Free Window Shade Samples Testing Cellular And Honeycomb Shades Before Purchase

Introduction

Window treatments play a significant role in home décor, light control, and energy efficiency. Among the various options available, cellular and honeycomb shades have gained popularity for their insulating properties and aesthetic appeal. For consumers considering these window treatments, the opportunity to test products through free sample programs provides a valuable resource. This article explores the availability of free samples for cellular and honeycomb shades, focusing on companies that offer these programs and the terms under which they operate.

Companies Offering Free Samples

Several window treatment companies provide free sample programs to assist customers in making informed purchasing decisions. Among these, Award Blinds and Factory Direct Blinds offer sample programs that include cellular and honeycomb shades. These companies recognize that seeing and touching samples helps customers understand the texture, color, and quality of products before making a significant investment in window treatments for their homes.

Award Blinds

Award Blinds operates a sample program that includes various types of window treatments, with specific mention of cellular/honeycomb shades among their offerings. The company has implemented a digital sample cart system that allows customers to manage their sample selections online. This feature enables users to track which samples they've requested and plan their sampling process efficiently.

The Award Blinds website categorizes their samples by product type, including: - Wood Blinds - Faux Wood Blinds - Aluminum Blinds - Cellular/Honeycomb Shades - Woven Wood Bamboo Shades - Roman Shades - Pleated Shades - Roller & Solar Shades - Vertical Blinds - Sheer Window Shadings

This comprehensive selection allows customers to compare different options, particularly within the cellular and honeycomb shade category, to determine which best suits their needs and home décor.

Factory Direct Blinds

Factory Direct Blinds emphasizes customer satisfaction through their free sample program, which specifically includes cordless honeycomb shades. The company positions these samples as tools for customers to "get a first-hand look at the products" and make informed decisions about materials and colors. Beyond visual assessment, Factory Direct Blinds highlights that samples allow customers to understand practical aspects such as installation considerations, including how to manage features like hanging lift tilt cords.

The company's sample program is designed to address common consumer concerns about window treatments, providing tangible experiences before purchase. This approach aligns with their philosophy that "quality products can be affordable" and that customers should have access to a wide range of options.

Free Sample Program Details

Available Products

Both companies offer samples across their product lines, with specific emphasis on cellular and honeycomb shades. Factory Direct Blinds explicitly mentions "cordless honeycomb shade" samples, indicating that customers can request samples of this specific product configuration. Award Blinds lists cellular/honeycomb shades as a distinct category in their sampling program, suggesting they offer samples of various cellular shade options.

Ordering Process

The process for ordering free samples varies slightly between companies:

• Award Blinds utilizes a "Free Samples Cart" system that appears to function similarly to a shopping cart, allowing customers to add and manage their sample selections online. The website indicates that users can view their sample cart, which displays the current number of samples selected.

• Factory Direct Blinds requires that samples be "ordered separately" and specifies that they "cannot be placed with an order for blinds or shades." This distinction suggests that the sampling process is entirely separate from the purchasing process, with dedicated ordering mechanisms for samples.

Shipping Information

Shipping policies differ between the companies and based on customer location:

• Factory Direct Blinds provides clear shipping details:

  • Free shipping via USPS for customers in the 48 continental United States
  • Delivery timeframe of three-to-five business days
  • A shipping cost of $15.00 applies to all sample shipments to Canada or Hawaii

• Award Blinds does not explicitly state their shipping policy in the provided information, though their website includes a "Free Samples" section that likely contains these details.

Quantity Limits

Factory Direct Blinds specifies a maximum quantity of free samples: - Up to 10 free samples per customer - Limit of one sample per product type - This policy ensures customers can compare various options while managing inventory costs

Award Blinds does not mention quantity limits in the provided information, though their website includes a sample cart counter suggesting there may be restrictions on the number of samples that can be ordered at once.

Special Requirements

Both companies establish specific parameters for their sample programs:

• Factory Direct Blinds requires that samples be ordered separately from actual product purchases
• No explicit purchase requirements are mentioned for either company's sample programs
• Factory Direct Blinds notes that samples are provided to help customers "get a first-hand look at the products" and "make an informed decision about the materials and colors"

Benefits of Ordering Free Shade Samples

Visual Assessment

Free samples allow customers to evaluate the actual appearance of cellular and honeycomb shades in their home environment. Lighting conditions, wall colors, and existing furnishings can significantly affect how window treatments appear, making in-person assessment invaluable.

Material Evaluation

The tactile experience of handling samples helps customers understand the texture, weight, and quality of materials. This is particularly important for cellular shades, as the fabric composition affects both durability and insulating properties.

Color Matching

Shade colors can appear different under various lighting conditions and when viewed against different backgrounds. Samples enable precise color matching with existing décor elements.

Size and Fit Assessment

While samples don't represent the full-sized product, they provide a sense of scale and how the shades might look when installed at window size.

Installation Understanding

Factory Direct Blinds specifically mentions that samples help customers understand "how you'll manage installation issues, such as hanging lift tilt cords." This practical benefit can prevent surprises during actual installation.

How to Make the Most of Your Free Shade Samples

Plan Your Sampling Strategy

Given the potential limit of 10 samples per customer (at Factory Direct Blinds), it's strategic to prioritize which specific products and colors to sample. Consider: - The primary rooms where you'll install shades - Existing color schemes in your home - Light control needs for different spaces - Privacy requirements

Compare Side by Side

When multiple samples arrive, compare them directly under the same lighting conditions. This reveals subtle differences in color, texture, and opacity that might not be apparent when viewed separately.

Test in Different Lighting Conditions

Move samples between rooms with varying natural light to see how they perform and appear under different lighting scenarios throughout the day.

Consider Mounting Options

Evaluate how samples might look with inside mount versus outside mount configurations, if applicable to your installation plans.

Document Your Findings

Take notes and photographs of samples in your actual environment. This documentation can be helpful when making your final decision and when placing your order.

Conclusion

Free sample programs for cellular and honeycomb shades provide valuable resources for consumers considering window treatments. Companies like Award Blinds and Factory Direct Blinds offer these samples with specific terms regarding quantities, shipping, and ordering processes. By taking advantage of these programs, customers can make more informed decisions about their window treatment purchases, ensuring both aesthetic satisfaction and functional appropriateness for their homes.

The opportunity to test products before purchase addresses common concerns about color matching, material quality, and installation requirements. While each company's program has distinct characteristics, both share the goal of helping customers achieve satisfaction with their window treatment investments.

For those considering cellular or honeycomb shades, exploring these sample programs can provide the confidence needed to select the perfect window treatments for their homes.

Sources

1. Award Blinds Free Samples
2. Factory Direct Blinds Free Samples