Last week the B.B.C. carried out an investigation into many of the “Recommendation” websites and “Trade endorsement” websites that have sprung up and found that, as many of us had suspected for a long time, companies are not always what they seem to be.
A B.B.C. reporter was able to approach various “vetting” websites and set himself up as a “validated” tradesman and go on to mis-represent himself to prospective customers as a competent, quality firm. He paid his money and could then invent accolades in order to gain custom. The vetting procedure was negligible and after paying his fees he appeared as a bona fide trader. Frightening, isn’t it?
The reporter was able to gain acceptance onto the system within hours, having no experience of the trades whatsoever. He then proceeded to write glowing references about his abilities and work with the aim of duping an unsuspecting public. This is the way that many companies gain business.
Clearly, this is very underhand and dishonest and would lead to members of the public wasting their money for substandard or non-existent workmanship. One thing became very clear……………….if a company does not publish a real, visitable address do not use it.
We have always been aware that many of the reviews on websites have been posted by company staff as well as friends and relatives in order to project a favourable company image to potential customers of less reputable companies. This is why it is essential to look for companies which have endorsements from reliable, legitimate sources.
Many of us have used companies which have impressive reviews on their websites, only to find out later that their workmanship and products are problematical, inferior and sometimes non-existent.
The best way to find quality companies is still by word of mouth from friends, relatives and acquaintances. Such recommendations are worth far more that website reviews. Another reliable way to assess a company is to look for a long and successful history, along with unquestionable endorsements and references.
Unfortunately, morals and principles have declined over recent decades in many business areas and for all its benefits the web has allowed “fake news” and fake descriptions to gain hold and grow. Look for a company with a published social and environmental policy.
Always find out how long a company has been trading…………the longer, the better in most cases. Also, find out what its policies are if something should go wrong or if problems occur. Quality companies will guarantee to return and correct shortcomings with no questions asked.
The B.B.C. report made deeply concerning viewing as poor quality and deceitful firms or individuals can easily set themselves up as supposedly professional and quality companies in their paid for web presence.
Ensure that when selecting a curtain, carpet and upholstery cleaning company you check that they are members of reputable trade organisations with long trading histories. Look for endorsements that are of the highest integrity. There are more rogue traders out there than you might think.
Reliable, trustworthy companies can be found so do your homework thoroughly first. That way you will finish up with a first class, high quality result and not get taken for a ride by the cowboys.
Contact Us
Call now for a
free estimate:
020 8453 5350
Services
Testimonials
"You are a genius! Our curtains look fantastic - and the pelmets and tassels so much better than I ever hoped. I can't thank you enough for all the time and attention and extra care you gave them. It did make a huge difference even from the way they looked."
"I wanted to take a moment to say 'Thank You' for making it possible to get my curtains hung the other day. Your technician was extremely experienced, professionally and frankly an all round nice 'Scot'!"
"Very pleased with the result of their cleaning my lounge curtains. French fabric, slightly faded 10 year old linen curtains which they cleaned beautifully and put back up resulting in them looking better than originally hung when new."
"Ian and his team came and rehung the curtains and pelmets. They all look GREAT and I can't thank you enough for all your kindness, attention, and skill - we hope for no further dramas, and to be able to sit in the room and enjoy the results of your labours."
"Today I had the pleasure of one of your employees visiting my house in Richmond. To my shame I did not catch his name. I thought it might have been on the estimate/pro forma but I cannot find it. I just thought you would want to know that I cannot imagine having a friendlier or more knowledgable person. If your other staff are at this level you are a very lucky employer indeed."
"Gregory has done a great job for us. What a great guy!"
"Have used twice for carpet cleaning and once for upholstery cleaning. Very professional."
"I just wanted to let you know how happy I was with the work you recently did for us cleaning rugs and curtains. Your representative Ian was especially good, courteous, efficient, knowledgeable and helpful. I just wanted to pass that on to you, and hopefully you will let him know."
"A note to say thank you for doing such an impressive job in cleaning my bedroom curtains. They look amazing and your service was quick, courteous and efficient. I will definitely recommend you."
"I just wanted to thank you, and your colleagues, for the lovely blinds you made for us. I have been very impressed with all aspects of your service (the speed of your initial response, Gerry's knowledge and approach when he came to measure up and the speed with which you made and delivered the blinds) and we are delighted with the finished products. Please pass our thanks onto your colleagues."
"I just wanted to say thank you so much for arranging the carpet cleaning and for fitting this in the diary so quickly, we really appreciated it. Ray and John have done a great job and I am amazed that the stains in the carpet seem to have vanished!"
"Well I was on site yesterday and Gerry did a fabulous job and the curtains, all things considered, look great. Well done – great job!! Thank you."
"What a pleasure to meet Roger – what an expert and I really appreciate your follow-up and all details. Professionalism in feet and inches… love it"
"I just wanted to thank you again for today. I believe it is Gerry I met and he was absolutely wonderful in re-fitting the curtain and pelmets and extremely helpful."
"I have recently had my lounge suite cleaned, having used your company to clean curtains and a rug last year and was very impressed.The staff on the phone are very friendly and efficient as well as the staff who visited the house,combined with the super quality of service and results and extremely good value, yours is the only Company I would ever use or recommend.Thank you."
"Many thanks. It is always a pleasure to do business with your company. You always do what you say you will do!"
"I just wanted to write to let you know how delighted I was with my curtains. They came back yesterday and two lovely gentlemen took great care in hanging them. The additional blue material has been so beautifully added. The workmanship is of such a high standard. I wanted to express heartfelt thanks for your assistance and to all that worked on them. It just leaves me to wish you and the company continued success. I am sure I will be using your services again."
We had a post builder sparkling clean and the service was exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble, Maria and the team were extremely accommodating, and the house was spotless when they left. We look forward to bringing them onto many projects in the future.
Immaculate service. From booking, through estimating, to cleaning. They have knowledgeable employees who are thorough and care. Amazing results too. They do things correctly, the first time, with the right attitude (which I find isn't often the case here in London!).
My large white curtains and blinds were cleaned, washed and rehung to perfection during November 2020. When Ian, who was extremely helpful, professional, friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable, rehung these in several rooms, they were gleaming white, clean and fresh, just as though they were brand new again. Pilgrim Payne is the tops and Ian is a fine ambassador for such a superb company. MANY THANKS
I always have my curtains and upholstery cleaned by Pilgrim Payne. They do a fantastic job, are reliable and trustworthy. They are not cheap but are worth every penny. In particular I want to praise John who gets out stains that I didn't think were possible to remove. On his recent visit he transformed my 7-year-old white sofa so that it looked like a new purchase! And he magicked away two unsightly spots from a cream curtain. He is Mr Magic Man!!
Great customer service! And very skilled people! This time for my small studio I wanted REAL professional and skilled people to do my cream carpet. And I was most happy to have great service from Chris for estimates and Charlie who did a fabulous job making my carpet come back to life! Money well spent!
Jamie from Pilgrim Payne has just left, and all the rugs look new, thanks to his care and attention. A lovely friendly person to have in the house - and the dog thinks so too.
