Frequently Asked Questions at Shades Shutters Blinds

How long should it take for support to return my call?

We will return your call or email usually within two hours even if it is to inform you that we have received your message.  However, depending on the problem, it could take up to 24 hours for a response.

Can support troubleshoot a product and assist with field repairs?

We are trained in this area and many times we can walk you through the process via email or phone while you are doing the repair.  90% of problems with a blind can get done without having to send the blind back for repairs.  Usually it is just a part that needs to be replaced and the part can be shipped to you for the repair.  This will save you time and money from having to mail the blind in for repairs.  You are responsible for the shipping charges to send the blind back if it was not broken during shipping.  If it was broken during shipping, let us know.  We can issue a call tag to come pick it up.

Is support trained in product installation?

We have actual installers on our staff and usually can help you with installation questions as you are trying to install the blind.  If it is not an immediate answer, we will respond within usually 2 hours.

Will you sell a product, color or option that is not currently on your website?

Yes.  We provide all the options that the other websites also provide.  Options such as wand or cord tilt, continuous cord loop, free color samples, stained colors, etc.  We set up this site so that you do not have to have any training in blinds in order to purchase and install on your own.  We set up the color, cord and tilt position, sizes and no surcharges in the most popular fashions.  This makes it about as easy as it is going to get to order custom made blinds at these prices.  If you do want extra options not provided on this site, contact support and we will go over the options and surcharges that may apply.

Do you guarantee the time of delivery of your products?

No, most of our products take about a week to a week and a half to show up to your doorstep.  However, it could take up to three weeks (VinylBilt Shutters take around 3 weeks).  We will however, guarantee that your products will arrive and will be taken cared of if damaged.  If the package does look damaged, refuse delivery and contact us immediately.  We will issue a call tag to pick it up for repair or replacement.

How long does it take to have the window coverings made?

It typically takes around 4 to 7 working days to actually produce the product and another few days to ship it to you

Why did my order not ship on the estimated ship date?

The target ship date that we get is from the manufacture.  Each manufacture that we use usually gets the products out on the ship date. Remember, it is just an estimation.  It could ship sooner or later than that date.

How often are products backordered?

From the colors that we have on our website and the options provided, backorders are rare.  We typically only have about 5-6 backorders on all our products each year.  However, it does happen.  For instance, the dock handlers strike on the western ports in the summer of 2002, backordered some of our material for 4 weeks.  We will call you to inform you of backorders when they occur.  If you do not receive your blinds after 2 weeks, contact us.

Can you do exact color matches?

No.  When it comes to exact matching colors on each blind, paint and dyes can vary from lot to lot (very slight but can happen).  We suggest you order all your blinds that could possibly be noticeable of a different dye lot (for example, side by side blinds) at the same time.  The acceptable color or texture match is a 2 foot separation.  It is highly advised to place all the woven wood blinds orders at the same time because of color changes.  There can be a significant color change from lot to lot.  This is only for the woven wood blinds because of the nature of the product.  Shades Shutters Blinds will not be responsible for woven wood color changes due to ordering at different times.

Will my window coverings discolor or fade or warp?

Slightly.  If there is major color change or warping, let us know.  This is covered under warranty.  However, remember, no slat or louver is perfectly straight and most will settle over time.  Color fading is considered normal and so is slight warping.  If it is major warping or color changes (you will definitely know), contact us.  It is highly advised to place all the woven wood blinds orders at the same time because of color changes.  There can be a significant color change from lot to lot.  This is only for the woven wood blinds because of the nature of the product.  Shades Shutters Blinds will not be responsible for woven wood color changes due to ordering at different times.

Why do my blinds hang crooked?

The smaller the blind, the more consistent the ladder spacing must be.  Our suppliers receive 600 feet of continuous ladder in a box.  There are minor deviations in spacing from rung to rung.  These deviations show up only on small narrow blinds.  Our suppliers do their best to adjust the brass grommets at the top of each ladder to compensate for the rung spacing being slightly off.  Also, your windows may be crooked.  You might need to adjust the brackets to have the blind straight.  Use a level to determine if it is your window (90% of the time it is your window).

Some of the slats in my mini blinds are dented on the edges.  I thought they were inspected at the factory.  What happened?

Dented slats can come from a damaged coil, or a bad cut from die.  Our suppliers typically buy coils of 3000 foot and can miss this.  If it is obvious it happened at the factory (no shipping damage) call us.  It is under warranty.

Will my colors be the same if I order at different times?

Probably but not guaranteed.  Color and texture differ from lot to lot.  This is not covered under warranty.  The 2 foot variance applies.  Be sure to order blinds that are close in contact with each other (in the same room) at the same time.

What is considered an acceptable tolerance for color or texture match?

If the blinds were ordered at the same time, 2 through 4 foot is accepted in the industry.  For Shades Shutters Blinds, 2 foot is acceptable.

Will my window coverings discolor or fade?

Fading is not covered under warranty and is natural.  Slight discoloration is also natural.  However, major discoloration (the blind changes color significantly) is covered under warranty.  Call us and let us know.  It is highly advised to place all the woven wood blinds orders at the same time because of color changes.  There can be a significant color change from lot to lot.  This is only for the woven wood blinds because of the nature of the product.  Shades Shutters Blinds will not be responsible for woven wood color changes due to ordering at different times.

What is bow and camber and what does it have to do with blinds?

Bow and camber are terms used to describe the variances that occur to flat slats in horizontal products.  Bow is the arched up or down shape a slat may take when the slat is in the open or parallel position.  Camber is the curved shape from back to front a slat may take when the slat is in the open parallel position.  The range of allowable camber and bow is 1/32 " for each 12" of width for mini blinds.  This is acceptable under our warranty terms.  Remember, no slat is perfectly straight and slight  bowing or bending will occur. If there is obvious and major warping (there will be no question in your mind or ours), this is under warranty and let us know.