Purchasing Carpet Cleaning is easier when informed and confident
If you've completed steps one and two, you now have a select short-list of excellent methods that meet your personal needs. It's time to go shopping.
You know what you need and what choices meet those needs, but you still have to decide on the carpet cleaning process, and from whom you will obtain it. If you do have a couple of options on a final short-list, you'll want to do some additional comparison shopping, so you can find the best deal. You also need to know what kind of final checks to make, and what questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line or hand over that hard-earned cash.
How will you purchase?
Buyers now have a number of choices when it comes to buying anything. These can be broken down into two major options - in person or by remote purchase. Some people aren't comfortable with remote purchase options such as mail-order, TV shopping networks or the internet, and prefer to buy directly from the company or store.
Remote Purchase:
- TV - shopping network, regular advertisement, special offer
- Mail - brochure, pamphlet, special offer
- Internet - company storefront, private seller
In Person:
- Wholesale - chemicals or equipment
- Retail - chemicals or equipment
- Company office - professional cleaning services
Each option has different advantages and disadvantages, and these may be influenced by your individual taste and previous buying experience. For instance, specialist staff can usually offer the most knowledgeable advice on chemicals or equipment, but on the other hand the prices are often more attractive at larger stores. If you are hiring a professional you may prefer to deal with someone face-to-face, so you can ask questions and inspect equipment. Experienced representatives can be invaluable if you are still unsure about whether to get a particular product or service.
Buying online can give you excellent opportunities to shop around and compare discounted prices - the major disadvantage is that you can't see equipment, read chemical labels or inspect the results of the cleaning service before you buy it. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons to determine which option is most suitable for you.
Tip: Remember, regardless of how a product or service is offered for sale, if a deal sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Choosing a seller
Many factors have an influence when deciding where to buy a carpet cleaning product or method, and these need to be weighed up; you may have a tight budget, in which case the sellers who offer the best prices will be most attractive to you. Alternatively, you may prefer to deal with a seller who has excellent customer service and employs knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. The major factors that need to be considered are presented below:
Choosing a
Seller Checklist
- Reputation - time established, fair dealing, complaints record, good name, reviews
- Price - discounts, specials, less for cash, bonus schemes, rebates
- Sweeteners - some sellers are more likely to add items to 'sweeten' the deal, such as free chemicals or extra rooms at no charge
- Extras - check what accessories or other extras are offered with the product
- Customer service - product knowledge, at point-of-sale, after service
- Support - guarantees and insurance, troubleshooting and advice
Other considerations:
- Where possible look for members of professional associations or bodies
- A prior relationship with a company can be a big advantage
Once you have factored in all these different considerations, choosing who to buy from often comes down simply to your personal preference. It is important to buy from a reputable, reliable seller, as this offers you the most protection if something goes wrong with the cleaning.
Tip: Online forums, blogs and review sites are excellent sources for finding out a seller's reputation for good service and fair dealing.
Booking a cleaning service or ordering chemicals and equipment
There is often little to choose from between products and service providers, and small things can make a real difference to your pocket and the satisfaction you gain in your purchase. It's a good idea to anticipate any issues associated with your purchase that might arise either immediately after using the cleaning equipment and products, or using the services of a professional, whether immediately after the cleaning or in the months and years afterwards.
Many of these issues will only become significant if there is some kind of problem, but it's a good idea to investigate before you make your final purchase. Ask the seller about guarantees and return policies on equipment or chemicals, as these can vary between sellers - some return policies include a re-stocking fee, for instance. If you are using a professional service, ask about their policies if the carpet is damaged or the color altered.
Purchase and Aftersales Checklist
- Money back guarantee - unlimited, limited, time frame, what is covered
- Return Policy - duration, re-stocking fees, inclusions, exceptions, exchange or refund
- Shipping - method, fees, estimated timeframe
- Insurance - what does their insurance cover?
- Maintenance - service available, advice, products available, costs
- Parts availability - what is the availability and cost of spare parts?
- Delivery - available, fees, timeframe, flexibility of delivery times
- Professional Visits - clean up procedures, drying times, damage policies
Tip: Even if you can't imagine calling on a guarantee, or having your carpet cleaning professionally done, do ask the seller about their policies; it's always better to have all the information.
Buying a carpet cleaning product or service can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Once you've worked your way through all three steps of the
Buyz123 three step guide you can buy exactly the right method for your needs.
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