Shopping Center

Frequently Asked Questions

As with any major business decision, you are bound to have questions and concerns. We have outlined the most common questions regarding outsourcing your facility services below in order to help you determine whether contracting is the right decision for your retail center.

Q: What services do you provide?

A: SSC Service Solutions’ core competency is providing high quality custodial services. We’re industry experts! However, our Shopping Center Division offers TFS programs that include general repairs, painting and carpentry, landscaping, parking lot maintenance, pest control and much more. Whatever your specific needs, we can customize a facility management solution for you.

Q: What will happen to my current facility staff?

A: That depends on the type of contract you choose. If you decide on a Management Only contract, your staff 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 staff 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.

Q: What happens to my equipment and supplies?

A: In order to provide a truly turn key operation for you, we prefer to provide and own all the supplies and equipment used in the daily cleaning of your center. If you currently own equipment and have supplies in stock, we will offer to pay you fair market value at the onset of the contract. Thus, there is never a question of who owns the equipment or who is responsible for replacing it.

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 elect to operate your facility. Therefore, most of our managers are college educated and go through an extensive training program where they gain practical experience in a specific type of cleaning whether it is retail, industrial, colleges, or K-12 schools.

Your contract manager is asked to 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 facility service industry for over 37 years, we’ve learned a few tricks to improve quality and productivity through training and utilizing the latest industry techniques. We know exactly how long it takes to clean each facet of your facility. From common areas to food courts, we’ll provide high quality equipment and supervision to get the job done in the most efficient and effective manner. In fact, the average cost savings you can expect if you are not currently contracting is 20%.

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 your specific facility solution 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. And, our staff is trained to never say “no”.

Q: What is the average 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 don?t have to hassle with a re-bid process if you are satisfied with your service. Conversely, if you aren’t satisfied, you aren?t stuck in a long term contract.

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.

Q: Are there any major barriers to outsourcing our facility services?

A: Contracting with SSC can save your organization money and improve your current level of service. However, a decision like this is often political with the biggest consideration being for your current staff. Whatever the issue, rest assured that we have seen it and dealt with it in our experience in retail centers. So, if outsourcing your operation is the best option for your facility, we can help you get there with a minimum political impact.