TwoMaids Blog

Gearing Up For Gustav

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:44:00 +0000

Well, if you live anywhere along the gulf coast then you are probably a little bit nervous right now. Gustav is headed straight for the gulf coast and it is expected to arrive early next week.

Of course, no one knows where landfall will be at this point. So there's really no reason to get too nervous just yet. So relax.

Of course, if the storm does hit our area - we will be ready. Two Maids & A Mop has already been through two major hurricanes and we came away with valuable learning lessons. So don't worry. As long as you want us in your home, we'll be there just as soon as the storm passes....

One-Time Cleaning Packages

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:08:00 +0000

The Deep Cleaning Package
Our most thorough, most detailed cleaning package. A top to bottom cleaning that will leave your home looking cleaner than ever before!! Rates are based on an hourly rate and most deep cleanings require anywhere from 4-7 hours for completion. We do not offer a more detailed cleaning package.

The Spic & Span Cleaning Package
Most people that select this cleaning package fall in love with it because you receive so much value. With this package, you will receive a team of two maids for three hours. In some cases, this package can accomplish many of the same things as a deep cleaning - that's why so many people decide to utilize the package. The normal rate for this type of cleaning is $190.

The Clean As A Whistle Cleaning Package
Perfect for a three bedroom/two bath home that just needs a little TLC. With this package, you will receive a team of two maids for 2.5 hours. The normal rate for this cleaning package is $155.

The Tidy Up Cleaning Package
If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, then this cleaning package is made for you. With this package, you'll receive a team of two maids for 2 hours. The normal rate for this type of cleaning package is $125.

The Many Uses Of Vinegar

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:23:00 +0000

Are you ready to be astounded by vinegar's power over that grunge in your bathroom or on your hardwood floors? Believe it or not, vinegar is an extraordinary cleaning and deodorizing agent.

Click here for the full article.

Ugghhh....

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:07:00 +0000

Quit hiring cleaning ladies. How many times does it have to happen before you wake up and realize that hiring a housecleaner should be treated in the same manner as hiring any other professional?

SCOTTSDALE, PA -- A cleaning lady faces charges of stealing more than $15,000 in jewelry, coins and cash from two residences where she was hired to clean a house and care for a dog.

Scottdale police charged Patti Banaszak with numerous counts of theft and receiving stolen property in the incidents.

Pamela Soforic told police she hired Banaszak as a cleaning lady in July. Soon after, she began to notice small amounts of money missing from a petty cash box in her home. Soforic said she then discovered two diamond rings missing from her bedroom dresser drawer. Concerned, she searched for other items and found them missing as well.

The inventory included a gold band, a diamond ring, a diamond tennis bracelet, a sterling tennis bracelet, three gold coins, a roll of uncirculated silver dollar coins, $100 in cash and a watch.

After police contacted local jewelry stores, they learned Banaszak had been to a store at least three times and allegedly sold the missing items. Most had been converted by the business for use in making jewelry, police said.

Police said while interviewing Soforic, her neighbor informed them she had given Banaszak a key to her home to take care of her dog while she was out of town the previous weekend. The neighbor checked her valuables and told police she was missing a gold charm bracelet and a diamond/gold bracelet.

Start Hiring Professionals!

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:42:00 +0000

More Victims Of Cleaning Thief in Virginia

Presenting the quote that should be at the top of every professional cleaning company's website or brochure..........

"We should have paid more attention when we started to have suspicion that something just wasn't right," said one resident who had employed Martinez for 11 years and developed deep ties with her.

You can't expect to be treated like a customer if you don't treat your service provider like a professional. Start acting like a customer. Start hiring a professional.

Another Cleaning Lady Steals From Her Customers

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:46:00 +0000

The choice is yours to make. You can hire a professional cleaning company and know that you are protected against any worst case scenario. Or you could hire a cleaning lady with great rates and cross your fingers.

This example proves all the important points. Check the bolded parts for explanation.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- A cleaning lady has been accused of stealing jewelry and clothes from her clients.

Martinez cleaned homes under the company name Mirian Cleaning Services in Alexandria. (The first step to gaining your trust is to make yourself look professional by naming yourself a "company".)

Mirian Martinez is accused of stealing from at least four of her long-time clients, and police said there may be more victims. (The next step is to gain their trust by providing a decent service for a certain timeframe - then steal as soon they let their guard down.)

Fairfax County police said Martinez stole jewelry from a woman, and some of the stolen jewelry was sold at a pawn shop. Police said they are still looking for a diamond ring worth $42,000.

Two more of Martinez's clients also reported missing jewelry and clothing worth more than $62,000.

Martinez has been charged with grand larceny and selling stolen property. More charges are pending, police said.

Martinez was also charged in connection with jewelry thefts from another home in a neighboring county. (And the final step is to steal fast and steal often. You gotta get while the going is good.)

Taking Customer Service Just A Little Too Far

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:11:00 +0000

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Police say a man needs to learn that 911 is not the appropriate place to complain that Subway left the sauce off a spicy Italian sandwich.

Police said the man dialed 911 twice last week so he could have his sub made correctly. The second call was to complain that officers weren't arriving fast enough.

Subway workers told police that the man became belligerent and yelled when they were fixing his order. They locked him out of the store after he left to call police.

Cleaning For A Reason

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:51:00 +0000

“I feel very blessed that a friend told me about Cleaning for a Reason. Having my house cleaned is a huge responsibility lifted off my shoulders. It has allowed my family to sustain the same cleanliness it’s used to, giving us a sense of normalcy in a year where life is far from normal.”

A powerful statement. It can be you too. We currently have two openings in Fort Walton Beach.

Another great story about Cleaning For A Reason.

How To Make The Big Move Easier

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:44:00 +0000

From packing to keeping track of pets, kids, and valuable items, moving day can be an absolute nightmare from start to finish. However, tt doesn´t have to be! Use these eleven practical tips to take the stress out of your next move, and start enjoying your new home sooner.

Eleven Tips To Make Moving Easier

And here's some information on our Move In/Out Cleaning Package

Complaining About Your Maid

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Isn't it funny? You'll complain about a botched order from a fast food restaurant. You'll complain if the wait is too long at your local convenience store. And you have no problem complaining if you're cable TV goes out.

But when it comes to housecleaning, you're scared to death to complain. Why is that?

The reason is pretty simply to understand. When you're ordering food at that fast food joint, you're a customer. When you're standing in line at that store, you're a customer. And when your cable goes out during your favorite TV show, you're definitely a customer.

But when your maid makes the same mistake three weeks in a row and you stay silent, you're far from a customer. All you are is someone's side money. Someone's extra cash until something better comes along.

You didn't hire a business. You just hired someone without a job.

How Do You Know If Your Maid Is Bonded And Insured?

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:19:00 +0000

One of the most common questions that we get asked is, "Are you bonded and insured"? It's a funny question because almost everyone that asks it doesn't have a clue as to why they are asking the question.

First off, why would you tell a prospective customer that you are not bonded or insured? Especially if that prospect will be fine if you just say that you are bonded and insured. So the first thing a prospective customer needs to do is not only ask the question - but they also need to demand that the answer be backed up with proof.

A bond and a general liability insurance policy are both represented as easy-to-read documents. Of the thousand or more calls, we may have had two people actually demand to see our bond or insurance policy. And you can bet that if we know that no one asks to see these documents - everyone else knows that too. So, make your cleaning lady prove it to you.

Secondly, you can determine the maximum payout limits of each policy by simply reviewing the documents. It won't matter if your cleaning lady is insured if her insurance only covers a few hundred bucks. A normal surety bond covers theft up to at least $10,000 and a normal general liability insurance policy covers damages up to at least $300,000.

And finally, don't forget the cleaning industry's best kept secret.

Housecleaning Is Easy Money

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:02:00 +0000

LAKELAND, FL - Two granddaughters of a housekeeper were arrested and accused of stealing jewelry valued at $17,000 from a client's home.

According to a Sheriff's Office report, the clients noticed that jewelry had started to disappear from the house whenever their housekeeper brought her granddaughter with her to clean. The jewelry included several diamond rings, a diamond bracelet, gold rings and a gold pendant.

The stories keep happening over and over again all over this country. Yet, we keep hearing this same tired phrase, "You're rates are just too much."

It always amazes me that someone will pay a professional accountant a small fortune to report their finances, but that same person will not even think about paying more than a few bucks to protect those same finances.

You already know this, but it bears repeating...

Hiring a housecleaner has very little to do with housecleaning.

Not To Beat A Dead Horse....

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:04:00 +0000

....but hiring a housecleaner has very little to do with housecleaning. The quicker you realize that - the easier it will be for you to understand that a professional cleaning company is far different than a cleaning lady.

SEBRING, FL - A woman who sheriff's investigators say worked as a cleaning lady remained in jail in lieu of $22,500 bond after a 71-year-old client reported someone took his cash, a watch and racked up charges on a stolen credit card.

Felicia Renee Carney, 38, also known as Felicia Silver, was booked on charges of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, petty theft second offense, grand theft $300 or more but less than $10,000 while victim was 65 years of age or older, fraud - illegal use of credit cards to obtain goods or money $100 or more, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

The total value of the grand theft was $1,949, the report stated, and petty theft amounts on the unauthorized credit card use added up to $720. Carney has a history of arrests.

The charges dating back to July 2004 include domestic violence battery, violation of probation for domestic violence battery, obtaining property by worthless check, giving a false name to a law enforcement officer, fraudulent use of a credit card and failure to appear, violation of probation for fraudulent use of a credit card, cocaine possession, along with several warrant arrests and driving with no driver's license or vehicle registration.

Sheriff's Capt. Randy LaBelle has some advice for anyone wanting to hire domestic help.

"Request references, and check them," he said. "If they don't give you any, then I'd be leery of them. Do a background check at the sheriff's office. Go online to the clerk of courts Web site and see if they've participated in any litigation. Contact your chamber of commerce and the Better Business Bureau."

You're Looking For The Wrong Kind Of Maid.....

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:49:00 +0000

...if you think that professional means perfection. As definite as death and taxes, you can bet that we will make mistakes. Every day and at every customer's home. All it takes is a little digging to find something.

This is one of the biggest hurdles that we cross with new customers. New customers know that their last maid was late all the time. New customers know that their last maid decided to cancel at the last minute one too many times. Most importantly, new customers know that their last maid rarely treated them like a customer.

That's why new customers decide to call us in the first place. But new customers also realize that our rates are higher than their last maid. Yes, we show up on time every time. Yes, we never cancel your appointment. And yes, you certainly get treated like a customer now.

But with such high rates, shouldn't the quality of our cleanings be exceptional? Some would answer yes. But the reality is that our cleaners are not computers or robots. In other words, they make mistakes - no matter how hard they work or how well they are trained.

The quality of our cleanings is good. So good that we've received countless numbers of customer testimonials proving that our work is pretty good. But our work isn't always great.

So what makes us great? And more importantly, what makes our rates worthwhile?

We're great because we guarantee our arrivals. We're great because we show up on-time every time. We're great because our employees go through an extensive nationwide criminal background search. We're great because we've got you protected against any worst case scenario. And we're great because we let your feedback determine our employees' paychecks.

But the real reason that we're great is much bigger than how we dust your nightstand. It's bigger, but very simple.

We listen. We listen to you more than any other cleaning service in your area. We encourage you to talk to us. We beg you to talk to us. And in some cases, we demand that you talk to us. And we listen for one reason. Because the more we listen to you, the happier we make you. It's been proven time after time.

No, you haven't found the world's greatest housecleaner. But yes, you have found the world's greatest housecleaning company!

Where's The Bond?

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Step 1. Get in the door by offering a low cleaning rate.

Step 2. Gain the family's trust by getting to know them.

Step 3. Steal until you get caught.

"People who hire individuals to help them, hire them thinking they and their belongings are safe," Judge Sharon Nicklas said to the maid, calling her offense an extreme breach of trust. "People are entitled to feel safe, especially in their own home."

The maid had taken jewelry worth about $70,000, ivory miniatures worth $48,000, antiques, silverware, figurines and rugs totaling $50,000. The items were valued at a total of $168,000!!

Some of the items were retrieved, but the maid was ordered to pay the outstanding restitution of $157,350. And since there was no bond, you better hope this maid wins the lottery real soon. Otherwise, good riddance to your money.

Another Individual Maid Gone Bad

Yes, It Happens To The "Professionals" Too

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:07:00 +0000

It's been said many times here that hiring an individual housecleaner is bad news. Yes, it probably means that you'll receive a low cleaning rate. But more importantly, it could mean that something bad could occur. Hopefully, you're individual cleaner will just show up late to your home. But in some cases, your individual housecleaner may steal from you and leave you without any recourse.

But it's not just individual housecleaners that can hurt you. Even professional cleaning companies can make your life miserable.

Click here to see what the four cleaning ladies on the right got caught doing...

So you know that you aren't supposed to hire an individual housecleaner. But now you find out that you aren't supposed to hire a professional cleaning company either. Now what?

First off, you still aren't supposed to hire an individual. Too many things could happen because that indvidual housecleaner isn't a business - it's just some side money. You wouldn't let a stranger from the street into your home, so why would you let someone in just because they left a flier on your mailbox?

Secondly, make sure that your professional cleaning company is bonded and insured. In other words, think of every worst case scenario that could happen and ask them how their company protects you.

Third, make sure that your professional cleaning company conducts a nationwide criminal background search on its employees. That goes for the owner's daughter-in-law and that goes for the little sweet girl with a pretty smile. Hiring people with clean backgrounds doesn't mean that you're completely safe, but you're exponentially safer if the background checks are conducted.

Finally, just because your professional cleaning company calls itself professional doesn't mean that it's professional. Professional means answering the phone every time you call. Professional means arriving on-time every time. Professional means hiring employees rather than contractors. Professional means a lot of things. It's like comparing a flea market to a department store.

A flea market has hidden gems amongst loads of crap that nobody else wants. In a department store, you rarely sneak up on a gem. But you also know that you aren't in a flea market. A department store is a business. A flea market is someone's side money. The difference is obvious.

Another Cheap, Uninsured Maid Strikes Again

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:05:00 +0000

CAPE CORAL -- This a story you need to hear if you ever have anyone come to your home to do any sort of work - even if you trust and think you know that person well.

Betty Bowman, 92, says the woman she hired to clean and take care of her home, cleaned out a lot more than just her closets. She cleaned out her bank account too.

Bowman said her housekeeper of two years, Susan Beckers, "stole her personal bank checks and cashed those checks without permission."

The arrest report says Beckers forged 25 of Bowman's personal checks, totaling more than $10,000. Detectives say the stolen checks were written to, and endorsed by, Beckers. They added the account numbers on the stolen checks matched Beckers' personal bank account number.

Now, Beckers is being charged with two counts of forgery to a bank note and one count of larceny - charges she admits to.

The general manager of Bowman's housing complex said that she is not a bonded, licensed, or insured cleaning person.

The Story Of The Dirtiest Home Ever!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:04:00 +0000

The Introduction To The World's Dirtiest Home

The Overhaul

The Final Results

Dependable, Honest, Consistent And CHEAP?

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:42:00 +0000

"What do you charge to clean a house?", said the potential customer.

"Well, it's hard to provide you with a quote without first knowing what you are looking for. So, tell me what you are looking for in a housecleaner", said the maid service manager.

The potential customers responds by saying, "I am looking for someone that is dependable, honest, consistent and cheap."

It was hard not to laugh. Because it ain't gonna happen. It's a myth. An oxymoron. There is no such thing as a cheap, dependable, honest and consistent maid.

The reason is simple. Money talks. You might be willing to offer your services for cheap. And you might tell your customers that you're honest, dependable and consistent. But the reality is that you can't be all those things. The money just won't allow you to be all those things.

Because at some point, another customer is going to be willing to pay your maid more money. Because at some point, your maid is going to get sick and tired of cleaning your toilet for nothing. And because at some point, your maid is going to decide to sleep in one morning rather than scrub your baseboards.

Your maid will do each of those things for the same reason that we're willing to do each of those things for you. Because money talks.

You can't buy from Wal-Mart and expect to receive Nordstrom's customer service. And you shouldn't expect to buy from an independent maid and expect Two Maids & A Mop customer service.

Two In A Row From Fort Walton Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:32:00 +0000

Here's another happy customer from Fort Walton Beach...

"I would like to take the time to comment on the wonderful service that I have received from Two Maids and A Mop. The ladies Alicia and Ashley are awesome workers and I am so happy that they are the ones that I trust cleaning my home. From this experience and being a long time customer, I am completely satisfied with every visit and these two ladies do an awesome job.

I can see why your company's slogan supports your vision and ensuring that all customers are happy and satisfied. Although I do realize that when dealing with the public, your services are not always going to satisfy everyone. But I am happy to say that I am a happy customer and satisfied with the service that I receive.

Before Two Maids and A Mop, I never had time for me. And when I think about all those hours I spent trying to clean and keep my house clean, it was a losing battle. Now that I have someone that I trust in assisting me with those little details, my life has been freed up where I can concentrate on important things. I work 8 hours a day and it is a wonderful feeling when I come home to a clean house. My work load has been cut tremendously in half and it makes me feel so good to be able to relax.

I have shared my experiences with Two Maids and A Mop with others and my prayer is that they will contact your company to help them with their house hold chores just as I did. I will continue to refer others to such an exciting company. I am so glad that you are here and I hope that your company will be around for a long time.

On an scale of 1-10, I must say that the ladies deserves a 10. Thanks for a wonderful staff and two extraordinary ladies that work so diligently and so hard."

Sharon from Fort Walton Beach

Maid Service Testimonial From Fort Walton Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:14:00 +0000

Service yesterday--definitely a 10! We're particularly pleased that the kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and our floors shine!

Your pride in results and customer satisfaction definitely puts your company head and shoulders above the competition.

Laura from Fort Walton Beach

What About Your Pets?

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:30:00 +0000

We hear the question almost daily. How will you handle my pets when you're cleaning my home?

We see mad cats. We see big dogs. We've even seen nasty looking snakes. And in each case, the answer is the same.

Our employees love your pets. We know this because we don't hire anyone that doesn't love pets. One of the most important questions that a potential employee must answer is this simple question:

Are you pet friendly?

And if the answer is no, we don't hire that person.

Of course, that doesn't mean that you can let your pet snake crawl around while we're cleaning. And your dog may love you, but your dog has no idea who we are. In addition, those loud vacuums can sometimes create some wild reactions from your cat.

So the best course of action is to speak to us directly. We'll come up with a solution. In some cases, our solution is to just keep the pets in a kennel or empty room. And in other cases, we just deal with it - especially if your dog or cat is very friendly. Each homeowner has different needs, so there is no one end-all solution. But one thing is for sure...

Our employees love your pets.

Just Because You Say It Doesn't Mean It's True

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:29:00 +0000

"I currently clean 2 houses a week and I am looking for 2 more. I am dependable, honest and trustworthy. I will get it done right the first time. I am a SAHM and military spouse! Refrences avaliable! Light laundry, dusting, windows, fans, sinks, appliances, anything you need me to do I can and will do! Very cheap for a deep down to the bottom clean! You won't find anyone to clean like me for the price! Call me now!!"

That's an advertisement for another cleaning "company". Says all the key words. Honest. Trustworthy. Dependable. And most importantly, cheap.

It will work. Guaranteed.

Then it will all fall apart. Guaranteed.

And then you'll call a professional cleaning company.

The process keeps repeating itself.

Just watch the first couple of minutes of this video. Is this what you would call a cleaning company?

Safety First

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:12:00 +0000

Lincoln, Nebraska -- A man is recovering from second and third degree burns after the cleaning products he was using ignited in his home.

Officials say the homeowner was cleaning his floors when the fumes from the cleaner ignited the pilot light in the furnace and hot-water heater, causing the blaze.

"We would encourage people to use non-flammable solvents, use plenty of ventilation and -- if possible -- shut off or stay away from sources of ignition, meaning water heaters, stoves, electric tools, etc. Use lots of ventilation in those areas," said Captain Dustin Morton, Lincoln Fire and Rescue.

Officials say one victim managed to escape uninjured while the other suffered second and third degree burns to his forearm.

The house sustained $15,000 in structural damage and $5,000 in losses.

It may look like water. It may smell good. But it could hurt you. Without warning! Remember, safety first. Take this quiz to learn more about your household cleaning chemicals......

Take The Quiz

Have Mop, Will Clean

noreply@blogger.com (Two Maids & A Mop) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:17:00 +0000

KENOVA, WV -- Some people in Kenova are breathing a bit easier after a woman has been taken into police custody.

Melissa Staley went by the name of Melissa Martin as she went door to door in Kenova. She told the residents she was down on her luck and would be willing to clean or mow lawns.

Officers had gotten several reports of a woman knocking on doors and asking the elderly home owners if they needed any work done. During the conversation, she asked to use the bathroom. That's when police said she made her move and robbed them. The victim didn't even realize their money was stolen until after the woman left.

After letting Staley inside her home, one Kenova resident discovered nearly $8,000 missing. Staley is now being held on grand larceny charges.

Click here for a video recap of this story.

It takes about five seconds for me to find these stories. About the same amount of time it takes for someone to "start" a new cleaning business.

Great rates sound good. A sad story may sound even better. But you're a customer. Start acting like one and you'll get treated like one.