Shopping Online for Window Blinds
I'm
a new homeowner who has some re-decorating ahead. My wife and I are going
to be needing blinds but we have never bought them before. We would like to
purchase them from you but, first of all, we don't know how to choose blinds
and secondly, we don't know what to expect when buying them online.
The Blind needing some Blinds!
Jonathan R.
Victoria, B. C.
Jonathan,
Congratulations
on the purchase of your new home! Choosing
window coverings that will make your home comfortable is a big decision. You and your wife will want to consider what type of blind
or shade would best suit your function and style needs. The function of the window includes such things as whether
you need privacy, light control, energy efficiency, and more.
Window coverings can help to enhance the mood of a room so you will want to keep in mind the style of your room when making your decision.
Some of the considerations here will include what style and colour of blind would complement the décor, what is the mood of the room, and should
the windows be a focal point or a background element.
Along with your budget, function and style will both play an important
role in making your decision.
Shopping Online
To
address the second part of your question, shopping online is still a new way
of buying products and services. Now,
businesses can reach people globally, not just locally.
And as customers, we have access to so many more products with the
added convenience of shopping from our home.
But, is there a limit to what you can buy online?
You would think so, but I am sure that barriers we have now will be
overcome in the future.
Some
businesses in the window covering industry are already finding ways to adjust
to this new marketplace. For
years, window blinds and shades in custom sizes and colours have been available
from decorating showrooms but now you can buy them online too.
As a customer, you want to be sure that the online ‘store’ you are
shopping at will help you make the best window covering choice for your home.
Here are some guidelines to consider when you are shopping online for
custom window coverings:
Does
the site offer strong support to help you make your buying decision?
Does the site have multiple means by which to contact customer service?
Do they respond quickly and efficiently?
Colour
is a very important part of decorating, so the site you shop at should provide
colour images of their available finishes and fabrics. You will also want to read their colour accuracy statement
as every monitor displays colours differently and every human eye sees colours
differently as well.
Is
there a measuring guide to help you measure your windows so that your blinds
fit perfectly? Since your blinds are being manufactured for your window based
on your measurements, they are often not returnable.
Will
you receive email messages to let you know the status of your order? How will
you find out if a product is backordered or delayed by the manufacturer?
Do you feel comfortable that you will receive support after you make
your purchase?
-
Installation
Instructions
Your
new blinds will most likely be delivered to your door and you will have to
install them. Does the site provide
general installation instructions and support if you have problems installing
the blinds yourself?
Make
sure that you feel comfortable with the site on a whole.
Do they explain their privacy and security policies? Do they list their
physical address? Basically,
do you feel safe shopping with them?
That’s important.
Choosing
window coverings for your home is a creative experience.
Now, it can be an online experience too!
Shop online like you would shop at any other store.
Make sure that the products you need are offered and that there is
support to help you from start to finish and afterwards.
Have fun and create your style online!
