Do I need to be registered as a business to have a Websta profile as a cleaner in New Zealand?

You can create a profile as a self-employed person, but you should check with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) about your tax obligations and whether GST registration is required for your turnover. Your local council may also have requirements for self-employed cleaners in your area.

Can customers in different cities find me on Websta if I only work in one town?

No. Websta shows cleaners to customers based on location. If you only work in, say, Hamilton, your profile will appear when someone searches for cleaners in Hamilton. You set your service area on your profile, so customers outside that area will not see you.

How do I get paid for cleaning jobs booked through Websta?

When a customer pays through your Websta profile, the payment is processed through Stripe and deposited into your own bank account. You set the price, and you receive the full amount you charge. Payment usually arrives within a few business days.

What photos should I include on my cleaning profile?

Include photos of cleaned spaces - a living room, kitchen, bathroom, or office that you have worked on. If you cannot show client spaces, a photo of your equipment or you at work is also useful. Clear, well-lit photos of your actual work build trust better than stock images.

Can I use Websta to accept quote requests as well as direct bookings?

Yes. You can set up your profile to accept both direct bookings at a price you set, and quote requests where customers describe their job and you respond with a quote. You choose which option works for your business.

How to build a Websta profile as a cleaner in New Zealand

Updated October 21, 2026

What your profile page should include

Your Websta profile works as both a small website and a gateway to the marketplace. Start with a clear profile photo - a professional headshot or photo of you at work. Add a short description of who you are and what you offer; keep it factual and direct.

The core of your profile is the services section. List each service you offer: residential cleaning, office cleaning, end-of-lease cleaning, window cleaning, or whatever you do. For each service, write a brief description so people understand what is included. You set the price for each service.

Photos matter. Add images of cleaned spaces, your equipment, or your work in progress. People in New Zealand searching for a cleaner want to see that you can handle the type of property or job they need done. A few good photos of real work beats generic images.

Add a booking or quote request section. This lets customers either book you directly for a service at a set price, or submit details of their job and ask for a quote. Both options work - choose what suits your business model.

Profile photo (headshot or work photo)
Short description of your experience and service area
List of services with descriptions and prices you set
Photos of cleaned spaces or your work
Booking calendar or quote request form
Contact information or contact form

Languages on your profile

Publish your profile in English. This is the main language for customer searches in New Zealand. If you speak te reo Maori or another language and want to reach that community, you can add it, but English is essential.

How people in New Zealand search for cleaners

Customers in New Zealand use Websta and other local search tools by typing the service they need and their location. On Websta, they go to the marketplace for cleaning at /marketplace/cleaning and filter by area. Someone in Auckland looking for a cleaner will search by their suburb or postcode. Someone in Christchurch or Wellington does the same.

People also post tasks on the marketplace asking cleaners to make an offer. A customer might describe their two-bedroom house, mention they need a weekly clean, and ask for quotes. This lets multiple cleaners respond with their rates and availability.

Searches are local. A cleaner in Dunedin will not appear in results for someone searching in Hamilton. Make sure your profile lists your service area clearly - the suburbs, towns or regions you cover.

What to check as an independent provider

As an independent cleaner in New Zealand, you need to be clear on your legal status. Most cleaners are self-employed sole traders. Check with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on tax requirements for self-employed work and GST registration if your turnover meets the threshold.

You should also check if you need a business license or cleaning certification in your local council area. Requirements vary between councils. Contact your local council or visit their website to confirm.

Insurance is worth considering. Public liability insurance protects you if you damage a customer's property while working. Employers' liability insurance is relevant if you later hire staff.

Keep records of your earnings and expenses for tax purposes. Websta will pay your earnings to your own bank account through Stripe, so you will have a clear record of income from the platform.

Payment and getting paid

When a customer books or pays through your Websta profile, the payment is processed through Stripe and goes directly to your bank account. You receive the full amount you set as the price - you keep what you charge.

Stripe handles the card payment securely. You do not see the customer's full card details. The payment arrives in your nominated bank account, usually within a few business days.

What to write in your first hour

Start with your profile description. Write two or three sentences about yourself: how long you have been cleaning, what types of properties or jobs you handle, and what makes your service reliable. Be honest and specific.

Add your main services. Do not list every possible variation - pick the core services you offer. If you do residential cleaning, end-of-lease cleaning, and office cleaning, list those three clearly with a sentence or two describing each.

Set your prices. You decide what to charge for each service. Think about your experience, the time each job takes, and local rates for similar work. You can always adjust prices later.

Upload one or two photos. A photo of a cleaned living room or kitchen, or you at work, gives customers confidence. Avoid blurry or dark images.

Write a short contact note or set your availability. Let people know your typical response time or your available hours. This helps customers understand when they can book or get a quote.

After the first hour

Add more photos and refine your service descriptions. As you take on jobs through Websta, ask customers for permission to photograph the finished work. Build a portfolio of real results.

Respond quickly to booking requests and quote asks. Customers in New Zealand expect a reply within a day or so. The faster you respond, the more likely they are to book you.

Keep your profile current. Update your availability if you are busy, add new services if you start offering them, and adjust prices if needed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be registered as a business to have a Websta profile as a cleaner in New Zealand?: You can create a profile as a self-employed person, but you should check with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) about your tax obligations and whether GST registration is required for your turnover. Your local council may also have requirements for self-employed cleaners in your area.
Can customers in different cities find me on Websta if I only work in one town?: No. Websta shows cleaners to customers based on location. If you only work in, say, Hamilton, your profile will appear when someone searches for cleaners in Hamilton. You set your service area on your profile, so customers outside that area will not see you.
How do I get paid for cleaning jobs booked through Websta?: When a customer pays through your Websta profile, the payment is processed through Stripe and deposited into your own bank account. You set the price, and you receive the full amount you charge. Payment usually arrives within a few business days.
What photos should I include on my cleaning profile?: Include photos of cleaned spaces - a living room, kitchen, bathroom, or office that you have worked on. If you cannot show client spaces, a photo of your equipment or you at work is also useful. Clear, well-lit photos of your actual work build trust better than stock images.
Can I use Websta to accept quote requests as well as direct bookings?: Yes. You can set up your profile to accept both direct bookings at a price you set, and quote requests where customers describe their job and you respond with a quote. You choose which option works for your business.

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.

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