How to Set Prices for an Apartment Cleaning Service
Operating a cleaning service can be a lucrative endeavor. However, to be successful, you will need to consider several factors in order to offer fair prices and make a profit. A cleaning job can be a simple project or it can be an involved endeavor. Learn the proper way to set prices on your apartment cleaning services and still be competitive.
- Find out how much work is involved. Sometimes, the client might tell you the job is small, but when you get started, you discover that it is a big project. The best way to handle this is to see the job site, evaluate it and provide the client with a checklist of what needs to be done and let him make a decision. Set up an appointment to tour the area that needs cleaning. Take a notepad and pen with you so that you can write down important details. Estimate how long it will take you to complete the job.
- Set your price by the hour or project. In most cases, it is a good idea to charge by the hour. The reason is because if it takes you longer time to complete bigger projects, you get paid accordingly. But, for smaller jobs, you can price by the project.
- Research the competition. Study other cleaning services in your area and find out how much they charge. You can visit their websites or get this information from their advertisements. Use their pricing method as a guide in setting your own prices. Make sure you don't price your services too low or too high, be competitive and fair.
- Consider the cost of materials. Pricing a cleaning service involves more than just the time spent completing the project. You must also take into consideration the cost of equipment, supplies and materials as well as additional employees.
- Provide the client with a quote. Calculate all costs involved, including material costs and labor and add them all up. Check the competition pricing method, and then decide how much you want to charge in order to stay competitive. Present the quote to the client.