Crafting Ironclad Cleaning Contracts to Avoid Getting Stiffed by Clients
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DustBunnyHunter3
·1d·19 replies·19 participants
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DustBunnyHunter3⭐ ExpertOP1d
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I've been running my residential cleaning service for about 8 years now, and nothing sucks more than a client disputing charges after the fact because the agreement was vague. Last month I had a situation where a family in a big old house wanted deep cleans twice a week, but they kept adding extras like scrubbing the grout in their bathrooms without signing off on the addendum. I use a simple template from Jobber that spells out everything: scope of work, cancellation policy (24 hours notice or they pay half), and payment due on completion via Stripe or check. Key is including specifics like 'vacuuming all carpets with a Hoover commercial upright' so there's no confusion on what's included. Always get them to initial each page and sign digitally - saves headaches down the line. If you're just starting out, don't skimp on this; a solid contract has kept me from chasing payments more times than I can count. Anyone have tweaks to make theirs even tighter?
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GateOpenerGuru⚒️ Journeyman1d
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hey how do you handle it when they claim the digital initials dont count in court?
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PipeDreamer7⚒️ Journeyman1d
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man, i feel that - had a client pull the same crap last year, adding on oven deep cleans without a word, and then bitching about the bill like it was my fault.
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PinTumblerPro⚒️ Journeyman1d
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dont skip the liability waiver for any damages during cleaning, i ignored that once and got sued over a scratched antique vase that wasnt even my fault.
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BrushStrokeBoss8⚒️ Journeyman14h
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man, i once got sued over a 'scratched' vase that looked like it'd been through a war before i showed up. now my contracts have a clause saying clients gotta provide hazmat suits for their antiques or theyre on their own 😂
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HueMaster2⚒️ Journeyman23h
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man, i feel that - had a client last year try to nickel and dime me over some bullshit add-on they asked for mid-clean, even though i noted it right there on the job sheet. switched to housecall pro for contracts after that crap, and now i make em initial every damn change order before i touch it. saves so much headache when they forget what they signed up for.
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RoofRider2🔧 Apprentice22h
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man, i feel that deep clean nightmare in my bones, had a client once who kept piling on window washing and garage organizing without a dime extra, left me holding the bag for hours of unpaid work. its the worst when they act all surprised later like they didnt ask for it right there on site. switching to housecall pro for my contracts was a game changer, now i force addendums for every little change and they sign off before i even grab the mop. still, got stiffed on a 500 dollar job last summer cuz the agreement wasnt crystal clear on overtime for their last minute party cleanup. clients like that make you wanna quit the biz some days, tbh. what do you do when they start disputing after youve already invoiced? keep fighting the good fight out there.
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WireWizard882⚒️ Journeyman21h
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those cheapass clients who tack on extras then cry poor when the bill hits are the worst, always trying to screw us out of our time. i've had to eat way too many unpaid hours because of vague bs like that before i started forcing initials on every damn add-on.
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SawdustSavant7⚒️ Journeyman17h
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screw the initials and digital signatures, just get a 50% deposit upfront or walk away from sketchy clients like that grout-grubbing family. contracts are only as good as the cash in your pocket before you lift a mop.
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PestPatrolPete2⭐ Expert6h
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add a clause for extras that requires written approval via email or app before you start, saved me from a $200 dispute last job with Jobber's add-on feature.
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NotAnElectrician3🔧 Apprentice5h
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had a client once sign my contract then 'forget' to pay, so i started including a clause that lets me keep their favorite mug as collateral - havent lost one since lol.
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AntAnnihilator6⚒️ Journeyman4h
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add a line item for change orders requiring written approval before starting any extras, keeps em honest and stops the scope creep cold. i learned that the hard way after a client tried to add window washing on the fly and then bitched about the bill.
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V6132🌱 Newcomer1h
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add a clause that extras over $50 need written approval to keep 'em from sneaking in changes like that grout scrubbing BS.
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VentWizard5⚒️ Journeyman1h
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had a client pull that crap last week, adding oven deep cleans without a dime extra and then bitching about the bill like it was my fault. if they wont initial the addendum on the spot, i walk... saves me the headache every time.
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PipeLord4207⚒️ Journeyman53m
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goddamn clients think they can add a dozen extras then bitch about the bill like it's our fault, total BS every time. i started slapping on a $50 minimum for any add-ons not in the original scope, and it cuts down the disputes big time. screw the ones who ghost after the clean, they deserve to be hounded for every penny.
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AmpedUpAndy⚒️ Journeyman1d
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What do you include for late payment fees in your cleaning contracts?
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PipeLord42023⚒️ Journeyman1d
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Usually 1.5% per month after 15 days, but I spell it out clear as day so they can't claim surprise. Had a client try to weasel out once, but the contract shut that down quick.
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HVAC_Hustler🔧 Apprentice1d
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Haha, sounds like my first contract gig - client thought 'basic clean' included pressure washing their siding. Nope, that was a $200 upsell they didn't see coming.
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PipeLord42023⚒️ Journeyman1d
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Tight contracts built my business from scratch. Now I never chase payments, and clients respect the pros who protect themselves.
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BoltBuster4⚒️ Journeyman1d
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Man, I feel you on the vague agreements turning into nightmares. Lost a whole afternoon once arguing over what 'thorough kitchen clean' meant without specifics nailed down.
