Deceptive advertising is nothing new. It has been around for a long time. How do you ever know if someone is telling the truth with what they advertise? The following represents a few smart shopper tips you can use when shopping for window coverings such as draperies or blinds.

 

1. Free Delivery

 

Beware of advertised claims of free delivery. Oftentimes, companies deceptively advertise free delivery in order to lure you to try their products. However, when you actually order you should find out if: A) Shipping is free only to certain areas; B) A minimum quantity is required for the order to be shipped at no charge; C) Extra handling and boxing charges are added to the price; D) The actual purchase price is higher than the advertised price (because they add the shipping costs back in without telling you).

 

2. High Quality Advertised

 

Anybody can advertise that their products are high quality. But, what does high quality mean? For example, on mini-blinds, one way to cut through the rhetoric is to ask two simple questions: 1) Do you manufacture your own blinds from scratch? or 2) If you buy your blinds from someone else, are these blinds originally made in Taiwan, China, or Mexico?

 

Pertaining to the first question, if they don't make their own product (blinds), how do they purport to have either quality control over the production time (the length of time it takes to get your order).

 

On foreign made items, if they tell you the blinds are not made in America that unfortunately should tip you off to quality. It is true that blinds made in foreign countries may be less expensive "imitations" of American made blinds. However, they represent cheaply made light weight constructed blinds and draperies that absolutely will not stand up well to abuse. So, what good is it to save $5 on the initial purchase of a cheaper blind or drapery, if you have to replace it a half a year later because it breaks down, looks terrible, or doesn't function properly?

 

A third point, beware of companies that tell you nonsense about horizontal mini-blinds like a thin .004 gauge or .006 gauge is as strong as .008 gauge this is similar to claiming that 4 or 6 pounds weighs the same as 8 pounds. We don't know who they are trying to fool with that one. But, the easiest way for you to decide for yourself is ask them for a sample of .006 gauge then call another company such as ours and ask for the .008 gauge. Feel the thickness for yourself. Which do you think feels thicker and will be less prone to damage. There is a big difference! Be sure to find out for yourself. Slats are usually the first thing on a blind to get damaged. So, just as an investment, buy the best slats you can .008 and .10 gauge; they will last longer.

 

Also, ask the vendor what type of special crowning machine they use to insure the slats will bounce back undamaged even when pulled down 14-18 inches.

 

3. Draperies with 200% Fullness

 

Sounds like you are getting a nice full drapery with great pleating right? Not necessarily. Ask the company how they calculate fullness. They may give you some story that sounds good. But, you might in reality end up with a drapery with 150% fullness while they advertise 200% fullness. The correct way is not to use the rod size and double it. The real way to provide you with actual 200% fullness is to double the width of the drapery allowing for all the side hems too. Also, ask them how many actual widths of fabric they use in making their draperies. One way to offer cheap draperies is simply to put less fabric in them. By offering draperies with less fabric (less fullness), the savings can be passed onto you. But, you will probably end up with skimpy looking drapery.

 

4. Immediate or Quick Delivery

 

Some companies also promise immediate delivery. Others will tell you over the phone that it only takes 2-3 days only on special order sizes. But, will they really follow through with that promise? One way to again cut through the rhetoric is to tell them you expect to be able to receive them by a certain day. Then, call on that day. But, don't be surprised if they are not ready.

 

5. Lowest Prices Anywhere

 

You want to really examine this one? You get the lowest prices at what actual cost? A) Do you get cheaply made draperies with less material in them?; B) Do you get cheaply made mini-blinds with small cheap aluminum head rails and plastic breakable mechanical components?

 

Smart Shopper Tips – The point is simply this: Sometimes drapery and blind companies can offer you the lowest prices anywhere because they are selling you products made with the cheapest materials. Of course, they can pass these savings on to you. But, you lose in the long run.

 

6. Warranty?

 

What warranty does the competitor offer? Will their company even be around in a few years if you need them?

 

Smart Shopper Tip – By asking specifically if their mini-blinds are made in Taiwan, China, or Mexico, you will determine if they can give you a Lifetime Warranty on all mechanical and workmanship and defects. A reputable company will be able to offer you a Lifetime Warranty because they know they are making a well built blind.

 

All of the above items represent selling points that drapery and blind companies use as bait to lure your business. However, be a smart shopper and check some of the noted items.

 

Does false advertising really happen? You bet it does. In fact, we purchased drapes and blinds ourselves from our competitors that advertise frequently many of these points. Here is what we found:

 

	Shipping was indeed not free although it has been advertised as such. However, it was only free to certain areas
	The 2 to 3 days we were promised for making up odd sizes turned into 9 working days;
	The lower prices anywhere were actually $2.00-$3.00 higher than their most recent published price list;
	Draperies advertised with 200% fullness came with 148% fullness; and
	The highest quality we received was a cheap blind made with plastic mechanical parts that probably wouldn't last a full year in an occupied apartment unit. Also, the so called mini-blind "thick" slats they advertised as being .006 gauge didn't calibrate to the thickness at all.

Fortunately, not all drapery and blind companies act so irresponsibly. All it takes is one or two of the dishonest manufacturers to give our entire industry a bad name. However, over 10,000 satisfied customers buy from American Draperies & Blinds, Inc. with proven confidence based on reliability, integrity, and honesty. Shouldn't you?

 

For information, free measurement services, and samples call the company that has been around for nearly 60 years, American Draperies & Blinds, Inc.