Paying for Your Blinds: What’s Normal, What’s Not And What to Watch Out For
I didn’t think I would ever have to write an article like this about a trade I love and have been a part of for over 30 years. I don’t like to talk badly about others in our trade but I'm coming across things that really do concern me. But I also believe it’s my job to help you make a confident, informed decision even if you don’t choose us.
One of the most confusing and often overlooked parts of buying made-to-measure blinds or shutters is how and when you’re expected to pay. And in recent years, we’ve noticed a shift in the way some companies are handling this and not always in the customer’s best interest.
Let’s talk honestly about what��s happening, and what to look out for.
What’s the “Normal” Way to Pay?
Most reputable companies will ask for a deposit once you’ve agreed to go ahead. This is usually between 30%–50%, because the product your are ordering is made to your exact specification and window sizes so can’t be sold to anyone else.
The remaining balance is typically paid after fitting, once everything is installed and working as it should be.
That’s how we’ve always done and at Barlow Blinds still is.
Red Flags to Watch For
🚩 1. Full payment up front
We’ve seen more companies asking for 100% payment in advance. In theory, it might sound efficient but it removes all the risk from the seller and puts it squarely on your shoulders.
We recently spoke to a lady in Gaddesby who paid a full deposit to a shutter company… and then watched them disappear with her money.
If someone asks for full payment in advance, ask why. What protection do you have if things go wrong? My advice would be to pay by credit card, not debit. You then having the sizeable backing of your credit card company.
Being totally honest and up front we do have many clients who pay in full up front. Not because we have asked but because they have dealt with us before and there is a good level of trust already built up. If you know and trust the company paying up front isn’t a huge risk.
🚩 2. Paying the balance before fitting
Another growing trend: being asked to pay the full balance when the fitting is booked, not once it’s actually done.
To us, that says three things:
- They don’t trust customers to pay on the day. (We do have a few who delay payment and it is a pain but we still believe trust works both ways)
- They’re not confident in their product doing what it’s supposed to.
- They’re not confident in their measuring or fitting team to get it right.
None of those should inspire confidence.
I know of a shutter buyer who had his balance payment taken from his account 6 weeks before his fitting date because the company had stored his card details and he hadn’t read the small print on the contract.
🚩 3. Only a mobile number
If the only way to contact them is a mobile number and a first name, stop and think. Do they have an office? A proper business? Somewhere you can go if something goes wrong?
🚩 4. Domestic home address
We’ve seen companies list their base as a residential house on Google. That doesn’t always mean something’s wrong but it might be a sign they don’t have a proper setup, team, or infrastructure in place.
🚩 5. No signwritten van
If someone turns up with no branding, no uniform, and no paperwork – that’s not professional, it’s just vague. Would you want that person drilling into your walls?
What you should expect from a reputable company.
✅ They will ask for a sensible deposit once you’ve chosen to go ahead.
✅ The balance is only paid after installation, when everything is completed to your satisfaction.
✅ You’ll receive full paperwork, written guarantees, and a clear contract.
✅ They don’t work from a spare bedroom. Investment in bricks and mortar means they take their business seriously.
✅ Can you visit our shop or factory? Can you phone our landline?. Can even pop in and meet the team?
Because trust isn’t just something we talk about it’s something we build with every customer.
Final Thought
If someone’s rushing you, asking for full payment before anything’s even been fitted, or avoiding questions press pause. Good companies want you to feel confident, not pressured.
And if you ever want a second opinion whether you’re buying from us or not we’ll always try to help.
There are a couple of other things that will help you find a reputable blinds company. Firstly are they a member of The British Blind and Shutter Association. To be a member you need to have been trading for a number of years, have all of the relevant insurances in place, have an up to date Health and Safety policy and you need the stick to their strict code of conduct. Use this link and pop your postcode in to find your nearest member https://bbsa.org.uk/members-search/
Secondly and this goes for any trade not just Blinds, are they a Which? Trusted Trader. I know first hand how difficult and how much work it takes to be trusted by Which? to wear and use their logo.
FAQs
Do I have to pay everything upfront for made-to-measure blinds?
No. A deposit is normal, but full payment in advance should raise questions.
What if a company disappears with my deposit?
Sadly, it happens. Check if they’re members of organisations like the BBSA
or Which? Trusted Traders. Look for real reviews, proper paperwork, and established premises. Pay by credit card for extra security.
Why do some companies ask for payment before the blinds are installed?
Often it’s about cash flow or lack of trust. Ask the question BEFORE placing an order.
