There are some smart shopper tips to use when purchasing window coverings such as draperies and blinds.

 

First, most drape and blind companies can only offer a limited selection of window treatment products. Why is a greater selection important? Because it gives you a better range of options to best fit your needs including:

 

1)	Cleaning and washability
2)	Insulation to reduce utility costs
3)	Economy products for the budget minded
4)	Durable long-lasting blinds and drapes to minimize costly replacements
5)	Nicer blinds and drapes to both upgrade the appearance of your properties or command higher rents.
6)	Permanently fire retardant materials for senior, public, government buildings, schools, and housing
7)	Closeout product that are real bargains
8)	Blackout drapes, shades, etc. for room darkening and motels

 

Such a large selection also gives you many choices in terms of color, texture, and patterns that you can match to your décor and taste.

 

Second, make sure the window covering vendor can offer you the thickest, heaviest, and longest-lasting materials you can buy. These are longer-lasting and represent a better investment.

 

Third, make sure when you buy draperies that they come with over 200% actual fullness; many do not. One of our competitors recently copied us by advertising 200% fullness. But, when we bought a drapery from them and brought it back to our factory, it only has 148% fullness! Let the buyer beware of vendors who do not back up their promises.

 

Fourth, make sure your window treatment vendor produces a strong drapery product including one that: A) has extra heavy crinoline or stiffener at the top both to give shape and to hold up to repeated cleanings; B) hidden custom type seams for a better appearance; C) steel pleated drapery pins or hooks; and D) custom 3-prong French pleats.

 

Fifth, free shipping. Watch out for this one! The same company that advertised 200% fullness and gave us 148% also promised "free delivery" and charged us on another order.

 

If you are buying horizontal mini-blinds, the most important points to watch for:

 

1. Are the blinds made in the U.S.A. or are they some cheaply made imitations coming from Taiwan, China, or Mexico that won't last a year or more?

 

2. Is the vendor committed to quality? Ask if they offer a Lifetime Warranty on all workmanship and mechanical parts. Will they fix the mechanical parts eight years from now for free?

 

3. Since the slats are usually the first point of damage on a horizontal mini-blind, do they offer the thickest slats available? Specifically, ask for .007 or .009 thick slats. If they only offer a thinner .004 or .006 gauge, you will probably damage them before you get the bill.

 

4. Mechanically, ask if they use long-lasting all metal mechanical parts in their mini-blind headrail or inferior plastic ones that will quickly wear out. If everything is made for cheapness, how long can they last in a real life situation?

 

5. Headrail – is the headrail made out of 1.5" wide 25 gauge tough steel with baked enamel scratch-resistant finish? It should be. Or is it damage-prone aluminum?

 

6. Shipping – again, is it truly free? Or is it free only to certain areas? Also, be sure to get your price quote before you discuss shipping. Then, really look at your invoice. Unfortunately, there are unethical companies that quote one price and then add three or four dollars on per item without even telling you to cover shipping! Another tip is to examine the bottom of your invoice when businesses claim free shipping. Sometimes you will find handling charges added in to cover the free shipping.

 

For more information or free fabric samples go to the sample request page on our website or "click and connect" to call us.