1.What is a Referral Agency?
Referral Agencies register independent workers offering various home services to clients – hereafter referred to as ‘providers’. The providers make their own choices about when and where they want jobs.
2.Why would I use a Referral Agency?
Referral Agencies minimize the consumer’s costs while maximizing the provider’s income and reducing the underground economy. It’s a win-win-win! Referral Agencies attract providers who choose to work through an Agency in order to increase their income and receive a 1099 at year-end. Without Referral Agencies, these providers would more likely work as “private” workers and contribute to the underground economy. Moreover, the domestics are responsible for their work, ensuring there is greater accountability for the services provided. Customers tell us the quality of independent provider is significantly higher than those of “employed” workers.
3.Are the professionals who service my property Time Saver Maids employees?
Time Saver Maids is a referral agency for housecleaning and home services. The providers we work with are independent workers. Time Saver Maids is not the employer of the provider it referred to you. The provider may be your employee or an independent contractor depending on the relationship you have with him or her. If you direct and control the manner and means by which the provider performs his or her work you may have employer responsibilities, including employment taxes and worker’s compensation, under state and federal law. For additional information, contact your local Employment Development Department and the Internal Revenue Service.
4.Do the providers bring supplies, or do I need to provide them?
The provider bring all of their own cleaning supplies and equipment. However, if you have a concern about their supplies you may provide your own.
5.Am I required to pay tips to the domestics? How do I do that?
While providers appreciate gratuities, it is not a requirement. But if you wish to tip you can include it in your payment on the invoice.
6.How do you handle any breakage, damage or loss?
The providers are indepent workers and are not the employees of Time Saver Maids. Any breakage, damage, or loss should be notified to the office within 24 hours. The office will contact the provider who will contact you to discuss the loss. The provider is responsible for any breakage, damage, or loss.
7.How do I reschedule or cancel my cleaning appointment?
It's really simple. You just need to contact the office (during normal business time) 48 hours in advance of the cleaning appointment, and we'll make the change. If the notice is less than 48 hours then there is a charge of $40. If a provider reaches your house and is unable to enter the property to provide service there will be a $40 lockout charge.
8.What if my appointment is on a holiday?
You may contact the office 3 days before the holiday and we will reschedule the appointment. We always try to contact you a few days before the holiday and reschedule the appointment per your convenience. It may be possible to keep the work schedule on certain holidays.
9.I am a regular customer. What if I forget to leave payment?
Please note that payment is due at the time of service. We accept Cash and Credit Card payments. We will contact you if payment is not received or the credit card did not go through. You can update the credit card information or send us the payment immediately. A declined credit card may incur a processing charge of $25 and, if necessary, subsequent legal action.
10.Can I leave my key for future service calls?
There are several options to make the property accessible for the providers. You can leave the door unlocked or leave a key under the mat on the day of service. If you decide to leave a key with the provider, you may choose to have the provider hold on to it, or have them return they key when the cleaning is finished. Based on your convenience and comfort level, you can choose any method.
11.Why do you give a two-hour window for the providers to arrive?
The two-hour window is to cover any unforeseen circumstances. For example, the previous service call may take longer than expected or the provider may be delayed by traffic or weather conditions. In the event of a delay the office or provider will contact you accordingly.
12.What if I'm not satisfied with the service?
Most problems can be resolved before they even happen by talking to the provider and specifying what needs to be done. Additionally, we always request that you check the work when the service is finished. If there is a problem and the provider have already left, you can call the office and we will request the provider to work it out directly with you. Another provider can be arranged if you are unable to reach a resolution. That is the beauty of working with a Referral Agency.
15.How do I get the best results in cleaning?
We always recommend that you be there when the provider arrive. It's best to spend a few minutes talking to them about the services you expect, as well as check the work when they're done. If they missed something, let them know and they'll take care of it. Simple communication creates the best results.
16.Can I get the same provider every time?
If the provider wishes to accept the ongoing referral the same cleaner can be sent on a regular basis.
17.Can I hire the provider directly?
Customers can hire the provider directly for a fixed referral fee. Please call the office for additional details.
