If you’re shopping around for blinds or shutters, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Get three quotes and compare.”
It sounds sensible. And it is if you’re comparing like-for-like.
But in the blinds and shutters world, not all quotes are created equal.
There’s no mandatory standard for what’s included, how products are installed, or what safety measures are followed. Unless you know what to ask, you could end up comparing price tags instead of peace of mind.
Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
We always say: Start your quote search with a BBSA member.
What Is the BBSA? The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) is the UK’s only trade association dedicated to blinds, shutters, and awnings. And membership isn’t just a logo.
When you choose a BBSA member, you’re choosing a company been through a strict vetting process and they have committed to higher standards across the board. Every BBSA member must:
- Be fully insured
- Have up-to-date Health & Safety policies
- Follow strict child safety legislation
- Use quality components that meet British Standards
- Provide honest, pressure-free advice
- Offer access to an independent resolution service
- Operate under a monitored Code of Practice
It’s real protection for your home, your family, and your peace of mind.
What Can Go Wrong Without That Protection? We’ve seen it all:
Sam thought he was getting a bargain. The installer promised "blackout blinds," but his toddler's room still glowed at bedtime. We were called in weeks later to replace everything.
One homeowner had shutters fitted in a bathroom but the wrong material meant they warped within months.
Another nursery had blinds installed with cords left dangerously long.
And prices? We've seen quotes that looked low... until the invoice arrived with hidden extras.
Sometimes, we’re called in after the fact to fix problems that could’ve been avoided with better advice from the start.
What to Ask Before Choosing a Blind Company Whether you choose us or not, ask these five questions:
- Are you a BBSA member?
- What safety standards do you follow, especially for child-safe blinds?
- Is your quote fully inclusive, or will there be add-ons later?
- Who makes your blinds and can I see examples locally?
- Are your installers trained or accredited?
A trustworthy company will welcome these questions. A pushy one won’t.
Why We Are BBSA Members (And Always Will Be)
We joined the BBSA because it was important that any potential customers had confidence in us and the strict vetting process we had to go through to become a member helps to reassure them that they are dealing with a professional and trustworthy company who does things properly.
Better advice. Better products. Better protection.
And yes sometimes that means walking away from a job that doesn’t suit the window, the home, or the customer’s needs.
We don’t pay commission. We don’t do pressure. And we never install something we wouldn’t want in our own homes.
Final Thought The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. And the flashiest showroom isn’t always the most trustworthy.
So if you’re getting quotes, make your first stop the BBSA website.
Then ask the companies on your list how they stack up.
It’s your home. It deserves more than guesswork.
