Updated October 21, 2026
Where paying customers in Bulgaria actually come from
Local, repeat customers make most of the early work. Think of a network that includes neighbours, building residents, friends and family, and small businesses in your neighbourhood. Schools, small shops, and local offices hire cleaners regularly or need occasional deep cleans. Private households often look for help through word of mouth or local bulletin boards.
Online sources matter increasingly. People search for cleaners by town and service using Google or marketplaces. Social media groups for your town or apartment block can produce leads. If you post a clear offer and follow up quickly, online leads can turn into the steady customers you need.
- Neighbours and building residents - easiest first leads
- Local small businesses and offices - regular slots
- Schools, kindergartens and community centres - occasional larger jobs
- Online search, local Facebook groups and marketplace listings - grow reach
- Word of mouth - the most reliable source for repeat clients
How to set a first price and talk about money
Start by estimating how long a job takes and what materials you will need. Price by hour for cleaning tasks that vary a lot, and consider a fixed price for repeat work like weekly flat cleaning. Do not promise earnings - instead explain clearly what is included in the job and any extras.
When you talk about money with a new customer, be direct and professional. Say the total, what it covers and when you accept payment. Offer payment by cash or card where possible. If you use an online profile that accepts card payments, those payouts go to your own bank account through Stripe; you still set the prices yourself.
- Estimate time + materials before you quote
- Choose hour rate or fixed job rate depending on the task
- Explain clearly what’s included and what costs extra
- State payment methods and when payment is due
What your first ten customers usually look like
Most cleaners find their first customers among people they already know - family friends, neighbours, or people in the same apartment block. The first ten often include a mix of one-off deep cleans and a few repeat domestic clients.
You may also pick up 1-2 small business clients such as a hair salon, a small office or a shop. Expect variation: some customers are price-sensitive, others care more about reliability and references. Early customers are useful for feedback and simple testimonials you can use later.
- Several repeat domestic clients
- A couple of one-off deep cleans
- Possibly 1-2 small businesses or offices
- Customers who give feedback or refer others
What to sort out when taking money as an independent cleaner in Bulgaria
Legal and tax rules do apply if you work independently. If you are unsure which registration or tax setup fits your situation, contact the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and ask: do I need to register as a sole trader, freelancer or other status for cleaning work; what records and invoices must I issue; and what social and health insurance contributions will I have to pay. If you have questions about local permits or business registration, ask your municipal administration.
Keep simple records of jobs, dates, customer names and payments. If you accept card payments, the platform pays out to your bank account through Stripe. You set the prices and receive payouts to your account, but you remain responsible for declaring income as required by Bulgarian authorities.
- Ask the NRA: how to register and what invoices or receipts to issue
- Ask the municipality about any local permits if unclear
- Keep clear records of jobs and payments
- Card payouts can go to your bank account through Stripe
What tends to go wrong in the first months
Common problems are underquoting time, poor communication about what is included, and unreliable scheduling. Underquoting leaves you with lower take-home pay for the hours worked. Clear descriptions of services and realistic time estimates reduce that risk.
Other early issues are no-shows or late cancellations, and disputes about cleanliness standards. Use simple written confirmations - a message or short email - that states the time, price and what you will do. If a customer cancels, have a clear cancellation policy from the start.
- Underestimating time needed - quote conservatively
- Unclear scope - list what is included in the job
- Scheduling problems - confirm appointments in writing
- Payment disputes - confirm payment method and timing in advance
How a Websta profile fits into this work
A Websta profile gives you a simple online page with services, prices, photos and online booking. It becomes a page you can send to anyone and that can be found through search and the marketplace. Card payments from customers are paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe; the provider sets the prices.
Websta also lists local providers so customers can post a task and receive offers. You can use the profile as a professional link to share in messages, social media or printed flyers. Remember that a profile is one tool - keep building direct contacts and local reputation too.
- A web page to show services and prices
- Online booking to reduce back-and-forth
- Card payments paid out to your bank account through Stripe
- Use as a shareable, searchable business link
Daily habits that build a small cleaning business
Be punctual, keep short records, and ask each customer for one practical referral - a neighbour or colleague who might need similar work. Do small professional touches that matter: clear communication, arriving with basic supplies if agreed, and confirming the next appointment before you leave.
Track which customer sources bring you work and focus on the best ones. If you start with neighbours and local businesses, gradually expand online and in local groups. Keep expectations realistic - earning through cleaning takes steady work and time to build repeat clients.
- Confirm appointments and terms in writing
- Ask for referrals after a successful job
- Track which leads convert best
- Be consistent to build repeat business
Quick technical note for Websta data
If you need platform details to reference or to support your listing, the marketplace category mapping is: {"category":"cleaners","country":"Bulgaria","countryCode":"BG","matrixPath":"/marketplace/cleaning"}. Use that when communicating with support or checking where your profile appears.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to register with the Bulgarian authorities to take cleaning jobs?
- Contact the National Revenue Agency (NRA) to ask whether your activity needs registration and what documentation or invoices you must issue. If in doubt about local rules, ask your municipal administration.
- How should I ask for payment from a new customer?
- Be clear: state the total, what it covers, when you expect payment and which methods you accept. Offer card or bank payouts if your profile or platform supports them; Websta pays out to your bank account through Stripe.
- What should my first clients expect from me?
- Punctuality, clear scope of work, and basic reliability. Confirm the appointment, what you will clean, and any supplies included. Ask for feedback and a referral if they are satisfied.
- Can Websta handle bookings and payments for me?
- A Websta profile shows services, prices and online booking so customers can book. Card payments are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe; you set your prices and manage your schedule.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.