Where expertise shows.
WHAT DETERMINES SUCCESS
Identifying the stain Treating it appropriately Treating it before heat is applied
WHY IDENTIFICATION MATTERS
Different stains require different treatment, and the wrong treatment sets them.
WHAT TO ASK THE CUSTOMER
What the stain is, and how long it has been there.
WHY
It is the most useful information available and it is rarely asked for.
WHAT AFFECTS REMOVABILITY
Age of the stain Whether it has been heated Whether previous treatment was attempted Fabric type
WHY PREVIOUS TREATMENT MATTERS
Home treatment frequently sets stains or damages fabric.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether anything has been applied.
WHAT TO TEST
Any treatment on an inconspicuous area first.
WHY
Treatments remove dye as well as stains.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Apply aggressive treatment without testing Apply heat to an untreated stain Promise removal
WHY NOT PROMISE
Some stains cannot be removed, and promising produces disputes.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD
What you will attempt, and that the outcome is not guaranteed.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ITEMS THAT MAY BE DAMAGED BY TREATMENT
Explain, and let the customer decide.
WHAT TO RECORD
The decision.
WHAT SPECIALIST ITEMS REQUIRE
Specific knowledge and sometimes specific equipment.
WHAT TO CONSIDER DECLINING
Items you cannot handle safely.
WHY DECLINING IS BETTER
A ruined garment costs more than the fee.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Referring them to a specialist.
