THE cleaning services market in Cebu is expected to progress over the next few years, as people get busier and accustomed to high-rise living.
Azela Honor, chief executive officer of Cleanmate Solutions Inc., said the rise in the number of condo users in Cebu, who either use their units for end-use or for business, has led to the rise in demand for cleaning services in Cebu.
“We noticed that some condo dwellers are now open to outsourcing their housekeeping needs, rather than buying all those cleaning equipment that would require a big space in their units. Some too are busy with their work and they have no time to clean their space,” said Honor.
Cleanmate Solutions Inc. is one of the subsidiaries of Filipino Homes, a one-stop-shop real estate services company founded in Cebu. Cleanmate was primarily created to support the after-sales need of buyers.
According to Honor, cleaning services is another indirect business that flourished out of the real estate boom.
“Most of our buyers or at least 70 percent of them are working or living abroad or not from Cebu; usually they ask us (agents/brokers) to find people to clean their units. The demand is strong now,” said Honor, who is a licensed real estate broker. “We opened this business to maintain the relationship,” she added.
Cleanmate Solutions was launched in March 2019. It now has over 20 accredited cleaners, cleaning properties like condominium units, offices, warehouses, houses and lots and other establishments. Its service rate is determined per square meter.
One fast-growing market for this service is Airbnb. Honor said they receive plenty of bookings from condo unit owners who have turned their units into accommodation spaces.
Honor sees the business of cleaning services expanding in the coming years.
“It will continue to expand because of the market. This is similar to a beauty salon. Although we have a lot of them in every corner, many are still opening because they render personal care services,” she said.
Cleanmate also invested in high-end cleaning equipment like HyLa and Rainbow vacuum brands to meet the high-standard requirement of today’s sophisticated customers.
After Cebu, the company is set to open branches in Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Davao. (KOC)