Thinking of starting a cleaning service and work for yourself? Get paid what you are worth, well, there are a few key points to consider in writing a cleaning service contract. Here are some I think you should focus on. Use a simple and easy to use program like Microsoft Excel, this allows the cleaning service contract to look neat, clean and professional. Next, divide the sheet into different areas to be cleaned in the home or office or whatever area you are being considered to clean. Example, kitchen, bathroom 1, bathroom 2, bedroom 1, I think you get the idea. Next you will need to decide if you are going to charge by the hour or the square foot. Call around to other established cleaners in your area and see how they do it and get prices too. You don't want to underbid yourself but you don't want to be too high where you loose the job.

There are certain key words and terms you would want to include in your cleaning service contract. Example, 100% Guarantee; your satisfaction is our primary concern; testimonials available ( references ); the types of cleaning provided, house, deep house, move in, move out. These allow the potential customer to pick the type of cleaning they need. These are terms you want to use in your cleaning service contract. Also, don't forget this because it is important, state in your cleaning service contract that you will not clean cat boxes, urine, or feces of any kind. This is not something you should be responsible for. This is a possible serious health issue, one that you do not want to play with.  Assure your potential customers that you are bonded and insured. You do background checks on all your employees. Consumers have the right to check with their state's department of revenue to verify that you are licensed and bonded.

Please also note that when you pay your employees by the job, the tendency to rush and get out quickly is predominant. The faster the job is done, the more they get paid. It's simple math. Paying hourly is usually the better way to go, inspecting the work as soon as every fifteen minutes. This cuts down on dissatisfied customers. Also, you will want to specify whether you are supplying the tools and cleaning supplies or the homeowner is. This is especially important if there is someone with allergies or asthma living in the home. Many of today's cleaning supplies are very toxic and to those with allergies or asthma, it could be life threatening. So, be specific. Every home is different so always ask.

Breaking a scheduled appointment will incur a $45.00 fee. Meaning, if the customer misses the appointment, there will be a 45.00 fee for our teams expense and travel expenses. There is nothing wrong for being paid for your time when a customer misses an appointment. 

I hope some of your questions were answered but if there are still more, just send them my way and I will be happy to answer them for you in a future article.