Spot cleaning no guarantee

[markco]

I still struggle when I get a call to take out one spot not knowing if I will be able to get it out or not and still have to charge the customer, especially if there is travel time involved and a natural fiber (when even my minimum doesn't seem worth it) It usually works out but I always feel uncomfortable going in. I was just wondering how other cleaners handle this with customer expectations and charging? Thanks!

 

[BIG WOOD]

Offer to clean something else for them while you're there so they can get what they paid for.

I met a plumber on a water damage job a couple months ago. He was jetting out a drain pipe that got clogged up and was collapsed from age. He didn't fix the problem, but held on to his $450 minimum to hook up his pressure washer that provided that service.

That made me rethink my minimum wasn't bad at all compared to the other service businesses.

 

[hogjowl]

I used to be uncomfortable with it in my younger years, but by the time I hit middle age I got over it. My minimum is $175. I tell them that up front and tell them there are no guarantees. Even though I’ve never had trouble getting paid, I’ve just decided over the past few weeks to start making the customer pay before work is started. People today are mean and angry and I’m heading that potential issue off at the pass before it bites me. Yes, I’m more than willing to walk if they take issue with it. I bet, if I called around and could find an honest carpet cleaner willing to talk, I’d find out that demanding payment up front is more common than I think. I’m also considering not taking checks anymore,

 

[Cleanworks]

I still struggle when I get a call to take out one spot not knowing if I will be able to get it out or not and still have to charge the customer, especially if there is travel time involved and a natural fiber (when even my minimum doesn't seem worth it) It usually works out but I always feel uncomfortable going in. I was just wondering how other cleaners handle this with customer expectations and charging? Thanks!

My minimum charge is always the same even just for a spot. If they could get it out themselves, they wouldn't have to call you. There are some stains you may not be able to get out but if you show up with the appropriate equipment and products and put the proper effort in, you have to be paid. Just let the customer know ahead of time that not all stains are removable and you require to be paid regardless of the outcome.