Choosing the Right Cleaning Service

Prices are high for just about anything you purchase, from retail products to services for your home. The cost of living is always going up and the pandemic took such a huge toll on businesses large and small, that business owners have had to raise prices to stay in business. It is natural to look for the best price and shop around and it is a good practice to get several estimates when hiring someone to do work for you; however, price is only one factor. If you are hiring someone to come into your home, it is important that you compare experience, reputation, reliability and integrity. Individuals found on classified ads may charge much less than a company, and chances are, you could get very good service, but it is the chance that you take.

Here are some questions I recommend you consider before hiring people to work in your home:

• Have they been vetted?
• Do they have viable references?
• Are they insured?
• What happens if there is damage?
• What if they are injured on your property?
• What if they decide to just quit?
• There’s a lot to think about when you are inviting someone to come into your personal space, your home. This is where your family and your belongings are. Can you trust the people coming in? The final determination cannot be based solely on price.

When doing interviews with new clients, I hear statements such as, “I had a lady for a while, but she started bringing a boyfriend with her to clean and it made me uncomfortable, because I didn’t know him,” and “The person I had for several years was really good, but she moved and now I’m stuck,” and the one we never want to hear: “The cleaner I had came for a few visits, but then I noticed things missing and I never heard from her again.”

Regardless of the type of home service you are researching, make sure it is someone with a reputable background and that you have recourse if ever needed. Support our small businesses, but make sure they are trusted in the area. Check with friends and neighbors for referrals and then check them out yourself by doing a Google search.  Read reviews and keep in mind some reviews on some sites may be “purchased,” while others may be from disgruntled ex-employees. Reviews are tricky, but if you do your research, you can tell which companies have consistency. Check to see whether the company is active in your community and if they are connected with local chambers of commerce and charitable organizations. You can usually tell which companies are “the good guys.”

Here at Prescott Maid to Order, we stand behind our service and look forward to serving you! QCBN

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.