| Questions |
AM PM Cleaning Services |
Hire a Private Person |
Most Yellow Page Companies |
| Phone Number |
(509) 928-7202 |
|
|
| Do you answer your phone during regular business hours? |
Yes, 99% of the time. Click here to see who will be taking your calls |
Almost never. Usually you'll have to leave a message on their answering machine and wait for them to call back. |
You may get a live person, but often it's simply an answering machine. |
| How much does it cost? |
Prices start at $50 for weekly cleanings and $60 for bi-weekly cleanings. Call during regular business hours to schedule an in-home estimate. |
It varies widely and is usually done on a cash-only basis. The hidden costs are cleaning supplies and equipment, feeding them lunch, birthday gifts, holiday gifts, breakage, no-showing when you need them most, employment taxes/paperwork, and all the stress of being an employer. |
Since most companies in the Yellow Pages are franchises, you can expect to pay quite a bit more than what we charge. On the other hand, if the price they quote is significantly lower than other legitimate services, it's probably "too good to be true." |
Do you bring all the supplies and equipment you need?
|
Yes. Chemicals, mops, buckets, rags, vacuums, etc. come with the team at no extra charge. |
Almost never. Be prepared to run out to the store the night before if you run out of something. |
Varies. |
| Does the staff speak English? |
100% at all times. |
Often, but not always. |
Frequently not. |
| Am I responsible to the IRS for paying payroll and other taxes? |
Absolutely not, we pay all appropriate taxes. You are simply our customer and not an employer. You have no responsibility to the IRS whatsoever. |
Yes, if you pay them more than $1,200 in a year you must file Schedule H and pay 15.3% Soc. Sec. Tax for both employer and employee. You may also have to pay additional unemployment taxes. |
You are only safe if they directly employ their staff and withhold payroll taxes. Be sure this is the case. |
| Are the cleaners direct employees or independent contractors? |
Direct payrolled employees of AM PM Cleaning. Protected by Worker's Comp, Unemployment, etc. All payroll taxes are covered. |
Independent contractor. Actually your employee. |
Surveys have shown that more than half the services in the Yellow Pages use independent contractor labor. This is contrary to IRS regulations. |
| Are your cleaners legal to work in this country? |
Yes, every employee is legally documented. |
Since you are now an employer, it is your legal responsibility to be sure they are legal by completing an I-9 form. If they are not, you are subject to fines. |
Only direct employees are required to provide proper documentation, but employers don't always comply. |
| Do you carry workman's compensation insurance for your employees? |
Yes |
No. You will likely be sued if they are hurt on the job. |
Required by law for direct employees. If they are not covered, and are hurt in your home, they can sue you. |
| Do you carry general liability insurance to cover breakage or damage? |
Yes |
No |
Many do not. Be sure to ask. |
| Are your employees bonded? |
Yes |
No |
Maybe |
| Do you use company vehicles with proper insurance? |
Yes |
Seldom |
Seldom |
| Do they wear uniforms? |
Yes, company shirts and aprons with khaki pants or jeans. |
Seldom |
Seldom |
| How many people come to my house? |
2 or 3, the ideal balance of safety, security, and efficiency. |
Usually alone, which is not safe, secure, or efficient. |
Varies from 1 to 5. More than 3 is very inefficient for small and average sized homes. |
| Do you guarantee your work? |
We will come right back next day and correct any problems or offer a credit towards the next cleaning. |
Usually Not |
Seldom |
| How do you monitor quality? |
A stamped reply card is left after each visit. We can address problems immediately by phone during business hours. |
Wait for complaints. |
Wait for complaints. |
