To Whom It May Concern:
The Library would like to make other businesses aware of our problems with Jani-King of Wichita, specifically their dishonest business practices and lack of customer service.
At the beginning of May 2016 the Mulvane Public Library packed up and moved to a new, larger location. The local manager, Chad Wheeler, visited and told the library that he would provide an amendment to the contract to reflect the increase in pricing of the larger space. The Library Director agreed, but stated that she would like to get additional quotes for cleaning as well. The manager said that this was not possible because the Library was locked in a contract through the summer. The Library Director, who had only been on staff for 8 months, took Chad at his word. However, when she received the amendment the Library Director requested on May 16th an additional amendment with less cleaning time, due to concerns over the budget, and a copy of the original contract because it was still packed away in boxes. Chad send back the requested amendment and contract on May 17th. The Director read the short email, which did not mention the anniversary date fast approaching. When the Director finally had time to sit down and read through the original contract on May 26th she found that she was a week past time to terminate her contract (original contract date was 7/19/14). The Director sent Chad an email over Memorial Weekend requesting an extension to terminate if needed. The Library was not originally interested in terminating the contract, but only wanted to get additional quotes to make sure prices were fair. On Tuesday, May 31st Chad called the Director and informed her that it was impossible to provide an extension. The Library was locked into another year with Jani-King. Understandably, the Director was dismayed, so she requested to speak to the regional manager, Ted. He also informed her that it was impossible to extend the date. Ted insisted it was the Library’s fault for not paying better attention and dismissed Chad’s error as unimportant. Since then, the Library has stopped using Jani-King and did not sign any amendments. They recently received a quote from another recommended company, which quoted prices hundreds of dollars lower. This has led the Library Director and Board to feel tricked by Chad, Ted, and Jani-King. It is now our belief that Chad lied about the Library being unable to get other quotes, so he could lock us into another year of service at his high price. Luckily, we were only locked into another year of service at the original rate because the amendment remained unsigned.
The Library feels it is important to provide this review to other potential customers. Please be aware that Jani-King may not have the most competitive prices and it is very difficult to get out of a contract, even when a mistake is made on their part. Their contract requires you to give notice 60 days prior to your anniversary date, but they will not check with you about the renewal until after the 60 day window has passed, leaving renewal as the only option. The Mulvane Public Library cannot recommend Jani-King of Wichita to anyone.
Shanna Smith
Mulvane Public Library Director