Part time domestic helper

Hi


I am a single guy in the process of moving out of a serviced apartment and into some longer term housing between Central and Sheung Wan.


I would like a part-time domestic helper to perform the following functions:

* Cleaning;

* Washing and ironing;

* Some grocery shopping;

* cooking - does not have to be western;

* looking after some plants

* There are no pets or kids to worry about

They will need to be clean, efficient, honest and show initiative to get work done independently. I think a few hours (3-4 hours) 2 days a week (probably Monday and Fridays) should be sufficient for the work that would be required.


I did post an ad in the Domestic Help section, and got 15 responses very quickly, however, reading some of the posts here not sure if I am going to find the ideal one through that channel.


I think a number of posts recommending agencies appear to only relate to full time helpers. And I do not want to have one of the part time maid agencies from what I can gather change the maid depending on scheduling.


Can anyone provide any assistance in the form of:

* What will be the best place to search for a suitable part time helper;

* What credentials/paperwork will they need to be able to work part time;

* Whats a reasonable salary - I have seen anything from 50-70 per hour.


Thanks for any assistance that anyone can provide - or any recommendations for a good part time helper.

You can try Sparkle or Merry Maids http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/helpers/parttime.asp

Here in Singapore, part time cleaner are very needed.

I am currently using:

http://www.housecleanersingapore.com


They charged me about $328 for 4 hours each week for 4 sessions in total.


Be sure to make sure that you check they are licensed one.


Many got into trouble by using freelance ones which are not insured.

First thing- a part time helper is illegal unless they happen to be a HK permanent resident which they hardly ever are. Therefore there's no official channel for hiring one unless you go through an agency which is a pretty pricey way of doing it.


Second thing- loads of people have them, especially people like you.


I would ask around at work or in your building (single people and childless couples) because there will be lots of people who have a part timer they can recommend and these part timers often have capacity for one more client, especially if you dont really care which days they come.

What is the market rate for hiring part-time cleaner or helper? $50-70per hour. Should come 2 times a month. About 4 to 5hrs per session.