Don’t Blow the Walkthrough: How to Win Clients Before You Ever Clean a Thing

Most cleaners screw this part up — and it costs them the client before they even start.

That first walkthrough? It’s not just about showing up and smiling. It’s the moment your potential client decides if you’re just "a cleaner" — or the one they trust.

You don’t need a fancy pitch. You need to look and act like a pro — and avoid the rookie mistakes that scream "inexperienced."

Here’s how to handle that first client meeting without fumbling the opportunity.

Let’s Start with the Truth: When someone invites you into their home, they’re not just hiring help — they’re hiring trust. And most new cleaners come in awkward, underprepared, or overly apologetic.

This is your shot to show you’ve got it together. Confidence sells. Systems sell. So does listening like a human being.

Be Prepared Before You Knock on the Door Have a simple client form ready (even on paper). Know their name. Know the pet’s name if they mentioned it. Ask smart questions. Show up 3 minutes early, not 5 minutes late. And don’t fumble through your bag looking for a pen.

These tiny signals stack. They tell your client: “This person has their sh*t together.”

In the Walkthrough, You’re Not There to Impress — You’re There to Assess

This is where a lot of new business owners overtalk and oversell. Slow down.

Let the client talk. Ask about their top concerns. Let them show you around — and watch what they point out first. That’s the stuff they care most about.

Take notes. Confirm the expectations. Be clear about what you do and don’t include.

3 Mistakes That Kill Your Credibility Fast:

• Underpricing to “get the job” — That desperation energy? Clients can feel it.

• Guessing how long it’ll take — Be conservative. Over-deliver, don’t overpromise.

• No written agreement — Handshakes don’t cut it. A one-pager sets the tone.

Bonus: Don’t Wait to Be Found If you’re not telling people about your business — online and in person — someone else is booking the job you’re hoping for. Visibility = bookings.

The good news? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be prepared.

That first meeting doesn’t have to be scary. It’s just your chance to show up like the professional you are — and stop winging it like the beginner you’re not.

Want to walk into that first client meeting with confidence (and the right plan)? Grab the No BS Cleaning Biz Checklist ...it’s free, fast, and built for beginners who want to skip the spiral and start smart.

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For over 30 years, Trisha built and ran her own successful cleaning business, handpicking her schedule and consistently earning $5,000+ a month—all while working part-time as a solo cleaner. Now, she’s here to help you do the same! Whether you’re just starting solo or already have a small team, Trisha’s vast experience can help you grow your business and boost profits without adding more hours. She'll teach you how to avoid common mistakes new cleaning business owners make and run your business profitably from day one. With over three decades of experience, learning from Trisha is the fastest, most reliable way to launch or scale your thriving cleaning business!