Where | Buying 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.