CleanersUpdated July 2026 · 5 min read

How to Quote Commercial Cleaning Jobs: Setting Fair Rates in Australia

Learn how to quote commercial cleaning jobs accurately in Australia. Cover labour, materials, and profit margins to win bids and run a profitable business.

Understanding Commercial Cleaning Pricing Models

Most commercial cleaning jobs in Australia are priced either hourly or per square metre. The choice depends on the job's complexity and client expectations. For standard office cleaning or regular maintenance, an hourly rate per cleaner is common. For larger, more predictable spaces or one-off deep cleans, quoting per square metre offers clarity. When considering how to quote commercial cleaning for new clients, assess the scope first. A small `office cleaning quote` might suit an hourly rate, while a large commercial building will benefit from a per square metre breakdown. Average `commercial cleaning rates Australia` wide can range from $45 to $65 per cleaner per hour for basic services, depending on location and specialisation. For a consistent service over time, per square metre pricing helps clients budget accurately.

Key Factors Influencing Your Quote Price

Your final quote needs to reflect the unique aspects of each site. Key factors include the size of the area to be cleaned, the required frequency of service, and the specific tasks involved. A 100sqm office cleaned weekly will have a different price point than a 500sqm retail space cleaned nightly. Also, consider access issues, security requirements, and the level of wear and tear. Specialized services like window cleaning, carpet shampooing, or `strip and seal pricing` for hard floors will significantly increase the cost and require specific equipment and expertise. Always conduct a thorough site visit to accurately assess these variables before putting a number on paper.

Calculating Labour and Operational Costs Accurately

Labour is the largest cost in commercial cleaning. You need to factor in not just the cleaner's hourly wage, but also superannuation (currently 11%), workers' compensation insurance, public liability insurance, and payroll tax if applicable. Don't forget travel time to and from the site, and fuel costs for your vehicles. Beyond direct labour, include your business's operational overheads: admin time, office rent (if any), accounting fees, marketing, and vehicle maintenance. These indirect costs need to be covered by every job. For example, a cleaner earning $30/hour might cost your business closer to $45-$50/hour once all these hidden costs are added, before you even consider profit.

Including Materials and Equipment in Your Quote

Guessing your materials and equipment costs is a fast track to lost profit. Track your consumables like detergents, disinfectants, bin liners, and paper towels. Also, factor in the depreciation and maintenance of your equipment – vacuums, scrubbers, mops, buckets, and safety gear. You can source quality products from suppliers like Bunnings Warehouse for everyday items or specialist commercial cleaning suppliers for bulk orders. Some tradies add a flat percentage for materials (e.g., 5-10% of labour costs), while others itemise key consumables for transparency. For large jobs, consider the cost of specific chemicals required for tasks like floor stripping and sealing. Always ensure your pricing reflects the quality and quantity of products used.

Determining Your Profit Margin for Commercial Cleaning

Setting a healthy profit margin is essential for your business's growth and stability. Many commercial cleaning businesses aim for a gross profit margin of 20-35%, though this can vary based on market competition and the unique value you provide. Don't undervalue your work or race to the bottom on price. A decent margin allows you to invest in better equipment, offer competitive wages, and handle unexpected costs without impacting your cash flow. If your total costs (labour, materials, overheads) for a job come to $750, a 25% profit margin means adding $250, making the client quote $1000. This ensures you're earning enough to sustain and expand your operations.

What to Include in a Comprehensive Commercial Cleaning Quote

A clear, detailed quote builds trust and avoids misunderstandings. Every quote for commercial cleaning should include: your business name, ABN, and contact details; the client's business name and site address; a clear breakdown of services to be performed (e.g., vacuuming, dusting, restroom sanitisation, floor mopping); the frequency of cleaning; specified inclusions and exclusions; pricing per service or overall job; payment terms (e.g., 7 days net); and the quote's validity period. Using professional software like QuoteMate helps you create branded PDF quotes that are easy to understand and send, ensuring you never miss a critical detail. For more information on fair work rates, check out `www.fairwork.gov.au/industry-specific-information/cleaning-services`.

Tips for Winning More Commercial Cleaning Bids

Winning bids goes beyond just having the lowest price. Present a professional image from the first contact to the final quote. Always conduct a thorough site inspection to understand the client's exact needs and potential challenges. Be transparent in your pricing, explaining what's included and why. Follow up promptly after sending a quote, without being pushy. Offer references or case studies from satisfied clients. Customise your quote to address the client's specific pain points, rather than sending a generic template. Showing you understand their business and can provide a reliable, high-quality service, coupled with knowing `how to quote commercial cleaning` accurately, will give you a significant edge over the competition. A well-structured quote can significantly improve your chances of securing the job.

Pro Tips

Always do a detailed site visit before preparing any commercial cleaning quote.
Factor in all labour costs including superannuation, insurance, and travel time.
Regularly update your pricing for cleaning chemicals and consumables from your suppliers.
Clearly define what's included and excluded in your scope of work to prevent disputes.
Aim for at least a 20-35% profit margin on every commercial cleaning job.
Use a quoting app like QuoteMate to create professional, itemised PDF quotes.
Offer flexible service frequencies (daily, weekly, monthly) to meet client needs.