American Blind Cover Story

American Blind Wholesale Outlet

Commitment to Customer Service

By: Mark Berger | Photos By: Guillermo Garcia

The past couple of years has enabled home and property owners to rethink their interior and exterior designs. Out with the old, tired and dated materials, and in with new, fresh and colorful ideas. Because federal and state governments invested billions of dollars into infrastructure and keeping people from losing their homes, many took the funds to spruce up their homes. Projects often ranged from clearing out debris or a paint job on the outside to replacing furniture and rugs inside. Also, a possibility would be changing one’s curtains to give the appearance better appeal.

That’s why the folks at American Blinds Wholesale Outlet in North Providence prides itself on not only offering the widest selection of blinds in the area, but also exceptional customer service.

Owner Francis Clark said that the latter is the foundation of their company. For several decades, the staff has made blinds their mission and have succeeded by forging their own path to success.

“When you contact us, you will speak with an actual person instead of an automated operator. Our staff has been with us for a long time—20 years on average. That starts with a six-month training course for new employees to understand the industry and our way of doing things. We don’t just say we offer great customer service. We prove it every day by going above and beyond what customers expect,” Clark said.

The company, located at 360 Sunset Ave., has been in town for 22 years. Prior to that location, they spent more than a decade in Smithfield. Clark, who graduated from Bryant with a business degree, went into the industry because “it was something different” from the financial and other similar disciplines that recruited him. From there, he worked at Manufacturing Blinds in the mid 1990s. He purchased that company from the prior owner and set out on his professional journey.

One aspect about American Blinds’ services that sets him apart was selling directly to the customers instead of through retail made a big difference. Since he did not go that route, that translates into passing on the savings to their customers. Also helping was Clark’s ability to create quality products based on his own experience.

Another winning move was securing a tractor trailer to make weekly trips from their manufacturing plant in Philadelphia to Rhode Island. That move cut the turnaround time for orders to roughly three to four weeks instead of a minimum of several months.

Clark understands how important the truck has been during the last year.

“There have been so many issues with the lack of drivers and the supply chain constantly breaking down,” said Clark. “Having our own trailer at our disposal has enabled our customers to get their orders in a timely fashion and without too many hands touching the items.”

They don’t use shipping companies, couriers, or other methods because that provides more opportunities for breakage. The truck leaves Philly and arrives in North Providence, where the employees directly unload the trailer. Fewer people handling the merchandise means fewer accidents.

People often have ideas on what they would like for blinds. However, they may lack the technical expertise to handle such a project. Clark understands.

“Most people are not blind experts; we are. We can come in and make recommendations, do the measurements, and provide installation at no additional charge. If a blind gets damaged, we also have a dedicated service technician who will come to the residence and repair the blind. That’s different from other places that will simply sell you a new blind. We are all about customer service we give because we would love for them to become repeat customers,” he said.

Their materials are top shelf. They won’t use subpar or flimsy materials that other well-known outlets may use and pass off as quality materials. Since many people don’t know or understand the difference, those facilities can pawn off their blinds. They may not have the knowledge of whether the blind is worth investing in or going to be replaced in short order.

American Blinds Wholesale Outlet does roughly 75 percent residential and 25 percent commercial. Their five full-time employees have supported the company, which means no turnover issues. Their product knowledge and experience makes them the preferred option for customers throughout the region. They are looking for clients interested in changing their outlook and giving a newer feel to their place without breaking the bank.

“We’re in this for the long haul. We aren’t here to sell customers an inferior product and go on to the next sale,” Clark said.

For more detail about the business, including scheduling an appointment, please contact them at 401-351-5959 during normal business hours. More details may also be found by visiting their website at www.americanblindwholesaleoutlet.com.