 | Price – If an advertised price sounds too good to be true – it is! Often 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 legitimate expenses they must cover, including license, taxes, insurance, employee wages, and benefits, and quality tools of the trade. A professional carpet cleaner who must cover all of these business expenses and make a profit to stay in the business cannot afford to drive to your house for $5.95, 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. A price that sounds high | |
| may not be a signal of a rip-off. In all professions, quality work deserves a quality price. |
| 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. Ask if the cleaner is operating according to the IICRC Cleaning Standards. Request to see a copy of this industry-prescribed document. |
| Certification – Professional firms require Certification of technicians through such certification organizations as the IICRC or | |
| through comparable franchise or independent training and testing organizations. Never hesitate to ask for proof. Ask to see the cleaner’s certification card, business license, and insurance certificate. |
| Experience – The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training programs, contribute significantly to the | |
| experience and proficiency of its employees. Ask the cleaner which method of cleaning will be used and the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to other methods. |
| Knowledge - 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. Technicians must be courteous and willing to take the time to thoroughly explain the cleaning and to answer all questions. The consumer should never feel pressured. |
| References - Consumers should ask for references from previous customers, and they should consult friends and business | |
| acquaintances about the reputation of the cleaning firm they are considering. Do not hesitate to call the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. |
| 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 association logos in advertising. |
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What should I look for in a carpet cleaner?
