[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by LookingAtTV

Regarding putting money down before receiving the goods. Normally I never do that, however I purchased motorized lanai shades from Shade Brothers who are located in Leesburg where they actually get in the shade material, cut it to size and add in the motors. Because they’re custom-made shades, I put down 50% on day one utilizing my credit card. As someone else suggested, I think using a credit card is your best bet. I was very pleased with Shade Brothers who also do shutters. Sorry, I cannot address the Florida Blind Company reputation

Note that if you use a credit card for the deposit, make sure that there is a clear understanding in writing that the credit card is for the procurement of materials, and that you will be disputing the charge if the materials are not delivered. Do not make a contract payment using a credit card because your bank may side with the contractor and refuse to reverse the charge.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

There is no way that I would pay them in advance. But, if you absolutely need to, I would offer to put it on a credit card with the understanding that you will dispute the charge with your bank if the materials are not delivered within 60 days. Under Federal law, you have 60 days from the credit card statement date on which the charge first appears to dispute the charge. I would do this even if I had to pay a small fee for using a credit card. Note that you can always reinstate the credit card charge if the contractor can prove that the materials are running late. If the contractor will not accept a credit card, I would find another contractor. Also, I would take any Google reviews with a grain of salt. Good luck.

Most wonderful - that's great insight - thank you!

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

As a followup, did you notice that there are 33 Google reviews and every one is 5 stars? The reviews include the name of the reviewer, but no information about where they live. I didn't see any reviews by a Villager. Call me skeptical, but these do not appear to be genuine reviews by actual customers. I don't know of any contractor who gets a 5 star review from every customer, with zero complaints. Why not select a few of the recent reviewers and ask the contractor for their phone number or email address?

Very good point - I will dive deeper with the team when we talk next. Thanks for that.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by sophie720

I just went to their FB page and they also have great reviews on there, as well...just read one from a Villager...from the Villagers FB page, so doesn't appear to be made up. Maybe they are just an all-around great company!

That may be the case. I will definitely report back once I've closed the loop on this project.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by Triker

If you’re talking about Joe and Christine, they are awesome! We had them install plantation shutters in our home and we’re 110% satisfied. If I moved again I wouldn’t even consider anyone else. Joe measured up our house and he had several samples for us to think about. After deciding on what we wanted he gave us a very good quote. He did request a down payment but I had no problem with that because I’ve seen that before with small mom and pop businesses. Our shutters arrived exactly when he said they would and he and his wife were here the next business day to install them. They did and excellent job of installing them and cleaned up everything, even hauled the old blinds away! I honestly can’t say enough good about how happy we are with our shutters and the excellent customer service that they provided.

Yes, that's them. Super - another very positive intersection with this company. My confidence is building!!

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Will they accept a credit card for the down payment?

Yes - and that will be my choice if the deal closes.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by rrdsg

As others have said, if you can't use a credit card, you are vulnerable. We installed shutters and every estimate we got included a 50% deposit. That given, we would only deal with a large, long time, business. With the owners as you described, what if one or both become ill or decide to leave the state? You can be left with a big loss. You need to evaluate the risk vs. how much you save by dealing with this couple. If their price is substantially less than the larger companies, I would be very sceptical. The biggest expenses the materials. The installation is not that complicated or time consuming.

Excellent points - and that is some of my concern. Very true - installation is not that complicated.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by jlaurieb

Which company was that? That’s always helpful to have the company name.

Agree - company name was listed as the title in my original post.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by Debvan

We used them last month in our Lake Denham home. Extremely happy with the quality of plantation blinds and level of service. Would definitely use them again!

Bingo - second positive experience...thanks for taking the time to comment.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by Annie66

Be sure to check them out via Seniors Vs. Crime. Always a good last step before contracting for a major expenditure.

Agree - haven't done it yet but will.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by LookingAtTV

Regarding putting money down before receiving the goods. Normally I never do that, however I purchased motorized lanai shades from Shade Brothers who are located in Leesburg where they actually get in the shade material, cut it to size and add in the motors. Because they’re custom-made shades, I put down 50% on day one utilizing my credit card. As someone else suggested, I think using a credit card is your best bet. I was very pleased with Shade Brothers who also do shutters. Sorry, I cannot address the Florida Blind Company reputation

Yes, me too. And I'm dealing with the same concept - custom-made. Thanks for the insight.

[Graspher]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Note that if you use a credit card for the deposit, make sure that there is a clear understanding in writing that the credit card is for the procurement of materials, and that you will be disputing the charge if the materials are not delivered. Do not make a contract payment using a credit card because your bank may side with the contractor and refuse to reverse the charge.

Bingo - excellent point. Thanks for that!

[Triker]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Will they accept a credit card for the down payment?

Sorry I can’t answer that, wrote a good old fashioned check.

[Ad poster]

Originally Posted by Graspher

Yes, me too. And I'm dealing with the same concept - custom-made. Thanks for the insight.

A note from the company regarding this subject: "We are very willing to flex on the deposit, and we've never really had pushback on it. The reason for this is that we can not reuse the material if the customer backs out, unlike landscapers or the like. The deposit doesn't even cover all the material.
That being said, I do think we will go back to 50% down in the near future."
They seem to be very customer-service based, they said, "We work very hard to make sure the customer is 100% satisfied. We also have a good balance of orders so we aren't rushed and can take our time getting it right."
Hope that helps!

[OhioBuckeye]

Not trying to be a wise guy but what does the lani have to with indoor blinds. Where did you buy them from & are they holding up!