The short answer
Short answer: because the word shutter covers products that are not remotely comparable. Material, where it is made, frame and hinge specification, who fits it, and how the sales visit is paid for account for almost the whole gap between two quotes on the same bay.
- Biggest driver
- Material and where it is made
- Hidden driver
- Commission-based sales visits
- Our model
- Family run, own fitters
The seven real differences
Ask about each of these and the price gap usually explains itself.
- Material: engineered core versus hardwood versus waterproof ABS
- Where the panels are made and how they are shipped
- Frame depth and profile, which decides how the shutter sits in the recess
- Hinge type and finish, hidden hinges cost more
- Louvre size, larger louvres cost more per panel
- Whether fitting is by the company or a subcontracted fitter
- How the sales visit is funded, commission has to come from somewhere
The discount that is not a discount
A price that halves if you sign tonight was never the real price. We quote one number, in writing, and it is the same number next week.
How to compare like for like
Get every quote to state material, louvre size, frame and hinge. Then compare. Where a quote will not state those things, that is the answer.
Common questions
Are imported shutters bad?
Not automatically, but lead times, remakes and after-sales support are harder, and a poor batch is difficult to put right.
Why are some fitters so much cheaper?
Usually a lighter frame, surface hinges, a smaller louvre or a supply-only price with fitting charged separately.
Should I pay for a survey?
No need. Ours is free and there is no obligation attached to it.
Does a showroom make it more expensive?
Not in our case. Our showroom is in Stockton Heath and it exists so you can handle the samples before you commit.