As an entrepreneur, one of the most important tasks is ensuring that you are asking the right questions when interviewing potential clients for your cleaning business. This will help you understand what services they need and if they are a good fit for your business. Here are 20 questions you should ask during a phone interview or walk-through before providing an estimate for services.
What Type of Service Do You Need?
It’s important to know what the client expects of you and your services. Are they looking for a one-time deep-clean or do they need ongoing maintenance? This will help you determine the scope of work and price your service accordingly.
How Often Do You Need Cleaning Services?
Some clients may need daily service, while others may only need weekly or bi-weekly visits. Knowing their frequency needs will help you determine how often you will need to visit the property.
Have You Ever Used a Cleaning Service Before?
If the answer is yes, find out why they stopped using their last cleaning service. If the answer is no, find out if they have any questions or concerns about using a cleaning service. This will help you address any objections they may have.
Why Did You Stop Using Your Last Cleaning Service?
The client’s answer to this will give you insight into what they are looking for in a new service. It will also help you avoid any potential red flags.
What is The Square Footage of The House/Building/Office?
The size of the property will impact the amount of time it will take to clean and the price you charge. Make sure you get an accurate square footage so you can give an accurate estimate.
Is There an Alarm System?
If there is an alarm system, you will need to know the code and how to turn it off/on. This is for your safety, as well as the safety of your team.
Do You Have Any Pets?
If the client has pets, you will need to know if they are friendly and whether or not they will be present during the cleaning. This will help determine if you need to take any special precautions.
How Many People Are in The Building Each Day?
This will help you determine the amount of traffic in the space and how often it will need to be cleaned.
Do You Have Any Special Instructions?
The client may have specific instructions regarding what they would like you to focus on or avoid while cleaning. Make sure you get these instructions in writing so there is no confusion later on.
Are There Hours When Cleaning Services Are Not Allowed in The Building?
Some buildings have specific hours when cleaning services are not allowed. This will impact when you can schedule your visits.
Is There Parking Available For Cleaning Staff?
If there is no parking available, you will need to make arrangements for your team. This may include getting a permit or paying for parking.
Do You Have Any Concerns About Cleaning Services?
This is an opportunity for the client to voice any concerns they may have about using your services. This will also help you address any objections they may have.
What is Your Budget For Cleaning Services?
The client’s budget will impact the scope of work and the frequency of visits. Make sure you get an accurate number so you can give an accurate estimate.
How Many Levels Need to Be Cleaned?
If the property has multiple levels, you will need to know how many need to be cleaned. This will impact the amount of time it will take to clean and the price you will charge.
What Type of Flooring Needs to Be Cleaned?
The type of flooring will impact the type of cleaning products and methods you use. This will also impact the price you charge.
Are There Any Items That Shouldn’t Be Touched?
The client may have specific items that they don’t want you to touch or move. Make sure you get this in writing so there is no confusion.
Where Are the Central Trash/Recycling Bins?
Knowing the location of the central trash and recycling bins will help you determine the best way to dispose of the trash and other waste items.
How Do I Access the Building?
You will need to know how to access the building so you can get in and out without any issues. This may include getting a key or code from the client.
Do You Have a Preferred Method of Communication?
Some clients prefer to communicate via email, text, or phone. Others may want to meet in person. Make sure you know the client’s preference so you can stay in touch.
When Would You Like the Cleaning Service to Start?
The client may have a specific date in mind for the start of service. This will help you determine if you are available and when you need to schedule your team.
Conclusion
These questions will help you get started as you discover what your client’s needs and preferences might be. These types of questions will allow you to give your client an accurate estimate for your services. Asking these questions will also help you build a rapport with the client, especially when you offer to provide specialized services they want. Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into the questions you should ask a potential cleaning client.