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Post by beaglemom on Sept 6, 2017 4:56:46 GMT
Our cleaning ladies (two cousins - late 50s/early 60s) started in August 2014. When they first started it was going to be just one of them and she quoted me "$22.00 an hour or the flat rate is $120.00 which at 5 hours works out to $24.00 an hour." Even before she started she decided it was better if her cousin helped her, because she has a bad back and we have a pretty big house, but said she would still charge the same rate.
We were gone Dec 16 - Jan 2, 2015 and came home to a bill for 40 + hours. They had asked if there were extra projects they could do while we were gone and they did a fantastic job - but I freaked a little bit when I came home to that. And at the same time she upped their rate to $25 an hour.
A year in, August 2015, she said it was taking them longer than before so it was going to be $225 a week.
December 2015/January 2016 came home from the holidays to a bill for 65 hours and horrible floors. They had tried some sort of treatment on our matte hardwood floors that turned them shiny and they looked horrible! But I didn't want to deal with paying them to try to fix it so I just paid the hours and let it go.
In March 2016 we moved from our bottom level up to our top level. Essentially closing off the bottom 2,500 sq ft. So they no longer had to do 3 bedrooms and a bathroom down there. I asked if the rate would change since they were doing a lot less. She told me no. I let it go because I had a newborn and in theory, they do a pretty good job, and it wasn't worth losing them over at the time.
In July we were away again for a couple weeks and she decided to try to "fix" the floors and I came home to another 40+ hour bill and the floors look better, but they aren't back to what they were before.
Since then the main lady's ability and health have been declining. Numerous hospitalizations - for sickness and back/pain issues. She works much slower and she has had her cousin take over more and more of the duties. She is down to just doing the kitchen and 2 bathrooms. One of the bathrooms the toilet gets used maybe once a day along with the sink, but the shower/bath never gets used - so doesn't take much. The other bathroom has a shower, toilet, and one sink.
So last week I come home to a note saying "hope back to school is going well and our rate is going up $40 a week." I know it takes them less than 4 hours a week. I have come home before after 2.5 hours and they are already gone. I am sure that sometimes it takes closer to 5 hours, but often it takes a lot less. Her cousin was here babysitting my youngest (she is wonderful, my kids love her, and she does a great job with them). And I read her the note, the look on her face told me that she was surprised. She said that her cousin had mentioned it and that she had told her that they were already probably charging me too much and that she didn't feel right upping the price.
I'm torn, we can afford it, but the principle of it annoys me. Yes, it is taking her longer, but that is because of her choices (being told by her doctor to take 8-12 weeks off after surgery and only taking 4 and then having to have the surgery again because she overdid it).
At this rate it would be cheaper for me to pay her cousin to do the 4 hours she does and then to babysit for 2 hours while I do the kitchen and bathrooms myself.
But I know that cleaning for me and for my mom (every other week) is her only real source of income and that things are tight.
My schedule has changed and I no longer have a set time that I am out of the house every week. So I need to get them to commit to a specific day and times (I used to be out of the house every M, W, F 8-3). We live 30 minutes from anything (they both live 10 minutes away). And I have a 17-month old that needs to nap.
Last bit - it's very possible that we are going to move within the next 4-6 months and will be putting our house on the market. Do I suck it up for the next 6 months and just plan to cut the ties when we move? Or do I end it now?
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Post by burningfeather on Sept 6, 2017 5:07:39 GMT
Honest answer? Their financial problems are not yours. If the situation isn't working for you anymore, then I would simply say "thank you so much for the service over the past 2 years. My situation has changed recently so I won't be needing your services."
And then find a less expensive option that will come at a regularly scheduled time for an agreed upon amount.
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Post by smokeynspike on Sept 6, 2017 5:12:28 GMT
I would have quit that service after your vacation in 2015 when you came home to a surprise 40+ hours bill. It seems to me that you are being taken advantage of by these cleaners.
I don't care if I could afford it and what their personal lives are like, at the end of the day you are paying them to perform a service that lots of other people could do for probably a much cheaper rate at the same level of proficiency (or better).
Melissa
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Post by kkrenn on Sept 6, 2017 5:13:22 GMT
This is a business transaction, and I don't think you should consider where their income is coming from. You need to take care of you and yours and although it would be difficult for me to do so, I would let her go.
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zella
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,884 
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Post by zella on Sept 6, 2017 5:16:03 GMT
I really think she's been taking advantage of you and you should have put your foot down a long time ago.
Where do you live? I ask because my mom lives in Tucson and the going rate is $10-$12 an hour. I live outside of Seattle, and the rate here is usually $25 an hour per person. That is as high as it should get, IMO, and even for a big house, two people should be able to finish within 3 hours, 4 at the outside. So that still wouldn't be more than $200, and again, that's high.
Coming home to horrible floors and a bill for it? Well, you really should have insisted they fixed that. Not changing the rate but doing half the work? That is taking advantage. You said $40 a week; are you talking $40 an hour? Or was that a typo for $400?
Look, you can pay it, but you shouldn't have to. In my opinion you need to find a new cleaning person or people. Now. Tell your current lady that you can't pay her price anymore and that you've found someone else. I mean, you know for a fact that they have charged you $225 for 2 1/2 hours; that is robbery! You have been far too kind and lenient, and she has taken advantage. It needs to end. Find that new cleaner. Don't give her a chance to change her price or anything; she's shown that she will fleece you given the opportunity. If you want to pay the one woman to babysit, make that a completely separate deal and don't talk with the first woman about it.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,394
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Sept 6, 2017 5:43:13 GMT
Let them go. Immediately. You should be the one who is calling the shots, not the cleaning g lady. You would be better off using an agency, with a clear contract, and younger, fitter employees, not someone who makes it up as she goes along because she is strapped for cash, and, to be blunt, she has found you an easy touch.
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Post by myshelly on Sept 6, 2017 5:48:22 GMT
You have been getting hosed for years.
I can't fathom having someone damage my floors and paying them for it.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Sept 6, 2017 6:14:17 GMT
Let them go. Immediately. You should be the one who is calling the shots, not the cleaning g lady. You would be better off using an agency, with a clear contract, and younger, fitter employees, not someone who makes it up as she goes along because she is strapped for cash, and, to be blunt, she has found you an easy touch.  If it had been my home, they would have been sacked when they ruined the finish on the floor and then had to audacity to charge me for it! You need to decide if you want to employ a housekeeper or if you want to run a charity. At the moment you are running a charity. |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Sept 6, 2017 10:29:53 GMT
They are taking advantage of you. I would let them go immediately.
Personally, I think house cleaning should be paid by the job, not by the hour. With the theory of....everyone moves/works at a different paces, so what one person can accomplish in two hours, it may take another four hours to accomplish. Also, if you pay by the hour, some but not all, might be inclined to work slower in order to pad the bill, get paid more hours.
You should list what services you want done, and ask for a quote per job.
Example:
Weekly:
Bathroom(s): clean toilet, clean shower/tub, wipe counters, sweep and mop floor, clean mirror.
Dust: General surfaces, cabinetry, knickknacks throughout the living spaces(not bedrooms)
Vacuuming, sweep, or mop: living room, kitchen, bedrooms.
Laundry: remove bed linens, wash and dry bed linens, remake beds.
Monthly: Base boards, dust mini blinds.
The price of extra added on services (stuff you want done, while you are away for a few days) should be agreed upon before the task is started.
In my opinion, everyone's housekeeping needs are different, therefore prices should be charged accordingly, based on required services for each job. All services required, and estimates for the said services/job should be in writing, that way the expectations of what's to be done and what's to be paid are clear and concise.
Edited to add: Also in writing, note the time/day in which the services will be performed. As well as the billing expectations. $xxx per week for weekly service, $xxx per month for the monthly services.
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,151
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Sept 6, 2017 10:35:20 GMT
I agree with what has been said already, she's been taking advantage because you've allowed it.
To be honest, I would have let her go a long time ago, but since you seem to like her and are possibly moving i'd consider retaining her....BUT it is time to push back and tell her that all you can afford is $225 a week (her current rate I believe), no extra's!!! If she doesn't like that, then you have your out.
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Post by Really Red on Sept 6, 2017 10:58:16 GMT
I agree with others. They are taking advantage of you. I am relatively certain if you told them you couldn't pay the extra, then they'd stay at their same price, but it doesn't seem worth it to me. I'd ask around and find someone else for the time before your move.
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tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
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Post by tduby1 on Sept 6, 2017 11:09:34 GMT
You have been getting hosed for years. I can't fathom having someone damage my floors and paying them for it. ...and then paying them AGAIN to try to fix it. |
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Post by hop2 on Sept 6, 2017 11:28:43 GMT
Seriously where do you live, I know some cleaning people for you.  and they'd be super happy with $25/hr As previous pea said, sounds like your running a charity. |
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,960
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Post by Nanner on Sept 6, 2017 11:50:42 GMT
I would have cancelled them after they gave you the 40 hour bill in 2015. If not, then definitely when they ruined your floors. They really have been taking advantage of you.
I recently cancelled mine because they didn't lock my door when they left.
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Post by Merge on Sept 6, 2017 12:13:34 GMT
It's the norm here for housecleaners to charge by the job, not by the hour, unless you're asking them to do things outside the normal, agreed-upon job.
I agree that I would have let them go after they ruined the finish on the floors.
Tell them you're sorry, but you won't need their services any more. And then get some quotes from other people/companies.
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Post by compeateropeator on Sept 6, 2017 12:24:26 GMT
Truthfully I am a procrastinator and the thought of having to go out and find someone I trust (or at least trust as much) and go through the whole process of you both getting on to the same page about what and how things are done...I would probably not let her go immediately.
I would hold out until I know for sure if we were moving or not, especially if her fee is close to the going rate around your area. But I would also be keeping my eye out for someone new, especially if you end up staying.
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tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
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Post by tduby1 on Sept 6, 2017 14:11:53 GMT
I am confused. Are they charging a flat rate or a rate per hour?
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PaperAngel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,305
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Sept 6, 2017 14:37:40 GMT
If I understand correctly, the rate has gone from $120/week to clean 5,000 heated sq ft (assuming your top floor is the same size as the bottom & no mezzanine) to $225/week (& just increased to $400/week?) to clean half the amount of space. In addition, you've paid a total of $3,625 (40+65+40 hrs @ $25/hr) over the years for extra projects that resulted in damage to your home.
Regardless your or their financial situations, why continue to grant this crew access to your home, family, & wallet? I suggest informing them that you no longer need their cleaning services (& change your locks) today!
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Post by 950nancy on Sept 6, 2017 15:13:16 GMT
If cleaning one house a week is their income, they might need a different plan. It isn't up to you to pay whatever they want. That is crazy, if you can find a reliable, cheaper cleaner, do so.
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Post by epeanymous on Sept 6, 2017 15:16:03 GMT
The creeping rates and declining services mean it is time to move on for you.
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,728
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Sept 6, 2017 16:38:14 GMT
Those rates are not creeping, they are skyrocketing. Go get yourself some quotes for reputable cleaning people. Then hire one of them.
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Post by beaglemom on Sept 6, 2017 17:39:18 GMT
I am confused. Are they charging a flat rate or a rate per hour? We were being charged $225 a week. When she went to that she gave me the option of doing that or paying $25 an hour/per person and her telling me the hours at the end of the day for payment the next week or just a flat $225. I went with the $225 because I didn't want to have to deal with it. She is now asking for $265 a week. Which in theory works out to $30 an hour since a number of hours isn't changing. To answer a few questions. We live in the "Bay Area" but slightly rural. So it was nice having someone close by that could do it and wasn't having to drive up to us. I know I could ask on our local email group for recommendations and get someone else. It was mostly not wanting to have to deal with it. I agree that they have been taking advantage...I'm a softie. The cousin babysat my youngest this morning and we talked some more about it. And she agrees that it isn't right and she is totally okay with me telling the main lady that we don't need them anymore. She (the cousin/babysitter) said she would be happy to continue doing my floors and changing my sheets (I'm 12 weeks pregnant and our Cal King bed is a pain in the rear to change the sheets on). And I am more than happy to pay her to do it. Working on drafting the email! |
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tduby1
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,979
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Post by tduby1 on Sept 6, 2017 17:42:51 GMT
I am confused. Are they charging a flat rate or a rate per hour? We were being charged $225 a week. When she went to that she gave me the option of doing that or paying $25 an hour/per person and her telling me the hours at the end of the day for payment the next week or just a flat $225. I went with the $225 because I didn't want to have to deal with it. She is now asking for $265 a week. Which in theory works out to $30 an hour since a number of hours isn't changing. but then it sounds like they are charging you hourly when it suits them? I guess that is what threw me. |
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Post by beaglemom on Sept 6, 2017 18:09:21 GMT
They do charge hourly when they do more than the regular weekly stuff.
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Post by burningfeather on Sept 6, 2017 18:34:01 GMT
They do charge hourly when they do more than the regular weekly stuff. But it sounds like that's more whenever they feel like they want to do something or is it by request or after checking with you? Because the thought of a surprise hourly bill for "extra" work would be a deal breaker with me. One of the reasons that I keep the cleaning service that I do is because they have a 4 week rotation where each area of the house (depending on the week) gets heavy cleaning, baseboards cleaned by hand, extra attention to furniture/floors, wall washing, etc. It's built into the time and since it's a relatively small section of the home each week, the task isn't really "extra" for them, but it makes sure that each part of my home gets a heavy cleaning at least every month. They have a very detailed list of what cleaning they do in each room weekly and then an additional list of what constitutes the heavy cleaning rotation tasks. I think having clear expectations and guidelines is beneficial for all parties. I know, for example, which week the bathrooms are going to get extra attention or which week all of the living room furniture is going to be thoroughly vacuumed. In our area, most services charge by "man hours" so they may say that your home will take 3 man hours per week to clean at $20 per man hour, but if they send 2 people, you can expect it to take an hour and a half or if they send 3 people, it only takes an hour. The price doesn't change but the time that it takes them does depending on how many people are on the cleaning team that week. Individual cleaners - those working for themselves - seem to charge per job and mostly work independently. I've avoided using them because I prefer a company that sends 2-3 people so that they can be in and out more quickly since I'm home or use that time to run short errands. I've found having someone in my home for 3-4 hours at a time cleaning makes me uncomfortable since I can't move about the house and usually end up staying in the office (and of course that's the time when I suddenly get hungry, need something from another room, or urgently need to use the bathroom) |
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Post by thracian on Sept 6, 2017 18:34:45 GMT
Go to Thumbtack and get some quotes. You will find something much better for you. What you've got now sounds crazy! |
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Post by beaglemom on Sept 6, 2017 18:41:38 GMT
Go to Thumbtack and get some quotes. You will find something much better for you. What you've got now sounds crazy! Just checked and the price range is $190-$305 a week. |
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Post by flanz on Sept 6, 2017 18:54:46 GMT
They are taking advantage of you. I would let them go immediately. Personally, I think house cleaning should be paid by the job, not by the hour. With the theory of....everyone moves/works at a different paces, so what one person can accomplish in two hours, it may take another four hours to accomplish. Also, if you pay by the hour, some but not all, might be inclined to work slower in order to pad the bill, get paid more hours. You should list what services you want done, and ask for a quote per job. Example: Weekly: Bathroom(s): clean toilet, clean shower/tub, wipe counters, sweep and mop floor, clean mirror. Dust: General surfaces, cabinetry, knickknacks throughout the living spaces(not bedrooms) Vacuuming, sweep, or mop: living room, kitchen, bedrooms. Laundry: remove bed linens, wash and dry bed linens, remake beds. Monthly: Base boards, dust mini blinds. The price of extra added on services (stuff you want done, while you are away for a few days) should be agreed upon before the task is started. In my opinion, everyone's housekeeping needs are different, therefore prices should be charged accordingly, based on required services for each job. All services required, and estimates for the said services/job should be in writing, that way the expectations of what's to be done and what's to be paid are clear and concise. Edited to add: Also in writing, note the time/day in which the services will be performed. As well as the billing expectations. $xxx per week for weekly service, $xxx per month for the monthly services. I think this is really smart, though I'm not doing it myself. I became very ill 5 years ago, and was very unwell for two years. At the beginning of that time, we hired a lovely 40yo woman to clean. We can afford it, so kept her and still use her services. She is thorough but she does not work at a fast pace. She also cleans 7 days a week, saving money to send to family in Mexico and to retire there some day. I trust her completely and we pay her $25 an hour, plus almost every time she comes I do my Costco run while she is here and pick up rotis. chicken for both of us, something she loves. I am almost always here either working alongside of her on bigger, extra type tasks, or working on personal stuff on m y computer. I sometimes change up what I ask her to do and say, instead of doing x,y,z, today, can you please wash all of the outdoor furniture really thoroughly? She's flexible and a pleasure to have around. When she returns to Mexico or for some other reason can't work for us anymore, I will likely do exactly as you have outlined here, ScrapbookMyLife. |
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,596
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Sept 6, 2017 19:07:34 GMT
It doesn't matter if you can afford it - if they are not providing the service you want or need, you shouldn't have to pay them for it.
That being said, I'm a big chicken when it comes to my cleaning lady and I would probably just cut ties when I move, if I'm being totally honest.
ETA: where do you live? I live in Fairfield County, in the NYC metropolitan area (one of the most expensive areas in the country) and I pay 125.00 for a woman to clean my whole 4000 sq ft house. Your lady's prices seem REALLY high! (just saw it was Bay Area - still think it's steep.)
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Post by alexa11 on Sept 6, 2017 19:12:40 GMT
I would have cut them loose a long time ago!
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If it had been my home, they would have been sacked when they ruined the finish on the floor and then had to audacity to charge me for it!
and they'd be super happy with $25/hr
