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Reported on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 11:52 PM

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BBB has determined that this business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

BBB accreditation does not mean that the business' products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business' product quality or competency in performing services.

Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of A+

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TEC Carpet Cleaning

The BBB has processed no customer complaints on this company in its three-year reporting period.

The BBB has no information regarding Government Actions at this time.

The BBB has no information regarding Ad Reviews at this time.

Carpet Cleaning
Some carpet cleaning services advertise unbelievably low prices for their services. However, while advertisements may promise low prices, the services seldom live up to customer expectations or coupon promises.

Steam cleaning is performed using hot water extraction rather than vapor from boiling water as the name would imply. Carpet cleaning services advertising extremely low prices will clean with nothing more than clear water; no cleansing solution is used. An unethical carpet cleaner will use high pressure tactics to talk customers into accepting services at prices often 1000% more than advertised. By turning off the suction, the offered service can be made to appear to do little, while by spraying a spot cleaner, the higher priced services can appear to do much more. There is also the 'dirty water' trick where the cleaner empties water from his machine to show how much dirt was in your carpet. In reality, there is no way for the consumer to know how dirty the water was to begin with or even if any of the dirt came from his carpeting.

The coupon offer has become bait in a bait-and-switch operation in which consumers can be unpleasantly and unexpectedly 'surprised' by substantial charges which are often added for 'extras' such as use of soap, spot cleaning, deodorizing and Scotch-guarding.

Expert carpet cleaners indicate the average cost for cleaning one room ranges between $20 and $30, and there are all sorts of extras which can bring the price up to hundreds of dollars. However, even at its lowest prices, the ethical carpet cleaner uses standard cleaning procedures such as vacuuming prior to cleaning, spot cleaning, use of cleansing solution and deodorizing.

If you're shopping for a carpet cleaning service, here are some questions to ask.
1. What method is used by the company to clean carpets and upholstery?
2. What services are included for each price quoted?
3. What solutions are used to clean under each level of service?
4. What additional services,(what each includes and the costs for each), might the company representatives offer at the time of service?

Carpet cleaning services seldom give written estimates. Generally, verbal estimates, if given, are made when the cleaners arrive. Keep in mind that you may ask the company to leave your premises if you feel pressured to agree to extra services at extra costs. And, should the company refuse to leave, exercise your right to call the police for assistance.

To be prepared in advance, ask each company to provide, in writing:
* a list reflecting the types of services and prices quoted for each,
* a copy of its contract, and
* a list of customers who recently used their service.

Read and compare services, prices and contract terms and conditions. Then, take the time to check with the references provided, and ask relatives, friends and acquaintances about their satisfaction with services and prices of the carpet cleaning company they hired.

Keep in mind, too, that if you have the time and inclination to do it yourself, carpet cleaning machines can be purchased or rented at reasonable costs.

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As a matter of policy, the BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.

BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.

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If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted the BBB for a BBB Reliability Report.

ID: 182521180
Report as of: 2/9/2010 11:52 PM

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