Customers traditionally do not know much about carpet. A customer who is contemplating the purchase of new carpet often asks their professional cleaner about the best fiber or the best brand. This puts us on the spot, especially if we suggest a lesser quality product. We need to be able to make a recommendation strictly in the best interest of our client.
The best method of learning how to consult about carpet choice is not by reading the brochures distributed by carpet manufacturers or sales organizations. Instead, keep a notebook and every time you see a marked difference (either good or bad) on the job, write it down. Look for unusual appearance and especially for ease in cleaning.
If possible, ask customers for details such as brand name, type of fiber and even the official color. Look for crushing, pilling, watermarking, resilience, color retention and list your observations. Make a master chart in your office and keep score on fiber producers and carpet manufacturers. Above all, be honest in your assessment.
List the styles, colors and performance experience of as many as you can. In a year or two, you will have a database of information that can help you make a meaningful recommendation to the person for whom you work. This is another "value added" reason for them to do business with you in the future.
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