What Happens After the Guarantee? Why Aftersales Support Matters When Choosing Your Blinds
When you’re investing hundreds or even thousands of pounds in custom-made blinds, especially feature products like Day and Night blinds, you expect them to last. But what happens if something goes wrong after the standard 12-month guarantee is up?
This is one of the biggest frustrations customers have shared with us over the years and it’s a valid one.
The industry’s dirty little secret: no help after 12 months
We’ve spoken to many people who’ve been left completely stranded by their blind supplier once the guarantee period ends.
Take the UK’s largest and most well-known blind company, for example. If your blind fails after 12 months, they won’t offer you a repair, just a discount on a new blind. That might work for them, but it’s not good for your wallet, your relationship… or the planet.
At Barlow Blinds, we think differently.
A blind shouldn't be a one-time deal
Our blinds are not cheap because we don’t see them as a throwaway product. But when you’re working with a company focused on volume over quality, long-term support often disappears.
We believe in building blinds and relationships that last.
That means:
- Better quality materials and components that reduce the chances of issues in the first place.
- Careful installation from experienced fitters who know how to get it right the first time.
- And crucially: a repair service you can rely on, even when your guarantee has expired.
Yes, we charge for out-of-guarantee repairs (£35). But you’re not left with no options.
We have confidence in everything we make and install so we offer a 2 year guarantee on all of our blinds and a 5 year guarantee on our awnings and shutters. If something does go wrong down the line, you won’t be told “sorry, there’s nothing we can do.” We’ll come out, assess the issue, and if it’s something we can fix we will. Usually for just £35.
We do not look to make money from this service so the £35 is just to cover costs of our time and the running costs of our vans. It includes the travelling time and half an hour on site. When it comes Vertical blind rails and Roller Blinds if you are happy to take them down and drop them off at our factory we will repair them free of charge.
Sometimes it’s a simple fix. Sometimes a component needs replacing. But what matters is that you’ve got someone to call who knows your blind, knows your home, and wants to help.
Why we do this
Because to us, it’s not about a one-off sale.
It’s about trust. About building long-term relationships with our customers. And about doing the right thing even when it’s not the most profitable thing.
It’s also better for the environment. Throwing out a whole blind because of a minor fault isn’t sustainable. We believe in fixing first, replacing only when necessary.
Choosing the right blinds is about more than just fabric
Yes, the fabric matters. So do colours, styles, and controls. But the biggest decision you make might be who you buy from.
Because when the guarantee ends, a good company doesn’t disappear.
