Do First Impressions Matter When Choosing a Blind Company?
This morning I attended a measuring appointment for a Leicester City Council assisted living project.
Interestingly, two blind companies had been booked to visit at exactly the same time.
That doesn't happen very often, but in this case it made perfect sense. The council officer only had a 30-minute window available, so both companies were invited to attend together.
After 35 years in the blinds industry, I actually quite enjoy situations like that.
Despite what some people might think, most of us in this trade get on well. We all face the same challenges, work with similar products, and spend our days helping people solve practical problems. It's always interesting to meet someone else who does the same job.
As we waited to meet the customer, something caught my attention.
The other representative arrived looking as though he'd come straight from the gym. Sports t-shirt, shorts and sliders.
Now before anyone jumps to conclusions, this isn't a criticism.
For all I know, he may be brilliant at what he does. He may have decades of experience. He may provide an excellent service and have hundreds of happy customers.
But standing there together, it made me think about something that rarely gets talked about when people are choosing a blind company.
First impressions.
Because whether we like it or not, people start forming opinions within seconds.
Long before measurements are taken.
Long before fabrics are discussed.
Long before prices are mentioned.
The customer is already asking themselves questions.
Do these people look organised?
Do they take pride in what they do?
Would I feel comfortable having them work in my home?
Can I trust them?
Those judgements happen naturally. We all do it.
And on the drive back to the office afterwards, I found myself reflecting on why our team still places so much importance on how we present ourselves.
For us, this has never been about uniforms.
It's about what they represent.
When we arrive at a customer's property, whether it's a family home, a school, an office or an assisted living facility, we're wearing branded clothing that displays our company logo alongside our Which? Trusted Trader accreditation, BBSA membership and Blue Light Card participation.
Not because customers always ask about them.
In fact, many don't.
But because we're proud of what those logos stand for.
Looking Professional vs Being Professional
Of course, appearance alone doesn't make someone professional.
A logo on a shirt doesn't automatically make somebody trustworthy.
Equally, wearing shorts doesn't mean somebody isn't excellent at their job.
Real professionalism comes from knowledge, honesty, reliability, communication and the quality of the finished installation.
It's about turning up when you say you will.
Giving honest advice.
Solving problems properly.
Standing behind your work.
That's what matters most.
But first impressions are often where trust begins.
They're the opening chapter of the story.
Everything that follows either reinforces that first impression or changes it.
Why Our Accreditations Matter
The accreditations on our clothing aren't marketing badges we've collected to impress people.
They're standards we've worked hard to achieve.
Being a Which? Trusted Trader wasn't something we could simply buy. We had to earn it.
Being a member of the BBSA means committing to industry standards and independent dispute resolution.
Our Blue Light Card participation reflects our appreciation for the people who dedicate their lives to serving our communities.
Every one of those logos represents accountability.
And accountability matters.
Especially when you're inviting someone into your home.
Is It Really About Price?
If price was the only thing that mattered, every homeowner would simply buy the cheapest blinds they could find online.
But every week we meet customers who tell us exactly the opposite.
They want advice.
They want reassurance.
They want somebody who knows what they're talking about.
They want confidence that if something goes wrong, there'll be a real person at the end of the phone.
That's why reviews matter.
It's why recommendations matter.
It's why reputation matters.
And yes, it's why first impressions matter too.
Because when somebody is measuring your windows and helping you make decisions that you'll live with for years, you're not simply buying blinds.
You're buying confidence in the person standing in front of you.
Our View
So, do first impressions count?
Absolutely.
Are they everything?
Not even close.
The best blind company isn't necessarily the one with the smartest uniform.
And it certainly isn't always the cheapest.
It's the company whose appearance, advice, knowledge, installation and aftercare all tell the same story.
A story of professionalism.
A story of trust.
A story of doing things properly.
For us, that's why we wear our logos with pride.
Not because they're badges.
But because they represent the standards we believe every customer deserves.
About Phil Coleman
Phil Coleman is the fifth generation of his family to run Barlow Blinds, a Leicester business that has been making blinds since 1887. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has played a leading role in shaping industry standards including being part of the team that wrote the only NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers. He also serves on the Management Committee of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), helping to set best practice across the trade. Under his leadership, Barlow Blinds has remained true to its founding principle: “It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds, it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”
Why trust this article?
✓ Written or reviewed by Phil Coleman (35+ years' experience)
✓ Based on practical installation knowledge and independent research
✓ Updated when standards, products or evidence change
