You should consider both the length of a contract and the breadth of the work when charging clients for cleaning services. Charging an hourly or weekly rate may be a good option if a client enlists your cleaning services long term or indefinitely. In this case, you’ll get regular payments as you complete your work. Alternatively, charging a flat fee might make sense if you are working a single cleaning job—large or small. No matter how much time you spend on the project, you’ll receive payment in full on an agreed-upon date. Regardless of whether you charge hourly, weekly, or a flat fee, it’s important to assess a property in person before setting an official price for a job. Many factors may influence your rates, including:
The size of the area that needs cleaning
The number of cleaners on the job
The variety of surfaces that need cleaning (e.g., glass, hardwood, etc.)
If the client requires special services (e.g., window, carpet, or dry cleaning)
The number of hours required to complete the task
You may also consider adjusting your rates if the work changes. For example, a neglected building might require more effort to clean initially, but after a regular cleaning schedule, its condition improves and it requires less work to maintain. In this case, you may adjust your rates to reflect your efforts.