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Original poster

Sanderson Blinds (no, this really is the appropriate forum...)

66 replies

MsMsMsNOTMRS · 16/09/2014 20:13

Here's the story. (Have namechanged, as have bitched about this to so many people that it will probably out me)

So I would like some new blinds. My husband would like them too, but that is not the point.

I ring up Thomas Sanderson. I give them my full details. I tell them I want some blinds. They say they will organise an appointment with a salesman.

I give my name as "Ms Z". I don't mention anyone else.

Lady on the phone: "Do you live with anyone else at the property?"
Me: "Er yes. My husband and my baby".
Lady: "And what is his full name?"
Me: "Er Mr X Y." (thinking WHY IS THIS RELEVANT?)
Lady: "And will he be at the appointment?"
Me: "No. He'll be at work."
Lady: "Because at the appointment some decisions will have to be made about the type of blind."
Me: "Really, it's fine. He isn't interested."
Lady: "Are you sure? Some of the decisions will have financial consequences." really? Shit. Better get the male in, since there is MONEY involved
Me: "Eh?" (Thinking, WHAT THE HELL?!) "It's okay, really, I have full authority to make financial decisions."

Phonecall over, I then get an email to "Mr and Mrs XY and Z" confirming the appointment.

The salesman comes and is very confused to be greeted by me ("I have a different name down for the appointment... Mr XY?).

Then after the appointment (at which my husband wasn't present, obvs), the contract for the blinds and all subsequent emails are addressed simply to Mr X Y. I have been erased from the picture. Although they are sent to my email address, obviously, as that's the one I gave, as the only person the company was in contact with was me.

What do you think?

On one hand, it's unimportant, on the other, it's hilarious. On the third hand, it's outrageous that (whether intentionally or not) this company appears to think that only the male head of a family can enter into contracts and make binding financial decisions. Therefore they have managed to drag out of me the bare minimum details of my husband and are merrily entering into correspondence with him in order to avoid talking directly to the feisty upstart wife who is trying to choose blinds BY HERSELF.

OP posts:
fourthandfinal · 16/09/2014 21:00

Yep, quite a lot of companies are like that about having to have BOTH OF YOU there to discuss things with - kitchens, blinds, windows are examples I can think of. Part of me thinks that there's quite a good point, it's a lot of money, however financially savvy (says the person who, in our household, controls all of our money, DH would be screwed if I fell under a bus) one half of the couple is, it's usually something that people want to agree on and there's quite a bit of expense in sending out a salesman only to be told "need to check with my wife (or husband or partner or significant other etc etc)" and then potentially having to go back etc. On the other hand, most men (generalising massively) tend not to give two hoots about this sort of stuff. It's a tough call. I quite like having DH there, just because we're then two against one! But believe me, when it comes to getting a deal, it's me, not him that gets it... However, sending quotes to your DH without you being mentioned is incredibly rude and very remiss of them. If you're happy with the quote and the blinds, I think your plan to write to someone higher up the chain and explain the problem is a really good one.

ItsNotEasyBeingGreen · 16/09/2014 20:53

There was a thread similar to this a year or so ago... I think it was double glazing windows or sofa covers or something and they wouldn't even come unless the woman's husband was present. Gave the same nonsense about needing to make decisions there and then, including god forbid financial ones. It's not only ridiculous but also it's pressurising. I would steer clear completely.

SevenZarkSeven · 16/09/2014 20:49

What would have happened if your household didn't have an important man in it?

They'd have been stymied wouldn't they? And presumably refused to come out and quote.

I'd be livid Smile

YawningAndSmiling · 16/09/2014 20:49

My husband was trying to organise blinds for us recently and they were reluctant to come to appointments without me there. So I have to say I don't think this is really sexism - I think it is just a sales technique. Given how hard it is for most couples to organise to be at home at the same time, if you do both make the time you're probably more likely to buy from them than if they made life easier for you. Particularly when all the companies seem to do it so its not like there is a better option.

Blondieminx · 16/09/2014 20:48

YY it's like a whole extra frontier of window/window dressing cockwomblery.

There is also a variant involving cavity wall & loft insulation.

ShakyTheStork · 16/09/2014 20:48

Sorry Ms

Original poster
MsMsMsNOTMRS · 16/09/2014 20:46

(P.S.Shaky I am going to quietly pretend that I didn't see your post...so I can continue with my evening without feeling earth-shatteringly ripped off!!)

OP posts:
Original poster
MsMsMsNOTMRS · 16/09/2014 20:45

Shaky - I am fully aware that we were probably overcharged (salesman was sweetly applying 'discounts' and showing me the current offers and how much I have apparently saved - wahaha! Before getting me to sign the contract THAT EVENING). As if I didn't know that there is no transparent costing with made to measure blinds so all these 'offers' are just (I believe) plucked from the sky.

However, we were desperate and it probably showed on my bad poker face.

OP posts:
Original poster
MsMsMsNOTMRS · 16/09/2014 20:41

Kendodd - Shock I thought this was a one-off. That is appalling.

OP posts:
Original poster
MsMsMsNOTMRS · 16/09/2014 20:40

Ahhhh.. therein lies the rub.

I had to use them. Blush All previous blinds companies refused to even quote us (one wouldn't even come for an appointment -"We don't do those, it will be a waste of my time I'm afraid") as our windows were too bizarre. Perhaps I chose the wrong companies. Anyway, we're on a tight timescale for various reasons. So our hands were tied and I had to enter into the contract. We were so grateful even to find someone to come and give us a quotation, never mind agree to fit the damn things.

As for the company, every single Sanderson person (salesman, surveyor etc) I've since been in contact with has been really really professional and lovely. On time, efficient, respectful etc. I think the mistake was made right at the beginning during the telephone call and is being repeated throughout the process on an automatic system.

Also, they haven't done the blinds yet so for obvious reasons I don't want to kick up a fuss until they are done.

I'm going to wait and see how they turn out. If they are good quality, I'm going to write a strongly worded email copied to the highest ranking person I can find, saying 'Great quality, lovely service, thank you very much, except for this one huge thing you have to address'. If the blinds aren't good, then I'll add this issue to the list of blind-related complaints.

I've said 'blinds' too much in this thread already. Sick of the damn things.

OP posts:
Kendodd · 16/09/2014 20:40

Don 't use them.

Double glazing companies are the same.

One person I know was told she need her husband there because "she might not understand the pricing"

AppleAndMelon · 16/09/2014 20:38

I'd be pretty fed up. We have this with First Direct all the time. I think I would not buy and make sure they knew why.

FuckOffWeasel · 16/09/2014 20:36

I would list each "offense" in the email and would not give them a dime.

ShakyTheStork · 16/09/2014 20:24

Sandersons quoted us £17k for blinds in our conservatory!

We found another company that did it for £3.5k for exactly the same thing.

Indigui · 16/09/2014 20:23

Don't buy from them, and write back to them telling them exactly why you aren't. They need to learn.

hoobypickypicky · 16/09/2014 20:19

Please tell me you're not going to buy anything from these cockwombles!

Wouldn't it be nice if several MNers rang Sanderson Blinds to get their salesmen out? Especially if they had no intention at all of replacing their current window furnishings. Wink