Two topics that always come up when the discussion concerns carpet cleaning, regardless of whether you're talking with a customer or another professional, are price and dry time.

The site visit is something I've done since the days of my first carpet cleaning class in Manitowoc, Wis. It provides me with the opportunity to sit down with the customer and discuss what I can do for them, what I cannot do, and how much it will cost.

Most carpet cleaning customers-and many carpet cleaners-have some knowledge of the terms "spot" and "stain," and at least a basic understanding of the term "soiling." But they may not always grasp the differences among the terms.