How do you find/vet reliable team members?

Question

I'm specifically asking about cleaners and maintenance people.

How do you find them?

Do you do a trial period to see if you click and they work well with your process?

Do you have a vetting process?

Do you have lots of back ups or are you loyal to a select few?

I appreciate the feedback!

John Underwood · Answer

You can ask all this at once if you have this many questions.

Also try out the search function to keep you busy reading for weeks.

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

Finding good people has a learning curve.

Make a list of questions you want to ask in a Google doc and add to it every time you interview someone.

Your first cleaner won’t stay forever, you’ll end up firing them before the first year is up. And that’s okay.

Leslie Anne Morris · Answer

The best cleaners I’ve found have been cleaning other properties near mine. They are definitely ‘at will.’ You can see if they are any good by the reviews of the places they clean. I’ve received some referrals from Facebook groups and then find the cleaners are not that good.

Eliott Elias · Answer

I ask for 3 references, look at google reviews, ask for pictures of previous work, and ask for a discounted rate for the first few cleanings as a test run. You should have at least 3 backups

Mike Eichler · Answer

It's always best to ask around like you are here. Facebook groups are also an amazing place to share contacts of cleaners, maintenance, and any other contacts STR hosts utilize to have a rockstar team in the industry.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Determine what constitutes a good cleaner or handyman or electrician. Look for reviews or personal recommendations from people you know and trust and that have plenty of experience with the vendor. When you first start out, be clear about your expectations, then follow up to verify they met those expectations.

Expect to be disappointed. Expect some vendors to do very well, then peter out after a time. I recommend keeping two of every vendor on file so if one fails the other may be available to pick up the slack.

Napoleon DeCiutiis · Answer

@Zackarias Aitchison,

A great way to vet/find is through local FB groups (Panama City has "Panama City Jobs/Hire" page).  Agree with Brooklyn on making a interview list and finding backups.  Another great place is NextDoor.com.

On my rentals, I have my dedicated go-tos (Handyman/AC/Carpenter/Drywall/etc)...and have them on speed dial/they have my cc on file. Cleaners will come and go and it's always best to have a backup or three for them.

How do you find/vet reliable team members?

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