OP here. We ended up getting three different quotes and took the lowest one, which was the one I originally posted about. It’s amazing how much prices have gone up, as our pay has certainly not increased that much. We did not negotiate, but just accepted her price. She’s been once so far and we were happy but we’ll see if it lasts. We did not tip as we pay her directly (not through a service.)

Rates are set based on the services offered, size of house, and length of time. I know I am paying a lot less than others because I have used the same cleaners for 20 years and the price generally goes up when we move, add a service, etc. So, what your neighbors pay isn't a perfect indicator of what you may pay.

This also means, you should probably negotiate over services, not the total. For example, if the rate you were quoted includes laundry ask what they would charge if laundry isn't included. Otherwise, yes, you should probably get additional quotes. It may be that everyone else would still charge the same in which case you can give up the idea of negotiating.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Oh thanks for the quote; thus may not be the right match; we were hoping to pay X”

Then see what they say

I would say "Okay thanks for the quote; this may not be the right fit because our next door neighbor with a similar size house said they pay $200 so we were thinking it would be that amount."

Your my neighbor had no right to quote her price. This might get your be neighbor in trouble as as he might start charging them more

agree, don't do this.

Anonymous wrote:A similar thing happened to me and I didn’t negotiate. I figured that the $30 difference, every 2 weeks, meant a lot more to her than me.

If it’s under $50, think of it as doing a good thing for a hardworking person, likely an immigrant who is just trying to get a better life for herself and her family. It’s just 2-3 lunches out or a few coffees for you.

I agree. How financially bad off are people that they try to pay a housecleaner less than they’re quoting? If someone gets a quote for cleaning and actually thinks about trying to negotiate maybe they should clean their own home. They can’t afford it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They absolutely will steal from you if you do not tip them.

Tip? Do people tip independent house cleaners?

I give money at Christmas and vacation pay. Maybe that’s the tip?

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, OP- what was the rate and the size of your home? You in the DMV? I pay $275/month for my 4 bedroom house with a shaggy dog. No basement.

ETA: I’m in the DMV and only have her come once/month. She’d charge less each time she said if I could have her come more frequently which I sadly can’t swing.

Yeah, OP- what was the rate and the size of your home? You in the DMV? I pay $275/month for my 4 bedroom house with a shaggy dog. No basement.

A similar thing happened to me and I didn’t negotiate. I figured that the $30 difference, every 2 weeks, meant a lot more to her than me.

If it’s under $50, think of it as doing a good thing for a hardworking person, likely an immigrant who is just trying to get a better life for herself and her family. It’s just 2-3 lunches out or a few coffees for you.

Anonymous wrote:Just got a quote higher than we expected based on neighbors. Husband says we try to negotiate. I feel weird and want to just call someone else.

Wdyt?

Don't use them. Your husband will make their lives miserable and probably yours too.

Anonymous wrote:What rates are we talking about exactly? I’d be curious to know what the going hourly rate for a housecleaner is .

+1
Years ago we got a flat rate quote but I don't know what hourly rates people are being quoted right now.

Anonymous wrote:They absolutely will steal from you if you do not tip them.

Tip? Do people tip independent house cleaners?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would think they would cut corners a bit/spend less time since you negotiated down.

+1
I would pay the higher rates but add a few things to do and I would check more/be more particular.
We don't do bed making but I would either add something like that or vacuuming windowsills or washing more windows or something.

-1

That is a terrible way to nickel ➕ dime your housecleaner.

People like you do not deserve to have the luxury of other people cleaning their house. 😠

They absolutely will steal from you if you do not tip them.