Six Signs That You Should Look Elsewhere For Window Coverings
- Updated on:
- Written by Bev Fidler
As a customer, engaging a company that fails to meet your expectations can be a huge headache. Whether it be chasing up a faulty product or an appointment they just never turn up for, this is your time and money they are taking.
Here are six signs that you should look elsewhere for window coverings.
1. Size of Deposit Required
Most window covering businesses will ask for a deposit to place the order. This is completely acceptable as window coverings are custom made and cannot be sold to someone else if there is a change of mind. However, be alert when a business requires customers to pay a significantly large deposit.
A typical example : “50 per cent deposit to be paid before work can commence. Payment of the balance is due and payable upon notification by [supplier] that the window coverings are available for installation”.
Excessive deposits leave the customer vulnerable to being out-of-pocket if the business goes bankrupt before the job is finished.
A significantly large deposit is also a concern if you wish to cancel your order. The amount the trader can retain for change of mind should be stipulated within the contract, but if work has proceeded with the manufacture of your order you may find more of your deposit will be retained. Most businesses will be fair and reasonable if consumers have a good reason to cancel.
2. Asking for Full Payment Up Front
It is not uncommon practice for a business to offer contracts requiring the customer to pay the balance of the invoice prior to installation. The normal right of consumers is to pay the full price only on installation, and if the product and workmanship are satisfactory.
Whilst it is a technically legal practice for a business to ask for full payment upfront, questions should be raised. Any reputable operator would want to complete the installation of your new product and check that you are happy before asking for the balance owed. Customers should have an opportunity to inspect the work before payment.
3. Constantly Running Sales
Purposely quoting a misleading prior discount price is an illegal pricing technique. A business cannot use a misleading discounting price to trick consumers into believing that they are getting a better discount price than is accurate.
Be aware when a company offers 50% off to reach a discounted price. More than likely the ‘original price’ has been inflated to reach the ‘discounted price’. If you have never seen the product or service advertised or sold at a higher price, the company is probably operating with this illegal pricing technique.
The best way to avoid being caught is to check the companies website or social media and see if the big discount sales are genuine or a permanent fixture.
4.Consistently Poor Reviews
Everyone gets a bad review every now and then, but does the company have a pattern of negative reviews? If you find that the same issues are being raised by different reviews on different websites, maybe you should reconsider if the company is the right fit for you.
Product Review & Google are independent sites where reviews can’t be deleted by the business. These are both worth a search of the company you are thinking of dealing with.
Does the business allow reviews on their Facebook page? Unlike Product Review & Google, Facebook allows businesses to turn off reviews.
5. Poor Communication
Warning bells should be going off if you can never seem to get hold of the company. Businesses that have poor communication never seem available to answer your queries, especially if you have a problem.
Any business that you are handing over money to should have quality customer service to answer any questions you may have. Whether you prefer to contact via phone, email or social media, business should be on hand when you reach with any concerns.
6. Relocating Premises Frequently
If you think moving a house is stressful, then imagine moving a business. The disruption caused by a business move should not be taken lightly by customers. If a business has moved repeatedly within a short time frame (2-3 years), it could indicate a fall out with the landlord or they are running from creditors.
How You Can Protect Yourself
Before you commit to parting with your money or signing a contract there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and lower your risk:
- Seek a referral from someone whose judgement you trust – if they have had a good experience especially if things haven’t gone to plan but everything was sorted in a timely and amenable manner than you can generally trust that you too will have a good experience.
- If you are feeling particularly concerned do an online search of the business name or ABN on the ASIC website.
- Always pay with a credit card as you will be granted a degree of protection from unscrupulous operators.
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious of large deposit requests, indicating potential financial instability of the provider.
- Avoid companies asking for full payment before installation, as this can limit recourse for unsatisfactory work.
- Constant sales or misleading discount practices suggest dishonest pricing strategies.
- Repeated poor reviews on independent sites hint at systemic issues with product or service.
- Poor communication from the company, especially regarding service issues, is a red flag.
- Frequent business relocation may indicate instability or financial troubles.
