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First Previous Next Last

WINDOW-PRO Digest for Saturday, February 19, 2011.

1. RE: Sales tax on Shutters
2. Design Biz Radio Topic = Window Coverings Industry 
3. RE: Cord safety issues traverse rods 
4. Phifer Sheerweave 7000, Color Canyon 
5. Old Wood Head Blinds 
6. Re:Comfortex Persona Roller Shade 
7. Re: Flat Ribbon Tape 
8. FW: Cord safety issues traverse rods 
9. lift tapes 
10. a little respect, please 
11. Liability insurance 
12. I would like to receive your blog.
13. Corded Traverse Rods for Bays
14. A fool and his money
15. Blackout Honeycomb?
16. RE: corded traverse rod for a bay window 
17. RE: HARMONIC MOTORS 
18. I need assistance to subscribe to Window-Pro 
19. RE: Solatech system 
20. re: A Fool...

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: Sales tax on Shutters
From: vpmigliore@BudgetBlinds.com
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:18:42 -0800
X-Message-Number: 1

Bob,

You're correct Lowes and Home Depot don't charge sales tax to its customers  for shutters up here, either.
I don't think it has anything to do with how it's anchored, though.

Vincent Paul Migliore
Budget Blinds of Central NH
11 Spruce St.
Bristol, NH 03222
T: 603-744-5405
F: 603-744-5406
www.budgetblinds.com/centralNH
Enlightened Style Experience:      http://www.enlightenedstyle.com/home
Signature Virtual Decorator:        http://www.budgetblinds.com/virtual-decorator/

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Design Biz Radio Topic = Window Coverings Industry
From: Ashley Whittenberger <ashley@ashleywhittenberger.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:39:37 -0600
X-Message-Number: 2

Hi Window Pro's,

I just wanted to let you all know that I'll be interviewing a few window covering industry insiders and experts over the next few weeks on Design Biz Radio as I share a sneak peek into our industry's upcoming conference in Las Vegas (Vision '11). Access to listen to these interviews live (or recorded) will be free. You can also send in questions in advance if you have something specific you'd like to ask the experts.

I'll be starting out this series this Thursday, February 17 at 11am CST has I interview Deb Barrett

http://bit.ly/hrS3An
*
*

I hope you can listen in, and again, please feel free to submit questions you have for my show guests. I encourage audience participation!

Ashley Whittenberger
President & CEO
Ashley Whittenberger Companies, Inc.
www.ashleywhittenberger.com | www.myinterioritycomplex.com

__________________________________________________________________
From Rory,

Hi Ashley,

I'm very sorry I was late getting this out. I hope Window-Pros will check out the radio show archived on your web site.

Best Regards,
Rory McNeil
www.Window-Pro.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: Cord safety issues traverse rods
From: "Mark Calogero" <mark@designersresourceinc.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:14:31 -0500
X-Message-Number: 3

Actually I recently had communication from Kirsch stating that their traverse rods are in compliance. I will try and find that memo and post it.

Mark Calogero
President
Designer's Resource Corp.
80-B Industrial Rd
Lodi, NJ 07644
p-973-894-3155
f-973-894-3156
mark@designersresourceinc.com
www.designersresourceinc.com
ASID
WCAA
WAA

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Phifer Sheerweave 7000, Color Canyon
From: thudson76@comcast.net
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:59:05 +0000 (UTC)
X-Message-Number: 4

Ms. Wilken ,
We at Woodland Blinds stock this fabric and normally ship shades the next business day if your order is received by 7:00 AM Central. 
Please contact me if you would like additional information about this or any other product we offer.
Cordially,

Tim Hudson
Southeast Regional Sales
Woodland Blinds, L.P.
423.605.2829 cell
TimH@woodlandblinds.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Old Wood Head Blinds
From: Lisa Collins <merchlady@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:26:09 -0500
X-Message-Number: 5

Try Lindenwood Mfg in. AZ - Jerry O'Connor is the Owner. 
www.lindenwoodmfg.com - 480 632.5634

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re:Comfortex Persona Roller Shade
From: "Vicki Ulbrich" <vulbrich@texton.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:32:45 -0600
X-Message-Number: 6

Eileen,
My name is Vicki Ulbrich, and I am with Texton in Dallas.
We could easily cut down that Persona Shade. Please contact me at the numbers below and send me the details. I have no idea as to why they would refuse to cut a shade down (Well.I really do know why). Nonetheless., Let me know and we will get this done for you.
In addition, we offer our own graphic shade program call Solare GT. We are one of the few manufacturers that have our own printing capabilities in-house. Take a look at www.texton.com/solaregt/index.htm. There, you will find suggested retail pricing and more information regarding Solare GT.

Thank you,
Vicki Ulbrich

Office Manager
Texton, Inc.
800-442-1540
Texton.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Re: Flat Ribbon Tape
From: GMKinneyAssoc@aol.com
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:08:32 -0500 (EST)
X-Message-Number: 7

Dear Charli,

We carry flat ribbon Tape in 2 sizes
1.} 2.6/0.17mm-Lift Tape-1000 Yards-White
2.) 2.8/0.21mmLift Tape-1000 Yards-White Best Regards, George Kinney G&M Kinney Associates, L.L.C.
1-800-543-058 Fax 1-800-521-4036

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: FW: Cord safety issues traverse rods
From: "Mark Calogero" <mark@designersresourceinc.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:21:49 -0500
X-Message-Number: 8

Kirsh will be issuing a formal statement in the near future. I will post when available.

Mark Calogero
President
Designer's Resource Corp.
80-B Industrial Rd
Lodi, NJ 07644
p-973-894-3155
f-973-894-3156
mark@designersresourceinc.com
www.designersresourceinc.com
ASID
WCAA
WAA

__________________________________________________________
From Rory,

Thanks for the info Mark, it's nice to know Kirsch are so on top of cord safety issues!
Sheeeeeeesh!

Best Regards,
Rory McNeil
www.Window-Pro.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: lift tapes
From: "Susan Gill" <susangill@earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:57:30 -0500
X-Message-Number: 9

Source for 1/4=94 polyester lift tapes is So-Good, 212 398-0236 or fax 212 768-1325.  They will send you a sample if a certain color is best for you.  Ask for their lightest weight polyester, by the roll (100 yds I think, but maybe less).

Susan
Susan Gill Workroom

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: a little respect, please
From: Jane Hamilton <janedhamilton@live.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:54:22 -0600
X-Message-Number: 10

Trunk bangers?

Maybe the intent was not to offend but the comment made by someone when they used that phrase=2C trunk-bangers=2C to disassociate themselves from shop-at-home businesses when describing themselves=2C was indeed very offensive to me.

There are two basic models in this business.  Those of us who choose not to have a showroom and those of us who choose to have retail space.  Both models are used very successfully.

I have done this both ways.  In my 12 years with my own firm a showroom occupied 3 years of that time in business.  We noticed that those folks who frequented the showroom were leaches.  They came to suck the knowledge out
of me so they could go to a big box store and order.   Conversely when
I take an appointment at someone's home they are not tire kickers.
 
They are qualified prospects.  My closing ratio is 85% and I do not call folks back who do not purchase from me after the initial appointment.  
(I have tried both ways and found that calling people back does not increase my closing ratio by any significant number.)  And I get mega-referrals.

May I suggest that the shop-at-home business model has been very successful for many myself included.

On a personal level-my numbers are respectable.  My volume is larger than many 
of those dealers with showrooms.    Not only am I still in business when 
many of our colleagues dropped like flies during the last few years but my sales numbers increased last year up double digits (my numbers were flat in 2008 and 2009 coming off of five years of double digit increases) and although the year is young we're up again.

The reality is what makes a business successful is the manner in which one
chooses to conduct ones self.   Whether you choose a building or a van it is 
not relevant.  Consistency quality and integrity brought about hard work and dedication is what builds business.

Hey all I am asking for is a little respect.

Jane Hamilton
The Blind Lady Custom Blinds
920-380-8679
www.blindladycustomblinds.com
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Liability insurance
From: "Lane Moss" <mossl@verizon.net>
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:48:48 -0500
X-Message-Number: 11

Does anyone have a recommendation for liability insurance for installation work?

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: I would like to receive your blog.
From: Gary <winguy2@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:21:58 -0500
X-Message-Number: 12

winguy2@aol.com

_________________________________________
From Rory,

Congratulations, you're getting it:-)

Best Regards,
Rory McNeil
www.Window-Pro.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Corded Traverse Rods for Bays
From: Alan Prostick <prostick@optonline.net>
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:59:14 -0500
X-Message-Number: 13

Dear Roger,

I have offered the service of custom bending and fabricating bay traverses to my installation accounts for many years. Just buy super heavy duty c track , pulley housings, master carriers, cord, slides, and pulleys from your Kirsch Supplier. The first time you have to buy  a knee bender kit , but that is very cheap. You also have to teach yourself how to do it on the job. That was lots of fun, but by the tenth rod , you should be a pro. I get vastly superior results , making it on site, than taking the measurements, and getting Kirsch to fabricate it.
Also , I save the cost of paying someone to measure it. Also save crating , shipping, and the cost in time and money in dealing with factory mistakes. Making it myself allows me complete control of the component quality. Using the best components and spray silicone gets me superb results in ease of use. Lastly , using this method allows you to fabricate and install the rod, take exact measurements of everything including the returns, and to order the drapery to precise widths.

This is the "old way" to do the job, and it gets vastly superior results. The new designers and retailers don't even know of this way of handling bay traverse jobs and don't comprehend it when you offer it in your price list. The young crop of installers , by and large don't want to be bothered learning the technique, and it has largely faded into obscurity. Talk to people today about double master carriers on 1 cord, or setting up a rod with double master carriers on 2 cords with unequal internal pulleys, and you would think you were speaking in tongues.

If you do decide to fabricate yourself, don't forget to charge well for the finished product. It does take time to do it well. Don't forget to bring a hacksaw and a file.

Best wishes ,
Alan Prostick

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: A fool and his money
From: blindkap@comcast.net
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:15:40 +0000 (UTC)
X-Message-Number: 14

John,

Is their room in the boat for one more? Years ago I was dealt a similar situation for this software.
I was offered "field" support which came in the form of an inexperienced rep. I was misled into who paid the cost of his time. After a couple of visits, the rep had quit and I had software that did not function. I requested a refund and was offered none. I was told to try to work it out myself. My lesson cost $3,000.00

Steve Kaplan
Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta
4825 Hwy 9
Suite #300
Alpharetta, Ga 30005
www.peachtreeblinds.com
o.770-664-0027
c.770-778-1179
f.770-751-6635

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Blackout Honeycomb?
From: "Debbie Bryning" <debbie@brbs.net>
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 07:21:50 -0500
X-Message-Number: 15

I am looking for a blackout honeycomb product similar to the Hunter Douglas Literise with the trim kit that can be installed on a door on an outside mount.  Is there such an animal?

Deborah Bryning
Blue Ridge Paint and Decorating

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: corded traverse rod for a bay window
From: "Chuck" <chuck@reliablefabrics.net>
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 07:42:40 -0500
X-Message-Number: 16

Hi Roger

Reliable Fabrics can make up a corded traverse rod for a bay window in a white, brown or Aluminum color Forest group architectural track that will hold 4 lbs per foot of drapery. We also have a white or satin nickel decorative hand drawn 1 1/8" CRS track that can be bent or curved .  We need a template or the listing of measurements of the legs as in the Kirsch drapery hardware page 110.=20

Chuck Schultz
Reliable Fabrics, Everett, MA 1-800-682-4567

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: HARMONIC MOTORS
From: "Murray " <murray@legmotorizedsystems.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:13:14 -0500
X-Message-Number: 17

HARMONIC MOTORS

SOMFY took that line over.  Suggest u call NJ office

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: I need assistance to subscribe to Window-Pro
From: Edward Siatong <Edward@ironartbyorion.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:00:47 -0800
X-Message-Number: 18

I need assistance to subscribe to Window-Pro

Regards,
Edward Siaotong
Customer Relations Supervisor
ORION ORNAMENTAL IRON, INC.
TOLL FREE: (877)476-6278 Telephone: (818)752.0688 ext. 102   
Cell phone: (818)635-5695
TOLL FREE FAX: (866)296-7466 F: (818)752-5672

_______________________________________________
From Rory,

I think you nailed it Edward:-)

If you need more info, please call me on my cell phone 805 407 6562 and I'll be glad to help.

Best Regards,
Rory McNeil
www.Window-Pro.org

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: Solatech system
From: "Steve Walton" <Steve@ShadesOfTheFuture.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:53:21 -0800
X-Message-Number: 19

Dear WindowPros:

I read John's experience with the Solatech automated bid system.  I purchased a Solatech package in 2005.  I invested quite a bit of time and effort putting in cost and discount data and learning how to use it.  I recall my cost was about half what John spent and with lowering computer costs I'm not sure how he got his cost so high.

I use a tape measure for outside measures and prefer to enter manufacturing orders myself, outside the Solatech order entry system.  Some find the Bluetooth transfer of measurements from the laser measuring tool helpful, but I'm OK with entering those dimensions myself.  I'm extremely careful with order entry and double check everything.  I've developed methods of using the Solatech system that take advantage of its tremendous benefits and efficiencies, while eliminating places for errors as much as possible.  A little slower than maximum speed yields near error free results for me.

A large percentage of my offerings are in the Solatech database. In fact, I use only a small percentage of the available database. When a product is not there you have to build a little framework for it and force feed the data into it to produce a nice invoice, especially when you have a mix of product on one quote that is in the database and other products that you have to price and enter manually.  If only 40% of your offerings are in Solatech, that's a major item to be considered up front before buying.

After I had used the system for about a year I wrote an article about the experience, evaluating several digital tools, and it was published in Draperies and Window Coverings magazine in December of 2006.  Go Digital!
was the title.  Solatech did not know about the article before it was published.

Here's the link to the article:

http://www.dwconline.com/articles.php?article_id=2339

(DWC we miss you in the industry and wish you were still around!!  Thanks for sustaining the archives.)

A key point for the start up of this system is that it is very different from how you currently work and you have to understand that in the beginning and push thru the resistance to change.

From the article:
" It takes practice to learn how to produce a bid, compare products and print a proposal. In the beginning, I had to force myself to use the Tablet instead of falling back to the old systems. I finally reached a tipping point when I enjoyed using the new system and was completely comfortable with it. Then I never wanted to go back to the old ways."

Perhaps someone in WindowPro would be interested in buying John's system at a discount so he doesn't lose the whole amount?  Maybe John will take another crack at it?

Now after 5 years of use, I'm really happy with this system and it has more than paid for itself. I've never run into anyone locally that uses the system so it really sets me apart from my competitors.  In all fairness to Solatech, I wouldn't let John's experience scare others away from considering a Solatech purchase.

Best regards,

Steve Walton
Shades Of The Future, Inc.
Beaverton, OR
www.ShadesOfTheFuture.com

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Subject: re: A Fool...
From: "Ray Soltis" <rsoltis@solatech.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:21:26 -0500
X-Message-Number: 20

Dear John,

Thank you for taking my call today and per our discussion, I felt the need to publicly address the statements you made regarding Solatech.  Please keep in mind that this is strictly to correct misinformation stated and acknowledge accurate statements.  I'm glad based upon the personal feedback you received to your post that you are willing to put some effort into implementing your Solatech SalesPRO system.  As you said yourself, everyone you spoke to who went through that learning curve, won't go on a sales call without it.  I don't think it will be that hard, because as your wife said this past October 1 and I quote: "I'm finally comfortable with entering quotes, orders, payments, tracking orders, reports, etc. So on to the next step! " and "John needs to look into the margins, etc. and how we can get it to work, but he's been too busy lately to get into it."  Let us know how we can help you.

As to a few of the facts:

Refund Policy you didn't properly research:
You are correct on our standard return policy, but it is stated clearly next to your initials on your signed order form.  We make that specific point very clear and you signed and initialed that page.  That's not to say we have not made exceptions or adjustments in the past, but I'm sure most businesses that deal with custom products have a "terms and conditions" in place.  If after 9 months I decided I wanted my money back because I didn't want learn to use the motorized shades you had installed, I'm sure most pros would have a policy in place for these types of requests as do we.

Products supported: 
We support over 300 products from fabricators across the industry and they were listed on the Master Product List I personally handed you.  They are listed here for reference:
http://www.solatechonline.com/marketing/SolatechMasterProductList.pdf.  I'm sure that many of the Solatech Alliance Partner Fabricators supporting Solatech would welcome your business.

Installation & Support:
As we discussed, the solution that will work for you is supported by Solatech and if there are any issues with implementing this capability, please call me personally or review the online knowledge base or setup check list in your software or our online training videos on the subject, etc.

OB Laser:
Sometimes you will need to use a tape and key in the measurements and your system will price, validate and process everything as if you had used the laser.

Online Order Processing:
I would like to clarify that as we discussed, your example was a hypothetical situation and since you have never used this feature of your software and this was a made up scenario.  That being said, If you enter a quantity of 1, our system will not (& has never) changed it to a quantity of
10 and send the order to the fabricator.  But, if you order White and meant to order Green and didn't review your PO in Solatech, OR the confirmation emailed to you from Solatech OR the confirmation sent to you by your Fabricator and the fabricator makes White instead of Green then you are correct that Solatech will not take responsibility in that situation.  In 10 years our system has never changed values before sending to a fabricator that I am aware of.

Like the others in this forum who are using Solatech or any other industry specific system every day will tell you (as did I) that change is difficult for anyone and anything new takes a willingness and commitment.  I know others have told you the same thing.  There are basically two types of Solatech users.  Those that fully learn and implement our system and wouldn't work without it.  And those few true fools who never put forth the effort.  I don't know of any who fully implemented our system and then decided to go back to a manual process once they started experiencing the benefits.  We want you to be one of those who reaps the benefits and hopefully share your success with the Window Pro Forum at that time.  Let us know how we can help you.

Thank you,
Ray Soltis
CEO
Solatech, Inc.
336.889.2455  ext. 106

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