Business systems that create stability as you expand

In this episode of Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner, Diane and Louise get real about per-job pricing (charging for the standard, not the time) — why it’s blowing up in the groups, where it works brilliantly, and where it can go wrong.

Diane shares what’s been coming up inside her per-job pricing challenge: the mindset shift cleaners need to make, why customers often care more about the finished home than the minutes on the clock, and how per-job pricing can reward efficiency instead of punishing it.

Louise brings a refreshingly honest take from experience — including why switching to per-job pricing caused issues with staff, how it can impact quality if standards aren’t tight, and why sometimes the bravest move is simply putting your prices up.

You’ll also hear practical angles on:

When per-job pricing is perfect (especially for solo cleaners)

Why monthly/4-weekly cleans need minimums to stay profitable

The hidden time costs that destroy your “hourly rate” (travel, setup, lock-up, chat time)

How to price initial cleans properly so you don’t start the relationship on shaky ground

Managing job creep with clear inclusions and paid add-ons

If you’ve ever felt stuck between “charging what you’re worth” and “what everyone else charges,” this conversation will help you rethink pricing with confidence — and choose the model that actually fits your business.

Thinking about switching from hourly to per-job pricing

Struggling to raise prices (or feeling awkward doing it)

Tired of scope creep eating your profit

A solo cleaner who wants a simpler, higher-value diary

By the time this episode goes live, Diane’s challenge will have finished — but the training videos, scripts, and handouts will be available in the DCBN members library.

In this episode of 'Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner', Louise Trehearn and Diane Greenwood discuss their recent visit to the Cleaning Show in Manchester, exploring the latest trends in the cleaning industry, including the integration of AI technology and the challenges faced by domestic cleaning businesses. They delve into the importance of advocating for employee rights, particularly in light of new policies affecting small businesses, and share insights on best practices for using cleaning products and equipment. The conversation highlights the need for innovation and collaboration within the industry to ensure sustainable growth and employee welfare.

The Cleaning Show in Manchester showcased various suppliers and trends.

00:00 Exploring the Cleaning Show in Manchester

 keywords

cleaning industry, AI technology, microfiber cloths, employee rights, cleaning products, cleaning show, domestic cleaning, training, business solutions, innovation

Keywords

cleaning business, niche selection, commercial cleaning, domestic cleaning, payment terms, profitability, deep cleaning, holiday lets, Airbnb, business growth

In this conversation, Louise Traherne and Diane Greenwood discuss the intricacies of starting a cleaning business, focusing on niche selection, the importance of predictability in contracts, and the challenges faced in various cleaning sectors such as domestic, commercial, and holiday lets. They delve into payment terms, profitability comparisons between commercial and domestic cleaning, and the realities of deep cleaning jobs. The discussion emphasizes the need for specialization while also recognizing the flexibility required to adapt to different cleaning opportunities.

Choosing a niche is crucial when starting a cleaning business.

"You need some bread and butter work."

00:00 Starting a Cleaning Business: Choosing Your Niche