Special Touch Cleaning, founded in 1998 in Richmond, Virginia, offers a proven business model along with today’s advanced technology. By Cindy Charette

Special Touch Cleaning, founded in 1998 in Richmond, Virginia, offers a proven business model along with today’s advanced technology.

Franchised in 2020, Special Touch Cleaning simultaneously launched its free proprietary business app, which set this brand apart from others in the residential cleaning industry. This new technology helps franchise owners run their businesses seamlessly from phones or laptops. The app also saves time and money while maximizing profits and enhancing customer service with the following state-of-the-art features:

Customer pricing estimate – New customers get a personalized worksheet created and stored in the database, followed by an emailed service estimate.

Customer scheduling – The app automatically schedules customers based on their locations, start times, and assigned crews. Adjustments are made if an employee is out or if a customer cancels or reschedules.

Customer reminders – Texts to confirm schedules go out daily to customers, with reminders sent on the scheduled day if customers have not replied.

Customer invoicing – Invoices may be emailed to customers, with copies stored in the database.

Credit-card processing – The system processes automatic charges on a daily basis, tracks each successful or failed transaction, and sends out daily email verifications.

GPS tracking – The app tracks each cleaning crew member’s schedule, routes, and locations in real time, as well as their hours and miles driven. A detailed report also shows a completed cleaning checklist, price charged, profit margins, how customers paid, and any pending payments.

Human resources – This feature provides employment applications and training. Once employees are hired, the system tracks their records, including attendance, performance, salary increases, and write-ups.

Payroll – Employees are paid based on their GPS tracking information. Payments may be made by check or direct deposit.

Other key features include customer notifications if crew members are running late and a customer feedback option.

Special Touch Cleaning’s app is included in the franchise fee, with no added monthly software charges.

For more information on Special Touch Cleaning, visit specialtouchcleaningfranchise.com.

– Cindy Charette