Has anybody used Hillary's Blinds?

[Hecate]

Because I have someone coming round this morning to give me a quote.

Are they decent? Reliable? Any problems?

[bran]

I used them and they were fine, a little on the expensive side though.

The service level probably depends on the person you are dealing with as I think they are franchisees rather than employees. The blinds themselves are good quality.

John Lewis are also good, and possibly a bit cheaper and a much wider range. But you have to go to the shop to find the style that you want and then book them to come out to measure, whereas Hilary's bring a sample book with them.

[Twinkie1]

Wha sort of blinds are you getting?

I got some made from ebay just emailed the lady my measurements and she made them up inLaura Ashley fabric and they were lovely and V reasonable - one of my friends had hilary's do hers and they were all the wrong size and V V expensive!

[Hecate]

Venitian, (sp?) I think I want to go for.

We've got nets at the moment, and they are ugly, tacky and nasty! I hate net curtains! But I neeeeeeeeed privacy, and couldn't have curtains alone, or I'd need to keep them closed all day!

[chopchopbusybusy]

Yes, I've used them twice. As Bran says they are franchisees, so some possibly better than others, but I was happy enough on both occasions. When they give you the price though, tell them it's a bit more than you expected and they'll probably reduce it a bit

[Hecate]

Ta folks.

Who's your ebay lady, Twinkie?

[saadia]

We used them to install Venetian blinds a few years ago in some tricky window areas where there was no room for a curtain rail. They were reliable and the quality is fine but in future dh will be putting them in.

[chopchopbusybusy]

Hecate, they have a website and you can order made to measure venetians from that which will work out cheaper than having them put up for you and is the same product. DH is just too lazy to do it and he'd probably bodge it anyway

[Hecate]

Oh God.

noooooooooo

Dh + DIY = this

[Hecate]

Well, he came and quoted and I was pleasantly surprised. £200, incl vat & fitting.

Well, it was about £230, but I said if he knocked it down to £200 flat, I'd not bother getting any other quotes and just sign him up right away. He said deal!

Not bad at all, I thought. Considering it's 2 big living room windows and one big kitchen one!!

[hmffa]

Definately don't accept the first quote. I was quite upfront and said that I hoped he didn't mind me being a bit cheeky, but what was the cheapest price he could offer and he immeadiatly knocked about £30 off. He said that most people don't ask, but he can do a deal.

[Twinkie1]

Just asking my ebay lady if she is ok for me to put her name on here - I have got coming a roman blind for a 5ft wide window in a this seasons Laura Asley Fabric for £120 - that is about 20 more than it would cost me to buy all the parts and make it so am chuffed!

[yogimum]

Hecate I had a terrible experience with Hillarys regarding my shutters which I ordered from them. It took 4 months and several stern phone calls from me. When they arrived they didn't fit. However did get my deposit back pretty quickly. I was told not to use a company where I couldn't walk in their front door. Good advice IMO

[Avizandum]

I have used Hilary's blinds but she got really pissed off with me and I had to give her them back....

[Hecate]

thanks folks. Worrying tale Yogi.

@ Aviz!

[islandofsodor]

We got a quote from them, but they were a lot more expensive for a poorer quality blind than another local company.

[islandofsodor]

Oh, and when we didn't accept the quote we got a phone call about a week later offering us a 20% discount but they were still more expensive.

[themoon66]

My friend had her whole conservatory done out with Hillary blinds. They are lovely. She is getting them back to do the rest of the house.

[winniethepoor]

Bought a new house and booked for their rep to come to do measurement. Already asked them to call 10 minutes before arrival as there will not be anyone in the new empty house. Never called beforehand and just left a paper. When called the rep half an hour later, he said he was in another town around and would give me a call in an hour's time to see if he can re-visit. Never called me. I left messages with the rep to chase up, never called back nor apologised. Called Hillary and they never explained as to what happened. It is a big job for the whole house with over 15 big windows and we thought instead of using John Lewis, we will try for the 2nd best if their service is good. Will never try Hillary anymore. Very disappointing service.

[Only1scoop]

I bought from them once....first quote was high....waited 3 weeks and they dropped it 40 percent and had no problems....had a rep out to give me a quote last year who said " it's barely worth my petrol out when people don't order"

I was going to order from them again and went elsewhere.

[Only1scoop]

I had the wide slat wooden Venetians with tape by the way....and a Roman for the stairs....

[GoooRooo]

I haven't because they are so bloomin' expensive! I bought mine online from Blinds UK and they are great - but it does depend on you measuring correctly.

[CMP69]

I have roman blinds in the bay in my lounge and perfect fit on my patio doors. I love them both, but they are expensive

[5dogsgoswimming]

Yes. They're good