how to find reliable cooks or maids?

We asked around and tried this lady for 2 weeks. She showed up repeatedly at 2 or 3 o'clock to make lunch (by which time I've already either ordered in or cooked) or just never showed up (and no call saying so either). Paid her 1500 and have been cooking ever since, but it is hard to have a good schedule with a crawling baby who needs attention.

ARe there any agencies that hook you up with reliable help. I ask to be told if you need a day off or wIll be so late that we mIght have to skIp a meal. Am I asking for too much?

You definitely need referrals for this. Friends, colleagues are how we were advised/directed for candidates - originally. Eventually we hired a business manager who was 'awesome' in handling these hirings .... & occasional firings.

Oh I dread the firing. Luckily I told her I was going to do a two week test round and so it seemed easy.

We moved recently and hubby works from home. So no real friends yet and no colleagues either. I am hoping the trusty internet can come through here

Despite what people think good household/garden labour are rarer than hen's teeth. Unfortunately once you do get the staff/help make sure that they do not steal from you.

www.kidzoba.com/maid-service/

I have not tried it, but it seems risk-free.

Talked to them. They charge 4500 for their services for a year. Has anyone used them? it sounds great, but I am super skeptical of any guarantees at this point as people seem to blatantly lie to get business

Most agencies charge a one time fee and don't deliver.

Or they send you candidates and charge for each recruit. Mysteriously, the candidates disappear after two months. Bringing you back to square one.

Ie, needing to pay for another recruit. Nice scam.

Hiring a business manager seems overkill, but if that is the new label for a major domo, butler, or housekeeper, I suppose it should work. Just that you need to justify the effort... and expense.

If you are living in an apartment, talk to your neighbors/security folks asking them to arrange for someone to cook. Thats how i found our maid.

Which area are you staying in btw? Maybe someone from that area can pitch in here.

We live in prestige shantiniketan in Whitefield. I will ask for referrals this time. The security guard sent us maids before... maybe I'll ask him to pimp my cooks as well