[red star]

have approached a few letting agents over the past months with a view to trying to break into this area of the cleaning market
at the moment have a single cleaner who does builders cleans / domestics a few commercials etc when needed and take on a couple more as and when required
work is steady but always looking for more and this side of things ive mainly kept away from in the past as found it hard to get a foot hold in the door
anyway new letting agents appeared in the village and dropped the details in before they opened and have had a response looking for prices from me
they are after set prices for studios 1b 2b 3b etc about 10 different combinations
would you price each unit individually or as a set price for say a 1b 2b apartment  regardless etc or each individually
also do you allow for oven cleans carpets etc or are these works priced as a extra if requested
have done a few one offs in the past and found the works ok as tenants tend to leave the units in a reasonable condition  for fear of losing there deposits
any views welcome

[The Great One]

HI

Some work like that but in reality it doesn't work well, as each property is different, some may be a sparkle clean and some won't of been touched for years.

Martin

[red star]

Would you try to go down the route of every units different

[cml]

Hi, this is a very competitive market and one where agents will compare prices between cleaners. 
Should you produce a price list be sure to include what services are included in the price. 

I would suggest that you do not give a comprehensive list of prices otherwise you leave yourself with no room to alter or negotiate prices should the property differ in size, be heavily soiled etc., but you might want to suggest the additional extras with or list them.

Another word of caution is that not all Estate Agents are sound!!!.  This means that just because they set up on a high street does not mean that they will pay your bills on time.  So be professional and ensure that you check them out.  Do not create a huge credit line otherwise you might find yourself holding the can.  Remember they can fold just as quickly as it takes for them to set up.   THIS IS NOT TO PUT YOU OFF.  Just a words of preventative actions.  Make sure your contracts with them are sound and always have one in place outlining your terms and condition.

Hope this helps

[The Great One]

Hi

There are no contracts with LA's, one day you are amazing, the next they don't know your name.

Martin

[cml]

Sorry to differ from part of the response above however contracts do exists if not written surely verbal WHICH IS VALID.!!!!! Do not overlook this.

Yes today your in and tomorrow your out but when sending invoices or negotiating quotations etc., be sure to include your trading terms on your paperwork thus bringing your trading standards to their attention.  If they don't like it they will raise this with you but be sure to protect your interests.  This is the same for verbal conversations drop them a line confirming what was agreed during your conversation creating terms of agreement.  In all it also adds to your credit and professionalism.