How to avoid the carpet cleaning scam

Avoiding  the Carpet Cleaning Scam

Fall, with the holiday season approaching, is a popular time to schedule carpet cleaning. To aid you in selecting a qualified cleaner the following article was excerpted from a series of recent press releases provided by the IICRC, a nonprofit certification body that promotes high standards and technical proficiency within the carpet cleaning industry.

“Two Rooms Cleaned Free”

“$5.95 Per Room Normal/Basic Cleaning”

“Entire home $125”

“3 Rooms for $99”

Such carpet cleaning ads are seen everyday by consumers, but is something really free? And, what is normal/basic cleaning?

Too often unsuspecting consumers who are lured by specials find themselves victims of bait-and-switch advertising. They realize, often too late, that these advertised specials have conditions, either written in small print or not stated at all. They are often told that "preconditioning" costs extra or that the carpet is too soiled for normal cleaning at the advertised low price.

Bait-and-switch operators are prevalent in many industries, and the carpet cleaning industry is no exception. This does not mean, though, that all carpet cleaners are rip-off artists. But, 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. A leader in the campaign is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which 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 carpet cleaners advertise a low price to get their foot in the door. Use common sense; 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 these business expenses and make a reasonable profit to stay in 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 before the work begins.

• Training — Professional cleaning firms require employees to engage in formal training in a variety of cleaning disciplines, and these educational efforts will be ongoing. Ask about the training background of the technicians who will be cleaning your carpet.

• Experience — The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training programs, contribute significantly to the proficiency of its employees.

• Knowledgeable — Professional firms employ and train technicians who can answer basic questions regarding carpet performance and maintenance, as well as spotting and cleaning.

• Trade Associations — Professional cleaning firms are members of trade associations that promote high ethical standards and continuing education. Look for trade logos in advertising.

• Cleaning Standards — Ask if the cleaner is operating according to IICRC Cleaning Standards.

• Method — Ask the cleaner which method of cleaning will be used and the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to other methods. Truckmounted Steam Clean is the best and offers the deepest cleaning.

• No Pressure — Technicians must be courteous and willing to take the time to thoroughly explain the cleaning process and answer all questions. You should never feel pressured.

There is no single criterion for selecting a carpet cleaning service. Several combined factors must be considered in the selection decision. Lake Geneva Carpet Cleaning would be happy to discuss our cleaning methods and extend a free, no obligation quote on all of your cleaning needs.

How do YOU avoid scams in your industry?