Marketing Deception

With Spring Cleaning just around the corner many of us will make plans to have our carpets cleaned, tile and grout cleaned, upholstery cleaned, etc. Many people will use the internet to find a "reputable" cleaner by using the google search engine, yahoo, bing, etc. and there is nothing wrong with using the internet as long as your are careful.  Recently it has come to my attention that there is a new trend in the cleaning industry. Individuals are setting up websites and promoting "their" cleaning services only they aren't the ones who are going to come to your door. Some of these "call centers" are NOT even located in the United States. These "call centers" recruit sub-contractors to provide the work. The problem with this is that you, the consumer, do not know who will be showing up at your door. Can you say "SCARY".

The next time you speak to someone over the phone or thru email ask these questions:

1). Will you be sending an "EMPLOYEE" or a "Sub Contractor",

2). Will they arrive in your "COMPANY VEHICLE",

3). Will they provide me a copy of YOUR Liability Insurance,

4). Will you provide me a copy of your current business license,

5). Will the price that "YOU" quote me be "EXACTLY" what I will pay,

6). Will you provide me a with a "In Home Estimate", prior to scheduling the cleaning,

7). Will you provide me with a PHOTO of the employee & the equipment.

If they will not provide all of these requests you probably do not want them in your home. If you have questions about this blog you can reach me at (916) 525-2456.

Until Next Time,

Michael Hull

Travertine Cleaning & Sealing

Recently I was called on to clean a bathroom that was all done in Travertine. The floors and shower walls were done in the identical stone. The client informed me that when the installers completed their work they sealed the floor and left behind a sticky residue. In addition to the sticky residue the color of the tile appeared to be darker after installation. What happened?

First the tile installers did not test the porosity of the stone. Travertine is a porous stone by design, and the pores on the stone can be altered if the stone has been polished, sanded, or honed. If you look at these make up commercials for women they talk about using make up that has been specifically designed for the type of skin that God has blessed you with. The same can be said of Travertine. You can not assume a "One Size Fits All" mentality when it comes to sealing tile floors.

Second, the installers used a type of sealer that is called an "Impregnator". This type of sealer is used when you want to alter the color of the stone to a darker tone. The only problem is the clients did not want the stone to be darker. Fortunately I was able to remove all of the sticky residue and the impregnator from the floors and walls. I was able to restore the floors back to their original lustre.

Do you have a tile need that you can not solve? Give me a call at (916) 525-2456 and maybe we can solve it together.

Until Next Time

Michael Hull