FAQ's
What does a concierge/personal assistant service do?
A concierge service assists you in managing your personal or professional life. A concierge consultant is available to take care of your endless to-do list, run those time-consuming errands, and handle all of the other tasks that you never seem to have enough time for.
Q: How can a concierge help me?
A: Potomac Concierge consultants are available to assist you with both your everyday tasks and errands, as well as the out of the ordinary tasks. Our corporate clients will find our services will improve productivity and employee morale. The possibilities are unlimited.
Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
A: We accept personal checks, certified checks, cash, MasterCard, and Visa.
Q: Will my credit card be charged as a deposit?
A: No, we will only charge your credit card if we receive your authorization to process or do not receive payment for services rendered upon completion.
Q: Does each client have a single “go to” manager who is their primary contact, or do you take more of a team approach?
A: Potomac Concierge works in teams of two. We select the lead concierge according to your needs and relevant experience of our staff. Owners Aida Middel and Libby Kinkead always serve as second person on the team. This ensures that someone familiar with your account is always available to help you if your lead person has a scheduling conflict. Services can be at your home or your office.
Q: Do you work strictly on a pay-as-you-go-basis?
A: We have found that pay-as-you-go works well. Typically, when we start, a client has many needs which we take care of and then we go into "maintenance mode." Also, different people have different times of need. Thus, we charge for time spent and do not require monthly fees or memberships. Payment can be made by check or credit card.
Q: Do you offer other fee structures?
A: Yes, if you have repetitive weekly needs we offer a weekly service at a set time and day for a set number of hours. This time is set aside for you and you can ask your concierge to perform the tasks you need help with, or leave a list for them. So if you sign up for 2 hours every Wednesday at 1 PM, we will bill your credit card every 2 weeks for 4 hours.
Q: Do you have service providers with whom you have an ongoing relationship, whom you regularly use and recommend?
A: Yes, after 26 years of living in the metropolitan area, we have a number of trusted vendors on whom we rely.
Q: Will you instruct and oversee the work? Or do you limit your role to meeting providers at our home to let them in and out?
A: Yes, we will ensure the work performed meets our mutually high standards.
Q: How do your clients provide tasks and instructions? Phone? Fax? Email? Website?
A: All of the above are acceptable however we encourage email or written instructions.
Q. How do you gauge client satisfaction, both for specific tasks and in general?
A. Potomac Concierge prides itself on our communication skills. We are extremely fortunate to have a wonderful client base who are generous with their praise and feedback, which is the best compliment and gauge of job performance.
Q: How do you ensure that anyone entering your clients’ home is honest and trustworthy?
A: Potomac Concierge is a local company with owners that are established in the community. We perform background checks and speak with all references. Additionally we have a long standing relationship with most of our staff. Your assigned concierge will always be there to oversee any work performed by others.
Q: In the event a client is dissatisfied with a task you perform or work you oversee, what is your usual approach to addressing their concerns?
A: While a client might not always be right, our policy is that they are never wrong. We do not consider a job complete until the client is satisfied. Since we oversee the jobs we do, we have not had such problems.
Q: Is your company insured and bonded?
A: Absolutely.
Q: Are materials, expenses and taxes included in your hourly rate?
A: No, the client is responsible for paying all additional charges on top of the hourly rate.
Q: How will I know what additional service charges are?
A: Potomac Concierge will provide receipts for all charges and all additional service charges. We will do our best to estimate any additional charges that may be required.
Q: Do I need to be concerned about my personal information becoming public?
A: No, we are responsible professionals and all dealings will be kept confidential.
Q: Do you only service the Potomac area?
A: No, we service the greater Washington Metropolitan Area. Recently we have begun servicing the Baltimore area. See exact service area.
Q: I have a relative who is older and handicapped at home. How can you help?
A: We will do everything we can to assist.
For more information, call 240-274-1833 or 301-221-3438
Or, send an email to info@potomacconcierge.com
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