Recently I posted about the success of New Image Building Services partnering with Ecolab to restore the appearance of stone floors in a five-star hotel. Partnering is the key word. While cleaning chemicals make up a very small percentage of direct cost (less than 2%!), labor can be as much as 70% of a project – and that’s where choosing the right partner makes a big difference!
It would be easy to buy chemicals at a big box store or shop based on price alone, but in doing so, we would miss out on the significant benefits of consolidating purchases with one manufacturer and one of their preferred distributors. Beyond price, the value of choosing a chemical manufacturer to work with is in:
- The effectiveness of the chemicals for the job at hand.
- Technical support for selecting what chemicals should be used for the job based on the material manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Support to document the process, including what equipment to use.
- Training support.
New Image chose to partner exclusively with Ecolab because of their excellent customer support and training programs. In addition to technical expertise and assistance, the training saves time and avoids the risks of costly mistakes.
The process we performed at the hotel was a new process for us. Our Ecolab representative reviewed the flooring manufacturer recommendations, wrote the procedures, and specified the chemicals, pads and equipment to use. However, what was really amazing is that he then showed up at 9 pm (start time) to confirm the process was effective and to train our floor care technicians. As a result, we were able to complete the job on budget, with brilliant results, and most importantly, a happy client.
It’s important to note that Ecolab, as well as other manufacturers, have great digital and hard copy training tools in multiple languages. Building service contractors should leverage every resource necessary to properly train their teams. Training helps reduce turnover and avoid quality concerns.
When considering the value of partnering, the cost of chemicals becomes much less important. If you need assistance in selecting a manufacturer to work with, you can contact www.issa.com and they can refer you to supplier representatives in your area.
