Free Carpet Information and Buying Guide
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By Alan Fletcher - 30 Yr Carpet Expert / Consumer Advocate - I do not sell carpet. ABC
Carpet Salespeople
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Don't Blindly Trust the Advice From Carpet Salespeople! There are lots of helpful and knowledgeable Carpet and Flooring Salespeople who are happy to take the time help you make wise and informed Carpet Buying choices! However, there are many more salespeople out there who are NOT experienced or knowledgeable enough to help you make wise and informed choices.
How can you tell the difference?
Most Carpet and Flooring salespeople are paid on commission. This means they make their paycheck based on the amount of sales they make during their pay period. No sales means no pay. Some salespeople are so desperate to make a sale that they might say or do whatever it takes to close the sale, regardless if you are making wise choices.
Here is a snippet of a Help-Wanted Ad posted online for a Carpet Salesperson:
"Looking for motivated Salespeople. Background in real estate, car sales, interior design or insurance are encouraged to apply."
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Sales experience not necessary
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Ability to network and self-generate sales.
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Sales Contractors are independent and must incorporate within 30 days.
Is this the type of salesperson you want carpet advice from? An ex-car or insurance salesperson who didn't fair-well in their last sales job?
Just because they work at a carpet store or shop-at-home retailer, doesn't automatically mean they are qualified to help you select the right carpet for your needs, goals and lifestyle. This is especially true for the big box retailers, nationally advertised shop-at-home retailers and many other large carpet selling conglomerates.
Sadly, in many situations, many Salespeople are hired because they are really good at closing the sale, not because they know anything about the carpet and flooring products they sell.
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Beware of carpet salespeople who initially ask you how much you have to spend on your project.
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Beware of carpet salespeople who don't ask you 20 questions about your specific needs and goals.
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Beware of salespeople that applaud every choice you make. Take samples home to consider and compare.
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Beware of salespeople who expect you to buy right now, and say the sale price is only honored today.
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Never buy from any salesperson who pressures you or strong-arms you into buying today.
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Never buy from any salesperson who you feel is not sufficiently knowledgeable, honest or trustworthy.
My advice about salespeople?
Don't automatically assume the salesperson you talk to today really cares about you or cares if you make wise or informed choices. You might just look like a tasty morsel to the big bad wolf! Some salespeople are really slick, smooth talking and convincing too! However, it is important that you verify any verbal information or advice provided by the salesperson, and get any promises, details or commitments "in writing" and fully explained within the sales contract.
What some sly salespeople really care about is "Closing the Sale" and making as much profit from your purchase as possible. This advice is not just smart when buying new carpet or flooring, but in any situation where you need to make a purchase of significant cost, commitment or investment.
From re-roofing your home; to buying a home appliance; buying a new car; or choosing which college to attend... You need to do your homework, well in advance, and make sure you know exactly what you will get for your hard-earned money.
Never allow any salesperson to make Carpet or Padding Choices for you!
Salespeople can't be held liable for your carpet selection no matter what they may have told you or products they may have suggested or recommended.
If you agree to buy a certain type or grade of carpet... even if the salesperson tells you it would be a good choice for you... YOU are still solely responsible for the choice you make and any future outcome. You cannot go back and blame the salesperson for giving you BAD advice.
To avoid this common consumer mistake, take the time to learn as much about buying carpet as you can - long before you make any final carpet choices! Get several bids or estimates and compare them side by side. My website has dozens of useful pages and information to help you make wise and informed carpet choices. Learn all about Carpet Styles
Check out the hand-picked carpet retailers I recommend in my Preferred Carpet Dealer Directory, their salespeople are more knowledgeable about the products they offer and I am confident they will go the extra mile to help you select the correct flooring product to meet your needs, lifestyle and goals. Even so, I suggest you verify all the facts and make your choices based on more than just the advice of any one carpet salesperson.
Now let me be clear... there are plenty of honest, hardworking and trustworthy carpet salespeople out there, but there are also lots of pushy salespeople out there too. The important thing is for you to make sure you make wise and informed carpet buying choices.
What Homeowners Need To Know About Carpet Fibers
Your choice of carpet fiber is most important. There are several options available, all with different costs and characteristics. Polyester is the worst fiber because it mats down quickly and is only recommended for homes with low foot-traffic and an expected life span of less than 10 years at best.
Polyester is also the cheapest fiber to manufacture and is why many salespeople recommend you buy it, because they stand to make more profit from the sale of polyester carpets. Never believe a salesperson who tells you that a polyester carpet is just as durable as a nylon carpet, or that polyester is now way better than it used to be. It is NOT true. Nylon is the most durable and most resilient fiber on the market today. Polyester is the least durable and the least resilient fiber.
Never compare a Nylon fiber to a Polyester fiber, or a Smartstrand by Mohawk (Triexta, Sorona or PTT) fiber to a Nylon fiber. These are all totally different products with different characteristics and cost. Learn more about choosing the best Carpet Fiber for your needs, lifestyle and goals.