PRICING, PREPARATION, and PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS
PREPARATION FOR BEST OUTCOME
All estimated prices are based on predicted labor expenditure. Prices are estimated with the expectation of easy access to the space as well as the ability to move freely throughout the space unobstructed by objects or occupants, and using our system and tools in the way our team has been trained. We strongly recommend the following to keep the final cost of your cleaning as low as possible:
Kitchen - Store all dishes, food items, other small objects, etc.
Bathrooms - Declutter toiletries, laundry, bath toys, etc, and store in cabinets
All rooms - Organize “clutter areas” such as laundry, mail, toys, etc. Open curtains and blinds. Throw away loose garbage and recyclables. If we will be cleaning windows or carpets for you, please make sure we have easy access to the areas to be cleaned. To minimize liability, Alkemi Clean does not move large or heavy objects.
Floors - Remove items that may damage or clog a standard vacuum cleaner (twist-ties, paperclips, toothpicks, Legos, office/school/craft supplies, large leaves, etc.)
Pets - pursuant to our pet policy, please make sure that your pets will be comfortable and not present an obstruction to the cleaning process
Occupants - We love all of our clients and are more than happy to adjust our cleaning routine to accommodate your presence or that of anyone else in your space. That said, this can affect our ability to move and clean in the most efficient manner possible, and can thus affect the price of your cleaning. For example, kitchens and break rooms can be particularly time consuming and if someone comes in to prepare or eat food while we are cleaning, this will both interrupt our work and probably cause us to repeat some tasks such as cleaning the counters or sink. To be as efficient as possible, our team must be able to start with the kitchen and/or master bath, and end by cleaning all the floors at once. For everyone's comfort and safety, we ask that everyone present attempt to remain at least 6 feet from our cleaners while they are working.
Hazardous Materials - Alkemi Clean does not handle hazardous materials, including but not limited to pet waste, medical waste, corrosive or otherwise dangerous liquids, or sharp objects such as hypodermic syringes or broken glass. Please clean up anything that may fall into this category prior to our arrival.
ESTIMATES
While it is common for the terms "estimate", "bid", and "quote" to be used interchangeably, at Alkemi Clean we specifically provide estimates, which are distinct from bids or quotes. While our estimates are very accurate, the fact is that no one can be 100% sure of what will be required for a specific cleaning without first performing the cleaning.
We perform onsite estimates because this is the most accurate method of estimating and allows us to meet and discuss any questions or unique situations. This is also why we do not currently offer any online estimate calculator or online booking.
That said, the prices given are the most accurate estimate we are able to offer and are not fixed quotes. Sometimes surprises may occur. Things can sometimes change in the space we're cleaning between the time of the estimate and the time of service. Nothing we say is to be construed as an agreement to do additional work without additional payment, nor may an estimate be construed as a legally binding contract to provide service.
We do our best to communicate as soon as possible if it looks like we are going over estimate by 10% or more (i.e. if we estimate your job at $400 but it is actually going to need $440 or more, we will do our best to alert you prior to going over estimate and get your permission to continue). We will also do this to the best of our ability if we discover something that would have an unexpected impact on the price of your regularly scheduled cleaning such as a pet having overturned a trash can or heavier than usual mess in a guest area. In some cases there may be extenuating circumstances that don't allow us to report these things to our clients in advance of the work being done. In all events we try to be as fair as possible to all stakeholders in our company - including both our clients and our staff.
Once we've established routine cleaning with you, your price should be routine as well. The above pertains mainly to initial cleanings and other deep cleanings, though your price may need to be adjusted after your first few maintenance cleanings if the job is taking longer than expected or changes are made to your service.
ADJUSTMENTS
While we price by the job, prices are based on our expected average labor expenditure. We generally don't charge to the minute or adjust invoices for minor differences on a single cleaning. We also do not adjust invoices if one team or team member happens to be very efficient on a given cleaning - more efficient team members are paid more for their time (this is their incentive to be more efficient).
We DO adjust invoices due to larger differences and/or if we see that - on average - your job is taking a different amount of time than estimated. In general, our pricing is for up to the expected time on site, so that we can guarantee our team adequate pay.
You may ask that we put a "cap" on the price of your appointment if required to meet your budget. In this case we will generally ask for a list of your priorities and do our best to meet them on the budget you have set. We are happy to provide guidance on what can be reasonably expected within a given price cap, but we make no guarantees of completing your priority list.
Alterations to Service - Please communicate any desired alterations to your regular cleaning service as far as possible in advance with the office by contacting us at 336-257-9344 or info@alkemicleangreensboro.com. These can have an impact on the price of your appointment particularly if they significantly increase the labor required. You may ask cleaners on site to make alterations but please understand that they may not have the time or tools available to complete extra work that we have not agreed to in advance. Again, for best results, please communicate as far as possible in advance with the office. Added work is typically charged in 15 minute increments, with a 15 minute minimum, and some services are priced higher to reflect additional equipment or product needs.
RATE CHANGES
At Alkemi Clean, we know that happy cleaners make for happy clients. We operate on the principle that if we take good care of our team, they will take good care of our clients.
While we keep our loyal clients' prices as low as possible while operating a viable business, all prices are subject to occasional increases to match pace with inflation and expenses. Our rates are adjusted over time to keep up with inflation and other changes in the value of the dollar, the state of the labor market, market rates for professional cleaning services, etc. In this way we prevent doing the same amount of work for what is effectively less money each year, and are able to continue to pay our team members an attractive wage and still turn a profit. Our team works very hard and they deserve to be paid well for their time. Likewise, we work very hard to manage and provide a consistently excellent cleaning service.
Rate increases will generally not take place more than once per year, though there may be exceptions in extreme situations. No changes to our rates will be made without advance notice. For current rates, please inquire with the office.
MINIMUM PRICE
Our current minimum price to dispatch a cleaner to you is $115 (unless an exception has been agreed on in advance, typically only applicable to legacy clients).
PAYMENT
In the absence of other prior arrangements, all invoices are due upon receipt. We appreciate your prompt payment. You are welcome to pay by bank draft, check, credit, or cash. Payment may be left on the kitchen counter or another place that you communicate to us in advance*, handed to our team upon completion of service, or paid upon receipt of your invoice. Please inform us in advance if you intend to pay in cash and place it in a sealed envelope marked “Alkemi Clean” followed by your name and the service date. To protect all parties, we do not accept loose cash as payment. Please inform us in advance if you would like to pay via credit or debit. Payments made via credit or debit will include an additional 3% processing fee.
*Please keep in mind that if you've requested additional services, had additional traffic in your space, or missed an appointment, your price may fluctuate. In these circumstances it's best to wait until you receive your invoice before paying.
One time cleanings may require payment in advance. Hiring and/or use of our services at any time constitutes a legally binding agreement to promptly pay the full amount of the invoice for said services, including any fees assessed (such as for late cancellation or late payment).
LATE PAYMENT and DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS
Invoices past due for more than 14 days are subject to a late fee of 10%, and will accrue an additional 10% every 14 days until paid. Accounts with open invoices may cease to receive service, and we may require a credit card on file before resuming service. Delinquent accounts will be turned over to a collection agency. In North Carolina, theft of services is against the law and Alkemi Clean reserves the right to take legal action if necessary.