NY MAIDS New York maid House Cleaning Service

Home FAQ

About NY Maids, Inc. & Staff

• Are service providers trained and supervised/monitored?
  Our service pros are personally trained by NY Maids for 3 weeks before they go out on the field. This is a great way for NY Maids to observe first-hand the Maid in training’s personality traits, morals and sense of professionalism as well as discovering and helping them overcome any weaknesses in their trade. In addition; they are then assigned strictly to team supervised jobs for added experience before they can work alone.

  Our training is exceptionally outstanding because we not only focus on the quality of the cleaning but the ethics, discretion and great manners that our members have come to expect from our professionals.

• Can I hire one of your maids/service pros directly?
  It is actually highly illegal to hire a maid without meeting government regulations.

  In reality there is one very common statistic…..most maids/service pros are mostly as good as the management behind them.

  In addition; the fact that hiring illegally can potentially cause more problems than most imagine.

  Having a company like NY Maids behind you to maintain standards, add convenience, safety and problem prevention/control is the smart consumer’s choice. If one of our maids is trying to do or accept this type of arrangement , please let us know immediately.

• Do I have to sign a contract?
  No, you don’t have to. You can make single purchases or order regularly scheduled services weekly, bi-weekly, etc. without a contract. Although we strive to always give you the best service in the cleaning industry, most customers find it wise to choose a contract (subscription) for regular services because it helps NY Maids organize itself better thus resulting in our ability to provide even better service and rates.
• Do you have referrals/testimonials?
  We are currently modifying this section. Please check back.

  Last Updated 02/01/2006

• Do you work nights/Sundays/ Holidays etc?
  We do upon special request and advanced notice of at least 3 days. Subject to availability. Of course try us even if it’s last minute. Sometimes we are able to accommodate you that way too.
• How are my keys handled?
  Member keys are immediately coded with a number (no name or address for your protection), given to management and held in a security vault. When it is time for your service, the assigned personnel leader signs your key out with the time of sign out and at the end of the job…not the end of the “day”. It is immediately returned to the vault and signed in with the time of day to monitor the length of time it was out of the safe for added security.
• How can I pay for your services?
  *Credit card is required to open an account even if paying by cash. Please call NY Maids if you need special arrangements.

  1. By credit card: We take Visa, Discover, and Mastercard
  2. Cash: If paying by cash, please leave a sealed envelope titled: “NY Maids” on top of a TV or living room cocktail/coffee table.
  3. By check: This option is only available to recurring service subscribers. If paying by check please leave in an envelope following the same procedures as option B.

  *Payment is due at time of service or in advance.
• How do you screen your service pros?
  We not only conduct thorough background checks, but we check their personal references, although it is hard to know if these references are true, we also try to score their accountability by knowing their surroundings and their intentions for the future.

  An example of this is: We would prefer to hire someone who has invested time and set permanent roots in this country. Hopefully these candidates have made some efforts towards leading a decent lifestyle and caring about things like their credit, records and their family’s education if not theirs and have a good sense of dignity and positivity.

  People with those characteristics tend to have better behavior and more of the right kind of ambition to be a well rounded individual. They also tend to be more responsible and more caring since they feel they have more to lose if they engage in destructive or dishonest behavior.

  As, if that weren’t enough, if you read about our training, you’ll see that our service pros go through 3 weeks of orientation, so we get to know them, strengthen good values and reduce negative influences and most importantly take notice of any traits that may be of concern.

• How do your prices compare to other services?
  Like anything else you get what you pay for...although with NY Maids you get more..so much more!

  Not just when it comes to quality of cleaning, but in safety, customer service, convenience, etc...so really the smart question is..."who offers the best overall value?"

  Overall, NY Maids is by far the best value! There are services that are slightly cheaper or much more expensive. Compared to freelancers, we are usually slightly cheaper or about the same...of course the difference in many aspects of that are obvious.

  When it comes to comparing between reputable and legally established services, we're a lot less expensive. There are some services with a business "facade" that charge less. We wouldn't compare ourselves with them because a price that's too good to be true usually indicates a lot of hidden disadvantages, safety concerns and underground practices that they may commit at your risk, even poor quality of service (for example, bringing a used and dirty mop)...so remember...

  Use your common sense if a service only charges "x" amount for their service...then what could the worker be getting? and how could the company have afforded to take the proper steps to protect you? (background checks, training, insurance, bond, etc).

  Any smart customer would not want an unhappy, unaccountable, untraceable(illegal), untrained , unknowledgeable, worker in their home. After all, a cleaning service is supposed to alleviate your burdens, not cause you concern and put you at risk.

• What are the rates? (cost?)
  Too many services are charging random prices based on how much they “feel” they can get from the customer.

  Although sometimes there is good reason to do this, NY Maids feels that this practice allows too many unethical loopholes, so we have decided to establish set rates for everyone! This assures our customers that they will not be pressured, misled or ripped off by unscrupulous or greedy sales reps.

  How do we do it? First we charge a flat rate with a time frame in which our experience has shown us that most jobs are usually done. If necessary, then the customer can authorize additional hours.

  We know that no 2 places carry the same workload or circumstance, but we do know that most labor can be fairly valued at set prices per hour.

  There are exceptions and variants that can change the price or value of the job, but they are very seldom.

  Some of these exceptions are:

  *Distance of service location

  *Unusual circumstances: such as having to work around a crowded room, having a place that has unusual and hard or stuck on filth (usually from a long standing cleaning neglect or hard to manage material). *You are the boss and we will respect your preferences, however we recommend letting the cleaners do their job the way they are accustomed to any requests to change their patterns may result in delays.

  *A common mistake is to think that all labor is worth the same hourly rate. Please bear in mind that although we do try to maintain flat rates, different categories of services are a different specialty and have their own separate set rates too. For example, a spring cleaning is cheaper than a post renovation cleaning because post renovation cleanings require different treatment and sometimes even different supplies & equipment to produce the proper results.

  *Because we are giving set rates we depend entirely on the customers judgement, accurate description of the job, and honest monetary purchase election.

  Example 1: If you have a post-renovation, paying for a spring cleaning may result in misunderstandings, fees and re-adjustment of the service charge.

  Example 2: If your home needs extra time and extra effort to clean, a basic maintenance purchase may not allow enough time to cover all areas. Of course you can always authorize the purchase of additional hours, prioritize tasks in order of importance to you or rotate the tasks (e.g.: she can clean the inside of the refrigerator on her next visit).

  If you notice something about your cleaning request that may need some tailoring or are unsure of how to assess your job, please feel to call one of our reps to help you. (877)624-3911.

• What areas do you service?

  The rates specified in the charts apply to any area in New York City (Manhattan).

  Outside boroughs may differ in price depending on transportation efforts required and time. Use our zip code locator to find out exactly what areas we service and which services may or may not apply.

• What is the cancellation policy?
  If you need to cancel or postpone a scheduled service visit please call NY Maids directly with at least 48 hours notice.

  Any information, changes, requests, preferences, questions or inquiries must be made directly with a NY Maids representative (not the service professional/maid). A database representative can officially record everything properly in the database so that management ensures the correct and high standard carrying out of your job(s).

  You will only incur fees if you are:

  1. Cancelling less than 48 hours before service
  2. We arrive at a scheduled service and are not allowed to carry it through or we cannot enter the premises.
  3. You cancel when the service has already commenced.
  4. You neglect to confirm your appointment. (We give you reminder service one day in advance)

  How much of a fee we apply depends on how much loss NY Maids incurred as result.
• What kind of supplies do you use when you bring your own?
  We use top name brands you know and some of them in commercial grade . If you would like us to use other types such as chemical free, environmentally friendly products, etc., let us know at least 3 days in advance since this might mean that we may have to exchange the stock already stored in the vans/vehicles.
• Will I have the same maid every time?
  By rule of thumb we try to give you the same pro as often as we can. Unless you wish to switch. However, we can only guarantee that you get the same person if you purchase a subscription to regular services. Unless of course for strong reasons something forces us to send another maid such as: she no longer works for NY Maids or illness, but rest assured we always have several very qualified candidates for you too choose from and can have you back on track without disturbing your service!

  It is also a good idea to try and to have at least had 2 preferred maids who know how you like your things done, this will increase the chances of being able to have a regular maid fill in, in case the other regular maid cannot fulfill her appointment with you for any reason.

Saftey & Service Procedures

• Do you bring your own supplies?
  Our maids mostly get around through the subway system or buses, therefore it would be too much hardship to add to an already physically demanding job.

  We can bring supplies & cleaning equipment if you need them in a company van/vehicle for an additional charge, however, if you live in the city, chances are you have a store nearby. Your maid will be happy to buy any supplies you need . Just leave her some cash in an envelope labeled “supplies” otherwise, she may confuse it as a tip. She will bring back exact change and receipt.

  If you would like to know what supplies are commonly needed to clean a home here is a basic(s) list: *may vary depending upon your needs and home. Cleaning supplies list (may vary depending upon your needs)

  1. paper towels
  2. Murphy's Oil
  3. Lysol Liquid all purpose
  4. 409 or fantastik all purpose liquid cleaner
  5. Comet
  6. small white terry cloths
  7. Pledge
  8. Clorox or "Clorox Cleanup" (bleach)
  9. Windex
  10. mop
  11. vacuum
  12. broom
  13. Easy off
  14. trash bags
  15. bucket
  16. brush
  17. sponge
  18. Brillo pads
  19. dishwashing soap or detergent
• How can I give feedback on my service(s)?
  Customers who wish to provide feedback, suggestions or even complaints can do it many ways:

  • This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it <-----If you are happy with the service and would like to tell us about it.(May be used to reward or merit the workers that made you happy!)
  • This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it <---If you have a complaint, concern, idea, opinion or suggestion.
  • This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it <---- Payments, inquiries, changes, preferences, ....anything that comes to mind!

  You can also send us mail to any of these two addresses:

   

  NY Maids, Inc.
  P.O. Box 3003
  Long Island City, NY 11103
  

  NY Maids, Inc Midtown Branch
  531 9th Ave
  New York, NY 10018
  *No walk–ins please

  Of course...There's always our toll free number! (866)NY-MAIDS ** (866)696-2437

• How many service pros clean my home?
  That depends on which service you ordered. If you ordered a standard maintenance, possibly 1, if you ordered a spring cleaning, anywhere between 2 and 5 on average. It also depends on the hours of labor paid for since that is our main source of reference, for example if you ordered a spring cleaning that entails 9 hrs of labor, we might provide 2 service pros @ 4 and a half hours each or 3 service pros @ 3 hrs each. If you have a preference for how the hours are assigned, please let us know, we will try our best to make you happy!
• How will you access my home/apartment/location?
  Coming Soon.
• What if I’m not satisfied?

  We guarantee, if you are not satisified with the job we have done, we will come back and re-clean the areas that you think need re-cleaning.

  We also guarantee that if you are not happy with the maid that has been assigned for you for any reason whatsoever, you may request change of staff until you have found the perfect fit.

  We reserve the right to inspect the work in question within 24 hours. Assuming that proper supplies, instructions , circumstances and that the proper purchase was chosen matching the value and accurate description of the job was provided, the work will be redone to the customer's satisfaction at no additional cost to the customer.

• What if my cleaning falls on a holiday?
  If your service is scheduled during a major holiday, NY Maids may call you to re-schedule. If you are unsure of whether we will be available or you have holiday plans that might interfere with your scheduled NY Maids appointment (such as a trip/vacation) Please let us know at least 48 hours in advance by calling us directly.
• What if your maid breaks something in my home?
  Our maids are extremely careful and knowledgeable when it comes to handling your things. However, should something get broken rest assured that we will replace it with the same exact object or with something of equal value. We are also the only maid service that has a “no-penalty policy” for maids who break objects so that they are encouraged to tell the truth at all times.
• What types of insurance do you carry and how do they protect us?
  Workman's compensation insurance

  • Protects the cleaners if they are hurt on the job.
  • Eliminates risk that you would be sued if someone was injured in your home.
  • Required by law for all direct employees, but not available for independent contractor labor or cash off-the books employees.

  General liability insurance

  • Covers any breakage or other damage caused by our employees.
  • General policy that covers virtually all potential liabilities.
  • Not carried by private individuals and many small companies.

  Bonding insurance.

  • Covers any losses from employee dishonestly.

  Auto insurance

  • Covers our fleet of company vehicles.
  • Covers employee vehicles if ever used on the job

Tips & Advice

• Can I tip my service pro?
  NY Maids’ workers are compensated well above the industry standard and you are not obligated to tip. However, it is customary and will be accepted graciously if you chose to do so. This is the best way to show your appreciation of a job well done.. If you’re wondering what the average tip is, most prefer to pay between 10-20% for bigger jobs and 5-10% for maintenances.

  The second best reward from a customer a service pro can get is an Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to let us know how our service provider made your cleaning experience a gratifying one. This allows us to bonus, praise, motivate and/or benefit the right workers for their outstanding efforts.

• Do I have to do anything before the cleaning?
  Yes, although our maids have been thoroughly checked and we don’t expect them to ever steal from you, we recommend you put cash and jewels or anything of value put away in a separate place such as a safe or personal drawer. The maids themselves feel more comfortable working without having to worry about very valuable items getting lost or damaged. This practice is also common in hotels. Hotels usually provide you with a small safe to lock your valuables in so that the housekeeper can clean comfortably.