Why Desperate People Make Terrible Customers and Employers (And How to Avoid Being One)

If you’ve been in the cleaning industry for even a short time, you’ve likely seen posts like this:

• “I’m desperate for a cleaner for tomorrow for my business!”

• “Cleaner needed—starts tomorrow!”

• “I desperately need a cleaner for tomorrow!” 

These kinds of urgent, last-minute pleas are red flags. They don’t just signal an immediate need—they reveal an underlying pattern of disorganization and poor planning. People who constantly find themselves in these emergencies usually stay in this cycle because they don’t take the time to do their due diligence.

If you’re a business owner looking for clients, desperation leads to poor decision-making, bad hires, and frustrating working relationships. Here’s why desperate people make terrible customers and terrible employers—and how you can avoid becoming one.

Why Desperate Customers Are a Nightmare

When someone is desperately looking for a cleaner at the last minute, they’re often:

❌ Disorganized – They haven’t planned ahead, which likely means their expectations are unclear, their schedule is chaotic, and their communication is poor.

❌ Unrealistic – They expect miracles overnight, often demanding a full overhaul of their space in a tight time frame without considering what’s actually possible.

❌ Price-Sensitive but Not Value-Oriented – They want a quick fix and often don’t value expertise, meaning they’ll haggle, underpay, or constantly question your pricing.

❌ Difficult to Retain – If they only hire cleaners in emergencies, they likely won’t become regular, reliable clients.

❌ Prone to Repeating the Same Behavior – If they are scrambling for a cleaner today, chances are they’ll be scrambling again next month, next week, or even tomorrow.

❌ Unappreciative – They might be grateful in the moment, but because they don’t plan ahead, they’ll forget the effort you put in and likely repeat the cycle without loyalty.

How to Avoid Being a Desperate Employer

The best way to stay out of the desperation trap is planning ahead and building a process for both hiring and working relationships. Here’s how:

✅ Create a Hiring Process – Have an application, interview, and onboarding system in place.

✅ Hire Before You’re Desperate – Don’t wait until you’re in a bind—recruit proactively.

✅ Offer Stability – A well-structured business doesn’t have constant turnover.

✅ Treat Your Team Well – Retention is cheaper than replacement. Invest in training and fair wages.

✅ Don’t Just Take Anyone – Quality matters more than filling a position fast.

Final Thoughts

Desperation leads to bad decisions. When you’re hiring, taking the time to plan, vet, and structure your approach will save you from chaos and frustration.

Want to attract better clients?

💡 Set up systems

💡 Be proactive, not reactive

💡 Create relationships, not just transactions

A little preparation today prevents a crisis tomorrow. Choose stability over spot-fires, and you’ll never have to post a desperate “Cleaner needed ASAP!” ad again.