How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

We've had them for almost 2 years and they just aren't doing a great job anymore. They have had to come back a few times because I wasn't happy with the job they did. I found someone else and I need to give the old crew some notice. I feel awful b/c I know she needs the money. Is there a nice way of letting her go?

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

You can either tell her you need to cut back on your spending and you've decided need to stop the cleaning services or just be honest and tell her that you haven't been happy lately as you've had to have them come back on more than one occasion and you've decided to make a change. Thank her, but make it clear you won't be needing her services. If she says they will do better just be firm and let her know that you didn't see a change after voicing dissatisfaction over pervious cleanings and your mind has been made up. You can also offer that you're more than happy to give her a good reference. If she was good in the past she may very well do a good job under new circumstances.

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

I would be honest personally - and say that you are not happy with her work.

By telling her the truth she may be more careful in the future - and you may prevent her from losing other homes!

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

OK. I woud totally lie to her. I know it's bad but I hate those kind of confrontation and with DD you don't need a pi$$ed off cleaning person.

I would say that you have decided to cut on some expenses and thank her for her services.

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

thanks everyone..I still haven't done it...I feel so bad doing these kinds of things...

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

Ugh, I have the same problem. I am so non-confrontational when it comes to these things. I will probably lie. I will feel bad for days - especially because I know the economy is bad right now.

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

I think I would be honest and firm, but thank her and maybe give her an extra bit of $ her last time there just because you have had her over 2 years. You'll be doing her a favor by being honest. Maybe she will ramp it up and not lose other clients due to her recent slump in quality.

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

Posted by MarisaK

Posted by johnsae

thanks everyone..I still haven't done it...I feel so bad doing these kinds of things...

The confrontation is never fun, BUT keep in mind that you are PAYING her to do a job. - You're not her friend, she's not doing you any favors by cleaning your house ..........And you don't seem like an unreasonable tyrant that is firing her b/c she didn't make perfect hospital corners

I'd just tell her you have to let her go and leave it at that. You don't owe her any explanation.

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

I'm going through the same thing right now. This is the last week I'm using them, after that...they're gone. If the manager should ask why, I'm just going to tell him I can't fit it into my budget anymore.

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

Posted by Kara

Posted by MarisaK

Posted by johnsae

thanks everyone..I still haven't done it...I feel so bad doing these kinds of things...

The confrontation is never fun, BUT keep in mind that you are PAYING her to do a job. - You're not her friend, she's not doing you any favors by cleaning your house ..........And you don't seem like an unreasonable tyrant that is firing her b/c she didn't make perfect hospital corners

I'd just tell her you have to let her go and leave it at that. You don't owe her any explanation.

ITA

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

in the past I have said that we were moving

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

I would definitely lie. I'd probably tell them I lost my job.

Re: How do I break it off with my cleaning people?

I'd lie. I'd be afraid of retaliation. My thought process is that someone who's been in my home many times will know how to break into it and know exactly where to go to steal/break something valuable.

I'd use the "cutting back" line.