Natural Choice Cleaning FAQ
Here is a list of common questions new clients ask me. I wanted to provide this FAQ page so that you are able to see exactly how I run Natural Choice Cleaning. I pride myself on how well I run my business, being organized and providing a top quality cleaning service to North Bay Ontario and surrounding areas. This page goes into detail about my cleaning services and I frequently add more information when I come across more questions that my prospective or current clients have. If you have more questions please do send me an email or give me, Jennifer, a call.
Is the business you run a small or large business?
I get this question all of the time because I have a professional website and a "business" phone number. I am a small business owner, I work for myself and usually on my own. I enjoy running my own business because it is a sense of accompaniment for me. I like to provide a great service to the community and help out my clients whenever possible. I also take pride in my marketing abilities, such as, my website, grocery store ads, and online classified ads.
Why is your phone number out of Toronto?
The phone company I have decided to go with for my business is a 877 number which is toll free to you. It is run over the internet, usually known as a VoIP line. It is based out of Toronto. This company had the best deal with the most features for a business number. In order for me to claim my phone use as a business expense I am required to have a business number. If you call me my home phone will ring twice first. If I am not at home to answer it will then ring my cell phone. If I am unable to answer my cell phone you will then get my answering machine. I am usually available to answer the phone unless I am driving, a vacuum is on and I cannot hear the phone or I am with another client at the moment. Please do leave me a message and I will return your call shortly.
Do you provide in-home assessments and free quotes?
Yes. Start by giving me, Jen, a call. You will be asked a few questions about what type of services you require, size of home, location, etc. At this time we can set up a time to do the home assessment. We then meet with you to go over the fine details of your requirements and provide you with a rate that will suit your budget.
How long will the home assessment take?
I can usually do a full assessment and quotation in 20-30 minutes. If you have a lot of questions or would like to get more detailed in your planning, please allow more time.
Do you provide anything in writing?
Yes, I provide you with a printed copy of your custom cleaning plan. It’s my promise of service to you. This provides both of us with a valuable reference tool as I strive to be consistent and reliable.
Do you charge hourly or by the job?
My rates depend on which service you need. As for residential house cleaning, I prefer to give you a flat rate. I like to set up an interview with my prospective client to go over exactly what you need. You can show me around your home and point out things that are important to you or things that you do not need done. I take all of this information into consideration and give you a fair rate. I also "shop" around from time to time to see what my main competitors are charging to ensure that I am not over charging and that I am providing my clients with the best possible rate for the service I provide. Because I am not a large company I am able to have lower rates than the larger cleaning companies in North Bay while providing the equivalent and most often a better cleaning service, giving you more bang for your buck! If you are interested in getting a free estimate please give me a call to set up your interview.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, e-mail money transfers and personal cheques. I require that payments be made at the time of the visit or before. Cash and cheques can be put into a sealed envelope with Natural Choice Cleaning written on the front. All cheques must be made out to Jennifer Vesterback.
Do you provide a receipt?
Yes. I provide you with a written receipt at the time of each visit.
Do you provide a specific time and day in which you will come to clean?
Yes, I do provide you with a day(s) of the week in which I will clean your home. I give you an estimated time as well. I ask clients to understand that there may be times when I will arrive a bit early or a bit later than I had expected. There are many variables that dictate our timing during the day so I may not always arrive right at a specific time, although I certainly do try as best as possible to stick to my schedule. If you are home while I am cleaning I will give you a call if I will be early or late. If there is going to be a change in my schedule in advance I will call and let you know.
Is your work guaranteed?
Absolutely! If you're not 100% satisfied, call me by 11 AM the following day and I will gladly return to re-clean the area of concern for free.
Do you use environmentally friendly products and practices?
Yes. I am committed to making the minimum impact on the environment while providing the best quality service to you. I provide high quality green certified cleaning products. I also provide washable high quality microfibre cloths to use instead of paper towel. I also do my best to book clients who are in the same areas of town on the same day to reduce gasoline consumption.
Do you bring all your own equipment and supplies?
Yes. Everything (aside from speciality cleaners).
You don’t have to worry about remembering to buy or put out any supplies. I transport all tools and supplies to your home, for each cleaning.
I use Dyson vacuum systems. I use truly green products (with Canadian and USA eco-seals) or all natural cleaning supplies and reusable microfibre cloths.
Is there any cleaners the client must supply?
The only cleaners I ask you to provide are speciality cleaners such as, granite counter cleaners/sealers, stainless steel appliance cleaner & ceramic stove top cleaners/scrubbers. If I notice that there is a specialty cleaner that I do not carry & is needed to preform a specific job I will let you know during the interview. I do my best to provide all cleaners that are environmentally friendly. Not only are these cleaners better for the environment but they are better for my health too.
What if I have pets?
I love pets. Ideally, you would introduce me to your pet(s) during the initial visit. I also carry treats for dogs so they begin to know me and look forward to me arriving. Please let me know if your pets have any odd behaviours, such as, biting the vacuum and what to do in this case.
Will you be the only cleaner?
Yes, typically I am the only cleaner. I do hire one or two other cleaners if I get really busy. If I am considering hiring another cleaner I will notify you before doing so. I give formal interviews when hiring additional cleaners. As my client you will be given the opportunity to sit in as part of my interviewing team. You are more than welcome to ask questions as well. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Are your employees checked out before they are hired?
Yes. Every new employee must undergo a criminal record check. Also, their personal and employment references are thoroughly checked. Finally, they are fully trained, supervised and their performance is monitored for all of our Natural Choice Cleaning services. All of my employees are bonded and insured.
Will the same cleaners clean each and every time?
Yes, your cleaning team will always consist of me, Jen, and an employee of mine. It is my philosophy that we do not just clean houses, we clean homes and get to know the home owners individually and build professional relationships.
Do we safety train our cleaning services staff?
Yes. I thoroughly train all of our cleaning staff. Each new cleaner is trained by me. My expectations are high which guarantees you the high quality service you deserve and expect. I also provide our cleaners with bonus incentives that are based on customer satisfaction.
Do you wear street shoes in the house?
No. I always wear clean shoes while cleaning and these are never worn outdoors. Shoes also provide an important safety tool.
Do you use a quality control checklist?
Yes. I follow the customizable 49 point checklist you filled out during your interview to make sure I complete all of the jobs we discussed.
How can I give you feedback?
If you are home you are always welcome to provide feedback during the cleaning. If you will not be home you are welcome to leave a note for me. You may want to provide a note to let me know if someone new is visiting your home, if someone is supposed to be stopping by, if you have an extra request or reminder for me, etc. This note will be addressed upon receipt and will be stored in your client folder in my office. Or, you can e-mail me directly at jennifer@naturalchoicecleaning.com and I will take care of you right away. You can also give me, Jen, a call to provide feedback. I like to have an open and honest professional relationship with my clients.
Do I need to be at home during the cleaning services?
I do not require you to be home but should feel comfortable staying at home if you choose. If you choose to provide keys or security codes, I keep them in a safe in my office. Or, you can let me know where you hide the key at home or where I can pick it up from a neighbour. And if you live in a condo, I can pick up the key from the concierge.
What days and hours can I have my home cleaned?
Residential Homes: Monday to Friday: 8:30a.m. to 8:30p.m.
Commercial Cleanings: Day, Evening, Weekends. Hours are based on clients needs.
Do you clean condos?
Yes. And nanny suites, semi-detached, duplexes and town houses. Anywhere people call home, I can clean.
Do you provide special offers for new and existing clients?
Yes. I provide many different ways for new and existing clients to save money. You can visit my rates page to see the special offers I am currently offering
I have a home and a business that I need cleaned on a regular basis. Do you provide discounts for my type of situation?
Yes. I offer a discounted hourly rate for your business cleaning. I would meet with you to discuss your business and home cleaning needs and then I can provide you with a fair rate
Do you provide references?
Yes, I can provide you with references. I have several clients that you can contact. They would be happy to answer any questions you may have