Can non-GSA customers order products from American Blind & Shade?
Yes, but not through this website – Retail customers (those who are not purchasing as official Federal or Military buyers for installation in a GSA facility) can view and purchase any of the products we offer. However, our contract terms prohibit us from extending GSA Schedule pricing to our retail customers, so at this time, our self-service website is not able to process orders for Retail purchase. Please contact us so that we can provide a quote for you at competitive retail prices.
What is meant by "inside mount" or "outside mount"?
Although at first glance it may seem that these terms refer to whether a product is installed indoors or outdoors, in fact they refer to the placement of the product in relation to the window opening.
- INSIDE MOUNT means that the product is installed completely inside the recessed area of the window's opening when sufficient window frame depth is available. Inside mount provides a neat, clean look, and is the most common method for installing all manner of blinds and shades.
- OUTSIDE MOUNT means that the product is installed outside the window opening, due to insufficient window frame depth or because a handle or other window hardware prohibits mounting inside the opening. Outside mount may also be the method of choice to make a window appear larger or to hide an unattractive window. Outside mounts are typically attached to the face of the wall surface adjacent to or above the window, although some situations may allow for outside mount on wood trim or casing. Draperies are an example of a product type most often installed as outside mount.
Is there a minimum window depth required for an inside mount?
Yes – The minimum window opening's depth for an inside mount varies by product type and from one model to the next. Specific minimum depth requirements are listed in the Standard Specs for each model on the respective product’s Browse page. See also the instructions on how to measure for inside or outside mount, found on our How to Measure page. If the depth of your window does not meet the minimum for a particular model, the product would protrude beyond the face of the wall if installed as inside mount; in this case, an outside mount, or a model with smaller dimensional requirements, is recommended.
What if I need a product that is larger than the maximum size listed, or smaller than the minimum size?
Contact us! We may be able to special-order the size you need. Each model's specs indicate the minimum and maximum sizes readily available from the manufacturer -- but in certain cases, we may even be able to special-order sizes beyond the parameters listed. Note that surcharges may apply, and any widths over 108" will simply require that they ship via Freight, which incurs an additional cost. We are happy to assist you in ordering these larger size window treatments!
Do you offer free material samples?
Yes – You may request up to 10 different samples at no cost. On the product's Browse page, click “View” under “Colors and Shading Available,” then place a checkmark in the "Request Sample" box for the material swatches you would like. We’ll send you a large format sample of approximately 8x10” so you can really get a good sense of the look and feel of the material. We strongly recommend that you request samples before ordering, and especially when a specific color is required.
Note that due to differences in the way that samples requests are processed vs. the way that product orders are processed, the Shopping Cart can only contain either samples or products, but not both. Please submit samples requests separately. If you've already got products in your cart, simply click "Save as Draft" to move them temporarily to your Saved Drafts page.
If you’re having trouble finding a fabric or material that matches what you have in mind, or if you need a larger quantity of samples, simply contact us for assistance.
What does the term “color-coordinated” mean?
All products include certain color-coordinated accessories such as brackets, end caps, wands, tassels, strings, or other secondary product components. For some products, neutral-colored head and/or bottom rails may be used in conjunction with color-coordinated strip inserts. These color-coordinated accessories are similar in color, but not necessarily an exact match, to that of the primary material. Exact color matching is rarely possible: the color choices offered for the primary slats, louvers, fabrics, and so forth, are far too extensive and change too frequently to provide exact color matches. Manufacturers’ designer-selected, color-coordinated components ensure that all our window treatments provide a complete, attractive, and professional look. Should you have specific concerns about color-coordinated accessories, please contact us to discuss or to request color swatches.
Do you offer catalogs or brochures?
No – Due to the frequency of changes by all our various manufacturers, with models regularly being added or deleted, a complete and current catalog would be impossible to offer. This website is our “online catalog.” We make every effort to keep the models available on our website as up-to-date as possible.
I've entered the size I want and I clicked 'Submit', but the Base Price won't display. Why is that?
Check the size limitations for the models you are viewing. If the size you entered is smaller than the minimum or larger than the maximum sizes that the model supports, the Base Price will not populate. However, there is still the possibility that we can special-order the size you need. Simply contact us to find out!
I want to order several of the same treatments, but the window size varies slightly from one window to the next. Is there an easy way to do this?
Yes – First, you should customize the product you want, based on one of the actual window sizes you measured; place this item in your cart. Next, click on “Add another” below the product summary for the product you just placed in the cart; input boxes will appear prompting you to enter a new width and height; click “Save” after entering the new size. Continue this process until your order includes all of the sizes you need -- all of the items entered in this manner will have the same specifications, but with their unique sizes.
Note: If you need additional quantities of the same product specs for other windows of the exact same size, simply change the quantity count.
Do you ever offer special promotions or sales?
Yes – We frequently offer special promotional pricing on select products. To receive notice of our sales and promotions, be sure to set the email notification preferences in your Account Profile under “Email News and Special Offers” to “Yes,” or contact us to be added to our e-mailing list. You can of course opt-out at any time.
Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes – Any order which includes 25 or more products from the same category (i.e.: 25+ Roller Shades of any style/size or 25+ Horizontal Blinds of any style/size) will automatically receive a volume discount off all the products within that category. Note that the exact percentage of discount varies by product category.
At what point in the process will my credit card be charged?
Payment will be charged in full at the time you place your order. This is necessary given the custom-made nature of our window treatments. However, if American Blind & Shade is providing measurement and installation services for you, we charge a deposit of 50% at the time of order, with the remaining balance charged upon completion of the project.
Will my credit card information be saved for future purchases?
No – To protect your credit card information, we do not retain any card information once payment is processed. You will need to enter payment details again on future orders.
Will I receive an order confirmation?
Yes – Order confirmation will be emailed to you shortly after your order has been placed. If you have not received confirmation within an hour of submitting your order, please contact us by email or phone.
Will I receive shipping updates or tracking information?
Yes – Tracking information will be emailed once the order leaves the manufacturing facility. See our Shipping Info page for more details.
Can I change, cancel, or return my order?
When your order is received, one of our staff will contact you within 24 hours or the next business day to review and confirm your order; you have up until this confirmation to change or cancel your order. All our products are custom-made and therefore cannot be returned. For full details, see our Terms and Conditions.
How do I check my order status?
You will receive automated updates from us via email. But you can also log in at any time and navigate to Order History under the Account tab; the current status of your order will be listed as one of the values below.
- Pending: Your order has been accepted and payment has been charged. By COB next business day, we’ll contact you via phone or email to review everything before we submit for fabrication. If you realize you need to make any changes to your order, now is the time!
- Backordered: One or more items in your order is temporarily out of stock. We will coordinate closely with the manufacturer to keep you informed about anticipated timeframe when the item(s) will ship.
- Discontinued: One or more items in your order has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Although we work diligently to keep our website up-to-date, manufacturers can and do discontinue items without advance notice. We apologize for the inconvenience, and will consult closely with you to find the best alternate product for your needs.
- Fabrication: Your order is currently being fabricated by the manufacturer. The order can no longer be changed or cancelled without additional charges.
- Shipped: Your order has shipped and is on its way to you. Tracking information has been emailed to you (if available).
- Payment Declined: Your payment was declined by the credit card issuer. This is usually the result of a typo in the credit card number or expiration date. Please try again, or contact your credit card company for assistance.
- Technical Error: A technical error prevented your submitted order to transmit properly; please try again. Technical errors may include browser errors, power failure, or other computer glitches. If you are unable to resubmit your order, please contact us for assistance.
- Cancelled: Your order has been cancelled. If cancelled while still in “Pending” status, the charge to your credit card will be reversed in approximately 3-5 business days. See our Terms and Conditions for more detail on cancellations.
- Completed: Your order has been completed. If you ordered products only, they have been delivered to the shipping address. If you ordered Additional Services as well, the services are completed. The order is now closed.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Turn-around time varies depending on the product ordered and the shipping distance between manufacturing plant and point of delivery. Approximate production times are listed for each model on the respective product’s Browse page. You can calculate an estimated delivery date by noting the production time for your item(s) and adding in the transit time based on the shipping method you have chosen. Travel time is determined by the carrier, based on your location. If your order includes multiple products with different production times, please calculate based on the item with longest production time. See our Shipping Info page for more details.
If we are informed that a product is on back order or there is any other reason for a delay, we will contact you immediately.
Do installation instructions come with my order?
Instructions may be included with some products, but if not, please refer to our library of detailed online instructions found on the How to Install page. If you would like American Blind & Shade to take responsibility for installation, be sure to include our professional measurement and installation service in your Shopping Cart.
Is there a warranty included with your products?
Yes – A Three-Year Warranty is included with all of our products, unless you have specifically requested that they be made or installed in a manner contrary to the manufacturer's recommendations. Complete warranty information is detailed on our Warranty page.
What if my order is damaged in shipping, or has a manufacturing defect?
Immediately upon receipt, inspect for any for damage that may have occurred during shipping or for any manufacturing defects; notify us right away if you find anything of concern. Any such damaged or defective items will be repaired or replaced at no charge, provided that you comply with the specific instructions detailed in our Terms and Conditions.
What if my window treatment needs repairs once in use?
Please call or email our Customer Service department by using the contact information found at the top of webpage or on our Contact Us page, and we will assist you in determining whether the item can be repaired or must be replaced. If the problem is minor, one of our experienced staff may be able to direct you, step by step, in fixing the issue. If the item requires repairs by the manufacturer, we will provide a quote for any applicable repair and shipping charges to return the item to the factory.
Should the problem be determined a manufacturing defect, the repair will be made at no charge if within the warranty period. For orders which included our professional measuring and installation service, we will come out to determine the problem and will fix or replace the product at no charge if within the warranty period.
How do I clean and care for my window treatments?
General cleaning such as vacuuming, feather dusting, or wiping with a damp cloth is all that is usually needed. There are also professional cleaning companies that offer onsite or offsite cleaning of window treatments. Note that improper care and cleaning of your window treatment can potentially void the warranty. For detailed instructions by product type, see our Care & Cleaning page.
Are online financial transactions processed securely on your website?
Yes – Our SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) coding encrypts all of your personal information, including your credit card number, so that it cannot be read as it travels over the Internet. SSL is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and your browser remains private and integral. Most web browsers indicate you are on a secure website by displaying an https:// prefix and a small padlock icon in the address bar.
If you prefer not to order over the Internet, you may submit your order by phone, fax, or mail. If you fax or mail your order, please call to confirm that we have received it.
What steps have you taken to protect your site and your customers from hackers, viruses, malware, and spam?
Our site is protected by SiteLock, the global leader in website security. Click on the SiteLock Secure logo in the footer of any page on our website to view the real-time status of our site-wide protection against hacking, viruses, malware, and spam.
Will you sell or give away my personal information?
No – We will never sell or give away any of your personal information. All of the information that you give us, such as your name, address, phone number and email address, is used for the sole purpose of processing your order and contacting you when needed. We will not release this information to any outside parties (except when legally necessary), and the information will be stored securely to protect your privacy. For more detail, please review our Privacy Policy.
Can I opt-in or opt-out of marketing emails from American Blind & Shade?
Yes – Be sure to indicate your preference for “Email News and Special Offers” in your Account Profile, or contact us to opt in or out.
