We just purchased our first STR in Blue Ridge and are having issues locating a reliable cleaner. Is it normal to not meet your cleaner? Two of the cleaners we've reached out to simply didn't seem interested in meeting us at the property at all. The last cleaner agreed to meet us but then no showed after we drove 5 hours to meet them.
Comb google and line up at least 3-5 cleaners, also go ahead and tell them you'll pay more to get some motivation. You can always renegotiate or find a new one, but getting one lined up is critical to getting occupancy up in the interim. Also, try to network with other owners in your area, often times they will offer up their contacts.
Thank you Levi and John. It sounds so very simple until you're actually there. All of the STR on our street are managed by Vacasa. Great idea to tell them we will pay more. Our cabin is small 800 sq ft so maybe that is less appealing for them.
I've never met my current cleaners in person but have spoken on the phone with them. They were referred by other cleaners that couldn't clean the property due to location. Maybe a facetime call to save the trip?
Agreed with all of these comments. Good cleaners are hard to find sometimes. There is also a Facebook group called Airbnb Professional Cleaners. I'd recommend joining that group and ask who cleans in that area. One of my cleaners is in that group but she may not want to drive the distance to Blue Ridge.
@Christine Pirtle We searched OTA’s for properties that had 5 star cleaning reviews and then messaged those owners/hosts asking who their cleaners are. We ended up with someone solid but she's had turnover lately and things are going down hill. We love everything about that market but the cleaners are probably the most challenging aspect in our experience.
Great Cleaners are hard to find but once you find the 1 and another for back up. Ask other host in your area who they use. Compensate them correctly and if they are a small 1 or 2 person operation give them some ownership "make them feel they are part of the team", they will help you scale. Once you find a good dedicated cleaner I think the hard part is over!
Thank you Levi and John. It sounds so very simple until you're actually there. All of the STR on our street are managed by Vacasa. Great idea to tell them we will pay more. Our cabin is small 800 sq ft so maybe that is less appealing for them.
Maybe a small house will be appealing since they can clean it quicker.