Saturday, 14 March 2009
Which Blind - Which Shutter?
For home windows and doors, there is a wide variety of shutters to choose from. If the normal shutters do not fit the single size and shape of your windows and doors, you can go for custom shutters (houten jaloezieen). The custom shutters, as the word suggests, are adapted to the exact shape and size of the windows and doors. Normal shutters are also accessible in a wide range that include panel shutters, decorative shutters, SolidThru™ shutters, louver shutters, batten shutters, broad shutters, and even paint-able shutters. They are accessible in excess of 1000 different sizes. Therefore, you are very much likely to locate a shutter to accommodate your exact conditions
Thursday, 26 July 2007
Buying Products Online – Risks and Benefits
Selecting a web company to buy from.The Internet has opened a world of opportunity for shopping online. Anyone can set up a website and enter into the e-commerce world – In the first instance you have no idea if you are choosing “a Man and Van” operating out of their spare room ( and that’s not to say that is bad – some of the best personal services come from this type of operation ) or a well established business.
Enter the keywords of the products that you are looking for into any search engine to discover hundreds of relevant, and irrelevant, listings for suppliers both worldwide and locally. The challenge is finding a site that is easy to navigate and informative, with contacts available for questions should they arise. The site should set your mind at rest and wet your appetite for the product – not explain it to the umpteenth degree. Once you do make contact the staff should be friendly and knowledgeable and responses prompt.
There are 2 clear areas that are offered online – Products – a physical item “stereo” or so on, or a Service i.e. “ book keeping “
Which Search Engine to use
Yahoo, Google and MSN are the main engines used for searches - new england shutters for instance More specific local engines such as buidersyard.com will give you more products specific. But in general the name of the item or product will suffice.
Local, Nationwide or Worldwide? There is a facility on all of the engines to search pages within the UK or worldwide. By narrowing the search down your results can be closer to home or product specific.
IE using the search word “shutters” will return shutters results from the whole of the UK
“Shutters Roosendaal” will return results from the Roosnedaal area.
In principle the further a-field you shop the higher the risk should a challenge arise with your purchase. The world is ever shrinking and a good way to checkout any company local or world wide is to Google them. This will show up negative feedback via blog spots and so on.
Local Searches – These concentrate on business in your In area. This increases the chances of you or your friends knowing them or something about them – in a good or bad way. Also if something does go wrong it is not so far to travel to collect goods or chap a local door. Remember news about bad service travels 10 times further than good service, so the fact that no one knows anyone that has purchased is not all bad – but watch out for the negative feed back. Using this method you are at least covered by local trading laws.
Nationwide - Similar to local searches but with extra distance to collect or complain. UK trading laws apply.
Worldwide - Once you are over the pond the risk level is at its highest. Payments, quality, will your purchase ever arrive. If you do choose to purchase from abroad be aware that the British customs can open your purchase and impose a import tax before you receive it - No payment no goods.
Easy of navigationEasy of use is the single most important feature for online sources for any product. A web site that is poorly designed or difficult to navigate is of little help to the user. A good web site should display the main choices available in a clear and concise manner with the navigation buttons shown on every page.
InformativeEducation is the second most important feature on any site. A good informative web site should anticipate the questions you have and supply you with the information in an easy to find manner. That same site should describe all of the information about their products. The site should not be too technical and confuse you with science but, should answer the basics and have facilities to allow you contact them and follow up your enquiry if you so wish. Use caution with companies that generalise - for example advertise “Glue” but do not specify the exact type of glue.
Main concerns about buying products online:
Payments
Most websites now accept payment methods such as Paypal and Western Union. These services offer you some protection against no show goods or faulty goods. More extensive insurance is provided by most credit card companies who at the end of the day take the brunt of the majority of fraud on line. Fraud is an issue on line but it is such a low percentage that it would be a pity to deter honest shoppers and sites. If you follow common sense and basic rules fraud can be avoided. If the website asks for details over and beyond what is required for a normal transaction i.e. DOB - back out. Another good idea is to have one specific credit card for online use with a low credit limit – minimising the risk should your details fall into unscrupulous hands. Never use a card that is linked directly to your bank account – as you could face the prospect of an empty account. Another idea is if you need to make a large purchase – test the water with a smaller purchase before hand.
Price and add-ons
A dedicated online web site should indicate what is included in the purchase without the fear of add-ons and additional costs. Some companies will start with a low price to hook the interest of the client and then inflate it with extras such as – Measuring costs, Installation costs, Additional Items required, Traveling costs, delivery and insurance. The pricing structure should be clear, simple and concise. Some of the best packages come in all inclusive offers – Guaranteeing no hidden costs. Also to remember if a price is so unbelievable or to good to be true – it probably is.
Quality of ProductsSamples and customer referrals are easiest way of testing the water. It is not such a problem when dealing with well know brands – Sony and such like but more important with Own Brands.
Manufacture time and delivery Production for custom products is generally the longest – not on the shelf. Quality products do take time to manufacture and the last thing you want to do is rush it. The company should be able to give you a general time line when you place your order. Some companies will offer or promise quicker delivery times but you either pay extra unnecessary costs or the timescales are unrealistic. Compare it to ordering a new sofa or kitchen – these are also made to measure and take time.
Integrity of the company The Company should demonstrate the ability to communicate all of the necessary information to you about purchasing your Product. This starts with the first telephone contact, to the engineers that come to measure or assess you job. They should also be able to supply a list of customer comments and/or references if requested. If you are in any doubt - don’t do it. Your gut feeling is often the best measure.
Packaging Your goods will be in for a rough ride on route to your address, numerous vans and trucks – we have all seen baggage handlers at the airport. Normally this is not a problem as they are goods are packed suitably, very often a tried and tested method by the retailer – the last thing that they want is a return ! But it does no harm in asking what type of packaging and its suitability.
Transport and Insurance. How quickly do you want the goods? Most online retailers will offer several options on speed of delivery – The quicker the parcel the more you pay is the normal rule. Insurance – my rule of thumb is if you do not relish the thought of replacing it if it gets lost or damaged in the post- Insure it.
CommunicationA quality company should supply a local phone number to allow customers to speak with a knowledgeable, experienced, friendly person who is able to answer technical questions and advise you on your product. They should also promptly respond to all e-mail communication within a specified timescale, 24 - 48 hours is more that time enough. Remember is the start of the buying process - If they can not get this right it will reflect on how the rest of the job will materialise.
Online retail therapy can be both rewarding and safe and by following some basis rules and common sense it is just the same as the high street – without the hustle and bustle and of course Starbucks.
Annette Wilson is availvible on http://www.shuttersdirect.nl/ to answer any questions you may have on shopping online.
Enter the keywords of the products that you are looking for into any search engine to discover hundreds of relevant, and irrelevant, listings for suppliers both worldwide and locally. The challenge is finding a site that is easy to navigate and informative, with contacts available for questions should they arise. The site should set your mind at rest and wet your appetite for the product – not explain it to the umpteenth degree. Once you do make contact the staff should be friendly and knowledgeable and responses prompt.
There are 2 clear areas that are offered online – Products – a physical item “stereo” or so on, or a Service i.e. “ book keeping “
Which Search Engine to use
Yahoo, Google and MSN are the main engines used for searches - new england shutters for instance More specific local engines such as buidersyard.com will give you more products specific. But in general the name of the item or product will suffice.
Local, Nationwide or Worldwide? There is a facility on all of the engines to search pages within the UK or worldwide. By narrowing the search down your results can be closer to home or product specific.
IE using the search word “shutters” will return shutters results from the whole of the UK
“Shutters Roosendaal” will return results from the Roosnedaal area.
In principle the further a-field you shop the higher the risk should a challenge arise with your purchase. The world is ever shrinking and a good way to checkout any company local or world wide is to Google them. This will show up negative feedback via blog spots and so on.
Local Searches – These concentrate on business in your In area. This increases the chances of you or your friends knowing them or something about them – in a good or bad way. Also if something does go wrong it is not so far to travel to collect goods or chap a local door. Remember news about bad service travels 10 times further than good service, so the fact that no one knows anyone that has purchased is not all bad – but watch out for the negative feed back. Using this method you are at least covered by local trading laws.
Nationwide - Similar to local searches but with extra distance to collect or complain. UK trading laws apply.
Worldwide - Once you are over the pond the risk level is at its highest. Payments, quality, will your purchase ever arrive. If you do choose to purchase from abroad be aware that the British customs can open your purchase and impose a import tax before you receive it - No payment no goods.
Easy of navigationEasy of use is the single most important feature for online sources for any product. A web site that is poorly designed or difficult to navigate is of little help to the user. A good web site should display the main choices available in a clear and concise manner with the navigation buttons shown on every page.
InformativeEducation is the second most important feature on any site. A good informative web site should anticipate the questions you have and supply you with the information in an easy to find manner. That same site should describe all of the information about their products. The site should not be too technical and confuse you with science but, should answer the basics and have facilities to allow you contact them and follow up your enquiry if you so wish. Use caution with companies that generalise - for example advertise “Glue” but do not specify the exact type of glue.
Main concerns about buying products online:
Payments
Most websites now accept payment methods such as Paypal and Western Union. These services offer you some protection against no show goods or faulty goods. More extensive insurance is provided by most credit card companies who at the end of the day take the brunt of the majority of fraud on line. Fraud is an issue on line but it is such a low percentage that it would be a pity to deter honest shoppers and sites. If you follow common sense and basic rules fraud can be avoided. If the website asks for details over and beyond what is required for a normal transaction i.e. DOB - back out. Another good idea is to have one specific credit card for online use with a low credit limit – minimising the risk should your details fall into unscrupulous hands. Never use a card that is linked directly to your bank account – as you could face the prospect of an empty account. Another idea is if you need to make a large purchase – test the water with a smaller purchase before hand.
Price and add-ons
A dedicated online web site should indicate what is included in the purchase without the fear of add-ons and additional costs. Some companies will start with a low price to hook the interest of the client and then inflate it with extras such as – Measuring costs, Installation costs, Additional Items required, Traveling costs, delivery and insurance. The pricing structure should be clear, simple and concise. Some of the best packages come in all inclusive offers – Guaranteeing no hidden costs. Also to remember if a price is so unbelievable or to good to be true – it probably is.
Quality of ProductsSamples and customer referrals are easiest way of testing the water. It is not such a problem when dealing with well know brands – Sony and such like but more important with Own Brands.
Manufacture time and delivery Production for custom products is generally the longest – not on the shelf. Quality products do take time to manufacture and the last thing you want to do is rush it. The company should be able to give you a general time line when you place your order. Some companies will offer or promise quicker delivery times but you either pay extra unnecessary costs or the timescales are unrealistic. Compare it to ordering a new sofa or kitchen – these are also made to measure and take time.
Integrity of the company The Company should demonstrate the ability to communicate all of the necessary information to you about purchasing your Product. This starts with the first telephone contact, to the engineers that come to measure or assess you job. They should also be able to supply a list of customer comments and/or references if requested. If you are in any doubt - don’t do it. Your gut feeling is often the best measure.
Packaging Your goods will be in for a rough ride on route to your address, numerous vans and trucks – we have all seen baggage handlers at the airport. Normally this is not a problem as they are goods are packed suitably, very often a tried and tested method by the retailer – the last thing that they want is a return ! But it does no harm in asking what type of packaging and its suitability.
Transport and Insurance. How quickly do you want the goods? Most online retailers will offer several options on speed of delivery – The quicker the parcel the more you pay is the normal rule. Insurance – my rule of thumb is if you do not relish the thought of replacing it if it gets lost or damaged in the post- Insure it.
CommunicationA quality company should supply a local phone number to allow customers to speak with a knowledgeable, experienced, friendly person who is able to answer technical questions and advise you on your product. They should also promptly respond to all e-mail communication within a specified timescale, 24 - 48 hours is more that time enough. Remember is the start of the buying process - If they can not get this right it will reflect on how the rest of the job will materialise.
Online retail therapy can be both rewarding and safe and by following some basis rules and common sense it is just the same as the high street – without the hustle and bustle and of course Starbucks.
Annette Wilson is availvible on http://www.shuttersdirect.nl/ to answer any questions you may have on shopping online.
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