When Is a Bargain Not a Bargain?

22. February 2009 by Dean of Clean.

In these turbulent economic times, everybody is trying to make their dollar go farther. Unfortunately, some businesses are taking advantage of that fact by “slashing prices” - and slashing service and workmanship right along with them!

The truth is, we get what we pay for when we invest wisely - be it in services or goods, large or small purchases. Sometimes, the “low price” up front leads to a higher price later on - either through hidden charges not disclosed in the “special” or through shoddy work that requires re-doing sooner than a good, professional job would have.

When we’re buying goods, like autos or books, we can hold, touch and examine the object before we buy it (which is a good argument for buying local!) A lot can be told about the investment we’re about to make, and we can usually feel secure in that purchase.

However, buying services is a little different. It can be difficult to know if you’re going to get a good job until you see the finished work. Some services, such as plumbing or electrical repair, are almost completely “out of sight” - unless water starts leaking or sparks start flying, that is! So a little more due diligence is in order. Here are some basic questions to ask any service provider before investing in their work:

1 - How long have you been doing this? What training do you have? (Experience and education count! Look for firms and individuals that have been certified by non-profit educational organizations in their field of work. Membership in trade associations is also a good sign…and a call to the Better Business Bureau never hurts, either!)

2 - Can you provide references? (Any reputable company should be able to show you comments by other satisfied clients. And it’s always a good idea to ask around your circle of friends and get comments from anyone who has used them.)

3 - What guarantee do you offer? (At a minimum, a company should make sure you are completely satisfied with the work. But a truly professional company will go “the extra mile” and provide more than just the bare minimum guarantee of satisfaction. They will ensure that you are truly delighted with the service and workmanship that you receive.)

4 - Will you provide me with an exact, written quote before starting work? What will you charge, and what does it include? (Many service businesses can provide an exact quote before work starts. Some, like remodelers or construction trades, will have to provide merely an estimate, but any ongoing changes should be communicated to and approved by you along the way. Beware of companies that offer “ballpark phone quotes” without examining the job first - these often change when they get to your house! Also, make sure that compare “apples to apples” by finding out what different charges actually get you. There can be wide differences in materials, products and services rendered from one company to another, even when they seem similar on the surface!

These points apply for almost any service you can think of. Next time, I’ll give you more hints for finding excellence in the carpet cleaning industry!

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