When you search for the right home cleaning service, it’s easy to get caught up in service details: What’s the best frequency? What rooms will and won’t be cleaned? Which parts of rooms will be cleaned? Who will be in my home? Will it always be the same person? When will it happen? What’s the price?
But, when you consider that,
- Your home is probably the single largest investment you will ever make,
- Between one and three quarters of your personal net worth is likely tied up in home equity and the possessions in your home, and
- Your home shelters your only truly invaluable assets (yourself, your family, pets),
It’s important to see yourself-not as a consumer shopping for a service-but, rather, as the CEO of a small business, searching for the right supplier or service provider.
When businesses evaluate potential suppliers or service providers, they look at the big picture: knowledge, experience, cultural traits, quality performance and reputation for innovation. They consider the short- and long-term risks of entering into a business relationship. They ask themselves questions like:
- Is this service provider reliable?
- Is there a process to address performance issues?
- What is our exit strategy if we’re not satisfied?
Businesses also consider total costs-not just prices or hourly rates-associated with working with a service provider. Are there hidden costs? Are there things we value that might make it worth paying a premium? What are the liability and tax implications of entering into this business relationship? And how much could a bad decision end up costing us?
What follows is a handy reference guide for evaluating potential home-cleaning service providers from the same perspective a savvy business executive would use:
What to ask: | What you want to hear: | Why: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The bottom line: Contrary to popular belief, home cleaning services are not commodities. Executing a thorough and well planned evaluation process will guarantee that you get the best clean, the highest level of personal satisfaction, the least amount of financial risk, the lowest total cost and the highest possible return on your investment.
As the CEO in charge of managing your family’s greatest assets, that has to feel good!