How to Chose a Carpet Cleaning Professional

· Choose local owner operated cleaning companies.
Why? His or her company is their own. It represents their name and reputation.

· Don’t limit your search to the Yellow pages. Look for small ads in your local papers and ask your friends and neighbors for references.

· Ask how long they have been cleaning carpets? Are they insured?
   o Questions like these might be answered right in their advertising

· Will they give an estimate over the phone?
While no reputable company should give a definite figure over the phone, many will give you a ballpark figure so you know what to expect.

· Ask how they determine their charges?
At one time it was the generally accepted fact that cleaners would charge by the square foot of area to be cleaned. In some parts of the country it might still be true. But in the northeast, so many “low-ball” advertisers have gotten consumers to expect a charge per room; most cleaners have changed to this method. So don’t be surprised if the cleaner hesitates when asked this question.

Be reasonable as a customer if you want the best service.
This is where I become the business man’s advocate just for a few moments. If the small business owner gets the feeling you are simply calling around for the best price, he or she might simply feel you can keep on calling. Try to convey to the business that you are interested in results first and price second and you’ll always get better service.

Consider the cost of fuel today. In most cases it is unreasonable to expect a carpet cleaner to come to your home to provide an estimate only. Personally I always tell customers that I’ll provide a full written estimate and appraisal of their carpeting free of charge only if I can clean on that visit if it is acceptable to them. I was never near the bottom of the price scale and most would consider my prices above the norm but I haven’ lost a job in years using this method. It’s reasonable for both the homeowner and the business owner.

· Ask what is included with their services?
Be wary of the following: If there's an extra charge for
· dual process of cleaning
· preconditioning
· traffic lane cleaner
· a two step method*
· deep cleaning

*Some cleaners might offer carpet cleaning and carpet restoration services. In any case, they should be able to explain what is included if any additional service is offered.
Again from the carpet cleaner’s perspective: in some market places the business owner might have adapted one of his services to compete with the franchise type “per room” advertiser. He might have a simple service for example: bonnet cleaning at a per room cost to match the local competition. Yet in severely soiled carpets, normally he would offer HWE followed up with bonnet cleaning. This is an honest way some carpet cleaners have successfully competed with the large franchises.
If would be natural for him to ask more for the dual service if needed. Again, the reputable serviceman will tell you this up front.

There are going to be some variables that will only present themselves upon the cleaner’s inspection.
· The type of carpet. Some are harder to clean than others.
   o For example, Berber type carpets take a great deal more work then a Saxony or plush style.
· The amount of soiling.
   o Carpet that hasn’t been cleaned for 10 years will take longer to clean than carpet that was cleaned within the past six months.
   o It might require HWE in addition to shampooing.
· The amount of furniture that must be moved.
   o In many cases, if you move your furniture, you’ll save money.
   o If you remove as much furniture as possible, you’ll be guaranteed a better job.

As a customer, you should expect:
· No hidden costs. If any additional services are recommended you should be told the total cost up front.
· Customer satisfaction.
· Vacuuming. The cleaner should start by vacuuming high traffic and open areas where soils accumulate. *Many low cost franchise workers do not offer this. They tell you the story that their high powered truck mount removes everything from the carpet. This is untrue and is actually against proper carpet cleaning techniques as taught across the nation.
· Moving furniture. Unless clearly specified, moving of most furniture to clean carpet underneath should be considered part of the normal cleaning job. Except where the cleaner tell you up front any limitations such as computer desks, entertainment centers, hutches, etc.
· Spot-cleaning. Special attention to spots is included in normal job performance. However, time-consuming specialized spotting may incur an additional charge. Customers should be advised of additional charges before extensive spotting procedures are undertaken. In all fairness, the carpet cleaner can’t warn you of this until he inspects your carpet.
· Preconditioning. Special treatment with “preconditioning” agents in heavily soiled entry, traffic and general areas should be included in the cost of the cleaning.
· Minimal drying time. The cleaner should be able to tell you an approximate amount of time expected for drying.