Deal or no deal results
The coupons advertise carpet cleaning for less than ten bucks a room. Sounds like a good deal, right? To find out, we filled a house with hidden cameras. Out of the four companies we tested, only one honored its advertised price. We got quotes ranging from $57.98 to $384.70. What a price difference. Remember, we have coupons that have a two room mimimun so we should be spending less than 20 dollars! So where does $384.70 come from? We wanted to know as well, so we confronted the salesman who didn't give us very many answers. Guess what...his bosses never returned any of our calls either.
When does $9.95 Apply?
We did hear from some of the other companies. They all tell us the advertised price is for a basic steam clean. They tell us they do hundreds of basic steam cleans, but mostly for repeat customers who get their carpets cleaned on a regular basis. Companies admit the $9.95 doesn't really apply to new customers because often their carpets are more dirty and they need deeper scrubbing and they charge for it. But get this....according to the IICRC or Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (sort-of the industry setting body for the carpet cleaning industry) customers should expect these basics in all carpet cleaning: Vacuuming, Preconditioning, Extraction, Grooming, and Drying. While the IICRC sets the standard for carpet cleaning, these are just recommendations. So in essence, there should not be an extra charge for scrubbing since the IICRC says that's a basic part of carpet cleaning. But, again, the IICRC just recomends companies follow those standards -- they don't require it. And, not every company is a member of the IICRC.
Finding an IICRC company
To become an IICRC certified firm you must meet tough criteria that aims to protect consumers. To find one in your area...go to the following website.
http://www.certifiedcleaners.org/locator.shtml
Changes on the way
Two carpet manufacturers (Shaw and Mohawk) are making changes to their warranty. The carpet industry hopes this helps customers from getting taken by unscrupulous cleaners. Starting in 2008, customers must use IICRC certified cleaners when getting their carpets cleaned. .
It's expected this will help the situation, but it's likely these bait and switch tactics will continue in some form.
So have you found your carpet coupon to be a deal or no deal at all? Share your experience below....