What markup do you put on?

[Hack Attack]

Consumables etc in commercial accounts?

I do several commercial accounts ie hard floor scrubbing and polishing etc, but have been asked to quote for toilet paper, hand towels and feminine sanitary bins which none of my accounts have asked for before..

Looking for a starting point over cost thanks

 

[DAT]

Do you do Janitorials?

 

[Hack Attack]

A few supermarket and convenience store floors, possible new contract that isn't happy with current service provider but wants a price for more than I normally provide

 

[Pioneer Floorcare]

Cost X 1.41

 

[J Scott W]

In addition to your cost for the products, include your expense for having it shipped to you, going to pick it up, delivering to your account or whatever. Also include any taxes or fees you may pay based on this additional income. Sales tax in some jurisdictions. Business license, insurance and other expenses may be based on your gross revenue which would increase as the cost of these items is folded into your business.

In my experience, doing janitorial was a very low profit margin item. Competitors just passed on the cost with no profit at all as a service to help them get the business. We added 3%.

 

[The Great Oz]

Minimum 20% to cover the cost of running the item through your books, then account for costs noted above, then add whatever profit you need.

You're providing a convenience service so they don't have to do their own ordering. Charge like a convenience store.

 

[Small town janitorial]

I just use a local distributor to take care of that kinda thing for me. They make money on selling their products, and in return the sales rep gives me really great deals on chemicals that we use for other jobs. I've always figured it wasn't worth my time to stock everything, but I could be wrong. If you can make enough on it then go for it.
I stick to what I'm best at, cleaning. I leave the distribution to companies that specialize in just that.