Saving money on window blinds is great but what about service and selection?

                                                                                         

Everyone wants to save money, thus the popularity of retail stores like Wal Mart, Price Club and Home Depot. Their prices are pretty good but sometimes their selections aren’t. And, try to get the help you need. Most small brick and mortar retailers offer better service but have to charge more due to simple economies of scale. But internet retailers can also offer lower prices due to much lower overhead and special price agreements with manufacturers and vendors as well as a greater selection and expert assistance. This is true within the window treatments, blinds and shades segment but seems to be less well known as other consumer product types. If you are willing to use the internet to source these needs you can get the help you need, the selection you want and save money.

To be fair, I’ll enumerate the primary downsides to purchasing window blinds and shades online:

First, you have to know how to measure your windows. Just about anyone can do this, so it’s a minor obstacle.

Second, once you receive your blinds, you will need to install them. This can be a little daunting. I have found that installing blinds and shades is easier then one would assume but it is work. But, the truth is, no matter where you purchase window blinds this would be an issue and either you do it yourself and save money or pay someone to install them. Most online retailers offer a service whereby they will put you in touch with a local installer but, of course, it isn’t free. Reaping the full benefits of purchasing blinds online will require a little sweat equity.

Additionally, you will need to know if you want the blinds to fit within the window sill (inside mount) or on the outside (outside mount). You will also need to know what you want. That can be harder than it seems. I, for one, am not an interior decorator and there are so many window treatment options these days. It can be overwhelming. You need to narrow down your choices into basic groups: blinds, shades or shutters. From there you will need to decide slat or louver size, materials (wood, aluminum, faux wood, etc.) and then colors or stains. This is where it is nice to get expert assistance; someone who can walk you through the selections and highlight the benefits and liabilities of the various products.

Last but not least, due to the fact that blinds purchased online are a custom order they cannot be returned unless they are defective in some way. This is true for any custom order whether or not you buy from a traditional retailer or an online retailer. So just make sure you like the color and make sure you get the measurements correct.

I have already eluded to the positives attributes of purchasing window blinds online, namely, a greater selection, expert assistance and lower prices. An additional benefit is that you will often get your order more quickly then if you buy from a brick and mortar establishment. The cost savings between a traditional retailer like Home Depot and an online retailer may only be 10%. But, with the other assets included (service & selection) and shorter wait times, the decision is an easy one.

If you really want to amp-up the cost savings consider purchasing an online retailer’s signature line of blinds, shades or shutters. They are made by the same major manufacturers just without the label. They are made from the same materials and have the same warranties.

About the author:
Demand more from retailers, even when purchasing discount window blinds and window treatments. – David Brooks



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