As always, there is a lot of news here at CDT! Upcoming events, marketing tips, sales and other useful information.
Are you a former furniture store designer who is now your own due to cutbacks? Or are you considering going out on your own after years of working retail?
We are considering hosting a focus group for all of you "retail refugees!" If you would be interested in meeting with a group of designers who share the same situation, please contact us at this e-mail and let us know what you would like this meeting to be like.
Would you like structure? If so, what topics?
Would you prefer just networking?
We would love to hear your thoughts, and to determine if there is enough interest to warrant an after-hours event here at CDT. We look forward to hearing from you.
New Hekman prices will be in effect as of 2/16 be sure to check in with us if you are working on a Hekman order.
Hunter Douglas Promos
Remember the terrific rebates available on select Hunter Douglas products. This is a great way to entice your customer to buy NOW! Refer to the CDT blog and scroll back a few e-mails to view the rebate list. Or call us at 847 394-1800 for details.
There is an additional promotion on Applause Sunterra Shades: In order to introduce you to the new Sunterra fabrics, there is a special price grid in the Hunter Douglas binder, which is good until May 4. Regular pricing will resume
May 5.
CDT will be hosting Hunter Douglas training classes
Beginner class: Wednesday, March 25, 10:00-12:00
Advanced class: Wednesday, April 1, 10:00-12:00
Please RSVP by March 20.
Valentines Day "Because We Love You" Sales seminar.
Due to the huge response to this program, we are no longer accepting reservations, and have started a waiting list. If you want to be on that list, please call the showroom. If there is enough interest,we will schedule a second date. If you are unable to attend, please let us know, so we can invite designers who are wait listed.
A helpful tip
Jody and Andrea have offered this time saving suggestion: If you are placing a COM order, come prepared with a small swatch or a GOOD color copy of your fabric. Attach it to a paper with the vendor name, pattern and color, width and repeat. Indicate which is the right side, which way is "UP" and if it is railroaded. Also indicate how many yards you are sending.
We need this info on EVERY COM order we place. This prevents many mistakes. Our vendors require it, and we insist on it for our protection, as well as yours. This is a great way to ensure that if there is an error on the way your fabric is applied to the frame, YOU have done your home work and are not to blame. If all these items are in place, the vendor will re-do the piece if there is an error. We strongly suggest you follow this procedure with ALL your COM orders, and with your local upholsterer and drapery workrooms.
If you come to CDT with this info ready, we can place your order that day. If we have to wait for you to call us with this info, your order will be delayed.
Marketing tip of the week
This is a feature we will try to include with each mailing. We will see how long it takes to run out of ideas! If anyone has an idea to share, we will pass it along, with your name credited, or you can remain anonymous! This first tip is from Vicki. I think some of you do this already, but here goes:
Many places (Wolf Camera, WalMart)that do photo developing also offer digitally produced photo albums in a variety of sizes. All you have to do is insert your disc, memory stick, or whatever into the machine, choose the album and page style and click and drag your photos on to the page. They print the book in about an hour. This is a great client gift with before and after photos! Can you imagine the response when they show their friends? The photos are just normal size or smaller, and you can crop, so they do not need to be really professional photos. You can add text, with comments, or messages of appreciation. I have a realtor friend that does this for every house she sells. It is even more powerful for our business.
I also think that this is a great way to do a portfolio. You can add photos, testimonials or other items (diplomas and certificates) that you have scanned.
If you are interested in doing this at home, Creative Memories has free software you can download. Then you can do your books at home. You then upload it to CM, type in your credit card number and the book arrives at your door in a week or two. They also have software that you can purchase that allows you to manipulate the photos in all sorts of ways, add all sorts of decorative elements and change the page layout to anything you like. You can make a spectacular portfolio... not to mention a great scrapbook. I will be happy to talk to you about this, and have an example of a book from Wolf and one from Creative Memories at the showroom.
Check it out at www.creativememories.com
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