Sears Canada - upholstery carpet cleaning - cash in advance of service requested by service person

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on March 23, 2002:

From: Flash Gordon [Email User]

Sears Canada - upholstery carpet cleaning - cash in advance of service requested by service person

My husband and I have had Sears upholstery carpet cleaning clean our carpet @ 3 times in the past 2 years. We use Sears because they are professional and clean our carpet well. We also found their cleaners to be good-natured, until today.

This morning we had a fellow come to the door and did not seem pleasant from the onset. He went on to view our carpeted areas and asked about a few stains on the carpet. I explained that we have a toddler and the majority of the stains are just simple food and juice stains.

He then says "how will you be paying?" I say "by cheque." I have paid by cheque before without any problems. It is also company policy to accept cheque, Visa, Master card, or Cash. He says to me "I don't accept cheques." I say, "But, I've paid by cheque before." I then add, "Not to worry, we'll pay cash."

He tells us the total will be $79.00, and then goes on to add "I need to see the goods first." Apparently, Sears new policy is that in certain areas they need to see the cash upfront before they clean your carpet. At this point, I'm livid. My husband takes out $100 and shows the guy.

I tell my husband that we're canceling the job. I ask the fellow if he would be so bold as to ask for cash upfront if he were cleaning carpets in Rosedale or Forest Hill (white upper class neighbourhoods)?

We live in a predominately minority neighbourhood. We do not live in some destitute alleyway. We are minorities with professional careers. I was angered, and insulted by his comment. I have never had to "show the money" before being serviced. It seems to me that Sears must feel that Blacks and/or minority customers are not as good as their word when it comes to paying for services rendered.

I suppose if I was the wife of a white business-man in Rosedale I would have been greeted with a smile and never been asked to show the money. Shame on you Sears! SMartin

Toronto

Comment On This

I agree the Carpet tech was a little too bold, but lately the "Forest hill" and so called "upper class" folks have been taking advantage of the hard working Carpet Cleaners!

You think because they have more money they would be a little more generous? Perhaps even a small tip after they hound the hell out of you for a "better deal"?-No way!! In fact they always demand a discount, free extra services, etc. I'm sick of it! Yes I'm a PRO Carpet Cleaner with 15 years exp.

The middle class to lower class people appreciate my hard work more so and hardly ever ask for discounts etc. I also have been cheated several times by the rich folk with cheques bouncing, trying to change the agreed price after I sweat and kill myself, after doing the best and perfect job possible.

How dare you rich folk!!! We are trying to make a living and you treat us like crap! What goes around comes around; watch out you rich folk Joes' in town!!!!

Comment On This

sears corporate fixed our problem. manager Steven from the irvine office was very professional and helpful. I hope you also have good service from sears and the attorney staff.

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I have had a SEARS card since 1990. I scheduled a carpet cleaning and intended to pay with my SEARS card but I was told that since I have not used my card since 2005, it was deactivated and I would have to make another application.

Just because I am not a super consumer that my card has to be deactivated. I am very disappointed about the situation and I will have to schedule with another company and never buy from SEARS again.

Comment On This

Ms Martin I empathise at what you went through and i reassure you that i too have been treated that way, I come form South Africa and prior to opening up my carpet cleaning business had the same thing done to me, nevertheless I cancelled the job, paid the guy for his time, and asked him to politely leave... This is what made me decide to open up this business, i would be more than happy to assist you to clean your carpets/couches rugs feel free to call me, if he didnot respect us black people then he can take his services elsewhere and then you can give it to your own kind ie..us : call me Michele " 416 686 9684