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These clever phrases have appeared recently in newspaper
articles and televised consumer 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 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. One of the
leaders in this campaign is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification (IICRC), an international, nonprofit
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
carpet cleaners advertise a low price just 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 all of these business
expenses and make a reasonable 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 criteria 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. Certification-
Professional firms require Certification of technicians through such
certification organizations as the IICRC or through comparable
franchises or independent training and testing organizations. Training-
Professional cleaning firms require management and employees to engage
in formal training in a variety of cleaning disciples, and these
educational efforts will be ongoing. Consumers should ask about
the formal training background of technicians who will be cleaning their
carpet. 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. Experience-
The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training
programs, contribute significantly to the experience and proficiency of
its employees.
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