A Cuban TikTok user, kurly_la_peque02, known for sharing insights into her daily life and work in the United States, recently posted a video detailing an unfortunate experience she had with her house cleaning business in Kentucky.
In the video, the young Cuban recounted that after completing a cleaning job in Louisville, the client refused to pay, claiming the work was unsatisfactory. According to her post on TikTok, the client sent photos highlighting supposedly poorly cleaned areas, which she insisted were unfounded as she always takes great care in her work.
However, she admitted that she did not take "before and after" photos of the cleaning on this occasion, which would have helped her counter the accusations. Following this "slightly traumatic" experience, she decided to share her story to advise others in the house cleaning business to always photograph their work upon completion to avoid similar issues.
"Cover your back because, ultimately, it's your job," she emphasized in her testimony, which has sparked various reactions among social media users. Some shared similar experiences, underscoring the importance of documenting the entire cleaning process. "I also do this job here, but if they are new clients I don't know, I don't leave without being paid"; "It happened to me too at a house, but thank God I had before and after photos, and the owner paid me"; "You always have to be very careful with new clients because they are used to doing that with several companies," they said.
Others suggested alternatives such as using contracts or demanding cash payments before finishing the work: "You should have called the police immediately so they could verify it"; "Contracts, my dear. Every time you have a client, enter with a contract in hand"; "That's an excuse not to pay, but God will take care of it, and justice will be served," they commented.
Her story also prompted messages of encouragement and solidarity: "God will multiply those working hours for you" and "All evil will be repaid, blessings," read some of the reactions, creating a discussion space among those in this line of work in the U.S., highlighting the importance of protecting oneself from potential abuse and adequately documenting their tasks.
Key Advice for Housekeepers in the U.S.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that address the issues and advice shared by kurly_la_peque02 regarding house cleaning work in the United States.
Why is it important to take "before and after" photos of cleaning jobs?
Taking "before and after" photos helps document the quality of your work and can serve as evidence if a client disputes the cleanliness of their home.
What should housekeepers do if a client refuses to pay?
If a client refuses to pay, housekeepers should consider calling the police to verify the situation, using contracts, or requiring payment upfront to prevent such issues.
How can housekeepers protect themselves from potential client abuses?
Housekeepers can protect themselves by documenting their work, using contracts, and being cautious with new clients by requiring upfront payments or verifying their credibility.