I havent blogged at all this year…too much going on. However, one of my articles on my Social Media experiences was publishe din Australian Window Furnishings magazine in January. Check it out>>>
I would love some feedback.
Back on my soapbox
I have been extremely busy of late, which is normal for this time of year. However, there is one big thing that is irking me, and again it gets back to price and quality.I apologise in advance for the coming tirade…
Anyone who has enlisted my setvices for an obligation free measure and quote will know that I spend time and effort giving accurate information on the most appropriate window coverings for your personal situation. I will not limit my consultation to a half hour; I will spend as much time (the other day 4 hours with a client) as is necessary to give the correct advice and exemplary service. I will meet you for coffee and work with your houseplans if that is what’s required. I will see you after hours or on a Saturday for your convenience: we even do saturday installations. Today is Sunday and I am making a special trip to see a valued client about an issue they have because it is the only day they have free this week!!! And most importantly, I only sell top quality custom made products that I can put my MINIMUM 3 year warranty on!!! I will follow up with check measures if necessary; order samples for you; refer tradesmen for other tasks you may need completed. I am also present on installation day to ensure your 100% satisfaction.
So, do you then expect me to be the same price as a generic supplier, who uses my suggestions, replaces it with an inferior product (maybe without telling you) or tries to tell you than an inferior product performs the same as my quality ones? Is my time and 22 years of expertise worth the same as a sales rep who spends less than half an hour with you and simply shows you a bunch of samples, gives you a well rehearsed product spiel ,(or even worse, uses my ideas!) then quickly measures up so they can then complete their allocated quota of daily clients??? Believe me when I tell you that I am fully aware of what my competitors charge; however I am also not the most expensive supplier out there!!! Dont compare me with Kresta, Appollo or the like: that is an insult!!!
There: it is said. Please continue with your weekend!
SHUT UP! (Part 2)
Shut Up! (Part 2)
Recently, I caught up with an old friend from 20 years back (OMG is it that long???) who worked in the Blind industry (manufacturing blinds, NOT using a white cane!!) He introduced me to a relatively new shutter timber which is grown organically, harvested and manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner, and comes with a 5 year general warranty and a 15 year structural warranty. Competitively priced and aesthetically beautiful, poplar shutters are fast becoming a best seller for more Than Curtains.
Clients are delighted with the quality and versatility of poplar as compared to other timbers. The 4 coat Polyurethane finish is antifungal and antistatic and also has low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), so they are great for allergy sufferers.
The installation guys are qualified carpenters. Since we try to be present at installations, the More Than Curtains staff has learnt a great deal from watching and chatting to the installers. The clients appreciate this personal touch and the fact that we are willing to learn “first hand” so that we can in turn provide a sounder knowledge base and better service and products to our cherished clients.
Call More Than Curtains now on 0412 225 437 or email lucia1@bigpond.com for an obligation free in home consultation.
SHUT UP!! (Part 1)
Since contestants on the first episode of The Block years ago installed plantation shutters, sales of the product have gone ballistic! More than Curtains actually didn’t sell shutters until 2006, and there’s a very good reason for that.
We decided that if we were going to introduce a significant new product to our range, we were prepared to spend some time investigating the quality, nature and suppliers of shutters. New dealers were popping up everywhere, and we believe that many only had a superficial knowledge of what they were actually selling, which unfortunately is still the case today.
Originally most shutters were manufactured inAustralia, but due to their increased popularity and price competition, a great percentage is now sourced fromChina. This has also meant a decline in the quality of the product, but not in all cases, which is another reason why we did extensive research.
Shutters are an expensive window covering, and as such, we believe the client needs to be aware of the options available in terms of timbers, construction methods, appearance and longevity. Some companies will only promote one or two types of timber (usually Basswood) and generally these are in the”cheaper” price bracket. We understand that many clients are price sensitive, but they need to be aware of what they are actually getting for their money. Many of the cheaper end companies are selling a product that has 2mm membrane of Basswood on the outside, then filled with MDF!! Of course, the client cant see this, but when the shutters need to perform, eg facing the sun, that’s when they buckle or warp!
Throughout our years of research we encountered some astounding anomalies in the information pitched to clients by “salespeople” selling shutters. The quality of the product, both the materials and the construction, varies greatly. In reality, there are very few companies selling shutters that had experience, knowledge and some sort of longevity in the industry.
We eventually came across a wholesaler that manufactured locally and had started as a family business in the early 80s. They sold only to Designers and Architects, which to us ensured a quality product. They provide intensive training, together with an awesome technical department, detailed written information and an expert installation team.
Shutters can be used of course on standard windows, internal or external, in wet areas too. But did you know that More Than Curtains can do shutters for unusual shapes such as arches, round or triangular windows. There are standard colours and stains, plus you can have the option to custom colour to match your decor.
Call More Than Curtains now on 0412 225 437 or email lucia1@bigpond.com for an obligation free consultation in your home.
To Line or Not To Line……
Why would you pay extra money to have your curtains lined? Perhaps an obvious question for some, but there are many instances where I have to convince clients that linings are necessary.
Living in Australia means that we enjoy a basically sunny existence, with a gaping great hole in the ozone layer. Our homes are designed to admit as much light as possible, with glass being probably the most popular building material utilised.
As Australians, we know the dangers of staying out in the sun for extended periods and most of us (if we have any brains) protect our delicate skin from the harsh UV rays. But did you know that these same UV rays can enter our homes via the glass surfaces and damage all your valuable possessions? I have one client who has two beautiful custom made lampshadesthat ten years ago were salmon pink in colour. Today they are bleached totally white by the sun that enters her lounge room window!!
I can also recall many instances where clients have had significant fading occur on furniture, carpets, timber flooring and even artwork! These items are expensive to purchase, yet they are not given any protection from the most harmful element not covered by insurance!
In an extreme situation, I have one elderly client who actually received serious burns to her hand while trying the latch ona west facing window!!! Yikes!! How severe is that?
So there can beno disputing that the sun has damaging properties. The choice to install window coverings generally will stem from cutting out glare, maintaining thermal benefitsand protecting the contents of the home. It’s like an insurance policy for your contents: if your $5000 lounge fades, your regular policy will not replace it!!
Fortunately, Australia leads the world in the manufacture of curtain linings. These linings are specifically tailored to accommodate the harsh Aussie conditions and they even have aUPF rating of 50!(Sunscreen for your windows!) It doesnt take a genius to work out the benefits: protection of your valuable assets from fading and other sun damage, protection of the fabric it is attached to, plus huge thermal benefits in terms of eliminating heat/cold, which in turn reduces your energy bill and carbon footprint. WIN/WIN!
Another added bonus of using curtain linings is that it gives curtain fabrics “extra body” and a fuller look. And one more thing: linings come in different weights, so dont think you have to completely darken your room to get the right protection.
So think about it: are your possessions worth protecting above and beyond what your home contents policy will cover? Even if you already have curtains that are unlined, we can add a detachable lining for you.
Call More Than Curtains today on 0412 225 437 or email lucia1@bigpond.com and one of our experts will come to your home and advise you on the best linings for your windows.
How I achieved an energy bill of $469!
Well followers…I have been waiting for this quarter’s energy bill as proof of what I have been advocating for sometime: that is: good quality lined curtains reduce energy costs! I live in a suburban “McMansion” (50 squares, double storey, open plan). I do not have ducted air, but simply a reverse cycle unit in the downstairs Family room and a reverse cycle unit upstairs in Rumpus Room. I have insulated walls and ceilings; 2 little “whirlybirds” on the roof, and fully lined curtains with pelmets on most windows (except bathrooms and kitchen).
During the really hot days we experienced in Sydney this summer, I kept all the curtains closed from the time I woke until sunset. The air conditioners were utilised only a few hours per day (generally from 2-5pm). Sometimes we put on a pedestal fan to keep the air circulating.
The biggest mistake I see people making, is blasting their air conditioners up on hot days without utilising proper window coverings!! If you dont have the correct window treatments, your air conditioner is forced to work harder because the hot air streams in through glass. Think about this: if you are holding a latte in your hands, how long before your hand gets hot and you have to put down the glass?? Basic High School science teaches us that glass is a conductor, so heat and cold pass through it!! Glass windows were not designed to keep out the temperature; they are to provide light and a view to outside (glass is also a cheaper construction material than brick, which is why so many new homes have heaps of windows to save money on construction costs!) I have an elderly client who actually went to hospital with third degree burns on her hands from touching a West facing pane of glass!!!
So my secret is simply having the perfect window coverings in my home. The money I outlayed 10 years ago has saved me $1000s in energy costs. As an added bonus, I am also reducing my carbon footprint…take that Julia!!!
Getting the correct advice and the window treatments perfectly measured and installed professionally is an investment in your home and not only your desire to reduce energy costs, but your role in protecting the environment. At More Than Curtains, we can give you unbiased and expert advice in your home and show you how you can achieve an energy bill as low as mine!!!
http:/www.morethancurtains.com.au
lucia1@bigpond.com
M:0412 225 437
For the doubters out there, here is my bill:
things are looking up….
Hello readers!
I havent posted anything for a while simply because I have been so busy!!! The year started with plenty of promise, and so far 2011 hasnt disappointed! I am seeing a lot more consumer confidence in the marketplace and I believe people are returning to spending on improving their homes.
Perhaps the fickle weather has made an impact because many new clients are asking for thermal window covering solutions and there has been a definite increase in my sales of fully lined drapes. Yay!! I work with about 6 designers and they are aslso specifying drapes and other thermal window coverings for their clinets.
To be honest, our weather has been extremely changeable in recent months, and with increasing power bills and now the threat of a carbon tax, I see it as my duty to inform customers oftheir window covering options. Verticals and cheap rollers may be an affordable option, but they do not really perform well to keep out heat or cold. Technological avances are being made continually to source new materials that are not only durable, thermal and attractive, but are cost effective too!! Compare the cost of installing airconditioning and the running costs per year to installing good quality window coverings. i think you will be pleasantly surprised!
Why not give More Than Curtains a call on 0412 225 437 to discuss the best window covering options for your home. The consultation is free!
Check us out onFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/morethancurtains
or look at our gorgeous website: www.morethancurtains.com.au
I look forward to assisting you with the most beautiful and practical window coverings you ever thought possible!
Happy New Year!!
Well another year is ahead and it hasnt exactly started well for the poor folk in Queensland! I was looking at the RACQ website and it seems there is not a single shire in the entire state unaffected by floods. My husband is unfortunately stuck in Ayr, which is 80km south of Townsville. He has been painting an investment property that is owned by his mate, who is also travelling with him. There are no floods in Ayr, but they have been advised not to commence their return journey to Sydney any time soon.
This creates a bit of a problem for me because he has my trusty van (aka mobile showroom). All my sampling is here with me, but it will mean that I have to narrow down the possibilities when seeing new clients because I only have a Camry sedan a transport. Although this is only temporary, it would be great to know how temporary.
So floods and other disasters aside, for me 2011 brings a great deal of hope and promise of bigger rewards than previous years. My online colleagues in the US seem to be very positive, as many are noticing an increased interest in window coverings after years of an industry slump. I too believe that in Australia more people are realising the benefits of quality custom made window furnishings as an investment in the home; something which adds value as well as saving energy costs and reducing the carbon footprint. There is currently an ad on TV that states curtains are out of fashion in favour of shutters. Well, shutters are still popular, but all they latest articles are indicating quite clearly that curtains are making a huge comeback! I will of course be riding off the back of current opinion, although curtains never went out of fashion for me.
Why dont you check out my website: http://www.morethancurtains.com.au
Become a fan on my facebook page: www.facebook.com/morethancurtains
twitter: www.twitter.com/morethancurtain
The Final Curtain for 2010
No, I am not ceasing trading!!! However, as 2010 draws to a close (forgive the pun!!) I am reflecting back on how my industry fared throughout the year.
I have to say 2010 started with a whimper, much akin to 2009. Consumer confidence was still low coming from the dreaded GFC. More than curtains became proactive with a new venture in Social Media. I attended networking functions regularly, updated my Facebook and twitter status a few times per day, added significant contacts to my data base. I met some amazing business women, and utilised their skills and expertise to enhance/promote my business, such as trademarking my name. Nothing really happened until August; then…whooshka!!!!
If there was ever any evidence for the benefits of networking and social media, More Than Curtains has to be a prime example. I took advantage of the fact that not many window covering businesses are actively on the interenet; yes they have websites, but not a daily web presence. I believe this has acted in my favour and propelled me forward as an expert to be called upon when in need of window coverings. Furthermore, I have developed a posse of 8 designers, who previously did not know of my existence, but now utilise my ample skills and expertise assisting their clients with window coverings.
To those of you who are fearful of technology, who dread their personal life being exposed in Cyberspace, who dont know what to write..,,..take heart from a middle aged,computer illiterate decorator…. I have participated in these sites, I even developed my own website without any professional help, and I am now reaping the rewards.
On that positive note, I wish to end by wishing all my followers a very Merry Xmas and look forward to working with you in 2011.
Service: a dying art???
I recently attended a seminar with Anthony Robbins as the headliner. However, there were a number of significant gurus from the business world talking too. One of the major comments to come from a great majority of the speakers was the need to offer value and service to your customers.
Now this is actually nothing new; in fact it has always been one of my foremost practices in my own business. That is why I have never advertised: my reputation for excellent service and quality products has built my business via word of mouth for over 21 years! Yet over the years, in many industries (my own included!) customer service has fallen behind and been replaced by hard nosed price wars and”closing the sale” techniques. More and more salespeople have entered the marketplace; not necessarily with more product knowledge, but with more “talk” and determination to close a sale regardless of whether the product is going to perform or even if it is really what the customer even wants!!
I find in the Decorating Industry in particular, clients can be indecisive and hesitant.Of course cost plays a vital role, but I believe that most clients are looking for quality, performance, durability, and presentation. Service is imperative, not only at the initial consultation, where your product knowledge and customer rapport should be evident, but throughout the sales, manufacture process, and very definitely after delivery. How many have had the experience of having goods delivered or installed and then when something goes wrong, not being a ble to elicit a response from the sales people??? It happens all too often these days.
My personal belief is that customers will move in droves to demand quality and service, and they will be prepared to pay for it!! Unfortunately in a country such as Australia, many things do not come for free. But I think excellent service should be a no-brainer regardless of whether the customer proceeds with the job or not. I mean, you never know who they know and a good impression is something they can talk about!!!!
I will even go further to say that also I can offer my usual high level of service and then have all my hard work taken to someone else to utilise. To me this is stealing, but also a very sad fact in any industry. While this abhorrent practice deflates my ego, it never undermines the determination I have to maintain my standards of value and service.
