As we all know, 2” Fauxwood Blinds are replacing the mini-blind as the commodity window covering of choice in homes across America.  Did you also know that many commercial businesses are choosing to go with the more upscale look of 2” Fauxwood Blinds as well?  Low cost, fast delivery times and the advantage of true custom fitting provide the most value for the dollar.   As a result, commercial customers such as restaurants, resorts, hotels, hospitals, retirement homes and apartment complexes are choosing to buy 2” custom blinds.  This is especially true when the local building specifications require that the window coverings be rated as flame retardant. 

Is the Commercial Contract Market right for you?  There are many factors to be considered before you know the answer to this question.  As a rule, bidding in the commercial market is highly competitive, with low margins and high volume.  In addition, you must have the financial strength to cover the large investment needed to supply big orders in a short time-frame.  You may be required to properly read plans and interpret specifications so as to ensure that the bids are complete and accurate.   Timely delivery and installation is crucial.  However, if you are able to handle these requirements, you can open a new market that allows you to increase sales that are not dependent on the fluctuating housing market.

All of us here at Woodland Blinds understand that having a supplier that you can count on will make your venture into the commercial market a success for all of us.  For the past five years, the biggest growth area in our business has come from the commercial contract market.   Any order with 10 or more blinds/shades that totals more than $1,000 (without the fuel surcharge) may be eligible for a contract quote discount.  Fax your requests to (888) 833-2950.  If you have questions, please call Becky Rice, Sales and Marketing Manager, at (800) 818-0059, ext 105.

Our commitment to you includes:

· Fast response to quote requests.  We treat quote requests with the utmost priority.  Quotes are processed several times a day.  Any quote received by 2:00 PM CST will be sent by the end of the day.

· Lowest possible price.  Woodland Blinds has always believed in passing cost reductions on to our customers.  With large volume orders, we save labor and freight costs.  This is especially true when the order is in one product line and one color.  As a result, we discount to our lowest possible margin.

· Reliable production time.  Orders of up to 100 units usually go through our plant in the normal estimated production time of 3 to 5 business days.  Orders with more than 100 units may take a day or two longer.  The general rule of thumb is to process and release orders up to 300 blinds every other day.  Of course, large orders in low-volume colors or products may require additional time for material delivery.

Here’s what you can do to help us give you the best quote possible:

· Information is key.  Give us as much information as possible when requesting a contract quote price:  Estimated order date, type of project, whether the order will be produced all at one time or in partial orders, color, special options and features, etc.

· Call us if you have questions.  We see commercial contract quotes and orders every day.  Technical and specification information can help land the job.  Let us know when you encounter roadblocks, there may be something we can do to help.

· Send us the order as early as possible.  We need the purchase order in hand in order to acquire the material that may be needed to complete the order. 

 

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· Paying your invoice within 15 days of the invoice date allows you to take a 1-1/2% early payment discount.  Paying your invoice in this manner allows us to discount with our vendors—leading to decreased cost, which we pass on to you.

· Woven Wood Deck Updates are still in stock and available at no charge.  All new decks ordered will be complete, including the new fabric patterns.

· All valances for our horizontal products are now being attached to the headrail with a superior valance magnet system.  This change was effective with orders entered on January 28, 2008.