Beware of Bait and Switch Companies

Chances Are If You Fall For the “Bait” You’ll Fall For the “Switch”

When it comes to keeping your home or business clean, carpet, upholstery, or tile cleaning is essential. Clean textiles look great, improve indoor air quality, help reduce the spread of germs and allergens, and make a statement about your home or business. However, not all carpet cleaning companies are created equal. Some companies use deceptive tactics to lure customers and then provide subpar service. This is known as “bait and switch, ” a common practice in many industries.

Here’s a video on how “bait and switch” works by ABC News:  https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/48848236

This blog post will discuss how bait-and-switch carpet cleaning companies deceive homeowners and why you can trust Tru-Clean Surface Care of SW Florida in your home or business.

What is Bait and Switch?

Bait and switch is a deceptive advertising practice involving luring customers with a low price or special offer and then upselling them on more expensive services once they are on site. In the carpet cleaning industry, bait and switch companies often advertise a low price for a basic carpet cleaning service, but once the carpet cleaning company arrives at the customer’s home or business, they claim that the carpets require additional treatments that cost more money. This is a common tactic used to make more money from unsuspecting customers.

How Bait and Switch Companies Deceive Homeowners

Bait and switch carpet cleaning companies use a variety of tactics to deceive homeowners. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Low Price Advertisements – Bait and switch companies will advertise a low price for carpet, tile, or upholstery cleaning, but this price is often only for a basic cleaning that doesn’t include all the necessary treatments for a thoroughly exhaustive cleaning.

Hidden Fees – Once the company arrives at your home or business, they will claim additional fees for things like deep cleaning or even cleaning solutions that should be part of regular cleaning. We’ve seen discount carpet and upholstery cleaning companies advertising “too-good-to-be-true” prices only to arrive at customers’ homes and advise that their advertised price is for a “steam cleaning.” There is an additional charge if you want them to use cleaning agents.

The only additional fees a client should expect to pay for is something outside of a standard cleaning, such as a carpet, tile, or upholstery protector or sealer, pet urine that has changed to bacteria, dye spills (such as Koolaid, wine, etc.) that have changed the characteristics of the fiber, or a specialty odor treatment.

Pressure Tactics – Bait and switch companies often pressure customers into higher-than-advertised pricing by offering such services as a “deep scrub,” “higher grade cleaning solutions,” or their “super duper” cleaning package (whatever that means). Many bait and switch companies also rely on clients taking time off from work to have services performed as part of their pressure campaign. If the client refuses the higher service, they’ll have to take additional time off from work or otherwise interrupt their schedules and call someone else. Often the client will pay an additional fee to avoid being inconvenienced.

One Last Thing

Often these companies are priced considerably lower than their competition; how is that? How can they afford to give you a quality clean at rock-bottom prices? These companies say they’re “just as good” as a reputable company, yet chances are, they’re using bottom-of-the-barrel cleaning solutions guaranteed to leave behind residues or sticky surfaces. And good luck getting them to return should your carpeting turn crunchy or develop spots, or your tile floors become sticky, and the grout lines discolored after a week.

Why You Can Trust Tru-Clean Surface Care of SW Florida

Tru-Clean Surface Care of SW Florida is a carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning company you can trust. Unlike bait and switch companies, Tru-Clean offers transparent pricing and does not use any deceptive tactics. Here are a few reasons why you can trust Tru-Clean:

Transparent Pricing – Tru-Clean Surface Care offers upfront pricing for all their carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning services. You will never be surprised by hidden fees or unexpected charges. We take the time to listen to your cleaning needs and make recommendations based on our inspection. You receive an exact quote before any work begins.

Experience – Tru-Clean Surface Care has been in business for over 17 years in SW Florida and has a team of experienced, certified, knowledgeable, and customer-focused technicians.

Professionalism – Tru-Clean Surface Care technicians are trained professionals who take pride in their work. We will treat your home or business with respect and care and deliver the same service we would provide our mothers.

Certifications and Recognition – No company in SW Florida has the same certifications and industry recognition as Tru-Clean Surface Care. Here are a few:

Conclusion

Bait and switch companies use deceptive tactics to lure customers and make more money. These companies often advertise low prices for basic cleaning services but add additional fees and upsell customers on more, oftentimes unnecessary expensive treatments.

Tru-Clean Surface Care of SW Florida offers transparent-fair pricing, has years of experience, employs trained, background-checked professionals, and always puts the customer first.

Don’t be fooled by bait-and-switch tactics when inviting a company into your home. Check their online reputation, credentials, and reviews with the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, Google Reviews, and industry certifications. It only takes a few minutes and could save you hundreds in costs and frustration.

For more information about Tru-Clean Surface Care, please visit us online at https://trucleansurfacecare.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TruCleanSurfaceCareFL/. You can also call us any time at 239-541-4888 – Cape Coral and Lee County, 239-206-1935 – Bonita Springs, Naples, and Marco Island, or 941-621-2198 – Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Florida.