Only One Showed Up
This morning, I visited a customer who’d called three blind companies to come out for a quote.
We were the only ones who turned up.
Not late. Not rescheduled. Not ghosted.
Just... turned up. Like we said we would.
And that tells you everything you need to know and is something that really annoys me as she had put off a shopping trip so she could be in for their appointment.
The Job Wasn’t Big. But That’s Not the Point.
It wasn’t a huge order.
It wouldn’t make anyone rich.
But it mattered to them and that’s why it mattered to us.
Mrs Foster had just moved into a ground floor flat and felt uncomfortable with nothing at the French doors with the nights darker earlier.
Small job for us but will make a huge difference for her peace of mind and in making the flat feel homely and secure day or night.
Because when someone invites us into their home, they’re not just booking a quote. They’re trusting us with their space, their time, their hopes for how a room might feel.
That is not a privilege we take lightly.
Respect Isn’t a Line in a Brochure. It’s a Promise.
We believe in showing up. Not just physically but with integrity.
That means we respect:
- Your time (we’ll be there when we say we will)
- Your home (shoe covers on, everything handled with care)
- Your trust (we don’t take it for granted, ever)
If something changes, we call. If we’re running late, you’ll know before you’re left waiting. It’s that simple.
You’re Not Just Choosing Blinds
You’re choosing whether or not to believe someone will do what they say they’ll do.
And honestly? If a company can’t even show up to quote…
Do you really want them handling your home?
Our Promise
Big job or small, every enquiry matters.
Because in the end, trust isn’t built with flashy words.
It’s built with small, consistent actions like turning up. Every single time.
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.”
