7 Things That Make Cleaning Companies Great

In any given market, there are plenty of cleaning companies. But there are cleaning companies, and then there are great cleaning companies.

Here’s a list of things that help the best ones set themselves apart. If you manage a cleaning business, read on to learn more about how to “level up.”

1. Friendly People

This is almost a given, so we won’t dwell on it too much. The people in your company matter. Especially your teams in the field and call center teams. Anyone who has interactions with your customers.

Being friendly doesn’t require a lot of extra effort. It’s as easy as a smile. It might seem trivial but it’s anything but. It’s no accident that online reviewers tend to list this attribute above all others in their reviews.

“We have big family outings, employee of the month recognitions, awards, and caring office staff that bend backward to take care of our cleaners. It’s the least we can do for the most important asset of Dallas Maids; our people! And it works. Dallas Maids is the most award-winning house cleaning service in Dallas, Texas.”

-Greg Shepard, Owner of Dallas Maids

2. Excellent Service

When it comes to the actual work, you’ve gotta have the goods. A consistently high-quality job, every time. Customers will often switch cleaning companies, even if they’ve been loyal for more than a year.

“Over and over our clients tell us how amazing our customer service is – from answering phone calls immediately to providing reports within minutes of completing an inspection, to allowing customers to book online.”

-John Ward, Account Executive at Mold Busters

Providing exceptional work and service, consistently, is a huge difference-maker. Arrive early or on time for your appointments. Where necessary, allow for enough travel time and break time for your field teams, so that you never have to make apologies for arriving late.

3. Accurate Quoting

Your quoting process needs to be quick, but it also needs to be accurate. Whatever means you use to quote, whether it’s the number of rooms, square footage, or based on multiple services — make sure your quotes are accurate with the resulting invoice.

Where possible, try to quote high and come in under budget. It helps you make sure each job will be profitable, it builds in some contingency and when everything goes well, it makes for happier customers.

4. Transparency

Be up front with customers about how you’ll perform the work. The number of team members you’ll send, the products you’ll use, the services you’ll complete.

5. Efficient Booking and Scheduling

These days, customers want things done quickly and clearly. The easier it is to book with your company, the likelier you are to win their business.

Offering online booking can be a game-changer. You save a lot of time in administration, collecting info from the customer and matching services with your availability. And you also can get a revenue boost, by accessing a customer base that prefers to book online, on their terms, and it directly to their own calendars.

“Our clients love the ability to a book online, right from our website. They can check pricing, look at availability, and book within minutes. This feature has also helped us fill last-minute spots by offering a promo code on Facebook and offering a limited availability, short-term offer.”

-Matthew Ricketts, Co-Founder & President of Better Life Maids

6. Easy Billing and Payments

Making your invoicing and payments process as painless as possible is a great way to encourage repeat business. You can accept payment through your online booking tool, by a paperless invoice that sends as soon as you complete the job, or by taking payment on-site.

By offering some options and making it easy for the customer, you can get paid faster, too.

“We like that it’s convenient for our customers, but best of all it has reduced the time that it takes for invoices to get paid. The easier it is for customers, the better it is for our franchisees and techs in the field. We’ve been paid even before we’ve left the job site.”

-Chris Aconley, Men In Kilts COO

7. Great Follow Up

When the service is over, you can and should do more than just send an invoice. The goal, especially with new customers, should be to offer the customer the ability to book again and to gather some feedback.

“Never think that because a customer is not calling that they are completely satisfied. Use follow-up visits to verify satisfaction, identify issues, upsell and educate about additional services you offer.”

-Glen Greely, President of Cleaning Group Inc.

Software for Cleaning Companies

Want to learn more about how cleaning company software with online booking can help you save on your admin costs and boost your revenue? Book a free, private demo of Vonigo.