Bad installations, unkept sales promises, product substitution and shoddy carpet designed for cheap price shoppers have all contributed to the current problems in the carpet industry. But, significant damage has also been done by BS advertising in the carpet cleaning trade. In my opinion Bait and Switch carpet cleaners have damaged the reputation of carpet far more than inferior cleaning equipment, bad chemical products or untrained operators. With the new SOA testing program, the hound dogs are baying at the hole where the fox does not reside.

Reputable cleaners include everything necessary for normal cleaning in the quoted or advertised price. Odor control treatments, carpet protectors and difficult spot removal services are usually done for an extra charge and are fully explained to the customer prior to the service.

"Foot-in-the-door" operators charge extra for deep cleaning, vacuuming, pre spotting treatments and they advertise color brighteners that cost extra. The last time I looked most carpet makers outlawed color brighteners. Some of these bandits even charge extra for detergent and moving furniture. Leaving the carpet dirty adds insult to injury.

The price of gasoline precludes driving anywhere and doing anything for $5.95 a room. Falling for that ad may cost the consumer many hundreds of dollars and these charlatans can be very intimidating, too. BS tactics and especially the intimidation factor leaves a mighty sour taste. The cleaning industry is teeming with these crooks and carpet sales have suffered as a result.

Hellooooooo CRI! BS carpet cleaners should be your target.

©Bane-Clene® Corporation 2008

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