Question 1

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Accepted Answer

As the second generation owners and managers of the business, Nancy and Pari Vamvakas quite literally were born into the business and will happily relate stories of how they were learning the trade helping in the workroom while the other kids were doing paper-routes.   Georgia Vamvakas the family matriarch started the business as a young woman learning the trade working for another workroom for many years before establishing her own family business that is today 'Ideal Drape Makers'.  Sadly, Georgia passed away two years ago after a short but tragic bout with cancer and is sorely missed by the entire Ideal Drape Maker family of drape makers and installers employed by our business.

Question 2

What do you like most about your job?

Accepted Answer

Quality window treatments, with care, will last for years. Given our length of time in business it is not unusual to meet past again after twenty years or more and hear that their window treatments are holding up and continuing to looking great. Others return to update or as a result of moving home and it makes us proud that they insist on returning to us as repeat customers.   Of course, a favourable review or mention on our new directory listings, really makes our day. We haven't been online for long,  having traditionally grown the business via 'word of mouth,'  We have even received glowing reviews from people were not able to offer a solution to, yet took the trouble to thank us for our honest, no pressure consultation and advice that assisted them find the solution they eventually settled on.

Question 3

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

(1). Do the curtains come with returns or will they be made without returns?  (2). What header choices are available? (3). How are the drapes operated. Are there any choices/options available?  (4). What are the lining choices?  What warranty do you get with the lining and what are the cleaning limitations? For example, are they pre-shrunk and dry-cleanable or machine washable?  What insulating properties does your lining provide. Will your lining protect your interiors from damage from ultraviolet light? Will the lining provide adequate light control for your requirements - Will do they provide sufficient light blocking? (5). What is the fullness recommended for your window size. Fabric costs comprise a substantial component of cost, ensure that your price is not at the expense of fullness which will effect the look for the finished treatment considerably.  (6). What are my choices for drapery rods or tracks? Are they of high quality and sufficient strength for the weight of the fabric hung in the the window treatment selected. (7). Who will be doing the installation?  Do they work for the company you are purchasing the treatments from or are they subcontracted.  What experience do they have.  (8). What are the properties of the fabrics selected. Will they resist fading, shrinkage, and how can they be cleaned?  This is a particularly important questions in households with children and pets. (9). What will the treatments look like?  Can you see swatches, see, feel and touch what you are getting before you buy it.  (10). Will the service professional provide you with an itemized quote so you can see a break down of the components and brand names that comprise the quotation. This will make it much easier for both you and other professionals when comparing multiple quotes.

Question 4

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

Accepted Answer

You don't survive thirty years in drapery without having a reputation for good product and customer service. Our success is only possible by working smarter and maintaining, above all other things, our unflinching commitment to quality workmanship, utilising only quality fabrics and components sourced locally from leading suppliers. - Suppliers who stake their reputations on the quality product they distribute and support.  Our quality window treatments will out-perform and out-last treatments from our competition and continue, with care, to look great for many years to come.

Question 5

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

Accepted Answer

A family owned and managed business for over 30 years we have both the knowledge and experience as manufacturers. We don't just sell window treatments. We make them, as one of the larger remaining independent workrooms still operating in Melbourne.  As a consumer you receive the benefit of dealing directly with a manufacturer of quality window treatments who has a track record and expects to be in business for another 30 years.

Question 6

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

Accepted Answer

Have an idea and be up-front with the professional about your budget. - We are not in the business of padding quotes up to a price and we do not believe any reputable professional who has been in the business for any length of time does, A idea of your budgetary constraints can save you and the professional a great deal of time, allowing he professional to guide you to a solution that best fits your budget. It is important to note that the pricing of window treatments can vary greatly depending on a large number of variables.  A lot of time and back and fourth re-quotes can be reduced, if not eliminated if you provide the professional with a realistic idea of your budget range.

Question 7

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

(1) The quote that you will receive from us will be itemised. It is important that you understand what you are buying. Ask the professional to clarify (in writing) on the order documentation if there is potential for confusion and for your own records. (2) Our installers will explain how they will be fitting your treatment. Ensure that you fully understand the nature and placement of any changes that will be made to your property in the way of drilled holes or mountings. (3) If for any reason you are not happy with either the curtains or the way they have been installed, inform the installer BEFORE he leaves the property and/or call our office. - it is not only more efficient to make adjustments required while the installer is still there (if possible) over having to reschedule an additional visit. Given the nature and amount of outlay you pay for your window treatments, you deserve to have the job completed to your satisfaction with a single installation visit (unless otherwise advised where different treatments are delivered and installed at different times such as the case of accommodating your renovations schedule)

Question 8

What makes your pricing competitive?

Accepted Answer

As a manufacturer and operator of a commercial workroom we do not have the overheads of a shopfront. We  are very competitive across our entire range of products and only source our materials from branded premier suppliers who, like us have demonstrated a commitment to quality and service over many years.   We can't and don't compete with ready-made cheaper imports that are not backed by a similar track record for quality or service. Custom made window treatments cost more, are of far superior quality and will last you much longer. We often meet new customers who have had to replace treatments after only a few short years having previously adopted the cheapest option.   When requesting quotes, always ask for a breakdown of the specific brands and components used as we are confident that we are very competitive when quoting on a like for like quotation basis and when shared with us, point out the reasons for any cost differentials.

Question 9

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

All our window treatment are custom made-to-measure. We off a free in-home, no pressure, no obligation consultation measure and quote and are able to discuss the multitude of options available to ensure that you get the best value for your budget. The window treatment solutions we provide, with care will last you for years to come. If you do not feel our suggested solutions suit your requirements, we hope that our advice assists you in finding a provider that can.

Question 10

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

As drapery manufacturers and experts we are particularly proud of our range of curtains, sheers and roman blinds. We know our craft and can suggest the best heading style and fabric to help you realise your vision and transform your windows.

Question 11

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

Although 30 years in business almost speaks for itself, our makers and installers regularly attend product training sessions provided by vendors along with the training provided by the long term employees and family members of the business.   We are members of the Housing Industry Association and we regularly are engaged for the delivery of window treatment solutions to be installed on building sites, and other commercial premises.    Our installers have the pre-requisite qualifications to allow them to work on building sites and are used to working within the often tight time constraints dictated by a builders project schedule.   Our blind, curtain, timber shutter and awning installation service is fast, efficient, tidy and courteous, and we service all areas of Melbourne including the CBD and, by arrangement, as far afield as Ballarat, Geelong, and Bendigo.

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