FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing is usually based on square footage, so it really isn't complicated. In certain situations, however, other factors do need to be taken into consideration which could influence the price. For example, Accounts with less frequent cleanings are priced a little bit higher, since they are not cleaned as often and therefore tend to require more time and attention. Since there is more time between cleanings, it will require more work during each cleaning (there will be more dirt, grime, dust, etc in a bldg. that is only cleaned once or twice a month than in a bldg. that is cleaned every day or at least once a week). Bldgs that are cleaned more frequently are easier to clean and keep up with and require less time; therefore I am usually able to work with, or come down on the price and still make a profit. A lot of cleaners are used to cleaning accounts with frequent cleanings (daily or weekly) and become accustomed to going through these accounts fairly quickly, since they are easier to clean and require less time and effort. This becomes a problem when these same cleaners acquire accounts to be cleaned bi-weekly or once a month. They tend to apply the same mentality of cleaning (out of habit) and go through these accounts quickly, and then there are complaints about things being missed and poor quality of cleaning. There has to be an adjustment in the cleaning process when it comes to cleaning accounts with less frequent cleanings. An account with less cleanings has to be cleaned more thoroughly. More effort and care has to be given, in order to provide the customer with a quality service and more effort and care usually equates to more time being spent cleaning. The extra time, effort and care necessary to provide this quality service is reflected in the cost. Whether a building has more floor space or carpet area may also influence the price. A building with a lot of hard floors requires more time spent on the floors since they have to be both vacuumed and wet mopped. Generally, I am willing to work on pricing with the customer. More times than not, a client will let me know how much they were hoping to pay for cleaning services, and I let them know whether I can do it at that price or not.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We work hard to stay current with all new cleaning processes. Research and development are ongoing on ever changing cleaning processes/practices and concepts; in order to ensure our cleaning teams are incorporating the latest products and industry advancements. The evolution and progression of man-made materials (and the chemicals used to maintain them), cleaning products, and cleaning processes dictates the constant need for training in this industry. That is why it is so important for companies in this field to develop relationships with vendors who are not only economical, but also experienced, informed and knowledgeable in terms of new products and procedures that help us help our clients, as well as protect the environment we all share.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I served my community as a Fireman for 16 years. When I got out of that line of duty, I started my own towing company for a couple of years and decided I wanted to make a change. I knew I still wanted to work for myself, but I also wanted to do something that I would enjoy. I remembered that my mother was a maid when I was younger and we lived in Buffalo, NY. I always enjoyed being with her when she would go to clean huge homes for her clients. I was six years old and it was just great! Also, while I was on at the Fire Dept. cleaning was an essential part of the job. It just seemed like the perfect fit, and it has been a labor of love ever since.