Any one else using maids - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

charimon · 09-28-2009, 06:34 PM

Three years ago I made and agreement with a maid service.
On Larger Upscale remodels they would do a full clean for $90 if I would introduce them to the owners. It has worked out well for both of us as it has helped my reputation and they have several new clients. Any one else doing something like this?

Craig

Framer53 · 09-28-2009, 06:40 PM

Darn, thought you were going to post pictures!

angus242 · 09-28-2009, 06:47 PM

Are they french?

I have been looking into this but unfortunately, business has been slow. I've been doing smaller jobs where a total clean up hasn't been necessary. Once things pick up again, I will definitely be searching. I think customers will enjoy this.

abacab · 09-30-2009, 07:59 PM

I use my secretary. She's young and appreciates the work.

JeffeVerde · 10-05-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abacab

I use my secretary. She's young and appreciates the work.

That's illegal in most states. . . Oh, wait - you mean for cleaning services.

SelfContract · 10-05-2009, 09:29 AM

Most cleaning companies nowadays use hispanic maids (illegal or not I don't know?)... to keep cost down (low pay, long work hour)

JeffeVerde · 10-05-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SelfContract

Most cleaning companies nowadays use hispanic maids (illegal or not I don't know?)... to keep cost down (low pay, long work hour)

That varies regionally, but was there a point to your comment? In my experience (which is plenty, here in SoCal), most "Hispanic" workers (maids, laborers, or otherwise) bust a$$, putting in a hard day's work for often much less than they should be paid.

To the original topic, +1 to bringing in a maid service for post-cleanup. High-end clients especially respond to the "special treatment". But it makes a strong impression with any client and helps with referals "...and not only that, they even brought in a maid service to clean the house when they were done!".

mikeswoods · 10-05-2009, 05:24 PM

I've been thinking that I should do that--for years.

I can't believe the small amount that you are paying. I'll have to ask around.Great customer service.

Anderson · 10-05-2009, 09:17 PM

Great idea, last impression is the lasting impression

mnjconstruction · 10-06-2009, 05:48 AM

We use a cleaning service for larger jobs. Usally cost me around 100-120 bucks but is worth every penny. They clean so much better than we do. great impression on HO

Mike Finley · 10-06-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charimon

Three years ago I made and agreement with a maid service.
On Larger Upscale remodels they would do a full clean for $90 if I would introduce them to the owners. It has worked out well for both of us as it has helped my reputation and they have several new clients. Any one else doing something like this?

Craig

I've looked into this off and on for the last 4 years. I have yet to find a cleaning service that understood the idea was for them to gain a new customer. Haven't found a cleaning service with an owner who warmed to the idea unless we were paying full price for their service.

You ask them what their customer acquisition costs are and they don't even know what you are talking about.

Rivers · 10-08-2009, 04:04 PM

I know what you're saying Mike but I don't expect them to work for nothing.

The maid service I use will go in and do it for cost. Usually thats 2-3 hours with 2-3 ladies for about $90 or less. For small cleaning jobs they don't charge me at all. The maid service owner cleans it herself. If they sign a contract to clean the house on a regular basis I don't pay either...Cheap enough for me and its clean for the HO. Helps leave that warm fuzzy feeling in the HO's minds...

I always trying to help them out with referals and they do the same for me. Works out really well

Riley

FremontREO · 10-08-2009, 11:04 PM

I use a service here called "Barely Cleaning" butt

not much cleaning but worth the money and I usually get the referrals.

jarvis design · 10-09-2009, 04:29 PM

I have done this in the past on larger jobs and can say clients really appreciate it.

Great idea to "partner" with a maid service. I think I will look into that.

10fingers · 10-10-2009, 11:36 PM

I hire them during and after construction. I even have a porta poti on site to keep the workers out of the clients space as much as possible.

carolinahandyma · 10-11-2009, 06:57 AM

This sounds like a good idea.

moyneur · 10-12-2009, 06:34 PM

Yes Craig,
I use a maid service for project, and it's well worth it.
Joe

Mellison · 10-15-2009, 05:06 PM

Great idea.
It gives the very nice impression that you really care.

datajam · 10-16-2009, 06:04 AM

On most of our dirty, dusty, or large projects we include a "Clean-Up Crew" charging our customer for the cleaning crew to come in after the work completed to clean up the entire interior of the project. It includes everything necessary to put the place in order. The gal we use comes in with a couple of people and has it done in a few hours. She has worked with us for quite a while and now will even do "touch up" if we miss something minor.

datajam

517group · 10-20-2009, 09:05 AM

i use them with difficult customers