The best estimate still needs a review. After a cleaning visit, compare planned and actual labor hours, paid travel, supplies, other costs and revenue. A small difference per person can add up across a crew.
In our fictional example, two cleaners were expected to work two hours each, with 0.25 paid travel hours each. Actual on-site time was 2.5 hours per person. At a loaded rate of 25, that extra hour across the crew adds 25 in labor cost. Supplies also rise from 8 to 10.
Original cost was 138.50; actual cost becomes 165.50. If actual revenue is 180 after a discount, a 3% payment fee and 0.30 fixed fee leave a surplus of just 8.80, about 4.9% of revenue. The original 200 quote would have left 55.20 at planned costs. Both the discount and the overrun affected the outcome.
Record what changed. Was the property condition different? Did the customer add a task? Did you underestimate travel? Use the answer to improve the next estimate. Do not assume every extra minute means the customer caused a problem; estimates can be wrong.
Our free Cleaning Quote Cost Check lists the inputs. We sell the $19 Cleaning Profit Kit with an actual-visit review and a reusable worksheet for this process. The tool is a planning aid, not an accounting statement.
Free checklist: https://payhip.com/b/peA67
$19 Cleaning Profit Kit: https://payhip.com/b/8FxTA
CedarSignal Studio storefront: https://payhip.com/CedarSignalStudio