Who doesn’t love a great deal? When you see incredibly low (ex., $69 to clean an entire house) carpet cleaning prices advertised on those yard signs, it is tempting to call the number. After all, even if you rent low-grade carpet cleaning equipment from a supermarket, you could end up paying close to $69 for the rental and supplies.
Be careful when you call, however, to make sure you are not dealing with a carpet cleaning company skilled in the art of bait and switch.
Bait and Switch is . . .
“Bait and switch” is a practice in which advertising and selling are coordinated in an effort to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. The “bait” ad is run, often offering a ridiculously low price. When a consumer responds, the salesperson “switches” the prospect from the low-priced product or service featured in the ad to another, more expensive purchase.
Bait and Switch is not . . .
Bait and switch should not be confused with the normal and legal practice of “up-selling” where a salesperson offers a higher priced option or additional upgrades. It shouldn’t be confused with “loss-leaders,” items priced below cost and sold at a loss. Loss leaders are designed to get consumers into the store where they may see and purchase other more profitable items.
So what’s the difference between bait and switch and legal selling practices? It’s a matter of intent. A bait and switch ad is not a genuine offer. Although the advertisement is attractive, it is simply designed to get you to make an appointment. The carpet cleaning company has no intention of honoring their offer.
In other words, if the original offer is no longer available, or only available after a long wait, you may be dealing with a bait and switch operator. As long as the original offer is available without a lot of hassle, you are probably not dealing with bait and switch.
Common Carpet Cleaning Bait and Switch Practices
The Bait
The bait is usually a coupon advertising super-low prices like $10 a room or a whole house for $69.
The Switch
When the cleaner gets to your house, you are told that you need “deep-scrubbing,” “dry cleaning,” or some other service that costs several times the advertised price. Never mind that what they were advertising was carpet cleaning, you are told that if you do not get the additional services, your carpet will not look good.
In truth, these companies have no intention of honoring the advertised cheap price. They may even use illegal high-pressure sales tactics to coerce you into paying for additional expensive services.
Does this mean that every company advertising these almost unbelievably low carpet cleaning prices is unethical? Of course not – they may just be starting out and willing to take the loss in order to build their clientele.
Looking for Up-Front Marietta Carpet Cleaning Pricing?
We pride ourselves in providing honest, fair, up-front pricing and great service.
As our customers say:
Provided a Clear Estimate
He provided a clear estimate and level set us as to what we could expect. When he came out to do the work he was on time, professional, and it was clear from the get go that he treated both his job and our home with the utmost respect.
Link to full Marietta carpet cleaning review.
Provided a Reasonable Quote
Chris provided a reasonable quote over the phone based on the square footage of the room. He arrived on time as promised and completed the work quickly and professionally. He also took care of a large stain in the room. I am extremely impressed with the overall experience and attention to detail I received. This is definitely a company that I will use again and refer to others.
To get your quote, please call us at (770) 575-5758 or request a carpet cleaning quote on our website.
