Request advice from those who do house cleaning

[eyor44]

I would like to request some advice from anyone who does house cleaning.

I am probably going to be cleaning the dance studio DD attends, but I don't know how much to charge. There is the one large room used for dancing in which one wall is all mirrors and it is a wood floor. The waiting room and hallway and one restroom. We live in a small town and it is a small studio. I am only doing it to help out the owner who can't find anyone reliable. I will probably be cleaning once a week and I am estimating right now that it will take me about one hour a week after the initial first couple of weeks.

As I said, I am doing this to help out, not as the means of a 2nd job. I was thinking $15-20 a week. This would cover DD's lessons, costumes and everything else associated with her dancing, plus cover the cleaning supplies and leave a little extra for the Disney kitty.

Am I too high or low?

 

[WDWorBUST]

Can you ask the owner what she paid previously?

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Don't forget if the owner turns in a 1099 on you, you will also be paying self employment tax on the amount (further decreasing the take).

Could you barter it for dance lessons + $x per week? That would reduce the amount you owe taxes on (theoretically). I know you should still pay taxes on the bartered amount, but most people don't.

 

[puffkin]

I would say a minimum of $50 if they are paying you under the table. More if they are reporting it.

Maybe to make things easier I would contract that they give DD lessons for free, costumes, and they supply the cleaning supplies. That way you wouldn't have to worry about tax issues.

 

[sk!mom]

I would barter. She doesn't charge you and you don't charge her. Be sure to make clear whether costumes and extras are included or if only lesson fees are covered.

 

[Kay1]

I would barter. She doesn't charge you and you don't charge her. Be sure to make clear whether costumes and extras are included or if only lesson fees are covered.

Good answer.

 

[eyor44]

Thanks for all who provided feedback.

Yes, I was first planning to ask what she paid the previous ones. Then I was going to show her the spread sheet I came up with and am hoping to do an even swap. I'll clean each week and DD's lessons, costumes, shoes and pictures for recital are covered. Wasn't sure if that was the right way to go. Thanks for the input.

 

[DisneyDebbie]

I just wanted to chime in. I think bartering is a great way to handle it. However, I'm not sure about some of the items. (Depending on how your studio is run) I am a dance teacher and we provide lessons, costumes, and tights with our fees.

As far as dance shoes, they need to be purchased at a retail store, I personally would never purchase shoes for one of my students. When dealing with pictures and videos, that is handled only through the photographer, the studio only provides the setting.

 

[eyor44]

I just wanted to chime in. I think bartering is a great way to handle it. However, I'm not sure about some of the items. (Depending on how your studio is run) I am a dance teacher and we provide lessons, costumes, and tights with our fees.

As far as dance shoes, they need to be purchased at a retail store, I personally would never purchase shoes for one of my students. When dealing with pictures and videos, that is handled only through the photographer, the studio only provides the setting.

Tights, I forgot about the tights and the recital video. Thanks!
The dance instructor also has a small boutique and she keeps a supply of leotards, shoes, bags and tights. Of course, it is more expensive from her, but I do buy from her part of the time. Also, we pay the dance studio directly for everything, pictures, videos and recital program ads.

 

[NikiM20]

I would have the owner buy the cleaning supplies so it is never said that something happened because of the cleaning supplies you used. Some counter tops, floors, etc can only have certain products used on them.

I supply our cleaning lady with everything I want her to use.

I also think you are way under charging.

 

[prncess674]

I would just stick with plain hard cash. Bartering could get messy. What if she lets you go before the recital. Are you just going to stop sending DD? What would you do for costumes then?

Not saying she isn't honest, but I would just continue to pay for lessons and charge $50-$60 per week for cleaning.