[Sarah2005]

Hi 

I am sorry I haven't been on for a while and know I should look through previous posts for this but I am in need of urgent advice, so that I can get back to a potential client.

I started up my cleaning business last September, I decided to grow things slowly and stay in the domestic market.  I do not advertise and have grown well through word of mouth and have a very good reputation as luckily me and my husband are doing the work and have very high standards, which are being recognised 

Kindly a friend who owns a local hairdresser suggested I put in a few cards which I have, to see what the response is.  The thing is a client of theirs who runs a clinc has called me to quote, they understand that I work only in the domestic area, however like my eco friendly ethos.  She is not happy with her current cleaner who she has complained to, however no improvement is being made.  I picked up the smears everywhere straight away and she seems really impressed.  I just do not really have any idea on how to quote in this area and would be really grateful of any idea on pricing.  The clinic is basically a 3 bed bungalow that has been turned into business premises.  I don't know if you charge more or less than the domestic market, as I charge an hourly rate for my domestic cleaning.  It will mean cleaning 2 evenings a week (Wed/Sunday), this is not as convenient for us as our domestic, however I feel it will be an opportunity for me to leave cards for their domestic clients.  I do not plan on moving into the commercial world.

I would like £45 to £50 per clean as out of hours, preferably £60 to make it worth our while, however I don't know if this is too high for the commercial market??  I have no idea what they are currently paying. 

I am really appreciative of any support on this.

Thanks in advance

Sarah 

[gmcs]

The price is what you want it to be cleaning an office/business is sometimes easier than doing houses.

Ask yourself these questions

How long do you think it will take you?

What do I charge per hour now?

Do I  need extra equipment to do the job?

If you need extra gear can I use it on other jobs as well?

Premium for anti-social hours/days ...answer YES

Then put your price in, if your work is outstanding their customers will ask who cleans..........few cards and you will pick up extra work........but check your insurance to make sure you are covered for commercial work and being a key holder if you have to lock up when you are done

[Sarah2005]

Thanks for your advice, your points are really useful and I will use them to make my final decision.  I pretty much have a figure in my mind and I am not desperate for the job as my husband is less keen on the anti-social side of things.  I just see it as a good opportunity to pick up more domestic clients as the clinic is in a good area.  Also it would be a nice commercial job as the clinic is lovely and the lady who contacted me has high standards like my own.  If they don't go for it, it is not a major problem as we are picking up clients at a good pace through word of mouth.    I don't advertise as I only work at the top end of the domestic market.

I was aware of the insurance issue, can you let me know if increasing to commercial insurance makes a big difference to cost as I don't plan on hitting the commercial market and need to know if it will be worth my while if I only take on one commercial job.

Thanks again

Sarah 

[gmcs]

I need to have 5 million PL Insurance because of the companies I work for but if you ask your broker you will find that in most cases 2 million is more than enough......stay away from the major high street names they will demand 5 million !!!!!!!!!!!!


 

[J. Deans]

Increasing your insurance from 2million to 5 or even 10 - as we have just done - doesn't make a huge difference to the premium, but it does open up many more opportunities.

However, you have said that you don't want to go into the commercial side of things anyway, so 2 million should be adequate.
Simply call your domestic insurance provider and ask them if you are covered. Technically, the clinic is still a domestic premisses, but check for necessary health precautions such as hepatitus jabs etc. for your own benefit.

I would consider the long term. What about doing the work yourself for a couple of months, then employing a part-time cleaner, training them to your high standards and putting them in there?

It means more paperwork etc. but you will be making a small profit and still have your social life.

Hope this helps...