Is Budget Blinds more expensive than Home Improvement Stores?
Ever since I started as a Budget Blinds franchise owner, I took for granted that Budget Blinds is probably a little, if not a lot more expensive than big box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Menard's. A quick search on the internet is filled with stories of how custom window treatment cost $1,000s, if not $10,000s to cover your windows. And there is some truth to this.
It makes sense - we are a one-stop shop and we start by really understanding customer's home and true window-covering needs. We make sure we address any concerns with light coming in through the day, or provide adequate insulation to keep energy bills down. We immaculately measure each window with precision while taking into consideration any obstruction, and provide recommendations on products and fabric that is suited functionally, but also aesthetically pleasing. We then come out and install to perfection, check that they work infront of the home owner, and make sure they are happy before we leave. All this costs money.
But I had not seen a head-to-head cost comparison of cost, so I decided to check.
To compare, I selected the most basic faux wood blind available from those big-box stores, measuring for a small window of 22" x 22". Price is current at December 2024.
Lowe's: Levelor Custom Classic Value Cordless Faux Wood Horizontal Blinds MSRP $76.97
Menard's: Decor Elements 2" Venetian Cordless Fauxwood Blinds - could not create a blind with 22" length, their minimum was 48", and the MSRP was $55.99
Home Depot: Home Decorators Collection White Cordless Faux Wood Blinds for Windows with 2 in. Slats - could not creat a blind with 22" length and minimum was 36". MSRP $23.98
Budget Blinds: Norman San Clemente 2" Faux Wood Blinds - $86.00 MSRP
So yes, we were the most expensive. But, Home Depot and Menards could not supply a blind that fit our window, and Lowe's that could came within $7 difference. Now, some Budget Blinds runs promotions from time to time, so the verdict is that there is not a significant difference in cost especially depending on the products you choose.
Of course, Budget Blinds carries products from more than 20 leading manufacturers, and we all stock well over 1,000 variations of fabric when we are out on the road promoting the best product for each customer. So is it worth the difference in price? You be the judge!