Consumer Guide

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Consumer Guide – To Hiring Any Trade

By; Ron w.Preston
  

Hiring a Carpet Cleaner (Or Any Service) Is Not Easy Why? 

Simply you and I are bombarded with misleading advertising, confusing claims and simply bad information.  From, super low prices and high pressure sales to inexperienced technicians applying near worthless methods.

How do you ever find a qualified, competent, professional?

You start by reading this consumer guide. In this fact-filled guide, you’ll discover how to avoid:     

• Four carpet cleaning rip-offs. 
• 6 costly misconceptions about carpet cleaning.     
• Crawlin’ critters and crud: A guide to the slime, grime and livestock that’s sleeping, creeping and galloping through your home.     
• Which method cleans best?    
• 8 mistakes to avoid when choosing a carpet cleaner.     
• The importance of value for price. 
• Do you want a clean, healthy carpet?     
• 100% no risk guarantee     
• 4 steps to a fresh, clean, healthy carpet.  

Provided as an educational service by, Ron Preston

How to Avoid Four Carpet Cleaning Rip-Offs! 

Rip-Off #1:  Unbelievably Low Price  To some degree, all of us are attracted by low price, as we want to work within a budget. However, some carpet cleaners use price as the bait for their false and misleading advertising. They offer a cheap price, usually per room or rooms, and then, once in your home, they Pressure you into buying “add- ons”. It’s as if you were buying a car and found that the dealer was charging you extra for the tires and steering wheel.  Carpet cleaning is not as cheap as some unethical carpet cleaners would like you to believe.  (see blog on “Are We Honest in Our Business Dealings?”)

Rip-Off #2: Bait and Switch  Dual process carpet carpet cleaning describes the method of shampooing or preconditioning, followed with hot water extraction. Unfortunately, unethical carpet cleaners often use dual process as a bait-N-switch technique.

Here’s how it is done: First they “bait” you with a basic cleaning (single process) at an unbelievably low price. Then, when you call, they try to “switch” you to more expensive dual process cleaning. If you don’t fall for their switch and choose the basic service, you will likely be subjected to poor workmanship, using little or no chemical and no guarantee.

  With the trades, you may see a vague, ” Does Not Include” exclusion that means whatever the interpretation will be is up to the trade with little control for the client after the hire, thus the switch. 

  Have you ever ordered at a restaurant a meal with a free drink, then when the milkshake was ordered, or the like, when the bill comes, you end up paying extra for the drink? The explanation is, “Oh, Didn’t you read the disclaimer for exclusions at the bottom of the page”?

  The fact that the small print is there, does not make the transaction any better does it? Why?, because having a trap like this set up on the menu is a loosely legal, “Bait n Switch” Tactic that even lawyers have had to readdress with the way they set up legal agreements.

Rip-Off #3: Unsupported Claims. “This Cleaning Method is The Best”  You’ll read this in most adds and hear it from virtually every carpet cleaner or trade.  Would it not be best to hear such accolades of credibility expressed by others who have worked with the service or trade?  Ask for references and testimonials, especially if these can be obtained from those you may know.  Try to see the work if possible, also, as not every referral or reference means the trade or service will be the right fit for you.  It may be that the service or project completed for the referral was up to the individuals expectation, however, may not mean the trade or service will perform to your need, as all projects in different circumstances require different approaches, some may not be knowledgeable enough to address such.

Remember The method that’s best for you is the method that achieves Your goal!  If you want a method that dries quickly, then you do not want a method that takes longer to dry.

  As for the trades, Not All Trades or Services Are Equal in What They Provide. Some are the best!, Most are somewhere in the mix of GOOD, BETTER or NOT SO GOOD.

  Therefore, before you chose a carpet cleaner, trade or other service, identify your objectives, then select with the method or provider, that best suits your objective.  


Rip-off #4: Outdated Beliefs. “Hot Water Damages Your Carpet” or other such like statements that proliferate the markets!  Years ago, many people believed this was true, in that, their carpets were damaged by “Technicians” who did not know how to properly clean with hot water.

  Today, however, we know it’s false. By washing and then rinsing your carpet with hot water, your carpet is thoroughly cleaned in the same way that the person who showers and then rinses off the dirt and soap with heated water, will be much cleaner than the person who takes only a sponge bath.

  Obviously all methods have advantages. Telling you, the client, hot water damages carpets, or any other story related to a trade or service, just to land the job is not true or ethical, as you may very well end up with results not to your liking, right away or later, in relation to re-soiling fast, shoddy workmanship due to inferior knowledge and product.
  
In light of this, we suggest looking into what major  manufacturers for carpet or any product  recommend primarily, as the preferred method for best results, including warranty requirements to be met.

  In relation to trades and other services, become aware of the: good,better, best applications and products offered.  

  Don’t have the time? Do your due diligence and hire a reputable, ethical Agent Designer if need be. It is a good investment.

6 Costly Misconceptions About Carpet Cleaning  

Misconception #1: You Should Wait as Long as Possible Before Cleaning Your Carpet or other home projects.

No! Dirt is an abrasive like sand paper. After time, as soil accumulates when you step on your carpet, you grind dirt into the fibers that vacuuming alone does not remove entirely due to cooking fall out and foot oils etc. This cuts your carpet like a knife, causing premature wear if left too long.

 Therefore , the longer you wait, the more damage will be done. This applies to the rest of the home maintenance concerns as well.

Misconception #2: The Only Reason to Clean Carpet is to Remove Dirt.

No! As you probably know, outdoor pollutants are transferred by us in the form of: pollen, fungus, bacteria, air  pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and a host of other chemicals. Not surprisingly, as we move about, these pollutants end up on our floors and in our carpets and furniture. We shower and clean our cloths most often, for this very reason.

  If Allergies are your concern, regular cleaning of your carpets is as important as regular cleaning of the rest of your home. Only, over soiling of carpet, increases the potential for air distribution the same as if all other surfaces were left soiled; therein, our movements could redistribute potential allergens.

Remember  All maintenance for the home relates to these concerns as well. Showers, kitchens, gutters, paint, siding, caulking and the like all are subject to deterioration issues and can be a contributing factor to the health or unhealthy condition in or of your home.

Misconception #3: One Method of Carpet Cleaning is as Good as Another and all trades are the same.

No! The dry cleaning methods, which use dry foam, have their place, however, are not rinsed in any way, leaving a residual left to dry vacuuming to remove, which is marginally effective if deep clean is our goal, not appearance clean.

Hot water extraction done correctly, is a deep restorative cleaning process and is the manufacturers choice, when done with high performance truck or closed door systems and a qualified technician. Hot water extraction will remove past cleanings, not up to the standard of washing ability produced with these high power units.  High power hot water cleaning removes virtually all accessible dirt, bacteria, chemicals, pollen and the like right to the base of the carpet fibers.

 The same principles apply with all trades and services. Some are the best and others are somewhere in between in relation to procedures, product knowledge and the applications. 

Misconception #4: Having the right or most powerful equipment is all that is needed.

Not True! Many companies own hot water cleaners, however many do not learn themselves or teach their employees how to use them and the proper process required for a successful outcome. This is important to consider, as it is your home they will be applying errant cleaning processes in, allowing for over-wetting, too much chemical applied or insufficient rinsing and the like.  With trades and other services, the same thing applies. Good tools, or even the best tools, do not make the users the best!

Remember All methods or products can be done or used wrong! Thus, Hiring Right is a Must!  Verify the companies efficacy by researching their history. Many of their clients will be listed on their marketing as happy clients and usually like to endorse good companies for your benefit.

Misconception #5: The Company That Offers the Lowest Price is the Way to Go.

No! We’ve been around for over 40 years and have seen and been called to fix too many problems related to non-researched hires, most of which were taken on for the savings perceived,  related to the low price.  (1) The price may not be for the services you want performed. The company may appear to be equipped to do cleaning, however have no way of doing a full cleaning as expected, leaving behind premature re-soiling conditions having not fully removed soils and allergens as previously noted.  (2) The price you see advertised may not in the end be the price you will pay. Many homeowners have learned the hard way, the price that prompted them to call the cleaning company, trade or service in for, lasted only as long as the time they got into their home. Then the high pressure sales started and didn’t stop until the switch to buy add-ons took place so something could be accomplished. (Many companies break the law by using illegal bait and switch tactics)

Misconception #6:  Any Honest Carpet Cleaning Company Should be Able to Give an Exact Price Quote Over the Telephone.

We Wish This Were True! But it isn’t.  Honest, reputable companies never price over the phone. For example, carpet cleaning by the room. Carpet cleaning has a minimum cost and a per square foot calculation so each client receives the right cost applied for their  household needs, involving, type of carpet, soiling conditions, spots, stains and furniture manipulation, drying services and fabri-gaurd application.

Consumer Guide – CRAWLIN’ CRITTERS AND CRUD: A GUIDE TO THE SLIME, GRIME AND LIVESTOCK SLEEPING, CREEPING AND GALLOPING THROUGH YOUR HOME.  

Asphalt, bacteria, car exhaust, chemicals, dirt, dust mites, food particles, fungus, germs, gravel, grease, grime, grit, hair, industrial pollution, lint, mud, pet stains, pollen, pollutants, rock, sand, scum, smoke, soil, soot, tar, tobacco smoke, urine, vomit, cooking fallout come into our homes and affect our textiles also.  Living creatures such as: dust mites, fleas, spiders move about on and through our homes and can become increasingly a problem in neglected environments. 

  Other maintenance of; upholstery, bedding, draperies, are subject to these crawlers and creepers too, therefore addressing issues with reputable trades and services is prudent.

Which Method Cleans Best and Which Trade or Service Will be The Best Fit?  

Dry Foam: The carpet cleaner applies shampoo to your carpet, allows it to dry, then, without rinsing, relying on dry vacuuming the shampoo with the limited soil suspended from the carpet fibers. Most of this if not all dry vacuum process is done by you after the service leaves, as the fibers may not be dry enough to be vacuumed in reasonable time or properly while at your home.

Food for thought: If one were to apply shampoo to their hair, leave it to dry and then dry vacuum… well, you get the idea.  Or , how good of a paint job, siding application, roof, etc. do I want?

  There are many ways to do things, many wrong; many right enough and then, the right or best ways for the application.  

Absorbent Pad ( bonnet Cleaning): Similar to dry foam, except a large cotton bonnet is used to buff the carpet fibers in a rotating motion causing the pad to absorb dirt from the carpet. This is a rubbing action and is not a whole lot different than using a cotton towel to rub soil off your carpet with a shampoo product.

Food for thought: If one were to apply shampoo to their hair, rub it off with a absorbent towel without rinsing and then dry vacuum… again, you get the idea.  Or , how good of a paint job, siding application, roof, etc. do I want? 



  There are many ways to do things, many wrong; many right enough and then, the right or best ways for the application.

Dry, absorbent powder: The dry compound method involves spreading a moist absorbent powder through the carpet. The powder is allowed to dry after being worked into the fibers with a brush-in action, then is to be vacuumed out over time, still leaving behind particles at the base of the fibers and is not rinsed.

Food for thought: Good way to clean our hair?  Or , how good of a paint job, siding application, roof, etc. do I want?
  There are many ways to do things, many wrong; many right enough and then, the right or best ways for the service to be done.

  Hot water flushing with appropriate pressure for deep cleaning through the pile, to the backing surface only, extracted with high air velocity vacuum is the major carpet manufactures number one choice for cleaning their carpet products. Carpet backings, if need be can also be cleaned with this method.

Food for thought: Although we do not extract our hair, we do towel dry with the assurance that we have washed, flushed and rinsed leaving our natural fibers fresh and clean. 



Now, it’s up to you to decide for your needs.

   All of these methods have useful applications, however only one, hot water extraction, gets to the bottom of things, flushing and extracting for that deep down refreshing clean.  Or , how good of a paint job, siding application, roof, etc. do I want?

  There are many ways to do things, many wrong; many right enough and then, the right or best ways for the application.

8 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Trade or any service.  

Mistake #1: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on equipment alone. 

  No question, your carpet cleaner needs proper equipment. However, something more vital is needed. Skilled operators who know how to use the equipment properly.

  Even though, technicians are certified through some program, very little of the instruction is on the proper way to apply the best operation of cleaning equipment. There is a lot to know about equipment operating at its peak performance so cleaning will be done right.

  Even after over 43 years in the cleaning services, I still, now as the owner, educate myself on the many things that can be wrong with the equipment operation efficiency, so a problem will be addressed before it becomes a nightmare in your home.

Mistake #2: Choosing a carpet cleaner based on low price. Low price could be a problem in three ways: 

  (1) Low price can be the bait that prompts your phone call.  Thereafter, once the cleaner is in your home, things switch to pressure selling for a more expensive job.
  (2) Low price can be for a single process cleaning. Rarely does the consumer know what this means and when told, asks for dual process cleaning which costs much more.
  (3) Low price means the carpet cleaner will show up with less than adequate equipment, product or understanding to properly clean your carpets. Called fly-by- night money grabbers!

Mistake #3: Choosing a carpet cleaner on a single phone call.

  Unless you have a working relationship with a highly reputable service, with so many carpet cleaners to choose from, especially in an economic down turn, it may be best to have each service present themselves in person for you to see what is to be offered and for how much. Then you will know what the carpet cleaner recommends and you won’t end up being a spur of the moment victim of high pressure sales when the cleaner comes into your home. You will be able to compare what you have learned and then make a better, qualified decision, of the company who meets your needs and budget, for all the right reasons.

Mistake #4: Choosing a carpet cleaner who in reality has no intention of making things good when everything may not turn out as desired.

  In our view, every trade should be accountable for it’s work to the extent that the agreed services to be provided are done to the satisfaction of the client.

  This will involve offering a guarantee for the services to be rendered. It’s not a bad idea to have it noted or produced on site prior to commencing. The type of guarantee is also important to consider, as “limitations” may be in the fine print. Read your warranty or have it considered with you by the technician on the initial visit.

Mistake #5: Choosing a carpet cleaner without researching what others have to say, besides the claims made by how good the carpet cleaning company is through their own statements. 

  Any company can say they are the best and can say anything they want about their past jobs. Sadly many misrepresent the truth.

  Make sure you ask for verifiable references and comments by clients who have used the service. These should be available on the initial visit to assess your cleaning needs.

Mistake #6: Choosing a carpet cleaner who does not really have proper understanding or experience. 

  How long has the carpet cleaner been in business in your immediate area, is a good indication as to the quality of service and  commitment to client satisfaction they provide.

  No company goes through business without things that go wrong, if they have been around many years, it’s simply as a result of how client satisfaction has been addressed. Even then, no company will produce a perfect record, however the overall result of their existence means enough has been done right to keep them in business. This is the experience that qualifies understanding.

  Have they taken training and can it be verified?  (Our company has been serving and training for over 40 years.)

Misconception #7: Choosing a carpet cleaner who has no commitment to ethics in business.

  Do they have the appropriate licensing or bonds to conduct business in your town and township, county or province?

  It is your duty as a client to be sure this is intact, if you desire a good result. An ethical company will be able to produce a copy of such licensing, on the initial visit, which in turn can be verified with the City Hall.

  Most companies calling from out of town will not have these documents in place and you will suffer from their “swoop and scoop”, “flash, cash and dash”, unethical methods of conducting business.

  Many companies will actually sell you, virtually water as a fabri-gaurd resulting in long dry times; causing a host of belated, undesirable issues, that we get calls for all the time; to see if something can be done to reverse the negative outcome of a bad hire.

Misconception #8: Choosing a company who doesn’t have the right equipment. 

  Your carpet is a large investment. You need to have your carpet done according to the manufacturers recommended best. Most manufacturers, recommend high power systems that clean with the hot water extraction process.

  As indicated before, the final part of making this decision right is to be sure the company operators do know what they are doing. Use references provided and follow up on these for your peace of mind. Verify licensing is intact.

The Importance of Value and Price  

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get for what you pay for. 

  If all you need is a cheap brush off the dirt appearance only clean; an ethical company will not likely have a provision for this; as the cost is too high for them to conduct business in this fashion.

  It would be better to use a cheap carpet cleaning machine, as purchased through box stores; or use a Rental to make this happen and do the work yourself.

  On the other hand, having your carpet brought back to a like new condition: requires the high power, operator savvy, hot water extraction method recommended by most major carpet manufacturers.

Do You Want a Clean and Healthy Carpet?

  Which is more important to you: an appearance clean carpet that will re-soil quickly, or a clean and healthy carpet that resists re-soiling?  I assure you, there is a big difference.

  Each carpet cleaning method done right has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Some remove soiling well. Others remove soiling and grease well. And others get virtually everything out. And, to be sure, some are more expensive.

  High power hot water extraction systems are purchased by reputable companies and maintained at considerable cost, so you can be treated to a great experience and have a healthy, fresh, clean carpet.

100% No Risk Guarantee;  a reputable service wants you to be super pleased– in fact, absolutely delighted, with every carpet and upholstery job they do.
                   
                    Therefore, every job is performed under iron-clad, risk free, guarantees.

                                                       What does this mean?

Simply this; If you aren’t happy with aspects of the work performed, re-cleaning the areas of concern is usually free. If unable to make you happy, the areas of concern will refunded.

  Your part of the Guarantee; Is to call if you have need right away. Waiting past 24 hrs, a week, month or year, won’t do and the bill must be paid to receive any warranty. let’s face it, you don’t get warranty on anything else you purchase, without paying for it in some fashion.

 4 Steps to a Clean Healthy Carpet Or Great Hire  

If you are thinking of having your carpets cleaned or using any trade, we encourage you to follow these steps:

Step #1: Make a commitment to yourself to move forward with your service or project. The longer maintenance is put off, the sooner damage and wear will happen.

Step#2: List your objectives. Do you want only the dirty look removed with carpet, something you can do with a box store machine or rental, or do you want the deep clean removal of all that effects your carpet from day to day living; the list as indicated above under “Crawlin’ Critters and Crud”?  Do you want to work with a reputable proven company with great results attested to by their clients: past, present, and future; as in those who commented they will use the service again and make recommendation to others?  Are you willing to risk working with the company that offers you the lowest price; knowing that there is no guarantee past your door and may very well be out of business tomorrow?

Step#3: Ask questions. The way you learn about a company, is to ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. Here are eight tough questions to ask a carpet cleaner before you agree to have them clean your carpet:

1. What method of carpet cleaning do you recommend?     
2. What type of equipment do you use to clean carpet?     
3. What will your equipment and processes remove from my carpet?     
4. How often should I get my carpet cleaned?     
5. What background do you have in this industry?     
6. Can you provide your right (License, bonding) to do business in this area?     
7. How will you handle our furniture and protect our carpet and furniture from damage?     
8. What will you do if something does not work out as planned or promised?

Step #4: Once you are satisfied that you are working with an honest, competent professional, ask for a written quote  or documented invoice specifying the services to be done. Sign it and set up a time to move forward with the project. Sometimes the initial visit is planned by the company, to allow time for your service agreement  to be rendered right away.

Following these guidelines, should help you make an informed decision.

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