LACHINA DRAPERY

"I arrived promptly on time at [member name removed] home. I introduced myself with, “Hi. I’m Michelle from Lachina Draperies.” They introduced themselves and said they did not know what they wanted. They did not have the resources or want to spend a lot of money on new window treatments because they spent a lot on Roman Shades that they purchased through an Interior Design company 10 years ago. I said, “Well, let‘s see the room so I can get a feel for it.” I said, “My call report said you were interested in Plantation Shutters.” They quickly dismissed this as they had gone to a website and researched this type of window treatment and thought it would cut out too much sun. I agreed and stated that they are also the most expensive product. At that point [member name removed] asked me if I was a designer and I replied, “Yes, I have a degree in Interior Design and have been with Lachina Drapery 14 years.” They asked me if we would repair the Roman Shades. I said we are custom house and do not repair other people’s work. [member name removed] said, “That’s what they said on the phone.” I asked where [member name removed] who made them and why they could not repair them. They replied they were out of business. At that time they stated that they were considering Pleated Shades as they are the least expensive treatment in that style. I also suggested Roller Shades. Companies make beautiful solar shades. I told them that I have them in my house. I brought both sample books into their house. My quotes to them were: - 4 pleated shades $1,302.74, installed - 4 roller shades $1,250.34, installed I never suggested draperies as the windows are narrow (33” across) and would cut out all the light and are more expensive than the above. In order to “decorate” the room, I suggested a neutral Pleated Shade or Roller Shade with decorative cornices ($1,638.00) plus shades. As you can see that does not triple the cost. My quote was not $1,000.00 per window. They did mention the door which has a mock Roman Valance. I said we would mount the valance higher as Lachina Drapery would never mount it so low. I had to bend down to look out the door. Window treatments should lift the eye, not block the view. That was the only statement I made about their treatments. It was to be instructive, not critical. Their Roman Shades were beautiful other than the fact they were no longer functional. At this time I began to get the impression that the [member name removed] were not interested in my expertise as they appeared uninterested in anything that I had to offer or suggest. My opinion is that they were only interested in having their current Roman Shades repaired by Lachina Drapery. I felt a dismissive attitude regarding my talent and professionalism. After looking at our options for an hour I said to [member name removed], “Perhaps you should think about what you want to budget for your window treatments.” [member name removed] replied, “We have no budget that we want to spend on these windows.” Near the end of the appointment I yawned and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t get home until 8:30 last night from an appointment. I am a little tired. Why don’t you think about it and decide what is best for you.” Lachina Drapery is a professional and long established business. They have a good reputation and I do my best to continue this tradition."