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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you cancel this client?

91 replies

Tootsey11 · 04/10/2020 10:35

Client J, I clean for once a fortnight for 2 hours. Been there about 1.5 years. Client is always in, along with one other occupant. Their house is very clean, in fact I really don't have much to do at all, but I have been told to clean already clean areas, so just follow instructions.

Client can be quite moody and difficult. On one occasion, I was cleaning a display cabinet down, taking things off shelves, dusting etc. Client walked into room, sat down at table with their back to me. As I was working they said without turning round "Don't do that". I put everything back on and went into a different room to work.

Client knows of my health issues as we sometimes would chat for a few minutes at the end of a clean. I also know of some of theirs. Both occupants made it clear a while back that they did not care if they caught CV, they weren't bothered.

A few weeks back, I went to clean as normal. Went in and called 'morning'. From their reply I could tell that they did not sound well. I asked were they sick? They replied yes, I've got this terrible cough, they could barely speak for being short of breath, said they were exhausted and felt terrible. But it's not 'the covid'. I asked did they get tested? No. They said I could stay in one room and clean it or leave. They then said 'I can't really be bothered looking at you today'.

I told them I felt it was best I left and please let me know if someone in the house is not well before I drive round.

I was really annoyed after I left that they had that little thought for my health, knowing my issues and wasted my time driving round, a 20 mile trip for nothing.

So, would AIBU to cancel. I'm not short of work, in fact there isn't enough hours in the day ATM to fit everyone in.

OP posts:
ithinkiveseenthisfilmbefore · 04/10/2020 11:10

Accept a new client in their slot and cancel them.

EarthSight · 04/10/2020 11:11

They then said 'I can't really be bothered looking at you today

This is a DISGUSTING way to speak to someone and this.

You might now need to self isolate because it sounds to me like they got covid.

NC4Now · 04/10/2020 11:13

Get rid and take on someone with some manners and respect.

ktp100 · 04/10/2020 11:14

Yeah, get rid. They sound dreadful!

Tootsey11 · 04/10/2020 11:18

I stupidly didn't even speak when they said they couldn't be bothered looking at me. I just stood there, dumfounded.

I'm not going to give them a call, they will get a text and that's it, don't think they deserve anything more. I've filled the space, I've spoken to someone else and they've taken it.

Cleaner for them previously, so they know my work.

Thankyou everyone, I just needed it confirming that I wasn't being to sensitive.

OP posts:
YetAnotherSpartacus · 04/10/2020 11:21

Well done OP!

Blondiney · 04/10/2020 11:22

Oof, get rid. You deserve to be treated with a modicum of respect.

PlanDeRaccordement · 04/10/2020 11:25

Yes, I would drop this client. They clearly are rude and reckless. Even before the Covid cough incident, I would not have put up with such remarks. You don’t treat any human being that way.

thinkingaboutLangCleg · 04/10/2020 11:29

Good cleaners are in high demand, OP. I bet your clients give your name to their friends. You don’t have to put up with rude clients who endanger your health.

Cheesypea · 04/10/2020 11:30

Drop me like their hot op. Also if your in such high demand put your prices up x

FlatandFabulous · 04/10/2020 11:32

So glad to hear you have dropped them. What horrible, selfish people.

AmIACowBag · 04/10/2020 11:35

Cancel them!

Craftycorvid · 04/10/2020 11:36

So hard when you are self-employed! But there are times when enough is enough and the fact these people are paying you does NOT give them the right to treat you disrespectfully, not to mention endangering your health. If you feel you need to make a polite excuse, I’d just say you’ve reluctantly had to drop your hours for some reason.

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 04/10/2020 11:39

They're rude uncaring idiots...!

Absolutely cancel them...

BUT are they the sort of people who will try and trounce your good name?

If so, I would just sya your business circumstances have changed due to covid and you don't want the extra travelling.

Then they can't argue... Unless they're moving closer to you Grin

MilerVino · 04/10/2020 11:41

Good that you've cancelled OP. A 20 mile round trip for 2 hours work is barely worth it if you factor travel time and car running costs into your hourly rate. Add in rudeness and it really isn't worth it. Yes, work is important, but not at the cost of your mental and physical health.

billy1966 · 04/10/2020 11:44

A great cleaner is a gift.

OP, learn from this and value the great service you provide.

You work hard.

Don't accept being treated so rudely.

Text and block them.

Rude pigs.

Flowers
BertiesLanding · 04/10/2020 11:46

Good for you!

Chocaholic9 · 04/10/2020 11:46

Get rid & let them know it was because of their disrespect towards you. What horrible people.

HollowTalk · 04/10/2020 11:51

I'm not sure why you were ever driving 20 miles to clean the house of someone who can't even be civil to you.

HappyDays10101 · 04/10/2020 11:52

Yes, definitely a text will do.

HappyDays10101 · 04/10/2020 11:53

let them know it was because of their disrespect towards you

I wouldn’t do this. I would keep it neutral and blame Covid or some such. No need to antagonise someone who could badmouth you for no reason.

Branleuse · 04/10/2020 11:56

cancel. Have some self respect

Mummyoflittledragon · 04/10/2020 12:02

I love my cleaners. It’s a mum and daughter team. I get really good mum advice from the mum. You are obviously in demand as you filled the spot so fast. Only work for people, who show you respect and care.

Ihatemyseleffordoingthis · 04/10/2020 12:02

I'm glad you've binned them OP, they sound like horrible people

Giraffey1 · 04/10/2020 12:03

I can’t believe you haven’t fired them as clients long ago. They are are rude, unpleasant and probably infectious with something even if it is not COVID. I’d decline to continue providing cleaning services for them. And tell them why, if they ask!