How many windows are in your existing customers' homes that still need to be covered?   An average sale of window coverings is still less than three units.  How many windows are in the average home in your area?  Certainly more than three.  Even projects that are considered "whole house" often have windows that remain uncovered.  Particularly specialty windows.  Get at least rough measurements of every window that remains uncovered and keep a record of it.  Make sure your customer knows you have those measurements so that they can get faster service when time comes.  But then don't just keep that information and wait for them to call.  Send a postcard advising of new products that they may be interested in, if nothing that suits them is new, contact them with a special offer or an idea.

More people talk about outstanding service during the sales process but not all that many actually practice it.  Be there for your customer during or shortly after every installation to make sure everything is as it should be. Show them that you truly care that the products.

Consider offering a "battery replacement" service for PowerRise® and PowerTilt™ products.  Take care of any issues that arise as quickly as possible. Consider that a chance to be in the home again — even for an unwanted service call, is an opportunity to cover more windows.

Think of your customers as your own little community.  Having completed a purchase from you entitles them to become a member.  Send a newsletter (either printed or by e-mail) on a regular basis to share news, information, design tips etc.  Have in-store seminars or events to introduce new products.  Give your customers a "membership" card into your "community" and offer them a small discount on their next purchase as an incentive.  Better still, give them a couple and let them invite their neighbors to join, too!

One thing that leads to the "seven year itch" is the fact that in window fashions, neutral colors dominate the market in a big way.  Consider designing with color more often.  It does tend to shorten the buying cycle for several reasons; colors tend to go more in and out of style; a repainted room may need new window coverings; as may a room with new flooring or furnishings.  When you design with color, other changes to the room may dictate the need for something new in the window.

One of the surest ways to keep customers is by carrying the highest quality and best-known name, Hunter Douglas.  It's a brand that has a lot of value with consumers.  Hunter Douglas spends a fortune each year to make sure that when the typical consumer thinks of window coverings, they think of Hunter Douglas.  How can you make them think of you next?  Try coordinating your advertising with Hunter Douglas ads.  (The Hunter Douglas advertising schedule is available to Designer Blinds dealers upon request).  Make sure you store is well signed with the Hunter Douglas logo in classy displays that show Hunter Douglas Products in their best light.

It's a pretty small number of people on any given day in your area who have put "buy window coverings" at the top of their "Things To Do Today" list.  What can you do to make people think of you when they think of window coverings?   Your existing customers have already made this connection.  It's up to you to keep that connection up through advertising and merchandising. 

What ways do you have of breaking that seven year cycle?  Or generating repeat business?  If you have any ideas you'd like to share please send them by e-mail.