What’s the difference between hiring an independent cleaner vs a professional cleaning company?
Factors to consider when deciding who to hire to clean your home
If you are looking to hire a cleaning service, then you might be overwhelmed by the wide range of cleaning services available out there. From solo independent cleaners operating from their car trunks to large and established franchised cleaning companies. Then there is us, Buckets & Bows Maid Service. We are a locally-owned professional cleaning company. We have permanent employees and a majority of them serve the same houses for the same clients every week. Our professional cleaners are supported by a small administrative staff that enables the cleaners to focus on what they are experts at, cleaning. Every business model usually presents its own set of benefits, however, what matters is what you feel is right for you.
Often, the price quote that an independent cleaner offers you is much lower than what a professional cleaning service will offer you. Hence, this makes hiring an independent cleaner the most enticing option, that is if you base your hiring decision only on the price. But, there are numerous factors that you should consider before making your final decision. You have to take into account what you stand to lose or miss out on if solely base your decision on price.
So, apart from price, here are other crucial factors that you should consider when deciding between hiring a solo independent cleaner and a larger service.
Schedule Flexibility
If you want to schedule your cleaning on a particular day of the week, then a single independent cleaner may not be a reliable option as they may not be available and you are forced to wait until they is an open slot. You might currently be inclined to accept a less-favorable day if you really want this cleaner. However, a larger company offers you a more flexible option if you have to schedule your cleaning on that one particular day. This is because the larger company has many more workers who are available and can reliably fit into the schedule that is most suitable for you.
Reliability
If you rely on a single cleaner, then cleaning will be interrupted in case anything happens to them. Problems such as illnesses, car issues, parenting, taking care of a sick member of the family are just but a few of the numerous reasons that an independent cleaner might not be able to attend to your home. If the cleaner decides to finally close up shop, then you will be forced to start looking for a new cleaner. A professional cleaning company is well-suited to deal with matters such as car issues and sick days. They will normally have a backup cleaner to take the position of your usual cleaner. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the reliability of your hiring option when deciding between hiring a professional cleaning company versus an independent cleaner.
Insured and Bonded
Since professional cleaning companies are registered companies, the possess liability insurance that protects you from any fault in case an accident happens on your property, for example, a cleaner slipping in your shower and sustaining an injury. Also, they are bonded and this covers any theft or damage that might happen.
Often, people working on their own tend to lack these fundamental legal necessities and this can put you at risk. You should always find out how the cleaning company or independent cleaner handles accidents that happen at a client’s home and if they have a policy that covers your property in case of theft or damage. You have to be aware of the risks you expose yourself to when you hire an individual that is not insured and bonded. If a cleaner is hurt while working on your property you bear all the resulting costs and you might not be compensated for damaged keepsake or damaged precious objects.
Background Checked, Highly Trained Staff
By hiring a professional cleaning service you are more sure that the team has undergone background checks and that they are well trained. Find out how the cleaning company does their vetting or if you are hiring an independent cleaner, request them to provide their background checks. Cleaners who have integrity and take their profession seriously won’t get offended and they will gladly provide these to you. Since this person will be working in your own home it is always important to be safe than sorry.
Back-office/Corporate Accountability
With a professional cleaning service, in case an issue arises, you can report it to the office and action will be taken more effectively. However, in the case of an independent cleaner, if a problem arises, you have to deal directly with the cleaner which is both uncomfortable to do and ineffective. With a professional service, you have a higher place to forward your complaints and have those difficult conversations regarding price and quality of service as well as reliability. You won’t have to do this with the person has just cleaned your home and you are looking to have them come back in the following weeks.
Customized Service Options
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A lot of homeowners prefer single independent cleaners since they can assign the cleaner specific work as they clean. This isn’t possible with professional cleaning services as they offer a menu of set services. This helps the cleaning services to minimize their prices while still guaranteeing consistency and quality services. Therefore, you have to determine what you need from your cleaning service and then choose the best package.
A majority of professional services usually offer priority cleaning. In this case, you pay for a specific number of hours and assign the cleaner specific tasks such as bathroom and kitchen cleaning. Priority cleaning isn’t part of regular cleaning. However, they are effective in managing your budget and still getting a quality clean.
Don’t fear to request for specific services and an affordable price. It isn’t a rude thing to do, rather it is a great way of establishing a business relationship.
Take away: Even though hiring a professional service is more costly than the independent cleaner, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
If reliability, safety, and quality matter to you as much as costs, then you should definitely consider hiring a professional cleaning service for your cleaning needs.
