This policy explains why we ask customers not to hire MaidWave team members directly outside of MaidWave services.
The Policy
By using MaidWave services, you agree that for a period of two (2) years following the last service performed by a MaidWave team member at your home, you will not:
- Solicit, hire, or contract directly with that team member for cleaning services outside of MaidWave
- Recommend that team member to friends or family for direct hire
- Pay the team member for services arranged outside of MaidWave
If You Violate This Policy
Direct hire of a MaidWave team member during the restricted period results in a $2,500 placement fee per team member, payable to MaidWave LLC. This is industry standard and reflects our investment in:
- Recruitment, screening, and background checks
- Training and ongoing skill development
- Insurance, bonding, and workers' compensation
- Customer relationship building (you found this team member through us)
Why This Exists
It might seem cheaper to hire someone directly. It's not, when you consider the full picture:
What You Lose When You Hire Directly
- Insurance protection: If they break something, no insurance covers it
- Bonding: No coverage if they take something from your home
- Workers' compensation: If they get hurt cleaning your home, you may be personally liable
- Tax compliance: Households who pay $2,700+ annually to one person trigger nanny tax obligations (Social Security, Medicare, federal/state withholding)
- Replacement risk: Sick? On vacation? Injured? You have no backup
- Quality consistency: No 50-Point Standard, no quality control, no satisfaction guarantee
- Background screening: Did you actually verify they're who they say they are?
What MaidWave Provides
- Full insurance and bonding
- Workers' compensation
- Tax/employment compliance handled
- Backup teams when someone is sick or on vacation
- Documented quality standards (50-Point Standard)
- 24-hour satisfaction guarantee
- Background-checked team
What's Allowed
This policy does NOT prevent you from:
- Continuing to book the same team through MaidWave (encouraged!)
- Tipping team members directly
- Building a friendly relationship with your team
- Hiring a team member after the 2-year restriction expires
- Paying the $2,500 placement fee and hiring directly with our blessing
If You Want to Hire Directly
If you want to bring a team member onto your personal household payroll, talk to us first. We can sometimes facilitate this with a placement fee, especially for high-volume situations (e.g., you need full-time housekeeping). Contact hello@maidwave.com.
Enforcement
This is a contractual obligation under our Terms of Service. Violations may result in:
- Invoice for the $2,500 placement fee
- Termination of any current MaidWave service
- If unpaid, civil collection actions
Reporting
If you're aware of someone violating this policy (including a former MaidWave team member soliciting customers), please contact us confidentially: hello@maidwave.com.
For Team Members
MaidWave team members and contractors sign their own non-solicitation agreements. They are obligated not to solicit MaidWave customers for 2 years after their engagement ends, with similar fee structures.