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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Janitorial Company Basics: Everything You Wanted to Know About Bonds and Bonding But Were Afraid to Ask


If you run a janitorial company, chances are you've heard your competition market themselves as being legally licensed and bonded. Of course, all janitorial companies have to be licensed according to whatever state laws apply to them, but surety bonds are optional insurance policies that protect your clients.

So, what are janitorial surety bonds, anyway?

A basic definition explains that a surety bond is a legally binding contract that ensures a certain task is performed. Most janitorial service business owners buy surety bonds because they operate small companies and want a cost-effective way to protect against employees who might choose to act unethically. Even if you trust your staff to the fullest extent, the reality is that you and your business become easy targets if a client's belongings go missing.

Janitorial surety bonds are also known by other names such as custodian bonds or business service bonds. Regardless of the name, this bond provides protection for clients who work with residential and commercial cleaning services.

What kind of businesses get bonded?

Unlike most surety bond types, janitorial surety bonds are completely voluntary. You may choose to purchase a custodian bond if you operate a janitorial company, maid service, carpet cleaning service, house cleaning service or other type of cleaning business. Remember, the purpose is to convince prospective clients that their belongings and property will be safe from theft if they choose to work with you.

Do janitorial companies receive protection from surety bonds?

Surety bonds should not be confused with traditional insurance policies. When purchasing a surety bond, you and your company do not receive any of the bond's financial protection. Instead, the bond will protect your customers from losses that could result from unethical employees who might choose to steal. As such, buying a custodian bond reassures clients that you're committed to running a legitimate enterprise.

Will my bond protect against damages?

No, surety bonds only protect against theft. If you or an employee damages a client's property or possessions, the bond will not cover these costs. If you're looking for damage protection, consider purchasing a special insurance policy.

How much does it cost to get bonded?

Janitorial bonds are some of the cheapest surety bond types to purchase. The exact price you'll pay depends on how many employees you manage and much coverage you want. Janitorial bonds are typically purchased by
small business owners, who usually pay about

    $100/year for $5,000 worth of coverage for five or fewer employees
    $110/year for $10,000 worth of coverage for five or fewer employees
    $152/year for $25,000 worth of coverage for five or fewer employees

Of course, larger janitorial companies also purchase bonds, and higher bonding amounts are available as well. The best way to determine what you'll pay for a bond is to contact an online surety company quickly and easily.

Danielle Rodabaugh is the chief editor of "http://www.suretybonds.com/", an online surety bond agency that provides free surety bond quotes to business owners nationwide. For more information on the surety industry, you can find Danielle on "https://plus.google.com/u/0/113063981844601253780?rel=author">Google+

9 comments:

  1. One thing you forgot to mention. Most bonds will not pay out unless there is a conviction in a court of law. In my opinion, that is small protection indeed. To convict, you must have proof. Proof would involve someone seeing the person commit the theft or alternatively, a security camera video. It is extremely difficult to get a conviction on worker theft. After all, we are still innocent until proven guilty in this country. I feel that a surety bond lulls the client into a false sense of security, because most of them do not understand how it works. Many clients mistakenly think it covers against any kind of loss, confusing it with regular liability insurance. I personally think they are a waste of money, promoted by the insurance industry as an easy way to bring in money, with a very low risk of ever having to pay out a claim. Just my opinion.

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  2. This is a great!!! Answered most of my questions, thanks!!!

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  3. oh, thanks for this post! I've been looking for this information for a week now.

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  4. Janitorial bond is essential to ensure the safety of your establishment. With this bond, your janitor employees will be discouraged to do any dishonesty or wrongful actions during his/her work. The employees will be more responsible in every action they will do.

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  6. This is a great!!! Answered most of my questions, thanks!!!

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  8. Very informative post! This will be helpful when you set up new Cleaning Business or want to buy a Cleaning Franchise.

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  9. I believe that every company which operates within a cleaning industry should be both insured and bonded for their clients' peace of mind. The company should not skimp on lanitorial bonds even when they are rest assured that they have honest and reliable staff. Our Seattle Cleaning Company is fully insured and bonded to give our clients greater peace of mind.

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