How do I judge whether a house cleaning service’s supplies are bought or client-supplied?

Start with the client list and mark who supplies what. A household that keeps its own products and a vacuum is a different job from one where the cleaners arrive with a full kit. Ask whether it was agreed in writing, or just became a habit. Habits are harder to change when a new owner takes over. Next, look at the spending. Pull supplier receipts for products, cloths, vacuums and other tools. Do the purchases match the number of clients who expect the business to provide? Look for equipment that is old, shared between teams or owned by the cleaners themselves. Ask how the price reflects the difference. If clients who supply their own products pay the same as those who do not, margins vary job to job. Ask whether any products need special care or training, and who is in charge of stock. Finally, think about changes. A new owner may want to alter the arrangement, and clients may push back. Speak with the seller about how past changes went, including any complaint about products or scents. Ask also whether supply costs are billed to clients in any case, and how. Your accountant can help you see how supplies show up in the cost of each job.

Key takeaways

• Mark which clients supply their own products and equipment.
• Match supplier receipts to the clients the business actually supplies.
• Ask how pricing reflects the difference and how past changes landed.