Some people think it’s a difficult decision, whom to hire; and some just Google, get a name, then make a phone call. But there really are things to consider when hiring a company to perform any service work, whether it’s cleaning carpet, alleviating water damage, or just about anything else.
Trust should be at the top of the list. A carpet cleaning company is in your home, in your bedrooms; so you better hire someone you can trust. Many large companies struggle with hiring the right employees. Just because they tell you that their staff is drug-tested doesn’t mean they all passed the drug test! I once had a client tell me that they hired a large carpet cleaning company who sent two men out to do the job. The two men who were supposed to be cleaning carpet actually got into a fight in the client’s house! If you hire Esteam Clean, 99% of the time you will get me, John Rogers. I’ll be the one who shows up. Will it always be that way, I don’t know, but it’s that way now. I may have a helper with me, but I will be there. Me, the owner of the company.
Professionalism is very important, of course. The team will come in with uniforms, and you can trust that they won’t open your drawers or closets unless told to do so. They will also be nice and friendly and will clean up after themselves. I heard a story once about a company that came in to clean while the homeowner was away. They proceeded to open the client’s refrigerator, remove peanut butter and jelly, and make themselves a sandwich! Professionalism is mostly common sense. Some have it; some don’t. I would make sure I did my research on which company is the most professional.
Education is also important. I’ve had a few calls over the years from potential clients who have told me, “John, you can use bleach on my carpet if you want, or bring your strongest stuff!” Education, professionalism, and common sense tell me not to do that, of course. I have to consider the big picture when cleaning. It’s not just about cleaning the carpet; it’s about the safety of the children who may be crawling on the carpet, the VOCs that I may put into the air in your home, and, yes, about me. I don’t want to use a product that could cause any of us health problems down the road. I have also been trained by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) and by the Vortex Drying School in Tennessee for water damage. I am also continually self-educating via YouTube and by networking with others in the field.
Happiness. You may think this a silly consideration, but do you want to hire a company that sends an unhappy team member out to your home? Do you think you will receive a good job if the unhappy employee hates his or her job? They may be overworked and underpaid, resulting in a poor attitude and personal unhappiness. Me? I love my job. Now of course I have a bad day now and then, but my business is my “baby,” and I’m happy to be on the job.
Value. Notice I didn’t say “price.” To some people, it’s important to hire the cheapest provider. I will tell you, however, that if you want your transmission fixed, I could do that and save you about 75%. Now, keep in mind that I have no idea how to fix a transmission, but I can save you lots of money in my attempt. It won’t be right, but you won’t be out the full price…at least not until you have to hire someone with real transmission knowledge to fix it correctly!
I am not the cheapest, nor the most expensive. If you’re looking for the $49 guy, those guys are up to something – and it’s probably not anything good. I am competitive and fair. If you want a good job by a trustworthy team member, good products, courtesy, and professionalism, I’m your gy.