Running a home service business comes with its fair share of challenges, right? Maintaining customer satisfaction and keeping your revenue steady are just a few of the tasks you have to constantly deal with. The thing is, sometimes the easiest way to boost your profits isn’t chasing new clients. It’s maximizing the value of the customers you already have. That’s where upselling comes in. If you haven’t considered adding something like trash can cleaning to your offerings, you might be leaving money on the table. A thriving trash can cleaning business is surprisingly easy to integrate into existing home services, and with the right approach, your current clients may be more receptive than you think.
Here’s how you can successfully upsell this service without coming across as pushy.
Educate Your Customers About the Problem
Before someone is willing to spend extra money, they need to understand why it matters. Trash cans might seem trivial, but they’re a breeding ground for bacteria, pests, and unpleasant odors. Most homeowners aren’t aware of how dirty and unhygienic their bins can get over time.
You can start by casually mentioning it during routine service calls. For instance, if you’re providing lawn care or house cleaning, point out, “Hey, I noticed your bins look like they could use a deep clean.” By framing it as helpful information rather than a sales pitch, you immediately position yourself as someone who genuinely cares about their home environment.
Another approach is sharing statistics or fun facts. Something like, “Did you know a typical trash can can harbor more bacteria than your kitchen sink?” People respond well to tangible, relatable information. It sparks curiosity and concern, making them more likely to say yes when you suggest a cleaning service.
Offer a Simple, Low-Risk Trial
Nobody likes committing to a service they haven’t tried before, especially if it’s something they’ve never considered. That’s why offering a trial or first-time discount works wonders. You might say, “Why don’t we give your trash cans a one-time deep clean? If you love it, we can schedule regular visits.”
A low-risk option removes the fear of wasting money and makes the service feel like a smart decision rather than an upsell. It also gives homeowners a firsthand experience of the difference it can make. Clean bins, no smells, and a more pleasant yard. Once they see the benefits, recurring appointments often sell themselves.
You can also create bundled deals. Pairing trash can cleaning with another service like house cleaning or gutter cleaning, makes it feel like a value add instead of an extra expense. People love convenience, and positioning it as a one-stop solution for a cleaner, fresher home is compelling.
Make It Convenient
Convenience is everything when it comes to home services. If trash can cleaning feels like another chore your customers have to schedule and monitor, they’ll hesitate. You need to remove any friction. Offer flexible scheduling options, quick appointments, and straightforward pricing.
Think about automation, too. A subscription model, say, monthly or biweekly cleanings, turns a one-time upsell into consistent revenue. Homeowners love not having to think about it, and you love the predictability in your income. Emphasize the “set it and forget it” appeal when talking to customers.
Also, make sure your team is professional and respectful. Customers are more likely to approve upsells when they trust you and your crew. If your staff is courteous, efficient, and keeps the process smooth, it makes the entire proposition much easier to accept.
The Bottom Line
Upselling a trash can cleaning service isn’t difficult when you know what to do. By educating your clients, offering low-risk trials, highlighting convenience, emphasizing health benefits, showing visual proof, and making the upsell routine, you can increase your revenue without chasing new leads. Your existing customers already trust you, which is your biggest advantage. Treat it as a natural extension of what you already do, and you’ll be amazed at how well it can catch on.