Beware of carpet cleaning offers

Beware of carpet cleaning offers

Thursday, 27 February 2014

DEVON and Somerset Trading Standards is this week warning residents to be aware of unscrupulous traders offering carpet cleaning services, following complaints from concerned consumers. The traders, some of whom operate nationally, normally make initial contact by telephone, offering to clean carpets for a low or special price, often around 20 per room. A card then arrives with a date for when the work will be carried out. However, Trading Standards officers say that this is just a foot in the door, and once in the house, the trader will say that they have found additional problems such as moth infestation, or suggest a more intensive cleaning at a much higher price. In some cases, these charges have been reported to have risen to as much as 4,000. Devon and Somerset County Councils, which are responsible for the Trading Standards service, are concerned that the visits put unwanted pressure on householders, who may then agree to work that they do not really want. Steve Gardiner, of Devon and Somerset Trading Standards, said: Do not be tempted to agree to work offered through an unsolicited telephone call of this nature. Reputable traders should not give a price over the phone, without first carrying out an inspection. Its always a good idea to get two or three quotes for any work you intend to carry out to your property, including carpet cleaning, to ensure that any price you agree to is fair and reasonable. Use local firms with good reputations. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or use a Buy With Confidence member, which are trades audited by Trading Standards that have agreed to trade fairly and honestly. To find a local business, visit the Buy With Confidence website http://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or telephone 01823 357261 for a list of members. For further advice, or to report a potential rogue trader, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

All content of Tavistock Times Gazette unless stated otherwise.

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Beware of carpet cleaning offers