Episode 1321 – Stop Accepting These Cleaning Clients (They're Killing Your Profit)
In this episode, Mike Campion breaks down why certain cleaning clients are quietly killing your profit—and what to do about it. He explains why one-time cleans and short-term rentals often create more stress than success, even if they seem like easy wins. You’ll learn why recurring residential or commercial clients are the real gold and how focusing on the right customer can transform your business. Mike also shares smart, simple strategies to stop serving bad-fit clients without burning bridges. If you’ve ever felt busy but broke, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and start building the business you actually want!
Not All Cleaning Clients Are Created Equal
In this episode, Mike Campion lays it down straight: if you’re trying to serve everyone, you’re really serving no one. Cleaning business owners often chase all kinds of clients—residential, commercial, post-construction, short-term rentals—and think more types equals more money. But Mike says that’s like being a coach for cleaning companies and soccer teams and chakra healing. It sounds fancy, but it’s not smart. The best business owners pick one type of client and build their whole system around that.
One-Time Cleans Are a Profit Trap
Mike warns against one-time cleans. They seem quick and easy, but they bring tons of stress, risk, and last-minute chaos. You spend time bidding, scheduling, staffing, and still might get a bad review. Worst of all? You only get paid once. It might feel like money is coming in, but it’s just churn—not real growth. You can’t build a business on one-and-done work. If you want a real company, not a job with drama, skip these clients.
Short-Term Rentals: Better, But Still Risky
Short-term rental cleaning is a step up, but Mike still says be careful. It’s hard to get paid up front, it’s super seasonal, and you’re working like crazy during busy months and stressing during slow ones. Plus, if one big client owns half your accounts, you’re in trouble if they leave. Cleaners hate the wild card messes, and owners can’t count on steady money. Mike says do some short-term rentals if you must, but never let them be your whole business.
Want Freedom? Go Recurring
Mike’s advice: go all-in on recurring clients—either residential or commercial. Pick one, stick to it, and build systems around it. Residential is great for steady cash and fast sign-ups. Commercial can go bigger but takes longer to win. Either way, recurring clients mean less drama, fewer surprises, and more profit over time. You can actually plan your life and hire a strong team without running in circles.
Raise Prices, Cut Stress
Not sure how to stop serving the wrong clients? Mike gives three options. First, rip the Band-Aid—just stop. Second, raise prices like crazy until the bad clients leave on their own. Third, quietly stop taking new clients in the wrong group and shift your marketing to your dream customer. That’s how you build a business you actually like running. And once you know who you serve, all your marketing gets easier, too.