What is a Domestic Referral Agency?
“Domestic Referral Agencies minimize the consumer’s costs while maximizing the worker’s income by outsourcing jobs to independent domestic workers who are registered under contract with the referral agencies.”
“The Domestic workers work to their own schedule, utilize their own acquired knowledge to complete jobs and provide their own transportation. Depending on the needs of the customer, supplies, and equipment are provided by either the customer or the worker. The workers provide professional domestic services, as requested by the customer, at the lowest possible cost. ”
-California Coalition of Domestic Referral Agencies
What is a Referral Agency?
“Domestic Referral Agencies minimize the consumer’s costs while maximizing the worker’s income by outsourcing jobs to independent domestic workers who are registered under contract with the referral agencies.”
“The Domestic workers work to their own schedule, utilize their own acquired knowledge to complete jobs and provide their own transportation. Depending on the needs of the customer, supplies, and equipment are provided by either the customer or the worker. The workers provide professional domestic services, as requested by the customer, at the lowest possible cost. ”
-California Coalition of Domestic Referral Agencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the professionals who service my property Maid VIP employees?
Maid VIP is a referral agency for house cleaning and home services. The domestics we work with are independent workers. Maid VIP is not the employer of the domestic worker it referred to you. The domestic worker 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 domestic worker 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.
Do the domestics bring supplies, or do I need to provide them?
The domestics bring all of their own cleaning supplies and equipment. However, if you have a concern about their supplies, you may provide your own.
Am I required to pay tips to the domestics? How do I do that?
While cleaners appreciate gratuities, it is not a requirement. But if you wish to tip, you can include it in your payment. Just log into your account or contact us.
How do you handle any breakage, damage or loss?
The cleaners are independent domestic workers and are not the employees of Maid VIP. Any breakage, damage, or loss should be notified to the office within 24 hours. The office will contact the domestic cleaner who will contact you to discuss the loss. The domestic cleaner is responsible for any breakage, damage, or loss.
How do I reschedule or cancel my cleaning appointment?
It’s really simple. Log in directly to your account or contact us 24 hours before your scheduled cleaning with us. If the notice is less than 24 hours, then you will be assessed a $75 cancellation fee.
Do I have to be present during my cleaning service?
Not at all! We have many clients who leave their keys in a secure spot while they’re away. We’ll lock your house up and return the key in a safe hiding spot.
Why do you give a two-hour window for the domestics 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 cleaners may be delayed by traffic or weather conditions. In the event of a delay, the office or domestic will contact you accordingly.
What if I’m not satisfied with the service?
Most problems can be resolved before they even happen by talking to the domestics 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 domestics have already left, you can call the office and we will request the domestics to work it out directly with you. Another cleaner can be arranged if you are unable to reach a resolution. That is the beauty of working with a Referral Agency.
How do I get the best results in cleaning?
We always recommend that you be at the property when the cleaner(s) arrive. It’s best to spend a few minutes talking to them about your priorities, as well as check the work before they leave. Providing feedback to the domestic workers towards the end of the service is a great way to ensure you are 100% satisfied with the work.
Can I get the same cleaner(s) every time?
If the domestic wishes to accept the ongoing referral, the same cleaner(s) can be sent on a regular basis as you wish.
Are domestic workers available every day of the week?
No, Maid VIP referrals are from Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday.