FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Generally I like to work on a flat rate basis because I only book 1 job per day. That way I have the flexibility to pay more attention to a part of the home that may need a little more TLC than others. Usually, I'm in a home for a minimum of 3hrs (2bedroom/2 bathroom house or apt) my hourly rate is $35. I use that rate when the customer puts time constraints on me. For instance, I'll be cleaning and suddenly the client will inform me that they have to leave with in the hour. If I'd already been cleaning/organizing for 2 hours and I'm being told to speed things up and not to worry about the rest. Then, the hourly rate kicks in. I'm not going to charge my customer for an entire day when I'm prevented from doing the entire job. I have a chronic illness known as Sickle Cell. It has yet to interfere with my jobs however, it is a possiblity. Should I have a crisis while cleaning a clients home. I will have to leave immediately for the hospital. I will give the client a 50% discount on the unfinished job and send someone in to finish the project within 48hrs. I have set rates for services, depending on the size of the home and number of bdrms and bthrms and what needs to be done. I am open to discussing my rates and customer options. I believe that everything can be negotiated.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When meeting with a new client, I tend to find out what they need, what their expectations are (if they are reasonable) and why they are having me come in? Is it just a basic cleaning or are they getting ready for a party? Maybe they are welcoming a family member into the home. These little details are important because they help me focus on certain things over others. Often times I will stay and help set-up and/or decorate if needed. Basically, I always try to discuss, manage and meet expectations. I do this by being very blunt and honest. If we aren't honest with each other about what we want and our abilities to deliver...then, we really are just wasting time.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in Costume Designing and I am also a recovering professional patient. Being a costume designer I have an eye for detail and design. It has also given me an arsenal of knowledge and skills that assist me greatly when cleaning and organizing other people's homes. When I'm wiping down kitchen appliances or dusting bookshelves. I don't just put them back any old kind of way. I organize the books and line them up in an orderly fashion. I put the appliances and supplies together and by category. I am equipped with a library of cleaning techniques and what kind of fabric/surfaces to use them on. Which also means that I know when not to use them and call in someone better equipped for the job. Being in and out of the hospital most of my life. I have learned to observe, anticipate and meet the needs of my clients often before they even realize that I've done so. Both of these experiences have taught me to be a great listener/observer, to ask questions and to put people at ease.