House Cleaner

What is the average fee you charge for a home, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, or larger?

Asked by Susieq24 over 12 years ago

My set rate builds on its self as I walk through the house during assessment meeting when a new client calls me. Here is how I work it: My base rate is $65, meaning regardless of how small or clean a house is, I won't charge less than that. As we walk through the house so I can get an idea of it's overall condition, and as the client and I talk about what she needs and wants from me, I begin mentally adding to that. That base rate covers a small to medium sized home with two bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room and one to one and a half baths. Much of what I add, the client is never privy to.....if I explained the way I charge, negotiations or attempts to lower the rate might begin and obviously that's not good for me from a business perspective. I start at my base rate, and I add a bit here and there for any bedroom over two, and every bathroom over one and a half...I might add a couple of bucks to those if they are childrens rooms or bathrooms that will be much messier than the norm. I also add to the rate if they have pets that are on the furniture, because I vacuum the couches, etc and that will make it harder and take longer......and the floors too of course. I might automatically add to the base rate just on principal if the house is beyond 'gently messy'......if there is real filth, or very time consuming tasks. I include two loads of laundry (linens/towels) in my base rate, but more than that I add for....and I will add an extra two dollars if those free loads are personal laundry because of the time it takes to fold/hang up, sort, etc. I also have a host of services that I offer that are not included within the normal house cleaning, and they are free to ask for those....often times, though, they are more time consuming things that might require a separate day. Things like closet re-hauling(cleaning out, organizing, etc), garage cleaning/organizing, pet care (though I often will do that pro-bono on the day I am there to clean, offer to take the dog for a walk or clean the cat litter tray or bird cage, etc). Those are the main things I encounter but there are some things that will pull the rate up, like requests for specific things I might not normally do. I clean baseboards regularly, but I had one woman want me to clean them with a toothbrush, because they are ridged and she worried I wouldn't get them clean enough my way. I assured her that that would not be an issue because I am thorough- I've been known to take a toothbrush to some things on my own if other ways didn't clean to my satisfaction.....but I did not have the time to clean a whole house worth of baseboards each time I'm there with a toothbrush. I added drastically for that, of course, and made sure she understood that it would be a job done in parts. Certain parts of the house 'toothbrushed' each time I am there, rather than done as a whole. That would take the full day in its self but the job was a significant rate jump. I have another woman that asks me to water all of her plants on the day I am there. Normally, not a big deal and I'd include that in the rate. But she does not just have plants....she has a greenhouse, as well as more than fifty green plants and flowers throughout the home, and it can take a good 2 hours or more to do all that, so that that has raised the rate I'd normally charge also. It might seem like it can begin to add up....and it can, which is why I start relatively low. I do have a few houses that are barely more than the base rate because many people keep their house fairly clean and just want bathrooms done, floors, and dusting, etc. But for the others, when I add, its usually only about $5 here, $5 there.....very few things will go over that, but when it does, it still falls short of what many would think should be charged for it. I try to stay affordable because there are many in my area that do this so it's pretty competitive. We have no professional cleaning services in my town so there are a lot of freelancers. I do have those wealthier and overly generous clients that will pay me more than I would ever consider charging. If they insist upon it, I will take it....I need it just like anyone does. But I try to stay honest so I will not do so unless they fully know and understand that it is more than what I would have charged them. I have two clients in particular that require no more than 4 to 6 hours each at their homes but pay me almost $300 each day I am there. One of them is weekly and one is twice a week. That is far above what I would charge for their homes but they are adamant that it is what they feel I am worth based on what I do. Knowing that they understand, I don't refuse it lol.

Do you pay taxes as your housecleaning work is off the books?

Asked by Susieq24 over 12 years ago

Most of the people I know in this business work off the books because they often take cash, but I like that end of the year tax refund, so I pay the taxes on what I make. Also, it helps that I am bonded (insured), so that can be a business deduction, and so can gas for the meetings with new prospective clients and my cleaning days, and the supplies I have to buy. When I first started, I did not pay taxes, but mostly that was because I have very little knowledge about how to do that kind of thing on my own. But I really missed that big payoff that came after filing the next year, and one year I ended up owing. It's the best course, in my opinion.

I hear too many stories about housecleaners that end in, "She was stealing so I had to fire her." Does this actually happen a lot, or do people just misplace things and use the housecleaner as the scapegoat?

Asked by Mr. Tom over 12 years ago

That can be a touchy subject, and you'll probably get a different answer for every person you ask. The sad fact is......it does happen.......both scenarios. I'd like to say that all that enter this particular job keep it professional, but there's no way I could say that and be telling the truth. It's important to be very careful who you hire to be in your home for hours at a time, especially if you are not going to be there. I have never done such a thing and never will, but I still deal with both types of clients.......those that are overly trusting and setting themselves up for becoming victims if they person they'd hired were less honest than myself, and those that are so suspicious of everything and everyone that I'm almost afraid to move something the slightest bit out of place for fear that I'll be accused of something like snooping or stealing. I try very hard to be as professional as I can, and most of the people I know on a personal basis that do this same job do as well, but the fact remains that not all do. There will always be those that take advantage where they see they might have a chance at it. It helps to ask for and check references before you hire, and if they have nothing to hide, they will provide them if they have them. It helps greatly for them to have references of other people they've cleaned for. As for the other part of your question......unfortunately, that exists, as well. I have never stolen a thing in my life, but I have been accused simply from nastiness, or because the person is overly suspicious and expects something to happen and the moment something is misplaced, they point a finger. Twice I have been fired for such a thing only to have them call later and say the missing item was found, would I please come back..........and once it was discovered that the culprit of minor thefts around the home was the client's grown son who lived there, and she too called back and asked me to come back. The great thing about working freelance like this.....I am essentially my own boss. I pick the clients and I do what I can to make them happy, but I choose who to work for and who to stay working for........and who to go back to if something like that happens.

Do you ever feel like your clients treat or speak to you in a condescending tone since you're cleaning their homes? If so, does this bother you, or do you have thick skin about it?

Asked by Karen H over 12 years ago

Sadly, yes, that does happen. Not with all of them but often enough. Ironically, I don't see that as often as one would think with the wealthier crowd. Most often it's with those middle and low-middle class housewives that barely afford my services and feel that they have to prove that they are 'better' because they are. I am treated in a more condescending manner by them than anyone. I do have a thick skin, actually, and most I can ignore. And I have perfected the skill of standing up for myself in a way that is not offensive, simply firm and confident. Fortunately, if a situation begins to make me uncomfortable, I can discontinue providing my services. I tend to have a waiting list of people waiting for me to have an opening in my schedule for regular service so I can usually depend upon that to make up for any lack in my financial situation.

What part of a typical house-cleaning job is your LEAST favorite? The bathrooms? The kitchen? Something else?

Asked by Jasmine over 12 years ago

In some cases, that can vary home to home because it depends on the conditions and level of cleanliness of the rooms before I get there. But in general, I would have to say....excessive dusting. I tend to be very thorough, because that is what they pay for, and I have several houses right now that all have at least one room that is all wood. An office, a den, whatever. Wooden blinds, hardwood floor, wood paneled walls, all the shelves and furniture.....wood. Wood collects dust easily, and while I LOVE nice clean shiny wood.....it is time consuming and rather tedious to do so much of it when time can be an issue, especially as thorough as I try to be. And to go with that, I truly dislike treating hardwood floors for some reason. As for mopping, I don't mind that too much at all, unless it's a floor that is old, or is strangely colored or patterned that makes it hard to see much of a difference between before mopped and after mopped. I am one of those that likes to actually see the difference I've made, I guess.

Do most of your clients prefer to be home or not home when you're cleaning their houses?

Asked by Ellen over 12 years ago

That kind of depends upon the person and their particular lifestyle. I have some clients that are very busy stay at home parents (moms AND dads)...and because they are not gone at work during the day, and they have the kids and all, they will sometimes attempt to be gone for at least a couple hours if they can just to keep the kids out of my way, but those types are often home, either out of necessity or because its just too inconvenient to load all the kids up and try to find something to do for a few hours, especially if they have toddlers or babies that might need naps, feedings, etc. Then you have the wealthier, less encumbered couples, or single people with no children, or those with older kids. Most of the time, they prefer to be gone while I am working, and often are in any case for work and such- although there are those that don't have to work.....then tend to hid themselves in one room while I'm there or try to go find something to do for a while out of the house. And for the record, I personally prefer to have the house empty, especially if there are kids in the family. It can feel pretty awkward to feel like they are looking over your shoulder while you work, and even if that's not the case, often times it makes the work harder because it's very hard for them to ignore that there is someone there so I often find myself followed around and pulled into conversation or gossip, or feeling in the way as I move my cleaning to a room that is currently being used by someone in the family. And of course, there's the fact that you often have a room you've just cleaned become messy again before you even leave.

If you get to the client's house and it's especially dirty, do you charge more for that visit than you otherwise would?

Asked by bonny b over 12 years ago

I can't really speak for all on this one because depending upon whether you work for yourself or with a service, and your own methods, all charge in different ways. My particular method is to have a set fee each time I am there, and that fee is not set or discussed until I meet with the client for the first time before officially taking them on, and doing a walk-through of the house with them to ascertain the level of cleanliness and the size...and many different issues affect the fee I finally charge. However.......its not unusual for a client to clean their house to some extent before that walk through, ironically.....so if I realize as I begin working that the job is going to require more time or more mess than originally indicated, then we will revisit the subject of the fee. To answer your question, though........Most of the time, if its not something that happens often with that particular client, I'll let it pass. Maybe they've been sick that week, or working more than usual, or had company, etc. But if its something big, and previously planned, like a party, or a holiday, or something of that nature, they can either pay me for an extra day that week for 'party cleanup', or they can add it into my usual day cleaning for them- sometimes time permitting as some days I have more than one house if its not a large one- and just pay extra for that extra time and work that will be required. One thing to keep in mind though, and this is probably with most freelance house cleaners....advance notice is always preferable to being surprised, and having advance notice and an actual discussion of the big and messy event is going to make me want to work with you better.....if I'm surprised by a big after-party mess without so much as a warning or discussion on it, its very likely I'm going to charge more for the inconvenience because I will not have been able to plan for it. It could be cutting into after work appointments, or other clients I'll have waiting that normally come after your house, etc.

Is there a particular kind of house or client that you will NOT work with?

Asked by Arrrrghonaut over 12 years ago

Hm........well, obviously I have more freedom to choose since I work for myself. There were houses, back when I worked for a service as a teenager, that I'd often said to myself 'I would NEVER agree to do something like this'. However, as an adult, and more skilled and the fact that my financial situation depend upon me not being TOO picky....I am less discriminating. Really, I often base that decision more on the people than their home. There are really not too many conditions I won't take care of as long as the pay they agree to reflects the condition of the house or what I'm expected to do. The only real issues I've come across so far as far as house condition have been a couple of clients that had vicious dogs that they either wouldn't- or forgot to- seclude when it was time for me to clean, which is a condition of mine if the dogs are not friendly. I walked it and was the subject of nasty attack by one client's pit bulls. And I have refused to clean in homes that go beyond uncomfortable into dangerous, such as those that either dont have or refuse to use heat or a/c in winter and summer. I live in an area in which the winters often get below 0 in temp, and the summers can top 108 to 110 consistently. I have dealt with both scenarios and I I refuse to work in a house in which I am so frozen I cannot move or so hot that I cannot breathe. There have also been a couple houses in which I simply could not get them clean. Ever watch that show 'Hoarders'? Homes like that. I cannot clean a home in which I cannot move through the house, and everything is blocked by stacks of junk, and organizing is off limits because I'm not to touch anything. That is an impossible situation; and not pleasant if the house is so filthy cockroaches are dropping onto your head from the ceiling. As for the clients themselves.....I am pretty resilient, and I realize that I won't keep good business if I cannot handle the more unpleasant ones to some extent. I have patience, and I have a thick skin, and I have the ability to ignore some things. It does help that I know that I can choose to drop them if certain attitudes become more than I want to deal with. The only things I won't subject myself to is outright bullying- you'd be surprised at how some people take and run with it- and I won't subject myself to a client that I fear for some reason. One thing to always be aware of is that I am a woman alone in a stranger's home, and I have been subjected to a few male clients that tried to take advantage of that fact, either in subtle ways or more aggressive, and obviously I dropped them like a hot rock. I am also always very careful to have things like pepper spray on me and I always keep my car keys in my pocket. It can take a few times cleaning for a new client to feel comfortable, especially if it is a single male in the home.

If you're cleaning a house and stumble across something blatantly illegal, like hard drugs or something, do you just pretend you didn't see it, or do you alert the authorities?

Asked by Mama Clara over 12 years ago

This can be a touchy subject because it centers around morals, ethics and of course what should legally be done. There is also personal safety to consider. I am fortunate that I have never stumbled across that particular scenario, and I would hope that anyone that has something that illegal in their home would do their best to make sure it's well hidden from someone payed to be moving things around and cleaning in usually hidden spots.....however, I have heard friends in the business talk about finding such things. I would like to say that I would do what is right.......but to be honest, if it a small amount, I probably would not do much about it and if the situation made me uncomfortable I would drop the client. I have involved myself into sketchy situations in other ways that involved the police, though, and this is always a very hard thing to decide to do, because, as I stated, one has to consider personal safety as well. Twice I have been involved because of domestic violence. Once, I arrived to the home in time to see a babysitter badly abusing an infant and called the police and the child's mother instantly. Another time I had been cleaning in a new client's home for a few hours, was about to leave, in fact, when the family came home. The married couple were in an heated argument, and it soon turned violent, with the man brutally beating on the woman as well as the children. I actually feared for my own safety at that time, but I also fear for the woman and her children, and although I began to leave, I stayed in my car and called the police instead. There are some things, I guess, that have to be decided in such a scenario. Is the thing you are seeing worth involving yourself? Will it be against your morals, ethics or sense of duty to turn a blind eye? Will it risk your personal safety or that of another and, if so, are you okay with that? If it's not something major, do you want the inconvenience of police involvement and all that? It's something to think about and really is all based on the individual.

Do you see a lot of hoarding with your clients?

Asked by yechhhhh about 12 years ago

Actually, I was hired twice to take care of houses just like that. Of course, given the nature of the disorder, I did not actually do the jobs because both times I was hired by family members, and when I arrived to the house to assess it, I was told in no uncertain terms that I was not wanted because the house was just how they wanted it. Very sad. Yes, I do actually see a lot of hoarding. It's hard to work in those houses because it's hard to get around the stuff I'm not supposed to touch, and often times it makes me feel that I haven't finished cleaning the house. The few that I continued on with, though, I learned to just work around the stockpiles. I have one house currently in which the woman collects and keeps old newpapers and magazines. She literally has piles and piles of them stacked up to near the ceiling, and they date back to World War 2 to current. They are actually falling apart, many are little more than dust crinkles. The rest of her house is fairly normal, though, so it's easy to work around that area. I do have a couple others, and have had in the past, those that make it difficult by asking me not to touch their hoarded items, but as long as I can safely move throughout the house and actually clean SOMETHING, and as long as they are still willing to pay me, I just do the best job that I can.

Do you require that clients purchase and supply all cleaning supplies, or do bring those items along and include them in the fees? (asking because I WISH my cleaner did the latter)

Asked by marcus about 12 years ago

I actually give the clients their choice because some have preferences of brands or certain products used, or might have allergies to something. I keep my own supplies and use them in most houses, and I also let the client know that if they prefer something specific, I will purchase it for use in their own home and just add the cost to their fee. Alternatively, they can supply it themselves to keep at their home and I will use that rather than my own if they prefer. I do have those that are pickier than others, but I use my own supplies in most homes. I also ask the clients and take note of their favorite scents and burn candles or incense while I am cleaning, or use air freshener before I leave, to give the house a welcoming scent rather than the odors of the cleaning supplies (little things count in making them happy). However, there are always some things I use that belong to them, such as trash bags, or laundry detergent if I am doing laundry for them. Some homes I even use their own mops and vacuum cleaners, though I have those of my own as well. It all depends on what the clients want and I am very flexible in that area.

Has a client ever fired you for something you hadn't actually done (e.g. accusing you of stealing, etc)?

Asked by Amanda L. :) about 12 years ago

Actually yes, although I did not know what it was for at the time. She told me that their financial situation had changed and they were cutting corners where they could, which of course meant cleaning services, too. This is not unusual reason for either the client or myself to have to terminate our arrangement of service, but I was a bit suspicious because this was a wealthy family. It didn't really matter in the end, though, because I'm certainly not going to force someone to keep my services, and although I've never had any real complaints and I feel I do my job very well, you just can't please everyone. I take steps to insure my clients are satisfied but sometimes that is impossible, depending on the person. In this case, the client had given me no indication she was unhappy in any way, and I make a point to ask for periodic evaluations and if there are any concerns, etc. I simply took her at her word, regardless of why she decided she no longer wanted or needed my services. It was about 3 months later that I heard rumors through the grapevine that she either believed, or was telling others (whether she knew it wasn't true or not, I am unsure) that I had stolen $200 from her 13 yr old son's wallet. This, of course, was nowhere near true. I planned to call her to get to the bottom of it but before I did she called me back and asked if I would come back to work for her. I am pretty sure she was unaware that I'd heard the rumors, and when I mentioned it she apologized and said that she'd thought I had stolen but had realized later that it was untrue. I am not sure if that is the truth or if it was her way of covering spreading rumors, but in any case, I did not feel comfortable going back to her. Besides that I could not be sure that she would not do it again in the future, I also had to do a lot of damage control to my reputation.

While cleaning, do you ever stumble upon stuff that if the client realized they'd left out in plain sight, they'd be really embarrassed? Like risque or gross stuff? Any good examples?

Asked by rosa about 12 years ago

Oh, absolutely. I'm a pretty open-minded person so I guess 'risque' or 'gross' is all based on individual perception, but yes, I have seen those things that make me take a second look! I discovered one of my single males clients was a cross dresser and drag queen when he asked me to organize his closet; I won't pretend I wasn't stunned by the things I found! But, I was more appreciative of the step it took for him to ask me to do it. He'd previously asked me to never open that closet door as it was a very private area, so I had not seen it's contents before then. This was a subtle way of him letting me know that he trusted me to not only not judge him, but to remain discreet (I will never tell names, and never repeat things such as this without being anonymous....in fact, have never told of that incident until just now.). I have also come across quite the array of sex toys, BDSM equipment, paddles and spanking implements, etc. I have one married couple I clean for that really doesn't care about keeping some things hidden from me, knowing that I will likely come across things eventually; they keep cuffs attached to their bed at all times. I simply work around them while I'm making the bed. I've never bothered to ask about them. Their use is pretty self explanatory and what they do with them is certainly none of my business lol.

Do house cleaners do laundry?

Asked by Pal Penny over 11 years ago

Actually, that's usually an individual decision, and probably depends on the type of house cleaner you have, too. For example, if you hire from a service, it would depend upon whether or not the company the house cleaner works for offers that, and if you indicated to them that you want it. If you were to hire someone who works for themselves and decides what services the offer, like me, then that would depends upon the services that person provides, but it's not really going to benefit the house cleaner to not offer laundry service in some way because many people need/want it. How it is offered can vary, such as if they offer it included in the rate or charge extra, etc. I personally offer up to 3 full loads of linens/towels included in the rate, then charge a small extra fee for anything more than 3 loads, or for more than two loads of personal laundry. The reason for this is because I am usually in a house on average between 4 to 6 hours, and I have to keep the laundry expected down to a reasonable amount that can be done in that amount of time while I am doing other things too, or I will be stuck sitting in a clean house just finishing up laundry, and that is time that I could be making money in another house. That is not a problem, too much, if they have paid extra to cover that. Sometimes I will make a trade if someone does not want a service I usually provide but does want their laundry done, to even out the time I spend in the house in relation to the rate. For example, if the client doesn't want windows done, but needs 4 or 5 loads of laundry done, I might consider doing those two extra loads that are not included in my rate in exchange for not doing the windows they don't need done.

Is it uncomfortable when you're cleaning someone's house and they're just sitting there with their feet up while you're cleaning? Obviously you're being paid, but does it feel a little too master-servant in those instances?

Asked by Mekanical Mike over 11 years ago

That's a good question, because that is actually something that makes a difference to me in how much I like that particular job. I can't really say it's a pet peeve so much as that it is just really uncomfortable for me. There is always the awareness, when you are cleaning someone's home, that you pretty much have the run of the place and are in and out of private areas of the house that most people who don't live there would see....in addition to seeing a lot of their 'dirty laundry' so to speak. It is a very awkward feeling to be doing so with the people sitting right there. For one thing, they tend to handle it in a variety of ways. Some hover, which can make doing your job harder. Some try to be too solicitous, trying so hard to stay out of my way that I feel that I'm in THEIR way...and then there are those that are able to remove themselves to a different room and make themselves scarce, which is what I prefer if they have to be there to begin with. And yes, there are also those who will sit in their recliner with their feet up as I clean around them, and it used to bother me. In the time I've been doing this, though, I've learned that those people are usually the ones that it either makes them feel just as awkward or uncomfortable but they don't know what else to do but whatever they'd normally do, or that they are those who are able to simply ignore my presence, which makes it easier for me. I have had a couple of them who have attempted the 'masterly' approach, but I've been fortunate in that it hasn't been something I've had to deal with too often, and some of the times I thought that was the case, I eventually learned that it was my own perception and not how they were really feeling. All in all, it is much preferable to clean a client's home when they are not there!

i have years experience in cleaning (moms company) and im interested in starting my own. What advice can you give me about how to start the whole process? Also what traits do you have (personality or otherwise) that lend to your success? Thanks!

Asked by Shay almost 11 years ago

Awesome:D I highly reccomend it, of course. It's good to be your own boss to the extent that you can in this business.

As for how to start it....number one, make sure you have reliable transportation, which is a given, and stock up on at least a couple weeks worth of the basic supplies you will need. Then you need your game plan. Sit down and hash out things like what you'll charge, what services you'll offer, how far away you will travel, etc. For instance: I start at a base rate of $60. That means that no matter what, they will be paying at least that much (unless I make a special deal as I do sometimes, but that kind of thing is up to you). That $60 beginning rate is for a single level, two bedroom, modestly sized house. Then I might add $5 for each additional bedroom/office/den, etc. If there are children's rooms that you are expected to clean and they are massively messy, you just need to decide what that is worth to you, if you should charge more for the time or work it takes to get it in order. Same goes for a house with pets....I vaccum the living room furniture in most houses and if they have pets, I might add an extra $2  - $5 for the animal hair everywhere. Same goes for windows, etc...it's all up to you to decide what you offer for your services, and which of those things are included in the rate and which will be a bit extra. Be sure to NEVER tell the clients all the additional charges and what they are for. Keep track of it in your head or in a notebook and just tell them the final total you'd expect, unless you specify things that you offer for a little extra, like laundry (I offer 2 linen loads automatically. Any more than that and it's $2 per load, $3 for personal clothing instead of linens/towels) You can even offer extra things like closet/garage cleaning and organizing, but charge it's own rate for that and be clear that that should be scheduled for it's own day, not the day you are expected to clean the entire house, as well. Then you should use whatever sources you are going to use to advertise. I put flyers up, hand them out, post them in any store that will allow it. I also use Craigslist, and any other free advertising site. You could also advertise on your Facebook or set up one just for that. The newspaper is good, too.

As for traits....first of all, you have to be personable. That doesn't mean you have to like people....but you have to at least be able to fake it lol. You need to seem friendly or they might wonder why they are paying you to be around their home. Also, honesty is a must. You obviously won't keep a job if you go into their home and steal, which is a given. Definitely dependable. Remember, YOU are your boss now, but you are depending upon their pay. You aren't gonna get written up or lectured by a boss for not showing up or for being late, but you might lose that client if you aren't there when you say they are. I have found that when you are very dependable 98% of the time, they are fine with you needing to reschedule or something if you are sick or have an appointment. And when you take your yearly vacation, if you give yourself one. One of the most important qualities, I think....be confident. Show them that you know exactly what you are doing, what you are offering, and what you expect. Don't show doubt, because some of will jump on that and it can turn into a bullying situation. With that same idea in mind....don't be afraid to stand up for yourself or to walk out if you feel you are in an unsafe situation or feel otherwise uncomfortable. You are your only protection and you are in the homes of strangers; that is a vulnerable situation. You will learn some things as you go along, like when to tell them 'hey, you didn't do your part by restraining your vicious dog, so I'm not cleaning your house today'.  Yes, they pay you and you depend on that, but remember that THEY called YOU...people want their houses clean and when you build a reputation you will have a waiting list. You can afford then to pick and choose, if need be.

Good luck on getting started, and I hope for the best for you! If you have any other questions, I'll be happy to give you any advice or tips I can:D

 

I am a fellow house cleaner, and have found one person wanting my service and offering me a crazy amount of money for one clean. This sounds pretty sketchy to me. How would you say "thank you, but no thank you"?

Asked by Kristy over 10 years ago

As someone who chooses her own schedule, you have many options for that. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason about taking on a particular house/client, you could simply tell them that you have no open spots right now, or their home is outside of your desired commute time/miles (be careful with that one though if the reason you don't want to take them is because you are suspicous of how badly they want you there....they might just try to offer you more money to cover the gas and time it takes to get there and then you'd have to think of another reason).  If you've already commited to them, but now have reason to feel it's best not to take them on, you could say you have a scheduling conflict that you didn't realize, you are very sorry for the inconvenience but as your newest client, they are the ones you have let go. You could get creative, or you could be blunt with just 'sorry, no'. But overall, I've found that simply saying I have no open spots in my schedule right now works best and is accepted with no problem, usually.  If this person found you by an advertisement or flyer or some such thing that proves that you ARE looking for someone....you could still go with that excuse even knowing they will know you are lying but have chosen not to take them on and are trying to be tactful in saying so; sometimes you simply have to (I live in a smallish town so I sometimes have to just deal with the fact that some people are going to know I just don't want to take them as a client). Or, you could simply say something like...thank you, but I'm trying to expand to 'such and such' area of town so I'm concentrating on offering my services there (and of course, pick the opposite side of town from where they live when you tell them which neighborhood).

i made a list for my house assistant. i told her i am only paying for what is done on my list. so how much would it cost to have my dishes washed. two loads of laundry folded and vacumming my living room?

Asked by april over 6 years ago

If u buy own products I can do up to 3dys week for med size apt n big 4 bedroom house.. I can't help but but name brand good cleanig stuff...am I spendintoo much n I'm not payin attention amount I'm spendin monthly

Asked by makin a livin over 8 years ago