20 Questions

Questions to Ask When Quoting a Cleaning Job

Essential questions to ask when quoting a cleaning job to ensure accurate pricing, understand client needs, and provide the best service.

1

What type of cleaning service are you looking for?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the specific type of cleaning needed and ensures you're quoting for the right service.

2

How often do you need the cleaning service?

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Why this works

Critical for pricing as frequency affects the overall cost and helps you understand the ongoing commitment.

3

What's the square footage of the space that needs to be cleaned?

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Why this works

Essential for accurate pricing as larger spaces require more time and resources to clean properly.

4

Are there any specific areas or rooms that need special attention?

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Why this works

Helps you identify areas that may require extra time or specialized cleaning techniques.

5

What's your preferred cleaning schedule and time of day?

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Why this works

Important for scheduling and may affect pricing if you need to work outside normal hours.

6

Are there any areas that are off-limits or don't need cleaning?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the scope of work and avoid cleaning areas that don't need attention.

7

What's your budget range for this cleaning service?

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Why this works

Helps you understand their expectations and ensures you're providing a quote within their budget.

8

Are there any specific cleaning products or supplies you prefer to use?

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Why this works

Important for understanding their preferences and whether you need to use specific products.

9

Are there any areas that require special cleaning techniques or equipment?

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Why this works

Helps you identify if you need specialized equipment or techniques that may affect pricing.

10

What's the current condition of the space and how long has it been since it was last cleaned?

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Why this works

Important for understanding the level of cleaning needed and whether it's a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance.

11

Are there any pets or children in the home that I should be aware of?

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Why this works

Important for safety and helps you understand any special considerations for cleaning around pets or children.

12

Are there any specific cleaning challenges or problem areas I should know about?

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Why this works

Helps you identify potential issues that may require extra time or specialized cleaning techniques.

13

What's your preferred method of communication for scheduling and updates?

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Why this works

Important for establishing how you'll communicate with the client about scheduling and service updates.

14

Are there any specific cleaning standards or expectations you have?

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Why this works

Helps you understand their quality expectations and ensure you can meet their standards.

15

What's your preferred payment method and schedule?

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Why this works

Important for understanding how and when you'll be paid for your services.

16

Are there any areas that require special access or keys?

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Why this works

Important for understanding access requirements and ensuring you can get into the space when needed.

17

What's your preferred cleaning frequency and how flexible are you with scheduling?

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Why this works

Helps you understand their scheduling needs and how flexible they are with timing.

18

Are there any specific cleaning products or supplies you want me to avoid?

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Why this works

Important for understanding any restrictions or preferences regarding cleaning products.

19

What's the most important thing you want me to know about this cleaning job?

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Why this works

Gives them a chance to share any important information that might not have come up in other questions.

20

Are there any questions you have about my cleaning services or process?

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Why this works

Encourages them to ask questions and helps you understand what they want to know about your services.

Quoting Cleaning Jobs Successfully

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Be Thorough and Detailed

Ask comprehensive questions to understand all aspects of the cleaning job and avoid surprises later.

Take Notes and Document Everything

Write down all the details discussed to ensure you have accurate information for your quote.

Be Honest About Pricing

Provide transparent pricing and explain what's included in your quote to avoid misunderstandings.

Question Sequences

The Service Understanding Sequence

1
Start with: 'What type of cleaning service are you looking for?'
2
Follow with: 'How often do you need the cleaning service?'
3
Conclude with: 'What's the square footage of the space that needs to be cleaned?'

The Requirements Gathering Sequence

1
Begin with: 'Are there any specific areas or rooms that need special attention?'
2
Continue with: 'What's your preferred cleaning schedule and time of day?'
3
Finish with: 'What's your budget range for this cleaning service?'

Common Pitfalls

Don't Underestimate the Scope

Make sure you understand the full scope of work before providing a quote to avoid underpricing your services.

Avoid Making Assumptions

Don't assume anything about the cleaning job. Ask questions to clarify all details.

Don't Ignore Special Requirements

Pay attention to any special requirements or challenges that may affect pricing or scheduling.

Conversation Templates

The Service Understanding Template

1
Step 1: Understand the service: 'What type of cleaning service are you looking for?'
2
Step 2: Learn frequency: 'How often do you need the cleaning service?'
3
Step 3: Get space details: 'What's the square footage of the space that needs to be cleaned?'

The Requirements Gathering Template

1
Step 1: Identify special areas: 'Are there any specific areas or rooms that need special attention?'
2
Step 2: Understand scheduling: 'What's your preferred cleaning schedule and time of day?'
3
Step 3: Learn budget: 'What's your budget range for this cleaning service?'

Further Reading

"The Cleaning Business Blueprint" by Tom Watson
"How to Start a Cleaning Business" by Mark Ward
Cleaning business resources

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