FAQs
Should I use a small local firm - or a large national firm?
Both can have their good points & their bad. We always recommend that you try and use someone where you can:
(a) Inspect some of their work.
(b) See actual products - not a showroom - who wouldn't make their showroom look superb?
(c) Take up some refrences yourself (or see the original letters)- don't just believe the salesperson when they tell you they have "100's of satisfied customers"
A small local company or individual should have the benefit that they are familiar with the area and local construction methods. However they may not have the structure and backup to service your installation correctly. Most small businesses need to survive by word of mouth - they usually can't afford to do a bad job. We've all heard tales of 'cowboy' workmen - and most of us would never dream of using them.
The large national companies appear to have the structure & back up to give an excellent service - however all is not always as it seems (see sub contractors question). Often these companies 'hit' an area - generating alot of income quite quickly before moving on to the next sales region. Seldom do they actually have a localised infrastructure - even if they have a local showroom it is probable the factory & Service Dept. are located elsewhere.
We believe it is important that we all support local companies - otherwise we weaken the local community both financially and socially. Many rural communities have seen a marked decline in worthwhile employment, leading to an inability of local people to sustain communities and problems for future generations. Typically money spent locally is 'recycled' into local communities - it is spent with other local businesses by local people.
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Both can have their good points & their bad. We always recommend that you try and use someone where you can:
(a) Inspect some of their work.
(b) See actual products - not a showroom - who wouldn't make their showroom look superb?
(c) Take up some refrences yourself (or see the original letters)- don't just believe the salesperson when they tell you they have "100's of satisfied customers"
A small local company or individual should have the benefit that they are familiar with the area and local construction methods. However they may not have the structure and backup to service your installation correctly. Most small businesses need to survive by word of mouth - they usually can't afford to do a bad job. We've all heard tales of 'cowboy' workmen - and most of us would never dream of using them.
The large national companies appear to have the structure & back up to give an excellent service - however all is not always as it seems (see sub contractors question). Often these companies 'hit' an area - generating alot of income quite quickly before moving on to the next sales region. Seldom do they actually have a localised infrastructure - even if they have a local showroom it is probable the factory & Service Dept. are located elsewhere.
We believe it is important that we all support local companies - otherwise we weaken the local community both financially and socially. Many rural communities have seen a marked decline in worthwhile employment, leading to an inability of local people to sustain communities and problems for future generations. Typically money spent locally is 'recycled' into local communities - it is spent with other local businesses by local people.
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