Louis,
I used to work for Coit for several months in WA State. The entire time I worked for them they always had a sale. No bull! This week in the Seattle-Tacoma area they are advertising on the radio (Komo 1000 AM) a 50% off deal until the end of the week. Prior to Christmas it was 40% off.
Usually they advertised 30 or 35% off. We charged per room or area and if my memory serves me correctly it was around $60.00 per area so even at 50% off they still made some money. The customer got no pre vac, sometimes no pre-spray, and depending on the tech or sales person, a hard upsale on area rugs, guard, drapes, etc, etc, etc. High pH was used on every type of carpet and fabric!
I bought my own HydraForce (spelling???) and dual jet wand to do a better job. I didn't know the importance of pre vacuuming, pre agitation, or post grooming until I put myself through an
IICRC class and started networking with other professional cleaners. Working for them, you didn't have time to give first class service. If the wand couldn't get a spot up, it was permanent. Things may have changed but that was the way it was when I was there. Of course, as an employee trained by them you didn't know any better unless you sought out further training.
They (the Seattle area) spend thousands of dollars on advertising to get in the door but they also do a lot of other work to make up for it. Drapes, blinds, rugs, furniture, guard, stone, tile, flood, smoke, fire, mold, etc.
Sorry to rant and rave...but it is good to be done and on my own! My body took a beating, I about starved, and I even had one paycheck bounce with them. They can advertise all they want. The rest of us still pick up an occasional Coit customer. I already have.
Scott