Deposits

Sherry6 · July 3

Question for residential cleaning pros:

Do you charge a deposit before scheduling a walkthrough or in-person consultation? If so, how much do you charge, and has it helped reduce no-shows?

I'd love to hear what works for you. Thanks!

ArvinC · July 6

Hi @Sherry6 ! 👋 Great question! Every business seems to have a slightly different approach, so I'm curious to also hear what others have found works best.

Tagging in a few members from the cleaning and organizing community who may be able to share their experience: @Aura @kostlover @Maureen_Nuccitelli @Mightyoaks @TidyWithJulia @KW_CleaningCo2024 @SilverLiningCleaning @Lidia @sabacleaners @billyP @MilanCleaningCompany @daliat07 @NorcalAandC @busyb @Cleanertoppro7 @Happee_Helper696 @heyrenee326 @ShawnSavage @Greggurley @JMusselman @Christine @tsaversclean @CasaBella @Hollyj5 @Swebbinteriors @Mishelle79 @Bigdrive99 @Mariedesigns101 @Zumari2022 @Valmartins @Quinsy23 @CCC @Declutterflypdx @glennmo @volfram1 @AlexPDX @Adrienne @SweetLemon1990_ @Quinn @releaseanddeclutter @spotless @Isabella1275 @Diana @bev @ptoney21 @GetItDone3909_33 @Key1 @Jokosse @Solomiia @Colin_Archer @marcio_ledger @Marquita_OP @PorprettyClean @auds912 @AtlasHS @Bhomeorganizing2023 @DustyRhodes @AMcCarver @SinCln2019 @CleanClean_LLC @Simplified_Solutions @ChrisGreenberg1010 @Greenclean201423 @MIKings3 @busyb @BITBLeah

busyb · July 7

I am a home organizer, not a cleaning service per se but I do not charge for virtual consults. If I think that the project requires an in person visit I will charge if it requires me to go out of my way but if I can manage to stop by for a walk through on my way to/from somewhere I will do my best to accommodate the customer. It isn't often though I need to do in person consults but I do have a lot of senior clients who tend to want to meet face to face or can't do anything virtually. Hope that helps @Sherry6 but if you want more insight feel free to reach out to me at 720-637-2492.

Beth

MyCleanCharlotteMaid · July 13

For residential cleaning, I think it depends on the type of job.

For standard recurring cleaning, a deposit may not always be necessary if you have a clear booking process and payment method on file. But for larger jobs like deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, or walkthrough-based estimates, some type of deposit or card-on-file policy can help protect the pro’s time.

A walkthrough takes time, travel, and scheduling space that could have gone to another customer. So I think it is reasonable to have a clear policy, especially if the customer is requesting an in-person visit before booking.

What matters most is explaining it professionally. Customers usually understand when you say it helps reserve the appointment, reduce no-shows, and keep the schedule fair for everyone.

ArvinC · July 13

Thanks for sharing your insights, @busyb and @MyCleanCharlotteMaid ! I really like how both of you highlighted the importance of balancing flexibility with protecting your time. Every business is different, but having clear expectations with customers seems to make a big difference. I appreciate you both taking the time to help answer @Sherry6's question !

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