Q:
Who is Steve Dale?
A: I am a consultant whose practice dedicated to strategic
marketing solutions in the window covering industry.
My clients include: Contractors, Entrepreneurs,
Existing Window Covering Companies and Start Ups. Whether
you’re looking to get started or looking to expand
your current business I can help guide you to your
desired results. I will help you first identify your
marketing strengths and then how to use them to build
your business.
Back to
Top
Q: How can I sell for less than others?
A: I develop customized marketing programs just for
you, providing training, producing informational
DVD’s
and manuals, and managing information. I teach you how
to buy at deep discounts and sell high volume, and when
you succeed, everyone wins. This is why I focus on your
start-up and ongoing support. You’ll be able to
sell custom blinds and shutters directly to homeowners
for LESS than the homeowners would pay going to Home
Depot or Lowe’s and doing it themselves!
Back to
Top
Q: What is my relationship to you?
A: I simply offer consulting. You’re a distributor
of custom blinds and shutters. You purchase your product
directly from the manufacturers and I get paid a few
points as a manufacture’s reps. There are no strings
attached. You’re free to do anything you want with
your business. I’m here to help you grow yourself
and your business.
Back to Top
Q: Are there any ongoing fees?
A: No. I act as manufactures reps and earn a few points
on all purchases. Manufactures reps are very common in
the home fashions industry.
Back to Top
Q: Whose name do I use?
A: You can use your current business name or I’ll
provide a list of about 60+ potential business names
that you may use without charge. I also provide step-by-step
instructions on how you can develop your own company
name and logo, if you prefer.
Back to Top
Q: How do I know my prices will be competitive?
A: Everything I do is designed to make you more competitive
than anyone else in your area. Since we all know that
a window coverings market exists, our goal is to get
as much of that business as possible.
Back to Top
Q: Are
there territory restrictions?
A: No, you can sell anywhere, anytime, to anybody
you desire.
Back to Top
Q: How do I compare pricing with other retailers?
A: This 30-minute exercise will change your life forever!
I urge you to do this right away: Call Home Depot, Lowe’s,
Sears, J.C. Penney, a mail order company, or anyone whose
pricing you want to compare with yours. Ask for pricing
on the popular products listed below; the brands should
be M&B, Hunter Douglas, or Bali. The sizes should
all be 60” x 60”, which is a standard size
in the industry.
• 2-inch bass wood blind
• 2-inch faux wood blind
• 2-inch Hunter Douglas Silhouette
• Wood plantation shutter
NOTE: Also be sure to get the cost for measuring and
installation; this is an important part of the total
cost. Then call me and I’ll give you the current
net cost that you will pay when purchasing those same
products directly from those same manufacturers.
Back to Top
Q: How does installation work?
A: If you follow industry standard guidelines, you should
be able to install 8 to 12 blinds per hour. Installation
is fast and simple; in fact, it takes more time to unpack
a blind than it does to actually install it! Most of
my clients do their own installations, but if you’d
prefer to subcontract your installation, that’s
a simple process also. Professional installers usually
charge $10 to $12 per blind for installation. If you
can’t find a suitable installation service, or
if you’d prefer to have your own full-time installer,
I can show you how to find and training a good one.
Back to Top
Q: Who measures
the customers’ windows?
A: You do. The customer has two main fears...measuring
and installation. Removing these fears provides a comfort
level to your customer that will enhance their satisfaction
while bringing you more referral business. And don’t
worry...once you know how to measure and install, you’ll
be surprised how simple and easy these operations are.
Back to Top
Q: What
about training?
A: It’s actually very simple. Once you have
your marketing materials in hand, a bit of product knowledge
and some samples you’re ready to start getting
customers. I will walk you through each step. You’ll
be surprised how simple it is.
Back to Top
Q: How do I keep my overhead low?
A: Through years of experimentation and fine tuning,
I have developed strategies that allow you to build a
successful business while keeping your overhead expenditures
low. This low overhead, when combined with your simple
marketing strategies, will give you a competitive advantage
in your market.
Back to Top
Q: Do I need a retail store?
A: If you already have a retail location, we recommend
placing samples in your current showroom. Plus,
we also recommend you offer a shop-at-home service. If
you already offer A shop-at-home service, this is a simple
ad on to your existing business. Customers readily
agree that there is no better place to choose window
coverings than right in their home, looking directly
at their windows.
Back to Top
Q: Can I use my SUV or Truck?
A: Yes. An SUV can be an ideal choice for your window
covering business vehicle. You could also use a pickup
truck with a shell or a van to operate your mobile blind
and shutter business.
Back to Top
Q: How does the customer pay for their window coverings?
A: Most customers will pay you with a credit card, debit
card, or personal check. In some circumstances, we can
show you how to put the cost of your customer’s
window fashions into their mortgage or home equity line
of credit. The standard procedure is for the customer
to pay a 50% deposit upon ordering, and the full balance
when you complete the installation of their new window
coverings.
Back to Top
Q: Does the “Good/Better/Best” concept
really work?
A: Yes. This simple but proven concept provides the customer
with choices, which leads to more confidence and trust
in you and your company. You can provide a wide variety
of products, styles, materials, colors, and price points,
so you’ll be able to educate your customers about
the features and benefits of all your products, and help
them make the best choice.
Back to
Top
Q: Can I speak with existing Owners?
A: Of course. Just call me toll-free at 888-922-5463,
and I’ll be happy to give you referrals.
Back to Top |
