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BlindsFactoryDirect.com Frequently Asked Questions BlindsFactoryDirect.com Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where are these products made?
  2. How do I request free samples?
  3. Why are these products so much less than elsewhere?
  4. Why should I request free samples?
  5. Do your products carry a warranty?
  6. When will my order ship?
  7. What's an oops policy?
  8. What do you do with my private information?
  9. What if I want to return or exchange something?
  10. What is your return policy?
  11. What should I do when the product is delivered by the freight company? What if there is a problem?
  12. Do you include the hardware?
  13. Do I have to pay sales tax?
  14. What about color matching and lighting, can I cancel or return my purchase if I am not happy with these?
  15. Do your natural products have more color variation?
  16. What does color coordination mean?
  17. What is Backlighting of Fabrics?
  18. Can I do it myself?
  19. How are your products different from the blinds and shades we have seen on the market?
  20. What are your order fees?
  21. Where are the installation instructions?
  22. What is your free freight policy?

  1. Where are these products made?
    All of our blinds and shades are manufactured to your specifications in the USA, unless specifically and clearly specified on the product description page. As an alternative for a product made in America, foreign manufactured products will only be offered if there are no comparable USA made alternatives (we do look for the best suppliers at international trade shows) or as an alternative for a product made in America.

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  2. How do I request free samples?
    We will send "no extra charge" samples to you upon the successful creation of your account, and your subsequent request for samples. You can request these by creating an account, then go to our contact page and type in your request. Please ensure that your contact information is correct in both areas. Our free samples are an important part of your decision making process. Note that for a few products, there will be a small nonrefundable sample charge, but the charge for the samples can be deducted from your orders.

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  3. Why are these products so much less than elsewhere?
    You may wonder just that, why are blinds less expensive at Blindsfactorydirect.com. Because our goal is to connect customers with high quality blinds and shades without taking advantage. The higher priced brands use similar, or identical, materials, but they have larger advertising budgets. Often these budgets are so large that Dealers can earn trips to exotic places like Maui. We try to save you the money, and we can sell more to your friends when you refer us.

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  4. Why should I request free samples?
    Free samples are an important reason for our success. While the finished product may not be an exact copy of the sample, you can expect the sample to be a reasonable representation of the finished product. The samples are an example of what the product will be like. You may not claim the products received are out of the expected range of color variation if you do not request samples. Note that our samples are intended to represent the range of colors available- there will be variation in these custom-made products.

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  5. Do your products carry a warranty?
    Yes. All our products are covered by a limited warranty against materials and workmanship, protecting you against low quality products and poor craftsmanship. The warranties are to the original purchaser for the product during its time installed in the original window, and is not transferable and excludes normal wear and tear, degradation of colors, cord damage, acts of god, misuse and abuse, and products installed in rental spaces. We will, at our sole discretion, repair or replace the product with a comparable product. Some products may have a longer warranty, this will be specified on the product information page. Others have a limited lifetime warranty. If the information is not posted on the product page, write to us for the full warranty details.

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  6. When will my order ship?
    Most blinds have a production time of 5-12 working days. Your account will be updated and you will be notified when your blinds ship. You will also be given a tracking number so you can check the shipment’s status. Often there are situations that are beyond our control; acts of God, backorders, and transit problems. In these situations, you can trust we will do everything possible to get your products to you in a timely manner. However, we cannot be responsible for these types of delays, and they are not grounds for cancellation, refusal or refund. Some products, like shutters, may take up to 6 weeks to ship. For specific answers, check the product information pages or feel free to contact us for assistance.

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  7. What's an oops policy?
    Everybody makes mistakes. If you make a mistake in measuring, we still want you to be happy. If you measured too big, we may be able to make some simple cuts and the product can be just like new. If you measured too small, sometimes the product can be used to remake the blind. If these situations happen, contact us immediately to discuss how we can help you. Usually we can remedy the situation with you shipping the product to our factory, paying shipping and return freight, and for a small service charge, the product may be adjusted. If you try to adjust the product without our authorization, you may void your warranty, so please contact us before trying to change a product's size.

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  8. What do you do with my private information?
    Your private information will remain private. We do not share our customer lists with anyone! We will never sell, lend, or lease your email address or personal contact information to any nonaffiliate organization. We do not keep a record of your credit card information. Our web site uses a SECURED SERVER. This means your personal information will be encrypted. We are committed to your security.

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  9. What if I want to return or exchange something?
    Since all of our products are custom-made to fit only your windows, they may not be returned. Once an order is submitted it cannot be changed, therefore remember to request the free samples before ordering your blinds. In case you make a mistake, we have our oops policy. However, you must contact us so not all is lost.

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  10. What is your return policy?
    Because all of our products are custom manufactured, they are custom-made to fit only your windows. They may not be returned except for warranty repair. Since we begin working on your order quickly – often on the same day it is received, there are no cancellations. If you have concerns about your order, you must contact us immediately. This is the only chance you have of stopping production and receiving a refund. If production has begun, you may be responsible for a restocking fee. For more complete details see our complete return policies.

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  11. What should I do when the product is delivered by the freight company? What if there is a problem?
    While the freight/delivery driver is at your home or office, inspect the outside of the boxes for any visible freight damage. (For example, dents in the packaging, visible evidence of someone standing on boxes, or the ends of boxes torn open.) You must note this on the driver's freight bill/receipt as "possibly concealed damage." Count the boxes on the shipment to ensure you received all that was expected. By doing this, you have notified the freight company there is a potential problem. Open the boxes for a final inspection. Contact us within 24 hours if there is a problem. We will let you know what course of action you should take in order to rectify the problem as quickly as possible. If you have a problem, and you notify us promptly within 24 hours of receiving the shipment, you will have up to 5 working days, after notification, to inform us of the extent of the problems. If you do not notify us on the problem in time, and you do not let us know what the problems are, we will apply the "oops policy" to the situation, trying to solve your problem, but not under straight warranty terms.

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  12. Do you include the hardware?
    All mounting hardware is included: hold downs, spacer blocks and extension brackets when specified. You may need to purchase screws size #6 x 1-5/8 sheet rock-style screws or #6 x 1" wood screws. Six screws per blind are the average number required. We often will not supply the screws, as we will not know the type of wall into which you will install. Please note, motorized blinds do not come with batteries. You will need to purchase these locally.

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  13. Do I have to pay sales tax?
    If you live in Florida, you will be charged sales tax. We do not collect taxes on shipments outside of Florida.

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  14. What about color matching and lighting, can I cancel or return my purchase if I am not happy with these?
    The short answer is no, because these are normal and expected. The longer answer follows here: Computer monitors are not all calibrated equally, and electronically reproducing color on the Internet is imprecise. Therefore, we do not guarantee that what you see accurately portrays the color. We have gone to great lengths to portray colors as accurately as possible. In addition, we offer FREE product samples for customers seeking a more specific color match. So, if an exact color match is needed, then please request free samples before placing your order. Once you receive your samples, keep in mind that even the actual sample will have color variations as stated by our manufacturers. Note: If two products have the same color name that does not mean they are the same exact color. Please order samples of all products you wish to consider purchasing to avoid any confusion.

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  15. Do your natural products have more color variation?
    Our natural materials vary a great deal from a sample to the actual shade you order. The color can vary from a more lively greenish tint to a more natural brown color. The sample should be used only to get an idea of the string/ladder placement and a general feel for the product’s pattern possibilities.

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  16. What does color coordination mean?
    Color coordinated means similar colors but not necessarily the same exact color. An exact match in color is not always possible for the components of the blind/shade/shutter. The color that best coordinates with the product's slat/fabric color will be chosen for use on the components. All components will not necessarily be of the same exact coordinated color. For example, you may order a Golden Oak colored product but the headrail is not available in that color. For this product the factory will have a coordinated color they use which may be more of a cocoa color. The same is true for the other components of the product, such as the ladder strings, lift cords, tilter cord or tilter wand, bottom rail, and tassels. Not all options are color coordinated, so make sure you are aware of the color of each option you order. All of this is standard industry procedure, and is due to the fact that not every component is made from the same materials.

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  17. What is Backlighting of Fabrics?
    "Backlighting" is the effect seen when light filters in through translucent type fabrics from behind (like daylight outside). Our swatches don't show you the effect of backlighting, which can soften colors and highlight fabric textures. Please be aware this is a natural effect. All of these color variations are industry standards and if these variations appear in the product you receive, these are TO BE EXPECTED, and thus you will have received a reasonably produced order of your request, and thus there can be no claims of misrepresentation for these reasons.

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  18. Can I do it myself?
    After over 35 years of experience, we know it may be challenging to order window treatments. However, we have a selected the easiest installation systems, and have simplified the measuring process. Yes, you can do it! By following our measuring instructions, and our installation instructions you too can have beautiful window treatments.

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  19. How are your products different from the blinds and shades we have seen on the market?
    Our products finish the same in your windows. We simply have a selection of the finest materials and products, which are easy to install and order. All of this at prices better than the big boxes, decorators and mail order providers. Our products are custom made to your needs, and thus are unique.

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  20. What are your order fees?
    We do not charge order fees on orders except in the following situation: if your order is under $60, we charge a fee of $25 for the order. Very few orders will be this small- and this is only to help cover our freight costs on these small orders. We do not charge additional freight or surcharges. Orders over $60 will cost the amount of the materials (plus sales tax if you live in Florida.)

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  21. Where are the installation instructions?
    Installation of our products is easy. We will email you the instructions around the time of shipping. If you are concerned, contact us and we will send you the instructions earlier.

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  22. What is your free freight policy?
    We provide free freight to the continental 48 states, as long as the order is above a very low minimum. Chances are, your order will qualify. Special Note for Alaska and Hawaii- unfortunately shipping charges are higher for your orders. You can expect shipping charges to be about $50 extra per blind, and about $70 extra per shutter. These will vary, and may be higher or lower. We will send an email with expected shipping charges after your order process is completed. You will be able to choose from either accepting the charges, and paying them, having your order shipped to a close point, California or Washington State, for example, or canceling your order. Our prices are very competitive, and you are likely to still save money with us.

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Friday 09 May, 2008 285190 requests since Friday 28 July, 2000 Copyright (C) 2007 All text, images and presentation BlindsFactoryDirect.com

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