Where to Buy Your Blinds?

Mom & Pop Store – 

  • Often have extensive experience selling and installing which can save TONS of grief.
  • Generally have showrooms which can be a good place to start your research.
  • Typically have a very high end line and a lower priced option if you ask.
  • Follow up your store visit with an in home consultation.
  • Reputation, good or bad, precedes them.
  • Tend to be expensive

Independent designer/decorator

  • If you find one you like, their decor guidance can be invaluable.
  • Tend to have limited knowledge of the full spectrum of products available  and might recommend the same products to all or most clients.
  • They often call in a window treatment pro as a sub which adds to the expense.
  • Many are VERY attentive to customer satisfaction – most of their business coming from referrals.

Retail Franchisee

  • They receive brief but thorough training at headquarters before becoming ‘experts’.
  • They have excellent and continuing mentoring from the franchisor as well as dedicated forums with their more experienced colleagues.
  • Generally have preferred pricing and enhanced warranties with major manufacturers through private labeling.
  • Will have strong online customer resources.
  • Frequently employ their own installers.
  • Because they are independently owned & operated, pricing will not necessarily be consistent in all areas. 

Dedicated Retail Chain Store

  • These stores originally targeted the DIY customer but generally offer measure/ install services through subs.
  • They only sell window treatments so are generally fairly knowledgeable but the job can be a short term prospect for many employees.
  • Prices through special offers can be very reasonable. 
  • Will have good online customer resources.

Box Store 

  • Great prices through special offers.
  • Generally very accommodating when problems arise, even if they are not at fault.
  • Many products are on display.
  • They are NOT specialists – you might find a very knowledgeable associate but don’t count on it.
  • Great source for skilled DIY’ers.
  • If you are not doing the work yourself, there will be significant delay and confusion and possible disappointment because the box stores  do not have in-house measure/install people. They use subs who might be really good or … not. Plus, a lot of confusion can arise because the person selling has never seen your home.
  •  Always choose your product BEFORE the subcontractor comes to measure and be on site to answer questions.
  • If the sub does not know exactly what product will be ordered, the measurements can be WAY off.

Online Retailer

  • Great source if you know what you are doing and don’t need to see a working sample.
  • Generally good pricing.
  • Can refer measure/install services through local sub-contractors.
  • Some offer in-home consultation via commissioned sales reps.

‘Trunk Slammers’

  • A not so complimentary nickname the industry uses for generally part-time independents.
  • They might be your cousin’s spouse or a friend of a friend.
  • Many people cycle in and out so make sure they have a few years experience.
  • Not always prompt at returning calls or handling issues.
  • Their low volume means they pay more so they may not be enthusiastic about your complaints.
  • Probably won’t have a great selection.
  • You might find a hungry entrepreneur in it for the long haul who can address all of theses concerns. So, don’t write them off.