Starting my own cleaning business

[ItsCarnage]

As the title says I'm hoping to set myself up with cleaning peoples homes and have my 1st interview/chat this week to clean someone's house once a week for a few hrs (good start)

I have an hourly rate in mind but don't want to sell myself short either and we will probably negotiate the rate when I see them.
Does anyone have any advice or can tell me their experience of having a independent cleaner compared to agency one.

Can I ask a silly question but what is the best way to be payed, shall it be cash before or after work is done, bank transfer on an agreed frequency which I'd prefer.
Is it just based on my own or clients preferences?

We don't take cash payments any more as it is easier for admin purposes to have it paid into the bank but at the beginning it doesn't really matter so much as you should easily be able to keep track of everything.

Can i just add here that the term 'illegals' within the cleaning industry does not just pertain to the illegal immigrants but also those who are trading 'under the radar' ie not insured or registered for tax and some of these are defrauding the benefits system too.

If you are not paying tax or for insurance and it is all in your back pocket then yes, £10 per hour is a lot of money but the liability of both parties is huge if you get caught in these transactions.

A legitimate service is what you need to hire for your own security, both to avoid legal consequences and also do you really want to give a dishonest person a key to your home and access to your valuables and private life? Sometimes cheap turns out to be VERY expensive.

I agree ballsforearings I want to be above board all the way for this to work I need to be.

At first its case of I can earn as much I want until it exceeds my benefit entitlements (they take away what i earn from my benefits except the 1st £20 earned) and 16hrs or over then im able to go it alone and pay tax properly.

I have to pay for materials myself but that is managable for just starting out. Im living on a miniscule budget at the moment but it can be done.

You can definitely do this - 16 hours is just 4 four hour clients away or 5 three hour clients!

I am not saying they will all be three or four hour clients but you get my meaning, this could happen quite quickly for you! I will be rooting for you!

The client had interviewed another cleaner and chose them as they had D.I.Y skills which would come in handy so I didn't get the job.
Which is fair enough! On and upwards as they say.
:-)

Good luck don't give up!