How do I know if a Minneapolis or St. Paul carpet cleaning company is legit?

One question we get often at Commercial Steam Team is, “How do I know if a carpet cleaning company is legit?”  We understand the question because unfortunately, some carpet cleaning companies participate in fraudulent or unethical practices. These can vary in severity but are generally aimed at deceiving customers and charging more money than a service should cost. 

Watch out for the following carpet cleaning schemes in the Twin Cities:

Bait-and-Switch:

This is one of the most common carpet cleaning scams. The company advertises an extremely low price used to get a customer interested, but once the cleaners arrive, the customer is told that the advertised price only covers basic cleaning.  The customer is then pressured into paying extra for necessary “upgrades” or additional services.

• Be cautious if the price seems too good to be true, as it may be a bait-and-switch tactic.

 

Hidden Fees: 

Watch out for a scam that involves tacking on hidden fees and surcharges that were not disclosed when the carpet cleaning was scheduled. These fees can significantly increase the cost of the service.  Also, watch out for carpet cleaning companies who upsell with add-ons or unnecessary services. 

• Ask for a written, detailed estimate that includes all costs and potential additional charges and avoid paying in advance. Legitimate companies like CST typically collect payment after the work is completed to your satisfaction.

 

Low-Quality Work:

Inferior equipment, outdated cleaning methods, or using diluted cleaning solutions can all result in subpar carpet cleaning.

• Look for online reviews and ratings from previous customers.  Research the company thoroughly.  Only use a company (like Commercial Steam Team) that offers a satisfaction guarantee.

Fake Credentials:

Unscrupulous carpet cleaners may falsely claim to have industry certifications or affiliations that they do not possess. They might also use counterfeit logos or certifications to appear legitimate.  Some scammers take payment in advance and then fail to show up for the scheduled cleaning appointment, taking the customers’ money with them.

• Check for proof of insurance and appropriate certifications.
• Commercial Steam Team is IICRC Certified

 

If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam carpet cleaner, consider reporting them to your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau to help prevent others from falling victim to the same scams.

I you would like your carpets cleaned by a reputable local carpet cleaning company that has been in business for over 20 years and has high reviews – give Commercial Steam Team a call today.  952-224-7222