client? For example, a movie theater chain might be a significant client; however, your operational expertise is not geared to multi-site facilities, third shift and seven-days-a-week service accounts. Rather, a single-site facility management contract, full-time day portering and part-time/nighttime requirement may better align with your current janitorial business model.  The revenue and market segment are ideal; however, if the terms and conditions do not qualify, it might not be an opportunity after all. Key points of consideration are:   Risk: Understanding the level of risk involved based on indemnity language  Payment terms: Are the payment terms acceptable regarding your commercial cleaning company’s cash flow requirements?  Insurance Requirements: Does your current insurance policy provide for the types of coverage and amounts required?  Termination Clause: Does the contract allow termination by either party? Unforeseen circumstances like scope creep, non-payment for services, and unrealistic expectations are common examples in facility service contracts and why it is imperative to have the ability to cancel a contract.  Some RFPs are merely requests for vendors to submit information. This typically indicates a client isn’t requesting a proposal to be considered and, instead, the request is for unpaid consulting services provided by your organization. This might take further investigation, perhaps a phone call or email to ask probing questions: Why is the janitorial RFP happening? Is the incumbent allowed to bid? What would it take to make a change?  Do we Qualify for the RFP?  After turning a discerning eye toward the RFP, we must now cast a wary eye toward ourselves, as well. Do we qualify for the RFP? There are a host of reasons facility contractors might not qualify in the client’s opinion. However, that is conjecture.   Hence, let us explore the reasons we may not qualify and ultimately be unsuccessful in securing the business.  Cash flow refers to the flow of money in and out of a business over a specific period. It’s an important indicator of an organization’s financial health. Positive cash flow indicates more money is coming in than going out, while negative the opposite.   A new client means more cash out before more cash comes back into the business. Hence, does the outlay of cash for start-up, transition, cleaning equipment and janitorial supplies at the outset outstrip our means? Furthermore, do the additional payroll expenses due prior to receiving payment for services based on terms in the RFP require seeking outside funding to operate?  Does your company’s risk profile to the potential client seem unreasonable? The client realizes a certain amount of risk by selecting your firm to become the janitorial vendor of choice. Ways your firm could represent risk to them are:  Lack of Experience/Expertise: Does your firm lack industry-specific references that “walk and talk” like them? For example, if it is a professional office/lab/surgical center, does your firm have a list of current references that are professional offices/labs/surgical centers?  Management Team Depth: This was an issue for me during my first 10 years in business. As a small, family owned and operated commercial cleaning company, there was little-to-no management team depth. I was president, head of operations, floater, fill-in, director of HR, (sound familiar?). Mrs. McLemore was payroll, bookkeeping, AP/AR, controller and day maid. Hence, when a rather large financial institution considered us as their vendor, the question arose, “We like you both; however, what happens if either of you become ill or decide to go on vacation? Who will we call?” (We didn’t get the work.)  I have a saying: “Give me the job first. I’ll figure out how to do it later.” However, while an admirable, can-do attitude serves any business well, there are times when discretion is the better part of valor.   Having a realistic understanding of what you and your facility services business can successfully manage (headcount, payroll, geography, number of shifts, hiring, staff, re-staff, quality control, etc.) is essential to ensuring the success of your janitorial operations.   This works both ways. Two examples include:   Are you willing to agree to their terms and conditions as stated in the RFP?    Are the insurance coverage requirements above your commercial cleaning company’s means to acquire?  In either scenario, guess what? You do not qualify. NEXT!  RFPs: Finding the Right Fit for your Business   This article utilizes the collective wisdom acquired by BSCAI members through years of experience with RFPs. The points made are for your consideration. They are meant to provide an outline of a list of questions that should be considered, then asked and answered during the janitorial RFP process. After all, there is plenty of business where we do qualify and, more importantly, just as much that qualifies for us.  This article is a continuation of BSCAI’s Bidding and Estimating content series, helping you learn how to bid commercial cleaning jobs. Read more in the series on Contractor Connections, at bscai.org/contractor-connections-hub.  POSTED ON: 2/18/2025 Industry News & Trends Industry Training & Events Advice from the Field Insights & Updates Source link

[alexha2210]

You are at your desk grinding away on your daily hour’s budget comparison report when a FedEx package arrives and makes your day. Inside, you find a request for proposal (RFP). All of that cold calling is finally paying dividends. Rejoice!   A quick perusal indicates it could be a great opportunity; however, it will require a high level of commitment in time and resources: a multi-day site tour, a voluminous response requirement and, if selected to make the first cut, an in-person presentation by your entire executive team. At this point, your BSCAI Contracting Success seminar experience reminds you it’s time to ask yourself the two critical questions during any facility services RFP process:   Does this commercial janitorial RFP qualify for us?  Do we qualify for the RFP?  Does the RFP Qualify for Us?   Since becoming a member of BSCAI, you’ve already made a criteria list for your commercial company to qualify for this opportunity. Below are four areas of RFP best practices your list will cover.   Does this account appear to be the right revenue size, allowing you to achieve your janitorial service company’s revenue goal?   Does the client match the facility maintenance market segments clearly defined as an ideal client? For example, a movie theater chain might be a significant client; however, your operational expertise is not geared to multi-site facilities, third shift and seven-days-a-week service accounts. Rather, a single-site facility management contract, full-time day portering and part-time/nighttime requirement may better align with your current janitorial business model.  The revenue and market segment are ideal; however, if the terms and conditions do not qualify, it might not be an opportunity after all. Key points of consideration are:   Risk: Understanding the level of risk involved based on indemnity language  Payment terms: Are the payment terms acceptable regarding your commercial cleaning company’s cash flow requirements?  Insurance Requirements: Does your current insurance policy provide for the types of coverage and amounts required?  Termination Clause: Does the contract allow termination by either party? Unforeseen circumstances like scope creep, non-payment for services, and unrealistic expectations are common examples in facility service contracts and why it is imperative to have the ability to cancel a contract.  Some RFPs are merely requests for vendors to submit information. This typically indicates a client isn’t requesting a proposal to be considered and, instead, the request is for unpaid consulting services provided by your organization. This might take further investigation, perhaps a phone call or email to ask probing questions: Why is the janitorial RFP happening? Is the incumbent allowed to bid? What would it take to make a change?  Do we Qualify for the RFP?  After turning a discerning eye toward the RFP, we must now cast a wary eye toward ourselves, as well. Do we qualify for the RFP? There are a host of reasons facility contractors might not qualify in the client’s opinion. However, that is conjecture.   Hence, let us explore the reasons we may not qualify and ultimately be unsuccessful in securing the business.  Cash flow refers to the flow of money in and out of a business over a specific period. It’s an important indicator of an organization’s financial health. Positive cash flow indicates more money is coming in than going out, while negative the opposite.   A new client means more cash out before more cash comes back into the business. Hence, does the outlay of cash for start-up, transition, cleaning equipment and janitorial supplies at the outset outstrip our means? Furthermore, do the additional payroll expenses due prior to receiving payment for services based on terms in the RFP require seeking outside funding to operate?  Does your company’s risk profile to the potential client seem unreasonable? The client realizes a certain amount of risk by selecting your firm to become the janitorial vendor of choice. Ways your firm could represent risk to them are:  Lack of Experience/Expertise: Does your firm lack industry-specific references that “walk and talk” like them? For example, if it is a professional office/lab/surgical center, does your firm have a list of current references that are professional offices/labs/surgical centers?  Management Team Depth: This was an issue for me during my first 10 years in business. As a small, family owned and operated commercial cleaning company, there was little-to-no management team depth. I was president, head of operations, floater, fill-in, director of HR, (sound familiar?). Mrs. McLemore was payroll, bookkeeping, AP/AR, controller and day maid. Hence, when a rather large financial institution considered us as their vendor, the question arose, “We like you both; however, what happens if either of you become ill or decide to go on vacation? Who will we call?” (We didn’t get the work.)  I have a saying: “Give me the job first. I’ll figure out how to do it later.” However, while an admirable, can-do attitude serves any business well, there are times when discretion is the better part of valor.   Having a realistic understanding of what you and your facility services business can successfully manage (headcount, payroll, geography, number of shifts, hiring, staff, re-staff, quality control, etc.) is essential to ensuring the success of your janitorial operations.   This works both ways. Two examples include:   Are you willing to agree to their terms and conditions as stated in the RFP?    Are the insurance coverage requirements above your commercial cleaning company’s means to acquire?  In either scenario, guess what? You do not qualify. NEXT!  RFPs: Finding the Right Fit for your Business   This article utilizes the collective wisdom acquired by BSCAI members through years of experience with RFPs. The points made are for your consideration. They are meant to provide an outline of a list of questions that should be considered, then asked and answered during the janitorial RFP process. After all, there is plenty of business where we do qualify and, more importantly, just as much that qualifies for us.  This article is a continuation of BSCAI’s Bidding and Estimating content series, helping you learn how to bid commercial cleaning jobs. Read more in the series on Contractor Connections, at bscai.org/contractor-connections-hub.  POSTED ON: 2/18/2025 Industry News & Trends Industry Training & Events Advice from the Field Insights & Updates Source link

[angusstory]

You are at your desk grinding away on your daily hour’s budget comparison report when a FedEx package arrives and makes your day. Inside, you find a request for proposal (RFP). All of that cold calling is finally paying dividends. Rejoice!   A quick perusal indicates it could be a great opportunity; however, it will require a high level of commitment in time and resources: a multi-day site tour, a voluminous response requirement and, if selected to make the first cut, an in-person presentation by your entire executive team. At this point, your BSCAI Contracting Success seminar experience reminds you it’s time to ask yourself the two critical questions during any facility services RFP process:   Does this commercial janitorial RFP qualify for us?  Do we qualify for the RFP?  Does the RFP Qualify for Us?   Since becoming a member of BSCAI, you’ve already made a criteria list for your commercial company to qualify for this opportunity. Below are four areas of RFP best practices your list will cover.   Does this account appear to be the right revenue size, allowing you to achieve your janitorial service company’s revenue goal?   Does the client match the facility maintenance market segments clearly defined as an ideal client? For example, a movie theater chain might be a significant client; however, your operational expertise is not geared to multi-site facilities, third shift and seven-days-a-week service accounts. Rather, a single-site facility management contract, full-time day portering and part-time/nighttime requirement may better align with your current janitorial business model.  The revenue and market segment are ideal; however, if the terms and conditions do not qualify, it might not be an opportunity after all. Key points of consideration are:   Risk: Understanding the level of risk involved based on indemnity language  Payment terms: Are the payment terms acceptable regarding your commercial cleaning company’s cash flow requirements?  Insurance Requirements: Does your current insurance policy provide for the types of coverage and amounts required?  Termination Clause: Does the contract allow termination by either party? Unforeseen circumstances like scope creep, non-payment for services, and unrealistic expectations are common examples in facility service contracts and why it is imperative to have the ability to cancel a contract.  Some RFPs are merely requests for vendors to submit information. This typically indicates a client isn’t requesting a proposal to be considered and, instead, the request is for unpaid consulting services provided by your organization. This might take further investigation, perhaps a phone call or email to ask probing questions: Why is the janitorial RFP happening? Is the incumbent allowed to bid? What would it take to make a change?  Do we Qualify for the RFP?  After turning a discerning eye toward the RFP, we must now cast a wary eye toward ourselves, as well. Do we qualify for the RFP? There are a host of reasons facility contractors might not qualify in the client’s opinion. However, that is conjecture.   Hence, let us explore the reasons we may not qualify and ultimately be unsuccessful in securing the business.  Cash flow refers to the flow of money in and out of a business over a specific period. It’s an important indicator of an organization’s financial health. Positive cash flow indicates more money is coming in than going out, while negative the opposite.   A new client means more cash out before more cash comes back into the business. Hence, does the outlay of cash for start-up, transition, cleaning equipment and janitorial supplies at the outset outstrip our means? Furthermore, do the additional payroll expenses due prior to receiving payment for services based on terms in the RFP require seeking outside funding to operate?  Does your company’s risk profile to the potential client seem unreasonable? The client realizes a certain amount of risk by selecting your firm to become the janitorial vendor of choice. Ways your firm could represent risk to them are:  Lack of Experience/Expertise: Does your firm lack industry-specific references that “walk and talk” like them? For example, if it is a professional office/lab/surgical center, does your firm have a list of current references that are professional offices/labs/surgical centers?  Management Team Depth: This was an issue for me during my first 10 years in business. As a small, family owned and operated commercial cleaning company, there was little-to-no management team depth. I was president, head of operations, floater, fill-in, director of HR, (sound familiar?). Mrs. McLemore was payroll, bookkeeping, AP/AR, controller and day maid. Hence, when a rather large financial institution considered us as their vendor, the question arose, “We like you both; however, what happens if either of you become ill or decide to go on vacation? Who will we call?” (We didn’t get the work.)  I have a saying: “Give me the job first. I’ll figure out how to do it later.” However, while an admirable, can-do attitude serves any business well, there are times when discretion is the better part of valor.   Having a realistic understanding of what you and your facility services business can successfully manage (headcount, payroll, geography, number of shifts, hiring, staff, re-staff, quality control, etc.) is essential to ensuring the success of your janitorial operations.   This works both ways. Two examples include:   Are you willing to agree to their terms and conditions as stated in the RFP?    Are the insurance coverage requirements above your commercial cleaning company’s means to acquire?  In either scenario, guess what? You do not qualify. NEXT!  RFPs: Finding the Right Fit for your Business   This article utilizes the collective wisdom acquired by BSCAI members through years of experience with RFPs. The points made are for your consideration. They are meant to provide an outline of a list of questions that should be considered, then asked and answered during the janitorial RFP process. After all, there is plenty of business where we do qualify and, more importantly, just as much that qualifies for us.  This article is a continuation of BSCAI’s Bidding and Estimating content series, helping you learn how to bid commercial cleaning jobs. Read more in the series on Contractor Connections, at bscai.org/contractor-connections-hub.  POSTED ON: 2/18/2025 Industry News & Trends Industry Training & Events Advice from the Field Insights & Updates Source link

[tumibaba]

You are at your desk grinding away on your daily hour’s budget comparison report when a FedEx package arrives and makes your day. Inside, you find a request for proposal (RFP). All of that cold calling is finally paying dividends. Rejoice!   A quick perusal indicates it could be a great opportunity; however, it will require a high level of commitment in time and resources: a multi-day site tour, a voluminous response requirement and, if selected to make the first cut, an in-person presentation by your entire executive team. At this point, your BSCAI Contracting Success seminar experience reminds you it’s time to ask yourself the two critical questions during any facility services RFP process:   Does this commercial janitorial RFP qualify for us?  Do we qualify for the RFP?  Does the RFP Qualify for Us?   Since becoming a member of BSCAI, you’ve already made a criteria list for your commercial company to qualify for this opportunity. Below are four areas of RFP best practices your list will cover.   Does this account appear to be the right revenue size, allowing you to achieve your janitorial service company’s revenue goal?   Does the client match the facility maintenance market segments clearly defined as an ideal client? For example, a movie theater chain might be a significant client; however, your operational expertise is not geared to multi-site facilities, third shift and seven-days-a-week service accounts. Rather, a single-site facility management contract, full-time day portering and part-time/nighttime requirement may better align with your current janitorial business model.  The revenue and market segment are ideal; however, if the terms and conditions do not qualify, it might not be an opportunity after all. Key points of consideration are:   Risk: Understanding the level of risk involved based on indemnity language  Payment terms: Are the payment terms acceptable regarding your commercial cleaning company’s cash flow requirements?  Insurance Requirements: Does your current insurance policy provide for the types of coverage and amounts required?  Termination Clause: Does the contract allow termination by either party? Unforeseen circumstances like scope creep, non-payment for services, and unrealistic expectations are common examples in facility service contracts and why it is imperative to have the ability to cancel a contract.  Some RFPs are merely requests for vendors to submit information. This typically indicates a client isn’t requesting a proposal to be considered and, instead, the request is for unpaid consulting services provided by your organization. This might take further investigation, perhaps a phone call or email to ask probing questions: Why is the janitorial RFP happening? Is the incumbent allowed to bid? What would it take to make a change?  Do we Qualify for the RFP?  After turning a discerning eye toward the RFP, we must now cast a wary eye toward ourselves, as well. Do we qualify for the RFP? There are a host of reasons facility contractors might not qualify in the client’s opinion. However, that is conjecture.   Hence, let us explore the reasons we may not qualify and ultimately be unsuccessful in securing the business.  Cash flow refers to the flow of money in and out of a business over a specific period. It’s an important indicator of an organization’s financial health. Positive cash flow indicates more money is coming in than going out, while negative the opposite.   A new client means more cash out before more cash comes back into the business. Hence, does the outlay of cash for start-up, transition, cleaning equipment and janitorial supplies at the outset outstrip our means? Furthermore, do the additional payroll expenses due prior to receiving payment for services based on terms in the RFP require seeking outside funding to operate?  Does your company’s risk profile to the potential client seem unreasonable? The client realizes a certain amount of risk by selecting your firm to become the janitorial vendor of choice. Ways your firm could represent risk to them are:  Lack of Experience/Expertise: Does your firm lack industry-specific references that “walk and talk” like them? For example, if it is a professional office/lab/surgical center, does your firm have a list of current references that are professional offices/labs/surgical centers?  Management Team Depth: This was an issue for me during my first 10 years in business. As a small, family owned and operated commercial cleaning company, there was little-to-no management team depth. I was president, head of operations, floater, fill-in, director of HR, (sound familiar?). Mrs. McLemore was payroll, bookkeeping, AP/AR, controller and day maid. Hence, when a rather large financial institution considered us as their vendor, the question arose, “We like you both; however, what happens if either of you become ill or decide to go on vacation? Who will we call?” (We didn’t get the work.)  I have a saying: “Give me the job first. I’ll figure out how to do it later.” However, while an admirable, can-do attitude serves any business well, there are times when discretion is the better part of valor.   Having a realistic understanding of what you and your facility services business can successfully manage (headcount, payroll, geography, number of shifts, hiring, staff, re-staff, quality control, etc.) is essential to ensuring the success of your janitorial operations.   This works both ways. Two examples include:   Are you willing to agree to their terms and conditions as stated in the RFP?    Are the insurance coverage requirements above your commercial cleaning company’s means to acquire?  In either scenario, guess what? You do not qualify. NEXT!  RFPs: Finding the Right Fit for your Business   This article utilizes the collective wisdom acquired by BSCAI members through years of experience with RFPs. The points made are for your consideration. They are meant to provide an outline of a list of questions that should be considered, then asked and answered during the janitorial RFP process. After all, there is plenty of business where we do qualify and, more importantly, just as much that qualifies for us.  This article is a continuation of BSCAI’s Bidding and Estimating content series, helping you learn how to bid commercial cleaning jobs. Read more in the series on Contractor Connections, at bscai.org/contractor-connections-hub.  POSTED ON: 2/18/2025 Industry News & Trends Industry Training & Events Advice from the Field Insights & Updates Source link

[romaleen]

You are at your desk grinding away on your daily hour’s budget comparison report when a FedEx package arrives and makes your day. Inside, you find a request for proposal (RFP). All of that cold calling is finally paying dividends. Rejoice!   A quick perusal indicates it could be a great opportunity; however, it will require a high level of commitment in time and resources: a multi-day site tour, a voluminous response requirement and, if selected to make the first cut, an in-person presentation by your entire executive team. At this point, your BSCAI Contracting Success seminar experience reminds you it’s time to ask yourself the two critical questions during any facility services RFP process:   Does this commercial janitorial RFP qualify for us?  Do we qualify for the RFP?  Does the RFP Qualify for Us?   Since becoming a member of BSCAI, you’ve already made a criteria list for your commercial company to qualify for this opportunity. Below are four areas of RFP best practices your list will cover.   Does this account appear to be the right revenue size, allowing you to achieve your janitorial service company’s revenue goal?   Does the client match the facility maintenance market segments clearly defined as an ideal client? For example, a movie theater chain might be a significant client; however, your operational expertise is not geared to multi-site facilities, third shift and seven-days-a-week service accounts. Rather, a single-site facility management contract, full-time day portering and part-time/nighttime requirement may better align with your current janitorial business model.  The revenue and market segment are ideal; however, if the terms and conditions do not qualify, it might not be an opportunity after all. Key points of consideration are:   Risk: Understanding the level of risk involved based on indemnity language  Payment terms: Are the payment terms acceptable regarding your commercial cleaning company’s cash flow requirements?  Insurance Requirements: Does your current insurance policy provide for the types of coverage and amounts required?  Termination Clause: Does the contract allow termination by either party? Unforeseen circumstances like scope creep, non-payment for services, and unrealistic expectations are common examples in facility service contracts and why it is imperative to have the ability to cancel a contract.  Some RFPs are merely requests for vendors to submit information. This typically indicates a client isn’t requesting a proposal to be considered and, instead, the request is for unpaid consulting services provided by your organization. This might take further investigation, perhaps a phone call or email to ask probing questions: Why is the janitorial RFP happening? Is the incumbent allowed to bid? What would it take to make a change?  Do we Qualify for the RFP?  After turning a discerning eye toward the RFP, we must now cast a wary eye toward ourselves, as well. Do we qualify for the RFP? There are a host of reasons facility contractors might not qualify in the client’s opinion. However, that is conjecture.   Hence, let us explore the reasons we may not qualify and ultimately be unsuccessful in securing the business.  Cash flow refers to the flow of money in and out of a business over a specific period. It’s an important indicator of an organization’s financial health. Positive cash flow indicates more money is coming in than going out, while negative the opposite.   A new client means more cash out before more cash comes back into the business. Hence, does the outlay of cash for start-up, transition, cleaning equipment and janitorial supplies at the outset outstrip our means? Furthermore, do the additional payroll expenses due prior to receiving payment for services based on terms in the RFP require seeking outside funding to operate?  Does your company’s risk profile to the potential client seem unreasonable? The client realizes a certain amount of risk by selecting your firm to become the janitorial vendor of choice. Ways your firm could represent risk to them are:  Lack of Experience/Expertise: Does your firm lack industry-specific references that “walk and talk” like them? For example, if it is a professional office/lab/surgical center, does your firm have a list of current references that are professional offices/labs/surgical centers?  Management Team Depth: This was an issue for me during my first 10 years in business. As a small, family owned and operated commercial cleaning company, there was little-to-no management team depth. I was president, head of operations, floater, fill-in, director of HR, (sound familiar?). Mrs. McLemore was payroll, bookkeeping, AP/AR, controller and day maid. Hence, when a rather large financial institution considered us as their vendor, the question arose, “We like you both; however, what happens if either of you become ill or decide to go on vacation? Who will we call?” (We didn’t get the work.)  I have a saying: “Give me the job first. I’ll figure out how to do it later.” However, while an admirable, can-do attitude serves any business well, there are times when discretion is the better part of valor.   Having a realistic understanding of what you and your facility services business can successfully manage (headcount, payroll, geography, number of shifts, hiring, staff, re-staff, quality control, etc.) is essential to ensuring the success of your janitorial operations.   This works both ways. Two examples include:   Are you willing to agree to their terms and conditions as stated in the RFP?    Are the insurance coverage requirements above your commercial cleaning company’s means to acquire?  In either scenario, guess what? You do not qualify. NEXT!  RFPs: Finding the Right Fit for your Business   This article utilizes the collective wisdom acquired by BSCAI members through years of experience with RFPs. The points made are for your consideration. They are meant to provide an outline of a list of questions that should be considered, then asked and answered during the janitorial RFP process. After all, there is plenty of business where we do qualify and, more importantly, just as much that qualifies for us.  This article is a continuation of BSCAI’s Bidding and Estimating content series, helping you learn how to bid commercial cleaning jobs. Read more in the series on Contractor Connections, at bscai.org/contractor-connections-hub.  POSTED ON: 2/18/2025 Industry News & Trends Industry Training & Events Advice from the Field Insights & Updates Source link

[monaleen101]

You are at your desk grinding away on your daily hour’s budget comparison report when a FedEx package arrives and makes your day. Inside, you find a request for proposal (RFP). All of that cold calling is finally paying dividends. Rejoice!   A quick perusal indicates it could be a great opportunity; however, it will require a high level of commitment in time and resources: a multi-day site tour, a voluminous response requirement and, if selected to make the first cut, an in-person presentation by your entire executive team. At this point, your BSCAI Contracting Success seminar experience reminds you it’s time to ask yourself the two critical questions during any facility services RFP process:   Does this commercial janitorial RFP qualify for us?  Do we qualify for the RFP?  Does the RFP Qualify for Us?   Since becoming a member of BSCAI, you’ve already made a criteria list for your commercial company to qualify for this opportunity. Below are four areas of RFP best practices your list will cover.   Does this account appear to be the right revenue size, allowing you to achieve your janitorial service company’s revenue goal?   Does the client match the facility maintenance market segments clearly defined as an ideal client? For example, a movie theater chain might be a significant client; however, your operational expertise is not geared to multi-site facilities, third shift and seven-days-a-week service accounts. Rather, a single-site facility management contract, full-time day portering and part-time/nighttime requirement may better align with your current janitorial business model.  The revenue and market segment are ideal; however, if the terms and conditions do not qualify, it might not be an opportunity after all. Key points of consideration are:   Risk: Understanding the level of risk involved based on indemnity language  Payment terms: Are the payment terms acceptable regarding your commercial cleaning company’s cash flow requirements?  Insurance Requirements: Does your current insurance policy provide for the types of coverage and amounts required?  Termination Clause: Does the contract allow termination by either party? Unforeseen circumstances like scope creep, non-payment for services, and unrealistic expectations are common examples in facility service contracts and why it is imperative to have the ability to cancel a contract.  Some RFPs are merely requests for vendors to submit information. This typically indicates a client isn’t requesting a proposal to be considered and, instead, the request is for unpaid consulting services provided by your organization. This might take further investigation, perhaps a phone call or email to ask probing questions: Why is the janitorial RFP happening? Is the incumbent allowed to bid? What would it take to make a change?  Do we Qualify for the RFP?  After turning a discerning eye toward the RFP, we must now cast a wary eye toward ourselves, as well. Do we qualify for the RFP? There are a host of reasons facility contractors might not qualify in the client’s opinion. However, that is conjecture.   Hence, let us explore the reasons we may not qualify and ultimately be unsuccessful in securing the business.  Cash flow refers to the flow of money in and out of a business over a specific period. It’s an important indicator of an organization’s financial health. Positive cash flow indicates more money is coming in than going out, while negative the opposite.   A new client means more cash out before more cash comes back into the business. Hence, does the outlay of cash for start-up, transition, cleaning equipment and janitorial supplies at the outset outstrip our means? Furthermore, do the additional payroll expenses due prior to receiving payment for services based on terms in the RFP require seeking outside funding to operate?  Does your company’s risk profile to the potential client seem unreasonable? The client realizes a certain amount of risk by selecting your firm to become the janitorial vendor of choice. Ways your firm could represent risk to them are:  Lack of Experience/Expertise: Does your firm lack industry-specific references that “walk and talk” like them? For example, if it is a professional office/lab/surgical center, does your firm have a list of current references that are professional offices/labs/surgical centers?  Management Team Depth: This was an issue for me during my first 10 years in business. As a small, family owned and operated commercial cleaning company, there was little-to-no management team depth. I was president, head of operations, floater, fill-in, director of HR, (sound familiar?). Mrs. McLemore was payroll, bookkeeping, AP/AR, controller and day maid. Hence, when a rather large financial institution considered us as their vendor, the question arose, “We like you both; however, what happens if either of you become ill or decide to go on vacation? Who will we call?” (We didn’t get the work.)  I have a saying: “Give me the job first. I’ll figure out how to do it later.” However, while an admirable, can-do attitude serves any business well, there are times when discretion is the better part of valor.   Having a realistic understanding of what you and your facility services business can successfully manage (headcount, payroll, geography, number of shifts, hiring, staff, re-staff, quality control, etc.) is essential to ensuring the success of your janitorial operations.   This works both ways. Two examples include:   Are you willing to agree to their terms and conditions as stated in the RFP?    Are the insurance coverage requirements above your commercial cleaning company’s means to acquire?  In either scenario, guess what? You do not qualify. NEXT!  RFPs: Finding the Right Fit for your Business   This article utilizes the collective wisdom acquired by BSCAI members through years of experience with RFPs. The points made are for your consideration. They are meant to provide an outline of a list of questions that should be considered, then asked and answered during the janitorial RFP process. After all, there is plenty of business where we do qualify and, more importantly, just as much that qualifies for us.  This article is a continuation of BSCAI’s Bidding and Estimating content series, helping you learn how to bid commercial cleaning jobs. Read more in the series on Contractor Connections, at bscai.org/contractor-connections-hub.  POSTED ON: 2/18/2025 Industry News & Trends Industry Training & Events Advice from the Field Insights & Updates Source link