Too Good To Be True Carpet Cleaning Coupons?
If you think a carpet cleaning company is going to thoroughly clean your carpeting for $8.95 a room, I’ve got a mansion for sale for the low, low price of $1000.00 on Gordon Drive in Naples.
“Cleaning Carpet Can Be a Dirty Business” “Not All Scum Is In the Carpet” “Don’t Let them Pull The Rug Out From Under You” “Clean Your Carpets Without Cleaning Out Your Wallet” “Don’t Get Taken To The Cleaners.” These clever phrases have appeared recently in newspaper articles and televised news programs across the nation warning consumers about carpet cleaning scam operations. The media has related horror stories of trusting consumers who have responded to low-price carpet cleaning specials only to become victims of unethical cleaners who refuse to honor the advertised price, intimidate the consumers and do poor quality work.
Bait-and-switch operators are prevalent in many industries, and the carpet cleaning industry is no exception. This does not mean that all carpet cleaners are rip-off artists. How do you know who is and who is not?
The professional carpet cleaning industry has cited these scam activities as a major industry concern and is taking action to help eliminate unprofessional workmanship and unethical tactics. One of the leaders in this campaign is the IICRC, an international, non-profit organization that certifies cleaners who meet prescribed levels of technical proficiency and pledge to operate by a Code of Ethics.
To help educate consumers so they will not become victims of fraudulent practices within the cleaning industry, the IICRC has released a list of guidelines to consider when selecting a carpet cleaner.
Price – If an advertised price sounds too good to be true – it is! Often unscrupulous carpet cleaners advertise a low price just to get their foot in the door.
Use common sense; a low price usually equates to low quality for ANY product or service. Legitimate business people have expenses they must cover, including license, taxes, insurance, employee wages, benefits, and quality tools of the trade. A professional carpet cleaner who must cover these business expenses and make a profit to stay in the business cannot afford to drive to your house for $8.95 a room, much less clean a room of carpet when there.
Quality – Never should the price of cleaning services be the sole criterion for selecting a carpet cleaner unless you simply don’t care about quality. A price that sounds high may not be a signal of a rip-off. In all professions, quality work deserves a quality price. Some consumers believe that “a carpet cleaner is a carpet cleaner” and look for the lowest price they can find, and quite honestly, could care less about quality.
Truth in Advertising – Read the fine print in advertised specials to find out exactly what the price includes, and request a firm price in writing before the work begins.
Training – Professional cleaning firms require management and employees to engage in formal training in a variety of cleaning disciplines, and these educational efforts will be ongoing. Consumers should ask about the formal training background of technicians who will be cleaning their carpet.
Certification – Professional firms require technicians who have certification from organizations like the IICRC or through independent training and testing organizations.
Experience – The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training programs, contribute significantly to the experience and proficiency of its employees.
Knowledgeable – Professional firms employ and train technicians who have the ability to answer basic questions regarding carpet performance and maintenance, as well as spotting and cleaning.
Insurance – Carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning firms should carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance or do not allow them into your home. Insurance protects the homeowner in the event an item is stolen or damaged and worker’s compensation protects you in the event their employee is hurt while performing work on your property. Many carpet cleaning companies do not carry insurance and the homeowner is none the wiser until an employee is hurt at their home (slip and fall, etc.) and you receive a notice from a law firm.
References – Consumers should do their due diligence and investigate any contractor they are going to invite into their home. They should consult friends and business acquaintances about the reputation of the cleaning firm they are considering. Do not hesitate to investigate the company via the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List website.
Trade Associations – Professional cleaning firms are members of regional or national trade associations or other organizations that promote high ethical standards and continuing education. Look for trade and business association logos in advertising such as the IICRC, the CRI (Carpet & Rug Institute), the Better Business Bureau and/or Angie’s List.
Method – Ask the cleaner which method of cleaning and what steps will be used to perfect the cleaning. At Tru-Clean, our pricing INCLUDES pre-spotting, a pre-spray designed to help life deep set dirt and other contaminants, steam cleaning, a pH condition rinse, fan assisted drying and a bottle of spotter.
There is no single criterion for selecting a carpet cleaning service. Several combined factors must be considered in the selection decision.
Tru-Clean is a Certified partner with the prestigious Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC and the International Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI). In addition, we are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and a four-year-in-a-row-winner of the coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award.
As the “cleaner of choice” to many of our areas leading interior designers, floor covering specialists, building superintendents, realtors, and consumers desirous of a quality cleaning, we know a thing or two about delivering a quality service and product.
All carpet cleaning companies are NOT the same, and unfortunately, some consumers learn this lesson the hard way. We can count the number of times each month we are asked to “fix” a carpet cleaning issue because someone fell victim to an unscrupulous carpet, tile or upholstery cleaning company.
For more information about Tru-Clean please feel free to visit us online at www.trucleansurfacecare.com or give us a call anytime at 239-541-4888 – Lee County, 239-206-1935 – Bonita Springs, Naples and Marco Island or 941-621-2198 – Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true…..
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