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Being organized with the right paperwork is one small factor that will help to determine how successful you will be as a cleaning professional.

When starting out in the cleaning business it can be a very time consuming process to get together the necessary paperwork for the day-to-day running of the business. However, once you have put together some standard letters, business forms and a cleaning contract or agreement you can reuse them over and over again just by making some slight changes on a case by case basis.

New business owners these days can save a lot of time by getting a hold of some of these standard business documents on the Internet. It is possible to find some that you are allowed to copy or customize for your own business. Let's take a look at some of the paperwork you will need for your cleaning startup.

A service agreement or contract is essential, especially for the commercial janitorial sector. This document basically sets out the terms under which you will provide cleaning services, including contact details for each party, services offered, price, who will provide cleaning products and other obligations.

Business forms will also be needed for the day-to-day running of the businesses finances. Having examples of billing forms and receipts used by others in the cleaning industry can give you ideas about how to structure your own forms. You will also need letters for financial related situations as they arise such as chasing overdue accounts.

Business forms and letters can also help you manage your customers and serve them better. A file should be kept on each customer with basic details and preferences. You also need 'thank you' letters, welcome letters and letters for dealing with customer complaints.

Other paperwork that you will need to collect and develop for your company includes letters for bidding on commercial jobs, maintenance logs for vehicles and equipment and forms and agreements for managing staff members.

Having the necessary cleaning business forms, templates, standard letters and agreements on hand for when you need them will ensure that your cleaning business is organized, productive and professional.

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A collection letter that is often neglected is the thank-you note. It can provide a reminder of both the account status and the customer’s importance.

Word Trade, Inc.
5698 Adie Road St. Ann, MO 63074

April 19, 1999

Verb Mueller
12345 Greenwood Lane
Overland Park, KS 66213

Dear Vern Mueller,

Thank you for your payment of $563.07. Your current balance is $3,000-your credit limit. A payment of $500 is due May 1.

We appreciate your attention to your account status with us. Your patronage is important to us.

If we may assist you, please contact us at 1-800-344-9000

Sincerely,



Anita Collins
Account Executive

AC:etr



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Zenith Building Supplies
678 Central Parkway
Durham, NC 27715

August 13, 1999

Tim Blackwell, President
Blackwell Builders
98 Diego Dr.
Durham, NC 27713

Dear Mr. Blackwell,

Thank your for your July 28 payment, check #1429 for $200. Unfortunately, it was returned by your bank because of “insufficient funds.”

I’m returning the check to you for your review. Please send a payment this week after you reconcile this matter with your bank. If we receive your payment by August 13, you will avoid accruing additional interest charges on your outstanding balance with us.

Your continued patronage is important to us. We appreciate your good payment record in the past year. We know that you, too, will be happy when this situation is resolved. If I may help, just call me at 1-800-55-1234.

Sincerely,


Jack Quentin

Enc.



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This letter is the final notice the customer receives. It gives the customer an ultimatum: “If you do not respond, this will happen…” After this letter there is no more chances.

Western Wear
2212 Boot Hill Rd. Cheyenne, WY 82001

November 5, 1999

Ted Wilson
515 Ramey Ct.
Laramie, WY 82063

Dear Mr. Wilson,

Your bill of $319.04 is now 90 days overdue.

The total amount is due now.

If your payment in full is not received by December 10, your file will be turned over to a collection agency.

Sincerely,



Mary West
Credit Manager

MJW:cjl



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This letter stresses the urgency of the customer taking some kind of action on the bill. It is a continuing progress report on the recipient’s account/ If an alternative payment play has been reached previously, indicate the details of the agreement and the telephone contact data to keep an accurate record of communications.

Western Wear
2212 Boot Hill Rd. Cheyenne, WY 82001


November 5, 1999

Ted Wilson
515 Ramey Ct.
Laramie, WY 82063

Dear Mr. Wilson,

Your bill of $319.04 is now overdue 60 days. Send $319.04 within 10 days. If you cannot send the total, please call me at 800-555-9875.

Failure to respond may mean that your bill is turned over to a collection agency. Thank you for your prompt attention.

Sincerely,



Mary West
Credit Manager

MJW:cjl


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Inquiry LetterThis letter inquires why the bill isn't being paid. It assumes that the bill is overdue. It's a good idea to follow this letter with a personal phone call inquiring about the payment delay. Often an alternative plan can be arranged to suit the recipient's current budget constraints. If another agreement is reached, send a copy of the new payment plan to the recipient. Continue to follow up letters with phone calls to maintain open communication. Keep a log of all calls.

Western Wear
2212 Boot Hill Rd. Cheyenne, WY 82001

August 5, 1999

Ted Wilson
515 Ramey Ct.
Laramie, Wy 820063

Dear Mr. Wilson,

Is there some reason you have not paid your bill of #319.04?

In the credit agreement you signed, you agreed to pay off your bill in three payments. Your total bill is now overdue. Please send $319.04 within 10 days. If you have any question or concerns regarding this bill, please contact me at 800-555-9875 by September 10.

Failure to send the full amount by September 15 may mean that your bill will be turned over to a collection agency. Your prompt attention is urgent to protect your credit.

Sincerly,


Mary West
Credit Manager

MJW:cjl



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This letter reminds the reader that the bill is overdue and the payment still hasn't been received. Be careful to focus on observable behaviors and to avoid assumptions. Saying"we have not received payment" is an observable behavior. Saying "You have not sent payment" is an assumption. Stay positive.

Western Wear
2212 Boot Hill Rd. Cheyenne, WY 82001

August 5, 1999

Ted Wilson
515 Ramey Ct.
Laramie, Wy 820063

Dear Mr. Wilson,

We have not yet received your payments. This is to remind you that both both your first and second payments of $100 are now overdue. This is $200 plus the balance of $119.04 on August 15.

In the credit agreement you signed, you agreed to pay off your bill in three payment. The first payments of $100 was due June 15, 1999, the second of $100 on July 15, 1999 and the final payment of $119.04 on August 15, 1999. Please send the full amount in 10 days.

Failure to pay on time will affect your ability to charge merchandise at our store. If you want to discuss your account, call me at 800-555-9875. Perhaps we can arrange a more comfortable payment plan.

Thank you for your immediate attention.

Sincerly,



Mary West
Credit Manager

MJW:cjl


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