How to Successfully Operate a Cleaning Business
A cleaning business is only as good as its management. People who hire a cleaning service need to know that the cleaning will be meticulous, and they need to trust the people who will be in their house. If you operate a cleaning business, you can gain many more clients and fewer complaints by running a tight ship and implementing policies that make life easier for your customers. After all, that's why they're hiring a cleaning service in the first place.
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Instructions
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Advertise your business in a manner that makes it clear what services you offer, and where you offer them. List your specialties, and note any awards, testimonials or credentials that you have.
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Compile a list of what is cleaned during a standard cleaning. This makes it very clear what service the customer is getting for the price. Customers will be disappointed if they are under the impression that you will empty the litter box, clean windows, clean out the refrigerator and sweep the patio. Customers who have lived in countries outside of the United States may expect these things or similar--one reason why you must provide a list of your services in writing.
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Quote your customer a competitive, fair price. Offer discounts to customers who pay for one or more cleanings per week, and for those who refer additional customers.
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Conduct background checks on your employees. If even one employee steals from a client, your reputation could be damaged. Word spreads quickly about negative incidents such as stealing. Hire only people who have impeccable professional references and clean background checks. You can also help prevent theft by pairing new hires with experienced and trustworthy employees for at least two months.
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Purchase liability insurance for your business. This protects you against lawsuits if something in a customer's home should become damaged or broken. Potential customers want to do business with cleaning companies with liability insurance, because they know that they will be reimbursed in the event that damage occurs.
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Buy a safe to store keys. Many customers will not be home when your service is cleaning their house, and will want to leave a key with you. Having a safe protects the keys and helps the customer to feel at ease. Do not allow anyone access to the safe.
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Offer a satisfaction guarantee. The Association of Residential Cleaning Services International states that "Every professional home cleaning service should offer a service guarantee or satisfaction guarantee." A satisfaction guarantee simply means that if the customer is not satisfied with the cleaning that was done, you will return to the property and remedy the situation. It does not mean that you issue refunds. A satisfaction guarantee builds your identity as a reputable agency, and helps to build trustworthy relationships with customers. Your customers should always be satisfied with the service you provide.
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