Standing Your Ground Without Burning Bridges
Every week, I see another post like this:
“The client asked if I could lower my rate because they ‘don’t think cleaning is hard work.’”
“They said they’d tip me if I did a good job.”
“I offered to clean their whole apartment for $80, and they still ghosted me.”
And I get it. When bills are due and groceries feel like luxury items, it’s tempting to just say,
“Fine. I’ll do it for less.”
But here’s what I’ve learned: When you start shrinking to fit someone else’s expectations, you disappear completely.
Let’s Get One Thing Straight: You Are Not “Just” a Cleaner
If it didn’t matter, no one would pay for it. If it wasn’t skilled labor, they’d do it themselves. And if you didn’t show up, most of your clients would spiral.
Cleaning isn’t just about wiping surfaces. It’s about stabilizing environments. Restoring dignity. Giving people back their space and their sanity. That is not minimum-wage energy.
The Difference Between Respect and Rudeness Is Often Just… Clarity
Not every client who questions your rate is trying to insult you. Some were raised with outdated ideas. Some truly don’t know what goes into a professional clean. Some just don’t realize they’re being disrespectful.
You don’t have to explode. You don’t have to cave.
You can just say:
“I understand cleaning can look simple, but it’s a specialized skill. I train for this. I track product costs, timing, taxes, license fees, and safety. What I charge reflects that.”
“I don’t negotiate on rates, but I’m happy to offer options within your budget for a smaller scope.”
Simple. Direct. Human. Unapologetic.
Respect Doesn’t Always Come Pre-Packaged. Sometimes You Have to Teach It.
Here’s the part no one wants to say out loud: Some people don’t know how to respect you until you make them.
That doesn’t mean yelling. That doesn’t mean getting passive-aggressive.
It means showing up professionally and consistently—with boundaries.
Because the moment you stop chasing approval and start enforcing standards? The right people notice.
And suddenly you’re not attracting bargain-hunters. You’re getting booked by people who value you because you respect yourself.
If You’re Lowering Your Prices Just to Be Chosen, You’re Not Getting Hired—You’re Getting Used
You deserve clients who:
Don’t flinch when you quote a fair rate
Respect your time and expertise
Trust your recommendations
Don’t treat you like an on-demand cleaning app
You deserve those clients even if you’re just starting. Even if you’re on the bus. Even if your vacuum wheezes like a dying robot.
You Set the Standard
What you tolerate becomes your baseline. What you charge becomes your brand. What you accept teaches clients what to expect.
So if someone says:
“That’s too expensive.”
You can say:
“I might not be the right fit for your budget—and that’s okay. I hope you find someone great.”
That’s not rude. That’s professional. And honestly? It’s magnetic.
Bonus points if you partner with other cleaners, instead of compete! Maybe one specializes in large business cleans or another will do hoarders with Biohazards or another is trying to fill slots and running a special. I’ve partnered with tons of contractors and cleaners over the years. Sometimes with a referral bonus and sometimes just for good juju build up.
Respect is the Minimum. Not the Perk.Your work matters. Your tools matter. You matter.
And anyone who disagrees is welcome to mop their own ceiling fan with an old sock on a stick.