Strata Cleaning
If you have learned a lot from the previous information that I have given in this training manual you may like to now approach Strata Management Companies in an effort to build a base of strata clients. So that you can understand the difference, Strata Cleaning is defined as cleaning the common areas in unit blocks that are overseen by body corporate committees. Owners of units within these blocks pay strata levy fees that cover the expenses involved in maintaining the upkeep of these blocks, and from these levies you will earn your income for keeping the common areas clean and the gardens maintained.
You will need to go to the section in your yellow pages that is titled ‘Strata Management Agencies’ and collect all the names listed. Then, write a letter similar to the one listed below in order to introduce yourself and your services to them. Next, follow up with a phone call about two to three days after you expect your letter to have been received. Ask if they have received your letter and if they have had a chance to consider your services or if they are in need of your services at all. It is imperative that you follow-up on any written information you send them, as they are often very busy and unless they are in real need of your services they are unlikely to call you unless you keep reminding them that you are looking for work.
Here is an example of the kind of letter you should be sending out:
Your Strata Cleaning Name
Your motto (such as ‘Strata Cleaning you can rely on’)
Date:
Address to go to:
Line 2
Line3
Line 4
Dear (try to find out the name of the person to address your letter to and place their name here)
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I would like to inform you of my strata-cleaning services and hopefully fill any need for my services that you may have.
I have been in business for a short while now and am keen to work. I have an eye for detail and can be relied upon as I work as an owner/operator, therefore I am able to guarantee my work. You will not find that I rush in and rush out – the quality of my work is important to me.
I am covered for Public Liability and have my own Sickness and Accident Insurance, therefore you don’t need to worry about Workers Compensation claims. I have included in my letter of proposal a list of the tasks that I do at each site I am at, and you will find my fees very reasonable.
Should you have a need for someone you can rely on, please feel free to call. Once again, thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Yours Sincerely,
Your name here.
Included in sending your cover letter should be a list of the services you are able to provide, and you should set them out in a tick-box style so that the strata manager can tell you what is required of you at the various jobs they may ask you to quote on. If you design your form the right way and send a few copies, the strata manager only has to tick the boxes next to the work they want done and then fax you a copy of the requirements so that when you go out to quote you know what to include in the fee for service.
Your Strata Cleaning Name
Your motto (such as ‘Strata Cleaning you can rely on’)
List of Services
ٱ Vacuum stairwells
ٱ Sweep and Mop foyers
ٱ Clean marks off walls
ٱ Clean foyer windows – streak free
ٱ Dust banisters and hand rails
ٱ Sweep the firestairs
ٱ Deodorise main stairwell and foyer
ٱ Sweep entrance area
ٱ Sweep the garage and carpark area
ٱ Pick up rubbish from the grounds area
ٱ Clean the lifts
ٱ Clean the mirrors in the lifts
ٱ Water the indoor plants
Optional Services
ٱ Spray and pull out the weeds
ٱ Trim the edges of grass areas
ٱ Mow the grass
ٱ Trim back the bushes and shrubs
All products and equipment are supplied and are included in the fee for service.
Name ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Address of block being estimated on ………………………………………………………………………..
Strata Manager ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Fee for service ……………………….. Day/s of service…………………………………………………….
Length of cycle – daily / every two days / twice a week / weekly / fortnightly / monthly
Signed ……………………………………………………………Dated …………………………………….
Quoting
When quoting, look for these influencing factors:
· How many foyers and stairwells?
· How many floors?
· What type of floor covering?
· How large are the grounds outside?
· What state are the foyers in when you first quote? (first visit might cost the client more)
· Whether the client wants only the foyers or whether they would also like you to do the grounds
Questions to ask
· Would you like me to quote for the foyers, stairwells and lifts only, or for the grounds as well?
· Is there any other work that is usually part of this job?
Pricing
Small block should only take about an hour. Quote for this should be no more than $70.
Average sized block should take about two hours $140.
Large complex with two or three blocks should take about three hours and should be charged at between $200 and $300. Add more to the fee for service if you are asked to do work outside.
When promoting yourself it’s actually good to say that you are an owner/operator, as most owner/ operators take pride in their work.