The votes are in and for the fourth time in a row, Budget Blinds has been voted the Readers’ Choice winner.
“To me this means that people have chosen to have a relationship with us and have gone out of the way to vote for us. They’ve done it consistently and we thank them for that,” general manager Russell Gurney says.
“We’re proud of the accomplishment and we definitely feel like it shows that the community has accepted us as their first choice for coming into their homes and trusting us.”
Gurney credits his staff with the success of the business.
“Our people stand out over others. The staff here, we all work together as a single unit. We feel like right from the time we pick up the phone or answer an email request, we’re all invested in the process,” Gurney says.
“I’m very proud of the team that works for us and I think the people who work here are the best in the community. Our people are people focussed. We’re not just trying to make the sale, we’re really invested in the long-term relationship with the customer.”
Part of the reason Budget Blinds is so committed to exceptional customer service is the understanding that custom window coverings are a real investment in your home.
“Our jobs are to guide the customer in a combo of what works best for them and what they want in their home,” Gurney says.
“We make sure the customer is very much empowered in the decision making.”
Window coverings help transform a home’s interior and can include blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, and more, all available at Budget Blinds.
They also provide energy efficiency, helping to trap heat inside during the cooler months and blocking the sun’s rays during the summer.
Budget Blinds is committed to walking its customers through every step of the process to find the best custom window coverings for their home.
The staff truly cares about finding the right solutions to a customer’s needs. An initial consultation will focus on understanding the way a customer lives and what is important to them. The process is easy and helps to find the best window coverings solution that matches a customer’s personal style and budget.
When the window coverings have been selected, the Budget Blinds staff will measure a customer’s space to ensure the perfect fit. Design consultants and expert installers must complete a rigorous training program as part of the company’s commitment to complete customer satisfaction.
The health and safety of Budget Blind’s customers is always top priority. During COVID-19, the company is adhering to enhanced health and safety guidelines including enhanced sanitation, social distancing during consultations, increased cleaning of high-touch areas, and encouraging all staff to stay home if they are feeling unwell.
“We're here to support people and work with them whatever way they feel comfortable,” Gurney says.
As a locally owned store that is part of a larger entity, Budget Blinds is able to offer more to its customers. Not only does Budget Blinds offer a huge selection of window coverings, including Hunter Douglas, it also has its own in-house brand that comes with a no-questions asked warranty.
“It sets us apart, because we’re not only able to sell premium brands, but we have our own brands that we can stand behind. That’s a big one for us,” Gurney says.
An area of growth Gurney is excited about is automated window coverings.
Budget Blinds has partnered with Lutron, the worldwide leader in smart home technology to offer a convenient solution for controlling your shades and blinds with the touch of a button. With whole-home wireless automation, shades and blinds can open and close at the touch of a button or at a preselected time of day or night.
Ultimately, Gurney is happy to be able to help the people of Greater Victoria with all of their window covering needs.
“Thank you for voting for us, we are so lucky to be part of an amazing community,” Gurney says.
