I received a phone call a few days ago from a potential new client who seemed very familiar with my work and was very enthusiastic about potentially working with me for her custom window treatments. Of course, I was very thrilled to hear from a potential new client, but my company’s policy is to qualify each prospect to see if we are on the same page and would want to work together. One of the questions I always ask is “how did they learn about Casa Vilora Interiors“. It always warms my heart when their answer is “I was referred by __________”

This prospect had just moved into a beautiful new home in a great subdivision with a very active social networking presence on FaceBook and their website. She had actually called in another decorating company to provide her with drapery design ideas, fabric selections and a quote for her window treatments. Somehow she wasn’t very happy with them (I have gotten that a lot about this particular company) and so she reached out to her community online message board for a referral. Sure enough, one of my past clients was very happy to give her my contact information. This is great! This particular past client has already referred 3 other friends to me in the past year since I finished her project. The power of a satisfied client! Imagine if it had gone the other way?

I am now in the process of designing a whole house of window treatments and I am absolutely thrilled. After meeting this lady, I knew right away what she needed based on the existing pieces she owned and recently purchased, and based on the in depth conversation we had. I know she is looking forward to my presentation next week, just as I am.

As I always do with referrals. I contacted my past client to thank her. Usually with an email followed by a card. Her exact words were “Veronica, you are too good not to share”. Well that just made my day, week, month and year! That’s the best news you can get from a client! It is what I thrive on and aim to do with every project I am involved with. I always treat my clients the way I would like to be treated. It’s as simple as that!

Speaking of referrals, I just received the front door to my new home that I ordered over a month and a half ago. The door guy promised me a two week turn-around. Not only were there several delays and poor excuses, he wasn’t calling to let me know what was going on. I had to call each time. I mean literally five different times he told me I would have the door by so-and-so and each time a stupid excuse, and always someone else’s fault. You know who won’t be getting any referrals from me? My door drama is behind me, and I’m just glad that he didn’t run off with my cash, because I sure as heck wondered about that in the process.

Please leave me a comment below about a time you received such good customer service from a company or individual that you had to refer them to a friend or family. Or even a bad experience you’ve had. We all have a story to tell I’m sure

Wow, I am almost done with my post and no picture so far? That’s not right! Here’s some eye candy for you. Tell me what, if anything, you like about this beautiful vignette. I’m not opposed to a second comment

And of course the big moment you all have been waiting for…………The big reveal!!! This is where I answer “What the Heck Is It?”

If you saw my previous post for Thursday titled “What The Heck Is It?” where you had to guess the name of the product or tool I had pictured in the post and what it is used for, today I reveal the answer!! Here’s a picture to refresh your memories.

Are you ready to find out “What The Heck Is It?”!!!

Here goes!!

It is called a curve template. It is used for creating a template for a curved wall. You basically loosen all the locking knobs and place the black strip against the curved wall, then tighten each locking knobs until it follows the curve of the wall. The template will capture accurately the curve of the wall. The template is then placed on the top or bottom edge onto brown paper where the curve is transferred or traced using a pencil. The brown paper is then sent to the rod manufacturer to create the custom curved rod. The template is just a tool and is not what the drapery or tapestry will hang from. I’ve used this tool for curved or bowed walls on staircases where we need to have a custom curved rod made to hang tapestry or drapery. Very handy product and easy to use.

No one actually guessed correctly this time, but thanks for trying and thanks for participating. Dov Shapira with Shapira Builders came somewhat near the right use for it but in a goofy way

Please contact me for information about my decorating and remodeling services and to connect on social media.

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Thanks for reading and have a fantastic Friday!

Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon