9 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Cleaning Company

Not all home cleaning companies are created equal. Sure, we would love for everyone to choose us, but we also realize that each person has certain preferences and priorities.

Here are 9 things to consider when you’re on the hunt for a home cleaning company.

1. Insurance

Sparkly is not only bonded, but also has liability insurance and pays for workers compensation insurance for every single employee. So, whenever a cleaner from Sparkly is in your home, there are protections in place all meant to help you, the customer. What comes with this are extra costs.

We’d recommend asking the person or company you’re speaking with if they are insured and what that specifically means. Just saying “yes, we’re insured,” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re protected. Particularly if they have cleaners who are not actual employees. Speaking of…

2. Employees vs Contractors

If a company sends cleaners to your home, but those cleaners are classified as contractors instead of employees, you might be at risk. Now, in this scenario, you’ll definitely pay less for the cleaning. Why? When companies classify cleaners as contractors, they avoid employer taxes, workers compensation insurance, bonding and liability insurance costs. So, the price might be lower, but the risk can at times be tough to bear.

It’s important to check with your company, or even an independent maid who brings a friend along how they classify their people.

3. Independent Maids

Ten times out of ten, we can’t compete with independent maid pricing. More often than not, independent maids do not have the protection that’s been referenced (workers compensation, bonding, liability insurance). Some do. But, even if they do, it’s best to ask for current certificates and clarify if the workers compensation is active. Independent maids are great when you want to have the same person each time. What comes with that might be inconsistency in days (you only have one person) and / or increased risk. They work great for people with specific budgets who aren’t married to certain days for cleanings.

4. Profits

If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Introductory rates…deep cleanings for $80…assurances of an 88 point checklist. In short, everyone needs to have profit or else they wouldn’t sustain operations. Whether it’s a company or an individual on their own. Plus, perfect cleanings every single time are impossible. If there are crazy low introductory rates, it’s important to ask when that will go up. If the deep cleaning is $80, check if there are protections in place for you. If someone promises 100% perfection no matter what, it might be time to ask more questions.

5. Hourly vs Flat Rate

In order to choose between hourly and flat rate, it’s best to ask what kind of guarantee there is on the work. Sparkly Cleaning offers a satisfaction guarantee. Meaning, if you’re not happy with the work, we’ll come back free of charge to fix it to your liking. Some companies will only provide a time estimate and then potentially not complete everything you’re hoping for, even if they were trying to get to it. Make sure there are specific and outlined services you’re agreeing to which will be done no matter what.

6. One-time vs Ongoing

There are many companies that offer better ongoing pricing if one signs up with a long-term contract. Here at Sparkly we don’t believe in cleaning contracts. However, they might work for you. The one recommendation we’d give is to always ask what the “opt-out” clause is and make sure there are no termination fees. One-time cleanings might run you a little higher for that first Deep Cleaning, but it will save you hassle and costly time on the phone in the long run with the company.

7. Going “Green”

Green and sustainability is all the rage. And, it should be. However, it’s also important to ask detailed questions of your potential cleaning company what “being green” means to them as certifications and programs have become a bit more lax with requirements. For us, we will “go green” whenever clients ask us to. What this usually means is a heavy usage of of vinegar + baking soda + water and other all green products with high “A” ratings in terms of their impact on the environment. Sometimes these products work just as well as some of the more standard ingredients, but it’s always best to inquire and pose specific questions. Here’s a great resource to find more details on green products.

8. In-home Estimates

Here at Sparkly we’ve hired a number of cleaning companies. Several of which still offer in-home estimates. We absolutely believe that these are still useful. However, there are many tools today to expedite the process. Honestly, much of your home’s information is on Zillow or Trulia. Or, if not, we ask detailed questions in the upfront New Client Form. Do you need an in-home estimate? It’s really what works best for you. Some companies make it mandatory and some are more flexible. Choose what works best within your schedule as long as your home cleaning company asks the right questions.

9. Your Priorities

Are you in this for the long haul? If you’re looking for more than just a one-time home cleaning, then it’s safe to say that somewhere along the way in the relationship with your cleaning company, there will be something you don’t like. People make mistakes. It’s part of being human. There are, obviously, some mistakes that just are unacceptable. What we’d recommend is to make a list of what’s important to you. What are your deal breakers and how do you expect the company to respond in times of mishaps?

With all this, the key thing Sparkly feels is important is honesty. We’re not perfect. We’re not the cheapest. We don’t have an 88 point checklist (we do have a checklist, but it’s closer to 50 points).

What we are is transparent, fair to our employees, and a good value for the level of protection we have for our customers. And, if there’s ever anything you’re unhappy with, we’ll do everything in our power to make it right.