Choosing the RIGHT clients (learn from my mistake)
I just wanted to share some real experience in case it helps someone avoid the same situation. As a cleaning company, we worked with a few clients doing rent-to-rent in large blocks of flats. During the busy season (especially summer), everything was great — properties were full and invoices were being paid. But when winter hit and occupancy dropped, things changed quickly. They started struggling financially — covering rent, running costs, and eventually… paying our cleaning invoices. We gave chances, trusted promises, and continued working… but in the end, we had to walk away — and unfortunately, we’re still owed money. What I’ve learned from this: 👉 Not all clients are equal — some business models are much riskier than others 👉 Always do your checks (Companies House, trading history, reviews, etc.) 👉 Don’t rely on “they’ll pay later” — protect your cash flow 👉 If something feels off, it usually is Best clients (from my experience): People who own their property and run it as a second home/holiday let. For example, someone who lives in London but rents out their family home seasonally — they tend to be more stable, reliable, and less pressured financially. It’s not about having more clients… it’s about having the right ones. Hope this helps someone 🙏