It seems fair to not charge a cleaning fee for low key meetings, workshops, pop-ups, etc… and leave the guest with a spot cleaning checklist to return the space to how they found it. I feel as if there’s low traffic and no food and alcohol, people can clean on their own, and save on the cleaning fee and that will incentivize more bookings. Do others practice this? Or do you charge a cleaning fee for ALL bookings no matter what. Or do you just have the cleaning fee baked into a higher rate?
I have had that thought but you never know what will actually happen. I had a meeting, expecting it to be a quick clean. The white wall by the trash bin was splattered with coffee, as if they were tossing cups from across the room. We had to paint.
For us the ‘cleaning’ fee is really a preparation and cleaning fee, with us cleaning and sanitizing before AND after each booking. So the fee is typically warranted to some degree, less for some, more for others.
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My cleaning fee is baked into the rate. I only charge an extra fee if there are damages or an excessive mess.
I find this works better for me and avoids having the client feel like they’re getting nickled and dimed. I do this for 2 reasons:
1: It’s a way to validate my rate. For people who ask for discounts, I list out the things that are included in my listed price – cleaning, very small amount of in-house equipment, free coffee/water/soda, etc. Most of these things don’t actually cost me anything. I own the EQ and I get a ton of leftover beverages and craft service items from other productions. I just repurpose.
2: If you give people line items, it gives them more introductions to ask for discounts. Just having one price eliminates people cherry picking things they want for free.
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