Old Coastie
Supportive Member
So here is how it went down. I doubt it is uncommon, but it made my BS detector ping:
—————
This is the beginning of your conversation
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Hi, you have great reveiws and I need my carpet cleaned. e have lived here for about 9 years, and it's time. i wouldestimate we have ~2500 sq ft of carpet amongst 4 bedrooms, the living room, Bonus room, and an office. Frieze (twist) style carpet. How much are we looking at for the job?
1:11 PM
Hi Roger, Stephen here. I would be glad to be of service. It is my habit to inspect and measure carpets, as it allows us to discuss the best way of cleaning and any options. I do not charge for the visit and the written quote is good for a full year.
The reason I don’t give blind quotes or “package” deals is that it would only be a guess; I would have to either overprice the work or try to upsell the job if I underbid it. Neither is ethical (although both are common practice).
I am properly licensed and well insured.
Would you like me to stop by one afternoon this week? If so, please send me your address, your contact information and a preferred day. I’ll text you to confirm, and get you a price for service.
5:28 PM
You can't give a price range?
6:18 PM
No. Carpet is expensive and there are far too many variables to guess like that. Roger, you would never trust a mechanic who gave you a price if you called asking “how much to fix a car?”
He’d want to know the make, model, symptoms and so forth, then he’d want to see the car.
I value and respect my customers, but I am a stubborn old sailor and won’t compromise my work. That is why I give on-site quotes instead of playing the upsell game and that is why my quotes are good for a year. There is no pressure or error in it because I actually measure instead of guess. It is premium service and I try to do it at a price well below what I have been told other cleaners charge.
If you have read my reviews, they should address any misgivings. If you are uncomfortable, I wish you well and sincerely hope you find a company that is a better fit for your needs.
6:59 PM
Will do
—————
This is the beginning of your conversation
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Hi, you have great reveiws and I need my carpet cleaned. e have lived here for about 9 years, and it's time. i wouldestimate we have ~2500 sq ft of carpet amongst 4 bedrooms, the living room, Bonus room, and an office. Frieze (twist) style carpet. How much are we looking at for the job?
1:11 PM
Hi Roger, Stephen here. I would be glad to be of service. It is my habit to inspect and measure carpets, as it allows us to discuss the best way of cleaning and any options. I do not charge for the visit and the written quote is good for a full year.
The reason I don’t give blind quotes or “package” deals is that it would only be a guess; I would have to either overprice the work or try to upsell the job if I underbid it. Neither is ethical (although both are common practice).
I am properly licensed and well insured.
Would you like me to stop by one afternoon this week? If so, please send me your address, your contact information and a preferred day. I’ll text you to confirm, and get you a price for service.
5:28 PM
You can't give a price range?
6:18 PM
No. Carpet is expensive and there are far too many variables to guess like that. Roger, you would never trust a mechanic who gave you a price if you called asking “how much to fix a car?”
He’d want to know the make, model, symptoms and so forth, then he’d want to see the car.
I value and respect my customers, but I am a stubborn old sailor and won’t compromise my work. That is why I give on-site quotes instead of playing the upsell game and that is why my quotes are good for a year. There is no pressure or error in it because I actually measure instead of guess. It is premium service and I try to do it at a price well below what I have been told other cleaners charge.
If you have read my reviews, they should address any misgivings. If you are uncomfortable, I wish you well and sincerely hope you find a company that is a better fit for your needs.
6:59 PM
Will do