college & university

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What services do you provide?

A: SSC Service Solutions, we are experts in the cleaning industry. We are successful because we are constantly finding the best way to run cleaning operations and sharing that information across our company. We generally stick with what we are experts at, but we do provide some light maintenance and grounds upkeep for customers who request it.

Q: What will happen to my custodians?

A: That depends on the type of contract you choose. If you decide on a “management-only” contract, your custodians will remain on your payroll and will be supervised by a qualified contract manager employed by SSC Service Solutions. If you prefer a “full-service” contract, your current custodians will be asked to apply for employment with SSC. It is our hope that all of your staff will opt to continue in their current capacities as SSC Service Solutions employees and become employee stockholders. Some may even pursue new career opportunities as management trainees, an opportunity they might not have in an in-house situation.

Q: What happens to my equipment and supplies?

A: In order to provide a truly turn key operation for you, we prefer to provide supplies and equipment used in the daily cleaning of your buildings. Thus, there is never a question of who owns the equipment or who is responsible for replacing it. We will bring in brand-new, state-of-the-art equipment and supplies. (New equipment, in addition to making us more productive, has the added benefit of a positive and motivating effect on the cleaning crews.) We can offer you fair market value at the onset of the contract for any supplies and equipment you have in stock.

Q: How can I be sure you’ll provide adequate supervision and accountability?

A: We understand that we are only as good as the contract manager we select to operate your facilities. Therefore, our managers go through an extensive training program where they gain practical experience in your specific type of cleaning, whether it be colleges, K-12 schools, industrial or retail. Most of our managers college-educated and career oriented. For additional supervision, we hire supervisors to help oversee the evening cleaning activities at each building. Our managers and supervisors will implement a detailed quality-control program in order to assure quality service.

Your contract manager will live in close proximity to your facilities and can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via cell phone or pager.

Q: How can a for profit company do a better job for less money?

A: As a leader in the cleaning industry for over 34 years, we’ve learned a few techniques to improve quality and productivity through training and by using the latest cleaning industry techniques. We know exactly how long it takes to clean each facet of your organization and provide high quality equipment and supervision to get the job done in the most efficient and effective manner. In fact, you can expect to save an average of 20% when transitioning from in-house to contracted services.

Q: What does my cost include? Will I be surprised by extra billing after the contract is signed?

A: We are interested in long term relationships with all of our customers. Our partnership would surely suffer if we were to nickel and dime you at every turn. So, we work very hard to anticipate all of your needs and offer one price for the general cleaning of your facility from the start.

Q: Will I lose operational control by hiring a contractor?

A: We want you to feel as if we are part of your team. Our contract manager will work closely with your designated representative on a daily basis to ensure that tasks are done to your specifications and satisfaction. Our quality control program is designed to assure that we perform consistently.

Q: What is the length of a typical contract?

A: Depending on your industry, we suggest a 12 month contract with options to renew up to four (4) consecutive years. That way, you have the option to renew if you are happy and avoid repeating the re-bid process every year.

Q: Are school related functions covered in the cost of the contract?

A: Due to our extensive experience cleaning college campuses, SSC Service Solutions understands that your buildings are a hive of constant activity. That is why we provide cleaning services after all college related functions in the buildings contracted at no additional cost. Such functions include but are not limited to the following: basketball games, football games, graduation, concerts (by students), college sponsored clubs, and community education. Any Saturday and Sunday functions will be cleaned up before college starts the following Monday.

Non-college related activities are available at no additional charge in situations where they do not interfere with the normal day to day cleaning or cause SSC Service Solutions to spend additional time. Otherwise, the cost for non-college related activities can be provided at a negotiated rate.

Q: What happens in an emergency situation?

A: Emergency services, by their nature, require quick and decisive action so as to minimize property damage and restore normal operation to a facility. SSC Service Solutions' management and staff are properly trained regarding emergency procedures and response. Training includes emergency communications to appropriate individuals, emergency team dispatch, and emergency equipment dispositions.

In situations where SSC employees are already present in a building and the emergency is not considered extensive or catastrophic, it is our common practice not to extra bill for this service.

Q: Does SSC clean residence halls?

A: Yes we do. SSC typically provides cleaning coverage for dorms during the hours of 7AM to 4PM, while students are in class. Cleaning of hallways and common areas are maintained on a Monday through Friday schedule but can be cleaned 7 days a week if necessary. During winter break, main hallways are stripped and waxed. During the summer months the dorm rooms are cleaned extensively with floors stripped and waxed in both the rooms and common areas.

Q: How do you measure Quality Assurance?

A: Quality is SSC’s top priority. Without satisfied customers, we would not be able to utilize our great references to generate new business. Because the satisfaction of our customers is so important to us, SSC developed our Quality Assurance and Inspection Program (QAIP). This program includes regularly scheduled comprehensive walk-through inspections as well as random computer generated inspections to constantly track quality assurance on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.