When it comes to hiring a professional cleaning service, a key factor to consider is the type of contract they offer. Many companies still do business using transactional or traditional contacts, while others have transitioned into a more modern relational contract.
The start of a good partnership begins with transparency or the ability to see what actions are being performed. The implications of transparency are openness, communication, and accountability. These factors play a significant role in building collaborative partnerships with companies and help to build a successful, trusting relationship. They can be incorporated into the type of contract the company decides to implement with its clients.
But what is a relational contract? Together let's explore these two types of contracts and discuss why relational contracts prove more beneficial for professional cleaning service clients.
What is a Relational Contract?
A relational contract is a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and flexibility. Unlike transactional contracts, where terms and conditions are rigidly defined, relational contracts change based on the needs and objectives of both parties. Such a contract style focuses on building long-term relationships that allow for ongoing adjustments and improvements.
Relational contracts are particularly valuable in industries like professional cleaning, where client needs can frequently change. Whether it’s adjusting to seasonal cleaning requirements, responding to special requests, or identifying new areas for improvement, a relational contract provides the flexibility to address these challenges without renegotiating the entire agreement.
In a relational contract, both parties commit to ongoing communication and collaboration. It helps make sure that the service given remains aligned with the client’s evolving goals. This contract creates a proactive approach to service delivery. This allows cleaning companies to anticipate client needs and take action before issues arise.
Restrictive Nature of Transactional Contracts
Transactional contracts are the traditional way of doing business. These contracts lay out a set of agreed-upon terms described in detail and enforceable by law. In many industries, transactional contracts can be an excellent tool for success because of the outlined details. However, our experience has found that this type of contract creates an arms-length relationship with little trust and transparency in the cleaning industry.
With transactional contracts, companies try to conceive of every possible scenario that could occur. They outline it in black and white in the contract. Since there is no way to predict the future, it is not easy to accomplish. The approach also hinders the opportunity for discussions that can result in proactive improvements and innovative solutions.
With professional cleaning services, transactional contracts often undermine the trust needed to manage uncertainty. It also limits both parties’ ability to keep their expectations and interests aligned over a long-term partnership.
For instance, with a transactional contract, it is challenging to address service issues. Why? Because there is no clear way to address subpar work. The client is often left frustrated because concerns are not getting to the right person. Therefore, the issues are not corrected. This shortfall in communication creates cracks in the partnership between the professional cleaning company and the client.
A transactional contract can hinder the relationship between a professional cleaning company and its client by limiting flexibility for improvements. For example, if a staff member identifies an area needing attention that isn't covered in the contract, addressing it may require a contract revision. Traditional contracts often lack a process for handling such situations, preventing necessary work from being completed. In contrast, a relational contract brings more flexibility, allowing both parties to adapt and address additional needs as they arise.
Benefits of Choosing a Relational Contract
As a professional cleaning service provider, we have learned over the years that each client has their own needs. These needs also tend to change periodically, some more frequently than others. For that reason, having a relational contract with our clients gives us the flexibility to research how to help them meet their objectives. Ultimately, this helps build a successful, long-term relationship with them.
This contract allows you to become a proactive partner who takes accountability, and shares ideas for improvement with the client. Essentially, our team becomes an extension of our client's team. Relational contracts are collaborative partnerships designed to build trust and bring complete transparency. By definition, it is a contract in which what is expected by both sides is not written out in detail. Instead, it develops as an ongoing relationship.
Key Principles of Relational Contracts
Relational contracts are built on six core principles that build a collaborative, transparent, and trusting partnership between parties. These principles include:
Reciprocity: Striving for fair and balanced exchanges that are mutually beneficial for both parties. This guarantees that both sides feel equally valued in the relationship.
Autonomy: Delivering full transparency by making all relevant information available. It allows the client to make informed decisions for both themselves and the partnership.
Honesty: Engaging in open and genuine communication at all levels. It guarantees the accurate conveyance of facts and intentions without withholding important information.
Loyalty: Defending and protecting the other party's interests with the same level of commitment and care as one’s own.
Equity: Recognizing and addressing any potential imbalances in risk, cost, or investment, with adjustments made to facilitate fair compensation and contribution from both parties.
Integrity: Consistently making decisions that align with these principles. This is to avoid opportunistic behavior and focus on what’s best for the partnership as a whole.
In most cases, a static contract proposal with a list of what cleaning tasks will be performed is not best for a company. Having the flexibility to personalize services and custom-fit needs is a better option. Consider discussing a relational contract with your professional cleaning service.
Choosing the right type of contract with your professional cleaning service can significantly impact your business. While transactional contracts have their place, they often don't allow the flexibility and trust needed in industries like cleaning. On the other hand, relational contracts offer a collaborative approach that helps nurture long-term, successful partnerships.
Cleantec knows the need for flexibility, transparency, and trust. With over 45 years of experience, we’ve seen firsthand how relational contracts can lead to better outcomes for our clients. Whether you need janitorial cleaning, facility maintenance, or specialized services like construction cleanup and window washing, we’re here to build a relationship that works for you.
Cleantec aims to offer helpful information to our clients and friends. We currently serve all of New York, including the Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, Rochester, Utica, and Buffalo regions. We also have operations in Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO; Muscle Shoals, AL; Tampa, FL; and Sanford, NC. Give our sales professionals a call at (877) 469-0543 for a free consultation and quote regarding janitorial services. Learn how we can help your business achieve your cleaning needs.
Cleantec ensures all staff members are thoroughly vetted conducting background checks and drug testing. In addition to providing professional cleaning services, we are also a supplier of specialized cleaning products and green chemicals. Please call (315) 463-5353 to place an order.
