November 10, 2016 by Neal Zott
WARNING: Before choosing any home cleaning service, make sure you know ALL the facts. Finding a trustworthy cleaning service that consistently performs a top service isn’t easy. Everywhere you turn is a new ad, bogus claims, and bad information. Scummy people offering outrageously low prices to get in your door then using high pressure sales tactics to up-sell you when they arrive. Unqualified workers pulled off the street putting you and your family at risk! If you don’t invest some time and effort up front, you’re risking your time, money, and safety down the line.
Here’s 7 questions to help you steer your way through the mess and find the perfect home cleaning service for you. Using these, you’ll make an informed intelligent decision that will suit your needs and fit your budget.
QUESTION #1: WHAT IS YOUR SERVICE GUARANTEE?
Not all companies guarantee their work. If you are not happy with something, let us know and we will come back and fix the problem for free.
You might be surprised to find not all cleaning services guarantees for their work. Ask up front what sort of guarantee they offer. Make sure this is in writing, either on a written estimate, or in a terms of service on the company website.
All service businesses should guarantee their work. If they don’t believe they can deliver the service you need, why should you? A guarantee is a simple way for any business to stand behind their claims.
QUESTION #2: DO YOU PROVIDE WRITTEN ESTIMATES?
Asking for an estimate makes sure you aren’t blindsided by the price of a service once it’s been done. It puts you in control of your budget and keeps you informed. Even better, find a service the offers flat rate prices. You’ll know exactly what you’ll pay and avoid the hassle of scheduling an estimate before scheduling the actual service. Find a a service that understands how busy you are and makes it as easy as possible to get your home cleaned.
QUESTION #3: WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU USE?
Try to get a list of the products your prospective service uses. Ask why they chose those products over others. Ask if you can have eco-friendly products, and if you can request any specialty products. Be up front about the different surfaces in your home, and whether it’s important they use a specific product for that service. Your cleaning service won’t know exactly what you need unless you tell them.
QUESTION #4: WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO YOUR TECHS GO THROUGH?
Any reputable service should have a process around hiring and training new employees. If they use independent contractors, they should have strict requirements regarding references and test cleans to ensure quality control. You want a service that understands it’s employees are the face of the business. The way cleaning techs not only perform the job, but interact with clients is a direct reflection on the business itself. This should shine through in the business owner’s response.
QUESTION #5: DO YOU HAVE ANY REVIEWS OR REFERENCES FROM OTHER CLIENTS?
The cleaning service should be able to provide a few references for you to call. Even better, check them out on Yelp, Angie’s List, or Thumbtack. Any quality service business knows the importance of maintaining a presence on these platforms. Make sure the service has a few reviews on each and all are 4 or 5 stars.
QUESTIONS #6: ARE YOU INSURED?
Not all cleaning services carry liability insurance. Many services offering crazy low prices are able to do so because they don’t carry insurance. Be very careful of who you allow in your home. It’s not too much to ask for a copy of their business insurance binder. Mistakes happen from both good services and bad. Be sure you’ll be reimbursed for any mishaps, and you won’t be left holding the bag if something were to break.