The trick to maintaining a consumer cleaning service is researching on homeowners preferences in house cleaning. It is not unusual to find home owners who are very hesitant to hire professional cleaning services because they have gotten so used to their life long day maid. What do these day maids provide that other professional consumer home cleaning services don’t? The relationship built on trust. It is not hard to understand that people are not too comfortable letting in strangers to their place of sanctuary- their own homes.

Nevertheless, you can establish this trust when you set up your own consumer cleaning service. Here are some typical queries by homeowners that you should respond positively to, in order to get their business.

1. Insurance certificate.
Although home based or individual small cleaning services are not required to have this, it would be a security for the homeowner that any damage to their house caused by you service will be covered by insurance. If you do not have insurance and do not want to apply for one, have a guarantee ready to be signed by both parties stating that you will be liable for any damage that might be caused.

2. Worker’s employment insurance
You will need to guarantee the safety of your staff also, and having insurance for them creates a good impression on the client. This means that you are a responsible company and you take care of your own people.

3. Background checks on maids and janitors
This is very important because homeowners of course would not be too comfortable with unknown people cleaning their homes, having access to their most prized possession, their family. Have the background checks done intensively and make sure that you have the proper documentation of your employees ready before you even hire them.

4. Explain to the client if the house needs an individual or a team of cleaners
You do not want your clients to feel uncomfortable and surprised when he sees a van full of people pull up in his driveway, wielding power vacuums. As much as possible, make sure that the number of cleaners would be just enough to finish the work that needs to be done. It is easier to monitor fewer people in a house.

5. A Training program
Although house cleaning seems o be a task most people would know about, there are chores that require special attention, like carpet cleaning, or window cleaning. Make sure that you train all your staff in these particular areas, aside from making sure that they know how to properly operate vacuums and other equipment.

6. A detailed outline of all services required and all services that the client wants to be serviced for
You might see other areas in the house that need attention; however, it is the client’s prerogative to have it done. Make sure that you clarify on these matters before starting the work. Have a meeting before you send your cleaners, and have one of the cleaners carry a copy of the list on the day of the job.

For more info: How to start a consumer cleaning service