When doing Villas type high end apts. what is some good points to keep in mind, and what does the client want to hear?

Whats a good way to charge for cleaning apts. after move-outs that will be economical for the Manager and profitable for the cleaner.

Thomas you seem to specialize in this area. Any suggestions?

Rick forgive me if i'm crossing the line of commercial & residential talk on your board. Please edit it if this is the case.

Thanks
Your Servant Alex

Cultivate the "OCCD" you had at first for the industry!

Its O.K. guys, Rick's not gonna fine you.
share your experiences with high rise condos with us.
What are their main concerns and interest? Safety? Dri-times?


Thanks
Your Servant Alex

Cultivate the "OCCD" you had at first for the industry!

Here is my experience on moveouts.

1)  The owner (apartments, individual- whatever) ALMOST ALWAYS wants a good price over good quality.  Remember the name of the game for them is positive cash flow- NOT paying for carpet cleaning.

2)  Inspect moveouts VERY well.  More often then not they are much more trashed then a current tenant situation because they are leaving they don't care anymore.

3)  Pay attention to how much dry soil there is.  I have learned the hard way that tenants SUCK HORRIBLY at vacuuming.  I have spent as much time pre-vacing as cleaning on some move outs and had to eat my time- so check well on pre-inspection.

4)  Make yourself as efficient as possible so that you can offer a competitive price.

5)  Know your costs and when you give your price (most likely higher then some bait and switcher they are currently using).  The fact that they called you is a BUYING SIGNAL otherwise they would call the other guy back.  The fact that they want you to clean- BUT lower your price is a MAJOR BUYING SIGNAL- stick to your guns if your price is fair.

Make you own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

With move-outs, we have always done ALL of the cleaning (kitchen, bathrooms, windows, etc.) for those units. People liked the convenience of the all in on service. When that's the case, sometimes price isn't everything, as property managers and owners don't want to deal with the hassle of setting up multiple vendors.

I wouldn't really discount my rate too much in those cases. As was stated earlier, move-out carpets are often in far worse shape than in occupied situations. It's being cleaning only because it has to be. Of course you can work quicker due to being empty. Vacuuming is huge. Ton's of objects and years of dirt will be crashing into your vacuum.

With property managers, it's really about forming a trusting relationship with them. They know your work and don't have to worry about it once they call you. Then price won't be the biggest factor.

Of course I've come across many horrible property managers. Got to find those that care about their properties and want quality work.

This management wants an outside vendor to do the whole building (about 200 units) when needed. Units only
I'm wondering if I should put a minimum on the bid (min.5 units per month). Whatta ya think guys? If I don't, I could be going out for a measely 1 Studio cleaning at 300s.f.

Anyway, thanks for the input. It itself was helpful words.

Thanks
Your Servant Alex

Cultivate the "OCCD" you had at first for the industry!

If you haven't already, I would schedule to have a nice face to face chat with the manager. You could find out the quality they are interested in and if the bidding will be solely based on price. Plus, it is part of the whole relationship building process.

Have you been able to provide a demo for him? You could offer to do a studio for free just to see the quality of your work.

Only after doing these things will you proposal stand out from others beyond just the price.