What is a concierge?
The word concierge is French. Literally translated, it means “keeper of the keys.” In the Middle Ages, concierges were the administrators of estates, acting on behalf of the owner. Their chief responsibility was to make sure traveling guests had all needs met during their stay at the manor.
Today, a concierge still keeps the keys and coordinates household services while maintaining security of the homeowner’s property. Concierges also manage lifestyle purchases and serve as personal errand assistants.
Someone just gave me a gift certificate - now what?
Prepare to write them a thank you note! You now have 'time in the bank.' Contact us to request service. Any time left over remains in your account to be used at a later date.
How do I request service?
Email info@bstconcierge.com 24/7 or call 865.216.5050 between 9am and 6pm (Eastern) Monday thru Friday. If your circumstances permit, please submit service requests 24 hours in advance.
Will my requests be met promptly?
Please pardon us if you get voice mail during office hours. Leave a message and we will contact you that same day. Phone messages left after hours will be returned the next business morning. Whether submitted by e-mail or telephone, BST will confirm all requests before proceeding with service.
What services can I request?
Typical requests include coordination of household tasks, grocery/personal shopping, attending to pet needs, consumer research and referrals, and basic errands of all kinds. If you need it done, but don’t have the time, call BST Concierge at 865.216.5050.
What if I need something not listed?
As long as it’s legal and doesn’t endanger our employees’ lives or your property, we’ll accommodate any request. The only exceptions involve services in which BST is not insured or licensed to operate… chauffeur for hire, childcare or medical assistance.
Why should I pay someone to do things I could do myself?
If given enough time in a day, everyone could finish their to-do lists. Unfortunately, most people can’t run 25 hours non-stop. BST helps you leverage your time, letting you focus on your priorities while we take care of the little things that can cause stress. Don’t just buy the service…buy some time for yourself to relax and enjoy life.
What is your service area?
With offices in the Renaissance|Farragut complex, we are convenient to the Pellissippi Parkway corridor, West Knoxville, and Loudon County. We serve all of Knox County, Oak Ridge, Maryville-Alcoa, Lenoir City and select Loudon County communities. Services outside these areas may be subject to a mileage surcharge at our discretion.
Is there a minimum service charge?
There is a one hour minimum charge for each 24-hour period. After that, additional service hours are billed in quarter-hour increments.
When do I begin getting charged for service?
We start counting time when your actual service begins. For instance, if you hire us for grocery shopping, the clock starts in the parking lot of the store - not the 15 minutes it takes us to drive there. The clock stops as soon as your groceries are delivered to you or when we finish putting them away for you.
What do you do to keep my house secure?
Every service agreement stipulates what happens with your key(s). You may opt to have BST retain a copy for future service calls, or you can have your key returned upon completion. BST will always hand your key to you personally or lock it inside your residence. We will never leave it under the mat or in the landscaping.
Keys and security codes will be stored separately from addresses and other client data.
BST screens all prospective employees for security risks before hiring, and we’re bonded and insured.
How do you handle shopping expenses?
Payment for third party services and retail purchases are the responsibility of the client. If expenses will be less than $100, your concierge will make the purchase on our company account and full reimbursement is expected at the time of delivery. We accept major credit cards for your convenience.
Purchases over $100 require sufficient funds be deposited in advance to cover the expense.