Awkward cleaner situation

[Grapefruitstars]

About 3 months ago I approached a cleaning company. They sent a cleaner and we were happy. Last week said cleaner messaged me and said she's branching out on her own and she's a lot cheaper. We accepted. Now the cleaning company has contacted me to book a clean in the new year. How do I handle this ?!?

What does your contract say about notice?

You need to read the terms of your contract with the company to see what implications this has, and what termination rights you have.

I never signed a contract?

You just ignore them or reply no thank you.

I used to own cleaning company and this is one of the reasons , why I don’t now. I spend my money and effort on adverts, recruitment and building my brand. Then cleaner poached customers from me and there was nothing I could’ve done about it. Why cleaner won’t set up their own company from scratch, find their own customers? Because so many customers think nothing about it.

If no contract then you just say you don’t need them any more thank you.

Just say you no longer require them, if no contract they can’t demand a notice period

Say you can't afford them, post-Christmas.

You were happy with the original company - I think you should stick with them.

save a few quid and put another dinner of business - and all for someone who thinks nothing of poaching her employer’s clients? I don’t she sounds very honourable.

Few things I would check….
If the company issued T&Cs at the start of service, read through them re their staff working directly for you and any notice period they require.
If it is a regular ongoing service, why have they asked whether you want to book for the new year?
Check that the cleaner has public liability insurance now she is no longer covered by the company’s insurance.

It’s not pleasant when a company spends their time and effort advertising their business, building a client base, recruiting and training staff and gaining a good reputation just for a member of staff to come along and think they can help themselves. Trust me, it’s been done to me.
I would be wary of the cleaner’s loyalty if she is able to treat people like that.

What previous people have said - it's bloody hard work to run your own business, and it's an extra kick in the teeth when employees leave & try to take your clients with them. She might be a great cleaner. She's not a decent person.