Cleaning Fees

[Danyelle14]

I have a 3BR 3BA condo in Columbia, SC. I charge a cleaning fee of $110 for each stay. I was wondering if that fee was too low. I have gotten quotes for people to clean but I won't make any money. They have quoted 175-200 per stay to clean. Not sure if they too high or I'm too low

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Danyelle14 The cleaning fee is arguably irrelevant. I would search for similar properties in your area and make sure your overall price is the same as equivalent properties.

Having said that there are some people who believe there should not be a cleaning fee and, to cater for them, you can just amortise it into your nightly rate. We never did this because it was unfair to people staying for longer.

Also don't forget that the people quoting have to travel to and from your condo. Assuming you live nearby I guess this doesn't apply to you.

[Danyelle14]

Thanks!

[Kitty-and-Creek0 · Accepted solution]

@Danyelle14 

We have a formula: how many hours it takes to clean X a fair living hourly wage for our cleaners. We cannot charge guests what it costs us to do it properly. I do about 4-5 hours myself for no charge preparing for a team of 2 spending 2 - 3 more hours the next day. That is an actual 4 - 6 hours of their time. I do dishes, fridge, microwave, coffee making items and 5 - 7 loads of laundry plus cleanup, trash and prep work, bed making too. The team does bathroom fixtures, dusting, vacuuming and mopping. It is a large studio (858 sq ft) with full private bath. Before guests arrive the place gets another vacuuming and check for spiders, etc. We charge $75 cleaning fee to guests. We also provide about $20 worth of food to guests at no charge, plus unlimited coffees and teas.