When should I tell my cleaning clients that I am selling?

Start by deciding who needs to hear first. Your largest accounts and the ones that have known you longest should hear it from you directly, and from you before they hear it from a cleaner. Your crew will often learn first, so plan what you will say to them and when, and ask them to hold the news until you have spoken to clients.

Think about the buyer’s role. Clients are reassured when the new owner is introduced beside you. Agree with the buyer on the message: that service, schedule and crew will carry on, and who the new contact is. Do not promise what you cannot control, such as prices staying frozen forever.

Check whether any agreement requires you to tell a client or get their consent before a transfer. Your lawyer can read the documents and tell you. Finally, keep a few days of calm after the announcement for calls. Answer questions quickly and keep your own visits steady, so that clients see that nothing else has shifted. Be ready for the odd client who asks to renegotiate; decide beforehand what you and the buyer will say.

Key takeaways

• Tell the largest and oldest accounts first, in person.
• Agree the message with the buyer before you speak.
• Keep your crew informed so they do not tell clients first.
• Check agreements for notice or consent rules on a sale.