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Original poster

To ask how I politely ask for this money?

93 replies

Ohpleasenotnow · 12/09/2019 14:36

I started a small cleaning business a few months ago. I've built a really good group of clients up and pleased with how it is going. However, I had a new customer last week - lovely lady, will be a regular from now on and has asked me to clean again tomorrow, however I have not received a bank transfer payment for last week's clean yet.

When I invoice her for tomorrow's clean, I want to pop a little note in that I haven't received last week's payment yet but how?

I don't want to embarrass her or anything, she is lovely and has probably forgotten. Any advice much appreciated Flowers

OP posts:
m0therofdragons · 12/09/2019 15:21

What did you agree re payment? I pay my cleaner monthly so maybe that's what she's expecting if you didn't specify?

Technonan · 12/09/2019 15:31

'Thank you for your request for cleaning on X date. I am available and will confirm this booking when I have received payment for X dates.'

Pinkyyy · 12/09/2019 15:32

Do not work for free.

If she doesn't pay for last time, then there's no next time.

Sportinggirl · 12/09/2019 15:32

I used to run a successful cleaning business (sold for a pretty penny a few years ago) and this happened all the time to the nice cleaners, start as you mean to go on.. Some people look their down their noses on cleaners. Be assertive, you will get more respect as a business woman. Just send an email or text saying you haven't been paid that that you won't be back until you have received payment. I had a very stuck up client who didn't pay one of the girls for three weeks, (it was agreed in contract that client would pay cash) and she rang me demanding a meeting, I think she got a shock when I rolled up to her house in my merc, prada suit and louboutins, told her to fuck off and that I would contact every cleaner in the county and tell then to stay clear of her. She wasn't long in getting her purse 😂

timshelthechoice · 12/09/2019 15:33

What reetgood said. You're not running a charity. Forgotten, my arse. It is downright foolish to do more work for her if you haven't been paid.

EndoplasmicReticulum · 12/09/2019 15:38

I have similar - weekly clients who pay by bank transfer. If they "forget" I send a reminder, and I do not do the next weekly session if they haven't paid. It seems to concentrate the mind a bit! I am sending lots of texts though - start off with a polite reminder, if still no joy I then say "I will be unable to make the next session until I have received payment for the last one".

I just got my husband to do similar, he's also self employed but way too polite and people will take the piss if you let them.

Sallycinammonbangsthedruminthe · 12/09/2019 15:42

How about giving her the benefit of the doubt and text to say
Hi Polly Just checking in to let you know I will be arriving at 10.30 for your cleaning appointment.I will leave you the 2 invoices on the hall table.Please could this be cleared in 7 days
Look forward to seeing you
Best wishes
ohpleasenotnow!

dickiedavisthunderthighs · 12/09/2019 15:43

Don't clean again until you've been paid. People are always lovely when they want something.
If she's genuine she'll be mortified and pay straight away.

keepingbees · 12/09/2019 15:47

I agree don't clean again until you've been paid, otherwise you'll have two payments to chase and be two shifts out of pocket.
Be polite but firm, you're running a business not a charity.

BloodyDisgrace · 12/09/2019 15:51

"I need to receive the payment for the last week's cleaning asap. Once the money is in my account, I can plan my future work for you. As a rule, I don't clean for people who delay payment for longer than [insert what suits you] working days."

TanyaChix · 12/09/2019 15:53

You need to get payment before you do tomorrow’s clean, not invoice her both or you are setting a precedent for her to not pay promptly. Do you have a number to text her on? I’d send something like:

Hi Barbara,
Just wanted to confirm that I’ll be with you at 10.30am tomorrow, as agreed last week. I’ve just been doing the week’s bookkeeping and have noticed that payment for last week is still outstanding. It would be much appreciated if you could transfer this before your second clean. I do ask clients to pay on the day that they receive the service, and many clients find it helpful to set up a standing order.
Many thanks and I look forward to continuing to provide an excellent service to you.
Regards,
Ohplease

Looobyloo · 12/09/2019 15:56

I'm a self employed cleaner too and have had this problem. Just say 'hi, can I just remind you you haven't paid me for last week yet. I'll see you tomorrow'
Don't be fooled by niceness. I cleaned for a lady I thought was lovely, she fleeced me! I did about 8 hrs. In hindsight she was 'too nice'

Just a warning. I've found when starting with new clients if they're late paying the first week it'll probably keep happening and if it does, bin her! It's rude and disrespectful. I'd also not go this week until you've got last week's money.

It's one of my pet hates when people don't pay me on time. Luckily they all do and are very apologetic if they forget/don't have any cash, I'll tell them it's fine and it'll do next week (only with regular clients)

SolitudeAtAltitude · 12/09/2019 15:58

Tanya, that is quite a text! Almost more like a letter.

I'd be a lot more informal, and just say: "Hi X, happy to come next week. Also, could you please pay me last week's money before the end of the week? thanks"

If she had forgotten, she'll pay straight away. If she's a CF, she won't pay and nothing lost

MrsCharlesBrandon · 12/09/2019 16:06

My dog walker has had to remind me to pay, i was mortified! I now have a weekly reminder on my phone.

"Hi xxxx, I notice payment hasn't come through for your last clean? Please let me know if there is an issue as I will not be able to continue until payment is received."

I work for a cleaning company and have had to send this sort of message before.

Mummyoflittledragon · 12/09/2019 16:07

I have had 3 cleaners now. The rule is pay on time especially in the beginning as that’s how to tell if I’m trustworthy or not. I have occasionally not got the cash and I drop it round later in the day. I have been offered bank transfer but prefer to give the cash. If you don’t get clients like this, I’d bin them off.

BumblePan · 12/09/2019 16:08

Do not go there until you've been paid. I've been there and the excuses keep coming. Do not worry about being polite. She should be embarrassed rather than you feeling that way. It could be an oversight. If so, it wont happen again.

BumblePan · 12/09/2019 16:09

Btw, good luck with your business.
Cash is king Smile

mumofbun · 12/09/2019 16:22

Have you been clear about how soon you want payment? obviously everyone wants paid asap but when i had a cleaner they did a monthly invoice which was two cleans and i had a month to pay...i did forget once and it was mortifying! Just make sure you're clear about everything and then there is no reason to be embarassed!

HoHoHolyCow · 12/09/2019 16:23

I had this message from my son's piano teacher when I forgot to pay...

Hi. I just checked my bank account and this week's payment arrived but it looks like last week's payment didn't come through. Could you check please? Thanks

I wasn't embarrassed or offended. I checked my bank, realised I'd forgotten to pay and sent her the money! She is running a business!!

Derbee · 12/09/2019 16:27

Hi X,
I usually require payment before the next clean. I’ve got you booked in for tomorrow, so could you please ensure last weeks payment is made before then. Account details are xxxxxx. Thanks, see you tomorrow.

Nomorepies · 12/09/2019 16:30

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ on the poster's request.

Fralla · 12/09/2019 16:33

What date did you state she needed to have paid you by?

TixieLix · 12/09/2019 16:35

You say you are invoicing your clients so make sure your payments terms are clearly set out on the invoice so there is no doubt. If necessary include late payment charges or a disclaimer that invoices not paid on time will result in the cancellation of future appointments.

daisychain01 · 12/09/2019 16:38

"Many thanks for your remittance of £xxx for cleaning carried out on x [date].

Please would you also remit the amount of £50 for cleaning carried out on y [date] which remains outstanding. To remind you, our terms of business are payment within 48 hours of service being delivered"

Keep it factual and business like, which is the same as being "Polite"

Northernsoullover · 12/09/2019 16:40

My cleaner used to do a group text 'Hi everyone, hope you are all well. This is just a gentle reminder that payment for last weeks work is due' I have no idea if it really was a group text or if it was just me Blush

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