Cleaning leave behinds are one of the most overlooked, yet, easiest ways to…
… all at once!
The most successful cleaning business owners know you can quickly increase client retention by guaranteeing a sparkling, clean house after every service.
However, many cleaning service businesses forget another key element that adds an extra touch to the squeaky-clean house - cleaning leave behinds.
Cleaning leave behinds are a small but meaningful gift that’s left behind for clients after finishing a cleaning service.
These small gestures boost your services from “Pretty good... ” to “Wow! Your cleaning company is amazing!”
Increase your sales by getting more leads and clients
Make more money by upselling services to current clients
Save money on marketing and advertising with these effective templates
Drop the low-hanging fruit in your business by getting more profitable clients
Before we get started, let's talk about why you should use cleaning leave behinds in your cleaning business.
When you offer cleaning services, you give 100%... But what if you want to give MORE?
Cleaning leave behinds add that extra 10%.In other words, leave behinds help your business stand out amongst competitors by constantly reminding clients of your work - even long after the house gets dirty again.
To grow your cleaning business, you need to market yourself.
Certain cleaning leave behinds make it significantly easier to generate WOM (word of mouth) referrals, by impressing clients with your attention to detail.
Simply put: Cleaning leave behinds express your appreciation - and in the cleaning business, passion is what counts.
By personalizing cleaning leave behinds, you add an extra personal touch that distinguishes you from all of the competition.
Personalized cleaning leave behinds keep the best clients satisfied, while also creating an opportunity for future upsells.
Remember, client retention is ALL about building long-lasting relationships.
On your first visit, you should ALWAYS leave something behind.
After all, you want to make an outstanding first impression. In turn, when you make future mistakes, the homeowner will be more likely to forgive you.
Holidays and special occasions are another great time to offer a cleaning leave behind.
Always remember, ALL of your clients should receive a little something for major holidays like Christmas or Valentine's Day.
However, if you'd like to go above and beyond for your best clients, then you can incorporate a cleaning leave behind for their birthday months or anniversaries.
Though,keep in mind, personal gestures might not be appropriate for every client. However, it can make a HUGE difference for the special clients you really love and never want to lose.
Now, you know why you need cleaning leave behinds as well as what they can do for your business.
These are the top 3 things that make a great leave behind:
Otherwise, you’ll end up spending too much time and money… with little effect!
At last, here are 17 cleaning leave behinds for your business that’ll thrill clients without hurting your revenue:
Whether it’s an entire box of chocolates for a special occasion (or a small candy bar) chocolates, offer a personal touch that’s sure to make clients happy.
One of my favorite chocolate surprises are tiny chocolate vacuum cleaners.
These tiny chocolate vacuums are fantastic because they remind clients how much they love your cleaning services.
Hand soap dispensers are one of my favorite cleaning leave behind ideas because they're highly relevant to the cleaning industry.
You can buy custom-made soap dispensers, put your logo on it, and then attach your magnetic cleaning business card with a ribbon to make it look even fancier.
If there’s a special occasion or holiday like Valentine’s Day coming up, consider buying roses in bulk.
Also, you can buy a small amount of inexpensive flowers.
For example, orchids are a common favorite, which are generally inexpensive to leave at your clients’ homes.
A personalized calendar is a great cleaning leave behind because everyone needs one.
Choose from 12 unique photos of your team for a more expensive calendar, or stick with a more affordable, magnetic, one-page calendar with your company logo on the front.
Similar to business cards, personalized sticky note pads should include your:
Plus, you can buy personalized sticky notes in bulk online at places like Inkhead.
In turn, every time a client goes to write a note, they’ll be thinking of your cleaning service business.
Magnets are useful because they’re easy to get AND personalizable.
Place your company name, logo, phone number, and website on them, and you can send these out for years.
Did you know you can buy pens with your logo printed on it for as little as 18 cents per pen?
Logo pens are great because every time a lead or client takes notes, they'll be fondly thinking about your cleaning business... or at least that's the goal.
Plus, there's no better way to get your brand in the hands of friends, family, and clients than by handing out personalized pens as one of your cleaning leave behinds.
In addition, these pens serve as an easy, affordable way to hand out your contact information to potential prospects.
Instant invoicing
Better scheduling
Manage your clients and employees all in one system
If you’re looking for something with an additional personal touch, it’s a great idea to leave behind breath mints with a personalized note!
Also, the personal note doesn’t have to be too in-depth. It can be a standard note you give to all clients.For example, the note could say something as simple as, “Welcome Home from Sunshine Cleaners!”
Though, be careful about leaving a breath mint without a personalized note.
If you forget to leave a note, clients might think you’re trying to tell them something about their breath.
Candles can get expensive, but if you buy them in bulk then it might be worth it.
I recommend sending these candles to your best clients on the holidays.
While a logo on these candles would be a nice additional touch, don’t worry too much about getting your logo on there.After all, candles are more of a gift idea to show them how much you value the client’s loyalty and support.
Toilet paper stickers are one of the most classic cleaning leave behinds, which are incredibly cheap.
Plus, when you get a roll of these custom-made company stickers for a few dollars,they’ll last a long time.
Stick one on the toilet paper roll after you fold up the end to add a nice touch to anyone who wants to feel like every inch of their home has been truly pampered.
Custom scents are a unique leave behind that’s sure to add to your signature branding.
Get some essential oils, or other fragrant liquids. For example, citrus and vanilla are excellent choices.
Then, dump them in the trash or the garbage disposal.
As a result, traditionally “bad-smelling” places now smell fantastic. In turn, you can amaze cleaning clients by showing the extra lengths you’re willing to go to impress them.
However, be careful not to overpower them with the smells. You only want to use just enough to spark their attention without becoming too overpowering.
Also, make sure to ask clients if anyone is allergic to the essential oils you’d like to use (especially children and pets).
Once you’ve gotten consent for the scents, you’re good to make your first trial run.
Afterwards, ask clients how they liked the scents and if they have any favorite scents for next time.
I’ve seen some cleaning companies leave behind a signature smell after every visit, and it produces some very loyal clients as well as unique branding.
Scent diffusers are elegant, smell beautiful, and create a homey-feel.
Plus, these can be surprisingly inexpensive.
Put a few sticks in a small mason jar with your company label on it, and your clients are sure to be very impressed.
You can personalize and purchase your custom branded stickers in bulk online at places like Sticker Mule.
When you attach your magnetic cleaning business card to any of these ideas, remember to do this one, simple thing…
Add at least a $15 referral offer. This way, clients have a strong incentive and are more willing to refer your services to a friend.
Though, be cautious when handing out business cards. It’s important only to hand out cards to your best clients after a compliment or review.
If you really love your client, or if you think they might give a great online review after being impressed a little more, try giving them an Artisan soap as a cleaning leave behind.
Plus, when you buy artisan soaps in bulk (I’ve seen $2 per bar of soap before). They smell really nice and go a long way.
Who doesn’t love sugar?
In reality, you really don’t need to buy sweets from a Farmer’s Market, but the idea is to get something that feels wholesome and local.
Macaroons, small jars of honey/fruit preserves, salt water taffy, etc… all make for great cleaning leave behinds.
Also, local farmer’s market treats subtly remind clients that you’re not some big, faceless corporation that's just in it for the money.
The true message you want to portray is that your cleaning service business is run by people who genuinely care.
Have a clever company name, mascot, or specific branded logo?
Try to leave a gift that will remind clients specifically of your cleaning business.
For example, if your company name is Clean Ducks Services, then you might leave behind a rubber duck toy with your company card or logo attached.
Or, if you call yourself the “Busy Bee Maids,” you could use sticks of honey as a cleaning leave behind.
Get creative and be unique to separate your business from the competition.
Welcoming packets are one of the easiest and most powerful ways to amaze new clients.
Envelopes, folders, or binders filled with useful information on cleaning products, expectations, and business cards.
This cleaning leave behind proves to clients that you’re serious about your cleaning services and the wellness of their homes.
However, don’t go too far. After all, clients might wonder if you’re “expensive,” because you created a leave behind that’s nearly $50.
Use these great cleaning leave behinds to help impress clients and keep them happy for many years to come.
Even though cleaning leave behinds have some upfront cost in the beginning, you’ll most definitely make up for it with increased client retention and improved satisfaction.
Always remember, marketing doesn’t stop when someone converts into a client.
Continue to upsell and keep them eager for your cleaning services.
Keep in mind, creativity is an easy way to impress clients, upsell existing clients, and generate referrals for minimal amounts of money in almost no time at all.
And of course, don’t forget to give your clients the greatest “cleaning leave behind” of them all… a very clean house!
Related: 13 Cleaning Social Media Tips to Grow Your Business
Originally published May 21, 2019 7:00 AM, updated Oct 6, 2021 9:57 AM
Tags: Marketing
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