a little advice please

curlywurly · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:03

I have just arrived in Delhi and while I am still settling into my apartment word has got out that there is a newbie in town and I have a young women who is very keen to work for me. She has a reference from a former colleague and the landlord speaks very highly of her. However she wants 6000 a month, something I was not expecting but I don't think I have enough for her to do to warrant that amount. What I would like is a couple of hours during the week days where she cleans and washes etc and maybe the odd meal. I have been told that part time work is hard to come by so I am fine about hiring her everyday but how much should I pay her? The previous couple had a child but I am on my own and don't have a great deal of stuff etc in the flat at the moment. Over time this may change but right now does anyone have any advice in terms of offering her a different wage package without insulting her too much. Many thanks.

puchoo · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:06

Can you list the chores you are expecting her to do..and where are you staying?

6000 sounds way too much , even if you are not providing her accomodation

curlywurly · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:13

Thanks for getting back so quickly...
I am looking for her to do some ironing, mop/sweep floors (they get quite dusty) washing clothes(but I have a washing machine) washing up. I ahve a three bed apartment but I am on my own so only one of the rooms is in use, the bathrooms will need cleaning daily and maybe a meal a couple of times a week. I really feel I don't need one at this stage but I start work next week so it would be nice to not have to go home and mop the floor etc. I think she could probably do a couple of hours a day, if that. It may get more over time, if people are visiting etc and when I get more furniture but at the moment it is just the basic stuff. Ideally it would be good if she came three times a week. Any ideas?

curlywurly · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:14

oh and it is safdarjung enclave, new delhi.

puchoo · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:19

Our maid does the same thing, we have a smaller place but she comes in 4 times a week and does roughly..

Cooking
Hanging out the clothes on the line from the machine
Taking the clothes off the line and putting them in.
Dusting / Cleaning / Sweeping etc
Water the plants
Any special / specific request

On a day we are expecting guests , or there is a big scene in general then the maid might be asked to come specially for that day (compensated later by a day off) and even the next day to not only help but also clear the debris post the party

I believe Mrs P pays her in the range of 1500-1800 per month with of course bonus on Diwali etc as well as an additional something post a big party etc..

shashank.aggarwal · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:21

She can come couple of hours daily, and for a single person the charges should be in range of Rs.1000 to 1500. However wait for other members to give their opinion on this..

curlywurly · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:24

Thank you...wow that is quite a difference in what she is wanting from me. I have arranged for her to come over of thurs and I think I will lay out what I will expect her to do and how much I am willing to pay, I guess if she feels it is too little then she will say no. Is it best to try and write out a contract of sorts of can verbal argeement work? do you pay at the beginning or the end of the month? Thank you for the advice, it is most helpful. Slowly finding my feet in the mad world of Delhi!

shashank.aggarwal · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:31

We pay at the end of the month, its a verbal contract. However asking for some ID proof and keeping a copy of the same won't harm you.

And even she says no, you can get another one. I guess you should offer her Rs.1200 to start with.

puchoo · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:33

Yes,payment at the end of the month , you can decide on a particular date.

No written contract, it doesn't work like that in India..

curlywurly · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:37

Thank you!!

We shall see how it goes. I may be on here again soon asking for any good advice on finding a nice househelper.

puchoo · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:39

What do you mean by Househelper exactly....?

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlywurly

Thank you!!

We shall see how it goes. I may be on here again soon asking for any good advice on finding a nice househelper.

curlywurly · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:41

Someone to help around the house...couldn't think of the correct term for it.

puchoo · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:44

er , im a bit confused , the maid would be the househelper...wouldn't she?

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlywurly

Someone to help around the house...couldn't think of the correct term for it.

curlywurly · Jul 22nd, 2008, 12:48

yes she would....just getting used to life in Delhi..not had a maid before, only arrived from UK a week ago where you would not call your someone who cleans your house a 'maid'. Not that I had one in the UK mind. I guess some things take a little getting used too!