Are you a bargain shopper? Do you like getting the lowest prices for everything? Are you registered for all group coupon offers? Is there anything you buy that shouldn’t be bought at the lowest price?
Some things are so important to us that we are willing to pay for the best we can get. When we make purchases that involve our children, our own well-being, and our own privacy, we usually don’t skimp. So what does it mean when you pay top dollar for a cleaning (or maid) service? And why should you care? They’re just cleaners, right? It is not an exact science…
Let’s take a look at why compromising on price for a cleaning service is a bad option.
For this article we are going to look at two types of cleaning businesses: those that operate within the law and those that do not. And actually, without doing your homework, you might not be able to tell them apart.
When you hire a cleaning service, you should check their background, how they operate, who they hire, and how they select employees. Checking out an online rating site should never be your only tool in evaluating a service.
A well-established company is one that operates within the law and has many processes in place that protect you and your business. They should be able to (and probably would love the opportunity) to share their business history, hiring and training methods, products they use, services they offer, and insurance they have. They will give you a good understanding of their methods and how they operate. A well-established company works on etiquette and common business practices.
A “Trunk Slammer” is an independent individual who works primarily for himself and, in most cases, without the benefit of a proper business structure. They will tell you how long they have been cleaning (years and years) and what a good job they do. When told about insurance, they will, of course, say that they have insurance. And, they can even do everything much cheaper than others and do a better job. Sure, there are perfectly legal and thriving freelance cleaners out there, but they will operate like an established company and will be able to provide the right information.
Both sound good at first glance, but take a deeper look. Any time you are interviewing a prospective service to come onto your private property and into your private space, you need to do a couple of things.
1) Request that the insurance company(s) send(s) a certificate of insurance. A service may use more than one insurance company, so make sure you are named by all of them. You want to see commercial liability and workers’ compensation coverages. If it doesn’t, call the service and ask for both. If you receive a copy or version that does not have your name and address on it (or does not come directly from the insurance agent), it should be considered inaccurate. (After all, a service could cancel that policy the day after you get your copied version and you don’t have any kind of insurance.) This is a nuisance for the services and they may back off, but they hold their ground. A trusted service will deliver. A disreputable service will not.
It’s critical that the company you hire has the proper insurance (and licenses) to do the work on your property. It is also just as crucial that the people they ship to your property are properly documented.
2) Ask if I-9 forms have been filed for all employees. The I-9 (and most states have their own version as well) is a federal form that requires two forms of identification to be documented to ensure that the applicant has the legal right to work in the United States. Also, ask if there have been any thorough background checks on applicants. Most companies conduct background investigations as cheaply as possible and are often very basic. Ask the service if they do drug tests and if they have had any incidents of theft. If they have, make sure they tell you how they dealt with the theft. Was there an accusation? What happened to the employee? You’ll get a good idea of how honest the service is by asking these questions. Do not automatically close the conversation if a service theft has occurred. This happens even with good services. What is crucial is how they handled it.
If you do not choose to follow these suggestions and hire an independent cleaner, these are some of the risks. (These are risks for a business, too, but more common with “trunk bangers.”)
Why are you at risk? Many “independent” housekeepers or contractors consider themselves your employees based on how much control you have over what they do. If a freelance cleaner works in your home using your equipment and following her instructions, that cleaner may be determined by your employee.
If an accident occurs in your home with the maid, depending on where you live, you may be responsible for more than the maid’s medical expenses. Some states even fine you for being an employer and not paying workers’ compensation insurance. And they are usually very good. Are you ready for that? And don’t fall into the trap of thinking your homeowners insurance will cover you, it won’t.
If your home is stolen or damaged, you may find out too late that there is no coverage or recourse (and always, ALWAYS report the theft to your local police). Bail will only pay in the case of a prosecuted crime (found guilty). Anything less and you’re on your own. Now, is it worth the discount you received? Or that minimum price in dollars?
You may be at even greater risk if your home contractor is unscrupulous and knows that you don’t know the law. You are at a disadvantage!
So remember, if the price is minimal or “too good to be true”, it’s most likely not true or good for you. If you hire a freelance cleaner for $10-12 an hour, they are VERY likely not paying proper taxes and carrying proper insurance. These things cost big name companies and that’s why they charge more. Don’t fall for bargain shopping in this case, it’s not worth it.