Hi Mamas,
The IT is my pedestal fan. It is a 5 years old (so not of great value)and was propped up against the wall. They didn't tell me and that is what bothers me. The housekeeper is always polite but not great at english but she knows that I can manage in her language well enough for her to tell me things and vice-versa. I am upset that they didn't even mention it.. seems dishonest.
How should I deal with this? Call them before the next visit or wait until then (in 2 weeks) to ask them. And how should I approach it?
Since it was 5 years old I wouldn't ask for any monetary compensation from a maid. She probably bumped it or accidentally knocked it over while cleaning something else. If she is good at cleaning I would mention that the fan appeared to be broken and ask if she knows anything about it. If she fesses up just forgive and move on unless it happens again.
S.,
This has happened to me twice (two different maids with limited english). They just sat it on a table (one was a candle and the other was a frame that wasn't cheap). My dad fixed the frame (not the same) but the candle was gone. One wrote "SORY" on a paper towel and the other one didn't say anything. I thought about deducting the cost out of their pay but I didn't. I just figure it's part of what you deal with when you have someone else clean your house.
I would say if you want reimbursed for it, just take it out of her pay the next time.
Good luck!
S.,
I have had my maid break one thing in the past...it was a beautiful cut glass candleholder given to me as a christmas gift. She actually called me before I saw it, and told me that she would pay to replace it, or offer me free maid service to replace it. Luckily it wasn't extremely expensive, however I did find the replacement and just kept of a portion of her next cleaning. I actually felt bad doing this, but she insisted.
I would definitely call them asap and demand a replacement, cash for the initial value of the fan or a discount off of services. I just spoke to my housecleaners about breaking things the other day. I've had them for 2.5 years and they said in all the time they've been cleaning houses, they've only broken one thing (a 25 cent candle at that). In fact, if they see something broken and they can repair it, they do).
A.
I think the person who broke an item should 'fess up' to the accident and she should OFFER to pay for it, but I personally would never make my housekeeper pay for something she broke. For me, the admission and the offer would be enough.
I understand your being upset at her not telling you about the broken item, but I say just chalk it up to the fact that accidents will happen.
