The Mrs. Collins StoryI’ll never forget the day Mrs. Collins called. It was 2021, right in the middle of the busiest stretch we’d ever experienced at Maids and Moore. My team and I were booked solid for two weeks, and finding an extra hour was like searching for a needle in a haystack. But then, the phone rang. Mrs. Collins was in a bind—a last-minute cleaning emergency. Her previous cleaners had failed to show, and she was facing a huge loss: $1,750 of her deposit if her apartment wasn’t spotless by her realtor’s walk-through that evening.The job seemed small—just a 700 sq ft apartment—but the timing was tight. My team was already stretched, and honestly, I was tempted to say no. It would’ve been easy to pass it off as just a “one-time” clean, not worth the hassle. But something in me told me to take the chance. Little did I know, that decision would lead to over $60,000 in revenue for Maids and Moore by the end of 2024.
For many cleaning business owners, it’s easy to turn down one-time jobs. After all, these jobs can feel like a headache—squeezing them into an already packed schedule, coordinating staff for something that doesn’t guarantee repeat business, and balancing the cost of labor with a single, small payout. It’s a scenario we’ve all been in: the phone rings, and you hesitate. “Is this one-time clean really worth it?”Most cleaning services prioritize routine clients—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly contracts that offer consistent income. After all, wouldn’t it be better to focus on long-term clients who bring in reliable revenue? I’ve seen it time and again—businesses shy away from one-off jobs because they think it’s not worth their time. But what if I told you that those jobs can hold more value than you realize?
Here’s the thing—when you turn down a one-time cleaning job, you’re not just saying no to that specific clean. You’re potentially walking away from long-term revenue, relationships, and referrals that could grow your business exponentially. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that one small clean for Mrs. Collins was the beginning of something much bigger.After the move-out clean, Mrs. Collins called me back about a month later. This time, she was interested in setting up weekly service. And just like that, she went from a one-time customer to a long-term client. But it didn’t stop there. Mrs. Collins referred her sister, who signed up for bi-weekly service, and around the holidays, she bought three gift cards for friends—each leading to additional deep cleans, and even more ongoing clients.By the end of 2021, that single clean had generated over $12,350 in revenue. And by the end of 2024, it will have brought in over $60,350 for Maids and Moore. If I had said no to that one job, I never would have had the chance to build such a long-lasting, valuable relationship.The point? You never know where your next loyal customer or big referral will come from. It might be hiding in that one-off job you were about to turn down.
When I said yes to that one small move-out clean for Mrs. Collins, I wasn’t just providing a service—I was opening the door to a long-term relationship. Saying yes to a one-time cleaning job can often feel like extra work with little immediate reward. But here’s what cleaning business owners often overlook: every job is an opportunity.One-time cleans aren’t just a way to make a quick buck. They’re a chance to show your potential customers what your business can do. It’s an opportunity to prove your reliability, your quality, and your customer care. Even if it’s just a small apartment or a last-minute request, how you handle that clean can determine whether or not that client comes back—or even better, refers you to someone else.In Mrs. Collins’ case, that one small clean led to weekly services, referrals to her family and friends, and gift card purchases. And each of those opportunities branched into even more revenue. By making a great first impression during that initial clean, I laid the foundation for a relationship that has lasted for years—and brought in tens of thousands of dollars in revenue.
Pro tip: If you want to turn one-time jobs into long-term clients, focus on the details. Send a follow-up thank-you message, offer a discount on future services, or simply ask for feedback. These small gestures can turn what seems like a one-off job into a gateway for loyal, repeat customers.
Now, I get it—saying yes to every single job can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling staff, schedules, and a growing client base. That’s where The Cleaning Software comes in. When I first started scaling Maids and Moore, we faced the same challenge most cleaning businesses do: how do you handle more work without increasing admin overload or hiring more management?The solution was The Cleaning Software. We are continually updating and adding new features to not only help grow and scale Maids and Moore, but you’re reaping the benefit of it. This software was built by a current, large, smart cleaning company for cleaning company owners who are looking to improve processes. Whether you’re aiming for growth or just seeking better organization to hit your goals, The Cleaning Software will help you get there.And let’s not forget the most important part—this software will help you enjoy your business again. Before The Cleaning Software, Maids and Moore (and all of us) were worn out, tired of the disarray and using software that wasn’t built to grow a cleaning company. With The Cleaning Software, those days are behind us.Here’s how The Cleaning Software helps:
Remember, every one-time clean is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity. Whether it’s a small move-out clean or a last-minute call, you never know where it might lead. Saying yes to Mrs. Collins led to over $60,000 in revenue for Maids and Moore, and it could do the same for your business.So don’t miss out on your next Mrs. Collins! Start seeing every clean as a stepping stone to growth.Ready to take your cleaning business to the next level?
The Cleaning Software, LLC offers fast, reliable solutions for residential cleaning businesses, simplifying operations and boosting efficiency.