If you’re starting to look around at potential cleaning companies, you’ll be surprised by the range of options that are available, from large reputable franchised companies to solo independent cleaners working out of the trunk of their cars. Each business model has its own advantages, therefore we have decided to share some amazing insights, which will help you choose what feels right for you.
WHEN PRICE MATTERS
By standard predictions, the price quote you will receive from an independent cleaner will be lower than one you will get from a professional service, making it the most attractive option if the price is the number one factor in your hiring decision.
However, besides price, what are these other critical things to consider when deciding between a larger service versus a solo independent cleaner?
TIME VS. RELATIONSHIP
Have you ever used a cleaning service that shows up with five cleaners who blitz your entire 3,500 square foot office in 45 minutes? It’s incredible—how do they do that? Those companies are a great option for someone who wants their office to be cleaned fast, safe time and focus on the work of your business.
If a quick cleaning time is most important to you, usually you will hear that you should trust the large company to hire the right people to get the job done, and you wouldn’t have to deal or think about who shows up each time.
Or maybe you’re someone who wants the same person to clean each time so that you can build a long-term relationship with them. If that’s the case, the option of five fast cleaners is probably not for you. You’ll be happiest with an independent cleaner.
If you are somewhere in between these two extremes, wanting a fast clean but also to get to know your cleaners, there are companies that meet both these needs. (We know; we’re one of them!) Regardless of which option you prefer, be sure to ask how the cleaning company treats its cleaners and ask solo cleaners for references, then take the time to check them.
FLEXIBILITY
If you have a specific day of the week when you want to schedule your cleaning, a single cleaner may or may not be available and you’ll just have to settle for the next open slot. If you really love this cleaner, you may be willing to take the less-desirable day, for now. But if you only have one possible day that works for you, a larger company can usually be more flexible because they have many more available workers who can slot into the schedule that works best for you. In this way, you have less footwork to do.
RELIABILITY
When you’re trying to decide between hiring an independent cleaner versus a professional cleaning company, determine how important reliability is in your hiring decision. – Usually, professional service is better equipped to handle those sick days and car troubles, and they’re much more likely to have a backup cleaner to take your usual cleaner’s place.
INSURED AND BONDED
Professional house cleaning companies are registered companies. They have liability insurance to protect you from responsibility for accidents on your property (like a cleaner slipping and getting hurt) and they are bonded to cover any theft or damage that might occur.
Many times, individuals working on their own lack these basic legal necessities, which could put your company at risk. Always ask how the independent cleaner or cleaning company you are hiring would handle an accident at your office and about their policy to protect you against theft or breakage. Know the risks you accept in hiring someone who is not insured and bonded. Financial responsibility for a cleaner getting hurt on your ‘property’ may lie with you and there may be no compensation for your shattered keepsake or damage to your precious objects.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
When you work with a professional cleaning service, they’ve handled the legwork in finding good cleaners to offer you, most likely with background checks and weeks of training. Be sure to ask the cleaning company you are hiring how they vet their employees or ask independent cleaners to provide their background checks. People who have nothing to hide and take their business seriously are never insulted or upset by such questions. You’re giving this person access to your business privacy, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
With a professional cleaning service, you can call the team to complain when you have an issue. When you work with an individual, you have to confront them directly which may be hard for you and which may also be less effective. The professional service provides a shield that solves the problem. You have a place to escalate the issue to and have those tough conversations about price, quality, and reliability as needed, and it’s not with the person who cleaned your office and or who you hope will show up next week.
BESPOKE SERVICE
Some companies hire a single independent cleaner because they are able to then give specific tasks to do when they come to clean, compared to a cleaning company whose menu of set services offers little customisation. However, this is the trick! Offering a set of services is how cleaning companies keep their prices lower while maintaining high quality and consistency. You’ll need to decide what you want from your cleaning service and which option works best for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for specific services and a price you can afford to give the cleaning company or solo cleaner a chance to meet your needs. This isn’t rude or insulting, it’s creating a professional business relationship.
Whether you decide to choose an independent cleaner or go with a professional cleaning company, there’s no wrong choice. Just ask yourself what is the most important part of your hiring decision; price, time, reliability, flexibility, security, relationship, etc. and let the answer guide you to the option that feels best to you.