In my typical wheeler dealer lifestyle, I first went to the Hunter Douglas dealer at Plaza Las Americas. To try to see if a better price was available I then went to the one at Plaza Nichupte. There was a factory promotion in effect of 30% off the list prices. Both dealers told me that they could not sell for less than the HD published list prices. I already knew that the dealer paid for the installation costs out of their commission, so I suggested if they installed them for free, it would be a good deal for both of us. They declined, so I went back to PLA and tried to get free installation. I failed there as well even after using the old "isn't some profit better than none" logic, which fell on deaf ears, which I had already tried on the PN dealer. So now I had burnt bridges at both of those dealers. Knowing exactly what I wanted I then went to a third dealer, Galeazzi, which is on Coba, a block to the right of La Creperia. There I met Alejandra, who by the way speaks perfect English and used to live in Orlando. The first thing I did was ask what the installation cost per window. She looked at me like I was nuts (maybe I am) and she said "with Hunter Douglas products, installation is part of the price. I told her what I wanted, complete with measurments. She started writing the prices down, took off the 30% promotion, which by the way they run it like a month, don't for a month, etc. etc. Next she did some math and took off some more money. I was watching her write and since I knew where we would end up. I was keeping up fine until then, with my upside down reading. When I asked what she was doing, she explained (this I already knew) that all prices in Mexico are inclusive of IVA. Then, here comes the big surprise. The Hunter Douglas list prices (including taxes) are for all of Mexico. Well, all of Mexico, except at least Cancun and maybe all of QR, has an IVA rate of 15% while here, as we all know, it is 10%. So this wonderful Alejandra was taking off 1/3 of the taxes, that let me remind you, the PLA dealer and the Nichupte dealer, were surely going to pocket, in my opinion. BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I SAVE A COUPLE THOUSAND PESOS and I did not try to negotiate even one peso with Alejandra. The correct tax rate and not getting jammed for installation was a wonderful savings. I probably won't, but I probably should, go back to the other 2 dealers and tell them what they already know, that to me this seems like they are crooks. And both of these owners/managers had the chance to make some profit, rather than none, and both chose to make NONE. ABOUT THE INSTALLATION - Two guys came, right on time and left my place clean and looking good. The lady next door, one floor up, is grateful not to see me prancing around in my undies anymore, and she can no longer monitor the porno on my TV. SERVICE AFTER THE SALE - After the guys left, and I had signed off on the work, I noticed that the "puller" or whatever it is called, on two windows with identical dimensions, were reversed. I made an appointment for today to get this changed. Alejandra confirmed the appointment yesterday, called again today to say the guy was running a few minutes late and asked if it was a problem for me. I am betting she will call me later to follow up and make sure today's work was to my satisfaction. BOTTOM LINE - Hunter Douglas is more affordable than you may think and the quality is supurb. I recommend this firm without any hesitation. If you are considering new blinds, you can reach Alejandra at 884-8174.
Well, I don't even know what Hunter Douglas is but will look it up. What I do know is that your logic of "something is better than nothing" is an alien concept here. The idea is to raise the price as much as possible and if the competition raises the prices, you do the same--no sense in him making more than you. Lowering prices or giving better service or quality for the same money must be some foreign notion. Not sure where you got that from.
Jim, Hunter Douglas is high end, high quality window blinds, the things you see covering windows that are NOT bed sheets. They are actually cheaper, when they run the 30% off promo, than those you see in Home Depot back after the Paint Dept. I just was so pleased with the entire transaction.
I looked them up--too late it seems as I just paid about $4,000 usd for curtains, persianas and drapes for my new place although I am pleased with the quality and pricing of what I got from a local company. Learn something new every day (if I'm lucky).
5 tall windows of Roman-style curtains with the up and down pull string, 6 meter-wide vertical persianas leading to the terraza, decorative sheers over those, to pull chain type for two doors leading onto the other terrace and one horizontal persiana at the kitchen window--that's all.
We planted trees and a garden in front of our windows. With how fast things grow here we no longer need curtains. Of course now we need a full-time gardener to keep up with our jungle...
Hunter Douglas Shutters I am trying to contact Alejandra in Coba for Douglas hunter shutter for my Condo at Tao Residential within Bahia Principe hotel complex. Can you confirm her complete phone number. I am calling from Canada. Her telephone number 9848848174 is always busy. Appreciate your help. Thanks
