My name is Mari. I recently started a cleaning company. I have already cleaned serveral homes but I am having a hard time as to what I am suppose to charge. I do not have much experience in this field but thought it would be a good flexible job while I am in school. I have tried to get advice from people in the business but nobody likes to talk about they success secrets. Is there anyone that can lend a helping hand with any useful advice? Thank you and I look forward to your feedback!:o

Hi there,

I work for a home care agency that does everything for the client from cleaning to personal cares to errands, etc. The agency charges $15.00/hour. There are some agencies that charge more, but they are also nursing skilled, which is not what you are looking at.

It is not inappropriate to charge $15.00/hour for cleaning services. My best friend pays that for her cleaning person and says the lady is well worth it. If you charge less than $10.00 you will be in the hole. Remember you will be self employed and need to cover your expenses, taxes, worker's compensation, etc. Yes, you can deduct some of those expenses.

There should be some good resources on starting a small business at your local library. Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce has information or even the Small Business Administration.

I think it is great you are willing to go out there and make a new venture. Good luck!

Your rates should vary based on location and experience. Some geographical areas command a higher rate than others. Also, you may want to quote by the home, not by the hour. Always pad your expected time to cover unforseen circumstances. So you may quote a home that you feel you can clean in 3 hours, at a rate of $12/hour, but instead of asking $36 you ask $42. And once you get in the groove with steady customers, you will be able to work faster and be out of there sooner without taking a cut in profit.
You really need to do some homework locally, you don't want to price yourself out of the market, but you also don't want to sell yourself short.

For a first time cleaning I charge $30 an hour. When working by myself. Here in No. Va that is lower than other companies 1st time cleans. To help you, call other cleaning services in your area and ask them what they charge for a 1st time clean and find out how many people are on the team that they send and divide the amount accordingly. You can explain to the client that you need to bring her home up to a high standard of cleanliness and then maintain it. In setting the ongoing rate, you have to consider how much time goes by in between cleanings. For instance, if they want you to clean once a month, more dirt/dust will accumulate. So remember that when setting the rate. Ultimately you need to figure out what your time is worth & don't be afraid to charge them. The client will love the way her house looks and will typically pay you what you ask for ongoing cleaning.