Hi ! Just seeking some advice off any property managers on the forum. I have started a cleaning business and am looking at providing property managers and real estate firms with our service. What are the main frustrations with cleaners you use and what do you look for in using a cleaning service? Thanks!
What type of cleaning service? Initial clean (ie after building works have finished) Regular cleaning (ie tenant weekly cleaning) End of lease cleaning Ad-hoc cleaning (tenant clean on irregular basis) Pre-lease clean (or after tenant has left & not cleaned to a satisfactory condition) Each is slightly different in their requirements
Aside from the standard items like quality of clean, price, reliability, knowledge of bond cleaning requirements, communication, some other items to consider: - be able to provide your own power if required (generator?) - accuracy of quoting (don't "go in low" to secure the work just to give a story after the clean that it took longer than expected and you need to charge more) - flexibility - if you offer to return for free for corrective cleaning in your pitch, when it happens don't argue over it just return asap and correct it - flexible payment terms - Luke
Hi guys should have specified. Specifically lease cleans and regular cleaning. Nice points didn’t think of the generator. I’ll be doing flat rate pricing so hopefully eliminates the quoting drama. Is price that much of a factor for a property manager? My service won’t be the cheapest but I’ll look to cancel out all the inconsistency’s of a cheap one. I imagine unreliable cleaners would double the work of a PM/RA?
Also if you were a P.M or R.A how would you like to be approached by a company? I’m going to make up a flyer tossing up between post, email or in person? @D.T. @Xenia any thoughts?
I get companies email me from time to time wanting to be used. It depends on what type of company they are and what suburbs they service - sometimes i have opening in that trade/area and sometimes i don't but keep them in mind anyway in case anything changes. Quite a few I've tested on my own home or one of my own properties first to check what they're like. Mostly looking for reliability and workmanship over price, as long as price is within normal limits.
I'm probably not representative of the majority of the community, but my main complaints with cleaners are, in order, to do with; - Attitude. - Availability. - Pricing. Availability and pricing are obvious. Bond cleans are often needed at short notice, and pricing is so competitive. I don't like cleaners underquoting because they wont survive (happens a lot), but obviously overquoting isn't great either. The biggest thing is attitude. I've come to realize in 99% of cases, all cleaners miss something. Everyone's cleaning expectations are different so I totally understand that part of cleaners job is balancing time (i.e. cost) with thoroughness of the job. I just expect my cleaners to be happy to return promptly to rectify anything that's not right.
Awesome great info. Would you care to share some of the standard rates that you might pay for say a 3 bed 2 bath for a general clean and end of lease clean? Thanks!
(Note this is based on QLD, might be different in VIC) Most of my tenants tenants seem to pay about $350 for their bond cleans. Sometimes that includes carpet cleaning (warning signs!) and sometimes the carpet cleaning is $70-$150 extra (fair). Side note- Realistically, you'll win business by offering carpet cleaning 'all in one', but wont make friends with PM's, because you probably wont be using the expensive equipment needed to do a proper job. Try partnering with a specialist, might do flea spraying too. Back on track. Based on a reasonable hourly rate and a moderate assumed level of needed cleaning, I've found most bond cleans really should cost $450-$550. The endless battle for you cleaners is trying to charge a fair rate when everyone seems to be quoting 20% less.
I'm the same as above, I want someone reliable, quick, thorough and easy to deal with. Price comes later on, obviously it needs to be reasonable to get the tenants to pay and to recommend to them - but service and quality are the top traits. I also need someone to be available quite quickly as well, so having enough people to cover that is important. I am called and emailed often about different tradespeople, some I will give a go on a small quote and go from there, others I say I'm not interested. The ones I say the latter to are based on presentation, their reviews, professionalism and attitude.
Yeah, there is a guy up in your neck of the woods that runs a good business. He or partner come and look at the job before and after, I did not have to say anything, he called his cleaners back to do things he knew would be raised.
