Should you charge hourly or a flat rate?
Hourly pricing charges for time used; a fixed quote charges an agreed amount for a defined job. Neither method removes the need to estimate the work. A fixed quote puts more risk on you if the home takes longer than expected.
For an unfamiliar property, ask about size, condition, last professional clean, pets, access and priorities. Clarify whether the client wants routine upkeep or a detailed reset. Do not assume a bedroom count tells you the condition.
How do you calculate a starting price?
Add your target pay, job expenses and a share of overhead. For example, four cleaning hours at a hypothetical $40 target pay is $160. Add $20 in job expenses and $30 toward overhead and your illustrative price is $210 before any applicable tax. These are invented planning figures, not Ontario market rates or promised earnings.
Your pay target is not automatically profit. Unpaid administration, travel time and empty appointment slots affect what remains. Use the free pricing calculator to test your own figures.
How do you keep the quote clear?
State the work included, exclusions, how extra work is approved and any applicable tax. If charging hourly, explain whether the rate is per cleaner. If quoting a fixed job, record the condition and scope used for the estimate.
Compare your estimate with the actual time after each visit. If jobs repeatedly overrun, change the estimate, scope or rate before the next booking rather than quietly working unpaid.