Coming back to this. Finally got the chance to go do a cleaning for the gym owner yesterday. Only did one mat as they just had open mat and it was ready for a good cleaning. Took me about an hour, that's likely to decrease since it was my first time doing it. I'm only going to clean the mats.

Gym owner was really happy with the visual and tactile results. We haven't made it 100% official as we will finish details today or tomorrow but I think we're just about in agreement for me to clean 2 times a week for a family membership. He said he can give me a key if I need to clean off hours. In his own words, "we don't have anything in here to steal." It will be about 2.25 hours I figure with me hitting the 2 workout mats and the small carpeted area where the kids hang out.

Another factor is that the wife tried kickboxing twice last week and realized how much she misses working out. She doesn't get out of the house much so it's great for her to get out to not only exercise but also socialize with the other women who workout there. The kid did 1 class and seemed to enjoy it but definitely liked hanging out with the other kids (she's an only child) while mom was working out. The other kids are in a waiting area while their parent is working out.

I did think about charging them but I'd really just not have a business dealing with a gym I'm planning on staying long term for.

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:
Is there any liability involved? Could you possibly damage the mats, or since you mentioned ringworm could somebody get ill due to dirty mats?

As it is, that liability is on them. If you take over cleaning that may fall upon you.

No liability just like they're not liable if I'm hurt training. I'm doing a deeper cleaning 2 times a week.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:
$350 per month for 3 cleanings a week is very low not even factoring in the equipment.

Have you checked into the hourly rate for commercial cleaning?

The barter idea is great but not at $350. 234 hours per year, that would be $17.95 per hour including your equipment. Would you normally work for that rate?

I thought about it and 3 times a week was very low as you stated.

I did not check the hourly rate for commercial cleaning but I know my machines rent out for $25/24 hours plus whatever cleaning chemicals they would use, that's for retail pricing. Obviously, I do not pay retail pricing but that's not a factor for the gym.

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I mean... what ever it's worth to ya...

Sounds like you've done the rough math. For a few cleanings a week might be worth it. How far is the gym from you? What time a day will you do the cleanings?

If it's some weird off hour mid-night when they are closed type thing. Factor that in as a PITA for timing.

Gym is 12 minutes from my house.

He wants one day over the weekend and one day during the week. He will give me a key.

quote:

Gym owner was really happy with the visual and tactile results. We haven't made it 100% official as we will finish details today or tomorrow but I think we're just about in agreement for me to clean 2 times a week for a family membership.

Sounds like a win-win.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
Too many possible issues in bartering like this.
If your service is truly a better value for his needs, he should pay. The same if his facility is the best value for you. Very straightforward transactions. If either one of you fail to deliver, the whole bartering deal blows up.

The only real benefit to either of you is that you're going under the radar, tax wise and the reward for the small amount isn't worth the potential headaches in my opinion.

There's also the marketing and networking aspect for this. Gym owners talk to each other and network. While they are competitive, it's not uncommon for gym students to cross train with each other.

I have a line of products I'm trying to break into the area with and this is a step for me.

My son got ringworm from high school wrestling mat and I have seen the coach douche the mat with a mop soaked in some antiseptic mat fluid. Every night after practice. I’d be leery of the liability.