Please help me respond to this cleaning client!!

[cleaningdilemma11]

I’ve just started my cleaning business, going to see my first client on Sunday. I normally charge £15 an hour, but because she’s my first client I have agreed to do it for £10 an hour for 4 hours, and then it will be £15 an hour. She didn’t even ask, I suggested it in return for a review/reference. She wants a regular 4 hours clean every week so I was ok with it doing it for £10 for a first clean.

Now client 2 has just texted me asking if I can come for a “trial “. She asked how much I charge, and I said £15 an hour but will do it for £10 in exchange for review/reference, she then said that’s out of her budget but if I’m willing to do it for £10 an hour for her she will recommend me to her sister who also needs a cleaner?

She lives 45 mins from me, I don’t drive but we both live in London. So I don’t know what to do, do I say yes and take what I can until I get enough customers to be picky or do I just stick with my price and tell her to fuck off?

I give discounts hoping I can get reviews on my Facebook page and build up enough credibility to get more customers, I don’t know if that’s right though? Can anyone help me?

@CheetasOnFajitas thanks, makes me feel better. But unfortunately he cancelled, and wants me to come next Sunday instead

This business model makes no sense. I mean of course it's your choice but I am a bit 😳 at your claim you couldn't work anywhere else between the hours of 9 & 330 or whatever.

I am a single parent to 3 kids & work f/t. They are all at school.

It must be possible to find something that's less onerous than £10 per hour, very few hours to start & potentially travelling quite a lot?

Ok, thanks for answering that. Like @EarringsandLipstick I'm still not sure about your rationale. You need to be able to pick your son up but you're thinking about taking jobs 45 mins travel away which would surely mean you've got to count on public transport running to time? Are there no very local jobs that you could do within school hours, or go back to in the evening after your DS is in bed? Or as some pp suggested, could you sign up with a local cleaning agency but say you're only available those hours? I don't know if that's possible but someone here may be able to advise.

The working weekends but only alternate ones is another issue. This bloke who's cancelled but now wants to rebook for the next Sunday instead - will you be able to do that if your DS is with you instead of his dad?

People get really angry when their cleaners want to charge more than £10 an hour. Says more about them than the cleaner. You charge what you like, good luck with your business.

I don’t micromanage my cleaner. She works hard and my house is clean. Some days she might miss one spot so I wipe it up and don’t think about it again. Sometimes I get a surprise like my toaster being sparkling inside. Not everyone is going to have the same attitude as I, but hopefully you will eventually find a group of clients that are a good match for you.

Have you suggested to the guy you come during the week instead? I suppose he might possibly work form home during the week but want you to clean on a Sunday because he’s going out then.

However you haven’t answered the question about whether you actually are free every weekend or have your son with you on some weekends?

@CheetasOnFajitas

Have you suggested to the guy you come during the week instead? I suppose he might possibly work form home during the week but want you to clean on a Sunday because he’s going out then.

However you haven’t answered the question about whether you actually are free every weekend or have your son with you on some weekends?

What's it got to do with you?! Man, she's asking advice about cleaning...not her childcare arrangements!

You just have to be business-minded. Travelling 45 minutes each way for 4 hours work may not be very cost effective. You need to define a practical working area, and any work outside that just turn down, and give the client your reason.
If they are really desperate, just tell them you would otherwise have to charge for travelling time and costs. If they want to pay an extra £10/hr for your travel, they will offer it, but really they should find a more local cleaner.
Obviously, it is ideal to have lots of local jobs so that you can try and fit more that one a day, even it they are just one or two hours a session which may suit some clients pocket better. You will make more money that way. Remember, it often takes a bit of time to establish a small business, so be reliable and thorough and don't let anyone take advantage of your efforts by giving more time than what you are being paid for, or being expected to do unreasonably sordid jobs. Your integrity is also crucial and will stand you in good stead, customers will recommend you on if they are impressed with what you do.

Without a car any job like this is actually quite difficult. A car widens your travel radius and enables you to carry a variety of cleaning materials for you to use in an emergency just to get a job done, otherwise you are relying on your client to have everything to hand. You will have to make up a bag of stuff and cart it around on a bus or bicycle, or by foot.
You will have to canvas for work, adverts in shop windows, or in local papers. But the best way is talk dirctly to your neighbours and local shops and offices and see if they can use you. You can then see homes and premises close to you and perhaps get the chance of regular work. Good luck.

@cleaningdilemma11
I'd pay you myself instead of you going to that guy's flat.
It might be ok but a 2 bed flat won't be that big and ...well...I'd not go if you can find another client. I really do understand that you want to make this work but you must do it whilst keeping yourself safe. All weirdos do not look weird. Take care. 💐

Correction. 1 bed flat.