How do I check a duct cleaning company’s upsell practices with homeowners?

Duct cleaning is a service homeowners cannot easily judge for themselves, which makes the sales process worth close attention. Ask for a set of recent jobs with the first quote, the add-ons proposed and the final invoice. Notice how often the bill grows and by how much.

Ask how technicians are paid. Commission on add-ons can encourage pressure, while a salary or flat rate usually reduces it. Ask to see scripts or training material and, if the seller allows, observe a visit. Look for complaints. Read online reviews, ask for any written complaints and refund records, and see how the seller answered them. Ask about any contact from consumer bodies or insurers. A seller who handled complaints fairly and quickly is reassuring. Think about what the add-ons are. Services that really match the home are different from extras that appear on every job. Ask a home inspector or an industry contact what is normal.

Finally, consider what you would want to change after buying, and whether the revenue would hold if you did.

Key takeaways

• Compare original quotes with final invoices across a sample of jobs.
• Ask how technicians are paid and what they are trained to say at the door.
• Read complaints and refund records, and see how each was resolved.
• Ask an industry contact what add-ons are normal for a typical home, so you can judge the seller’s practices against a fair baseline.