Crime Scene Cleanup – it costs how much?

Last week my receptionist received a call from an insurance adjuster. Thinking that a cleanup job would be the topic of conversation, the call was forwarded to our sales staff.  After a brief introduction, the adjuster wasted no time with small talk.  Without hesitation, he asked “what do you charge for cleanup services?”.  Well, Beth responded, “it all depends, as there are a lot of variables that we have to take into consideration”.  Obviously not content with her “pat” answer, he elaborated, adding “how about a job that takes 3 hours, with four biohazard boxes, pull up the carpet, put a barrier on the sub-floor and wipe down the walls?”.  Well, Beth again responded, “sounds like the job has already been done.  What exactly are you looking for Mr. Johnson?”.

Beth knew exactly where the conversation was headed.  The adjuster feels like he was overcharged for services rendered and is doing some research.

So Beth asked, “where were the services provided?”.  In Chicago, the adjuster replied.  “I can’t tell you the name of the company”, he added, “but they charged me $250 per technician, per hour and raped me on the cost of suits, cleaning products, dispatch fees and everything else they could find to charge me for”.

Beth had heard this before from another adjuster in the same area just a few months prior.  She didn’t need to know the name of the company, for she knew exactly who he was talking about.  Needless to say, Beth explained to the adjuster our pricing structure and, following the conversation, feels quite certain he will never use that company again.

Crime scene cleanup, trauma scene cleanup or any type of cleaning job that involves biohazardous or infectious waste should not cost a client the same as one would pay for a janitorial or house keeping type service.  However, even though our operating expenses may be higher, no honest company in the Midwestern United States can justify charging $250 per hour, plus expenses.  It’s highway robbery and should be outlawed.

If we as an industry want to portray ourselves as a professional collective of businesses, with a primary objective of helping and supporting families in need of assistance during a traumatic event, unethical pricing methods cannot be condoned.  Our industry cannot have it both ways.  We’re either in it for the good we serve, while making a decent living. Or, we’re in it to rape, rob and pillage.

I personally sleep well at night, for I know why I do this job!