The Business Case For Buying Cleaning Supplies In Bulk

Running a business efficiently means being well-stocked and well-prepared for any unexpected eventualities that may impede the smooth running of your business. A cleaning business needs to be fast, efficient and ready to go, so there is no time for running out of supplies. Your shelves need to be fully stocked so you can confidently say it is 'business as usual', whatever else is going on outside your control.

Aside from the convenience and consistency of buying in bulk, there is also the environmental impact. Today, we all have a responsibility to look after the environment. Buying in bulk minimises the amount of plastic packaging that is required, and allows for eco-friendly practices like refilling existing bottles.

Bulk buying also reduces the number of journeys needed and so saves on fuel, whether that's you having to go to the store or the delivery driver coming to you.

The Cost Savings Of Buying In Bulk

Bulk buying can significantly reduce your costs, and on average, you can save 15-30% with reduced unit prices when you buy larger containers or boxes of products. Although there may be a high initial investment, the long-term savings can be considerable as there are lower shipping and handling expenses and more economic efficiencies available.

At Big Clean, we optimise operational budgets for businesses, which helps minimise frequent reordering costs and reduces long-term purchasing expenses.

Buying commercial chemicals in 5 or even 20 litre containers is far cheaper (and better for the environment) than using smaller, supermarket bottles, and purchasing concentrated solutions that can be diluted into many smaller, ready-to-use bottles maximises the cost-per-clean efficiency.

This may seem insignificant at first, but the savings can be huge over time.

Which Products Are Best Suited To Bulk Purchasing

The best items to bulk buy are non-perishable consumables, highly concentrated liquids and durable tools or equipment that will not degrade over time. These include:

• 5L bottles of floor cleaners or multi-purpose cleaners that can be diluted.
• Industrial or anti-bacterial wipes, as these are generally high-volume use.
• Toilet rolls and paper hand towels are essential bulk buys.
• Laundry supplies such as fabric conditioners and laundry liquids.
• Surface sprays and concentrated disinfectants.
• Waste bags and bin liners.
• PPE equipment, such as boxes of vinyl gloves.

Managing Storage For Bulk Cleaning Supplies

Having a cool, dry, dedicated storage area is essential for storing supplies, because direct sunlight or heat sources coming from water heaters or furnaces can break down chemicals and warp containers.

Organising your storage room is as important as organising your cleaning trolley, so items can be found quickly and replaced before they run out.

Store similar items together and clearly label shelves or bins where the items are kept, for example, 'floor cleaners' or 'laundry refills'. Utilise wall space for hanging mops, brooms and dusters, and use heavy-duty shelving to manage heavy bulk items.

Clever space-saving ideas like over-the-door organisers are great for storing smaller, daily-use items like spray bottles, while larger containers can be shelved.

Reducing Supply Disruptions With Forward Stocking

By buying in large quantities, businesses can ensure a constant supply of essential products while reducing the cost per unit. Build a reserve of essential items so that you are prepared if there is a sudden disruption to the supply chain or an increase in cleaning requirements.

Proactive planning means analysing your usage trends and periodically reviewing how much product is used per month. Always restock FIFO (First In - First Out) to prevent products from expiring and to avoid unnecessary wastage, and perform regular stock checks to identify overspending and to avoid any last-minute emergencies.

How To Find A Trusted Wholesale Supplier In Australia

Firstly, verify the wholesale supplier is compliant with Australian safety standards and check for industry-recognised certifications. You need to establish that they offer a fast and reliable delivery service and that they are a one-stop shop that can provide you with everything you need, so you don't have to use various suppliers.

Big Clean has been a trusted and reputable wholesaler of cleaning products since 2007, and with our wealth of experience in Sydney, you won't need to look anywhere else for top-quality cleaning supplies.