Update week of 10-13-08

We are plugging along here at CDT. Our traffic is down some, but many designers are reporting that they are still busy. If you are not, don't forget to contact your past costomers. Be proactive---don't wait for them to come to you!

We have had a good year so far, and are doing everthing possible to keep it that way. Just in case, however, we are doing some small things to economize:

From now until further notice, you may each have 5 free color copies per visit. After that, we will revert back to the $1.00 apiece, like we used to do. It's amazing how much we spend on ink cartridges. You can print most things from home now, and of course, there will be no charge for black and whites.

We will be stricter with our credit terms, particularly with those who chronically pay late. You will receive a notice in your next invoice as to the details. If you typically pay on time, this will not apply to you. We are sorry about this, but cash flow management is very important and it's a real problem to have too many overdue receivables. I would also suggest that you be careful to get a substantial deposit from your customers to protect yourselves.

There are a few things that you can do to help us, in addition to paying promptly. Please remember to patronize CDT, Design d'Vision, and the other small, privately owned showrooms whenever possible. The big, corporately owned showrooms will always survive, but us little guys need your support in tough economic times.

Also, please use cash or checks whenever possible. Credit card fees are a gigantic expense.

We have several lines here at CDT that are geared toward a budget minded client, such as Robert Allen @ Home, and Duralee's Suburban Home. There are several promotionally priced groups from Hunter Douglas. We now carry a very nice alternative to Luminette, called Provenaire, that is VERY well priced. Be sure to consider these optons for your clients on a budget. Don't forget Lane, Thomas Lawrence, and Butler for economical case goods and accent pieces. Just ask us, and we will be happy to steer you toward more affordable items.

As I said, many designers are still busy, so our higher end items like Century and Bausman are still in demand.
However we can be of assistance, just let us know. We will be happy to help.

We have a LOT of new accessories on the floor, and as usual they are flying out the door! Stop in and see for yourself.

As a reminder, there are new prices effective Monday, October 20 for both Chelsea House and Brimar.

We have plenty of copies of the Minutes Matter floor planning and window treatment design software here at CDT. If you would like a demonstration, Wendy and Andrea are both available to help. If your business is slow, this is an ideal time to get this program and learn to use it. That way, when things pick back up, you will be poised for greater than ever success.