Should You Get Blinds at Costco? Read My Honest Review

Last month, I embarked on a journey to upgrade my window treatments from old plastic venetian blinds to wider wooden blinds. However, the experience turned out to be far from pleasant, leading to a series of comedic misadventures.

A couple of years ago, I had a positive experience ordering and installing a shutter set from Blinds.com, which worked out quite well. This time around, I opted for Lowes, attracted by their range of offerings from Levelor, Graber, and Bali (made by Graber). After carefully selecting a custom 2-inch wide style of wooden blinds in the Bali brand, I was assured that these blinds were proudly labeled as “Made in the U.S.A.”

Upon installation, it quickly became apparent that these blinds were far from perfect. Many of the blind slats failed to move, remaining either closed or open, while the “cordless” feature, meant to simplify operation, hilariously refused to work as intended. It felt like a scene from a classic comedy, complete with unexpected pratfalls!

Returning these malfunctioning blinds led to a comedic showdown with the customer service representatives, featuring classic lines such as “We’ve never seen this issue before” and “Sorry, no refunds from the manufacturer”. And the punchline? The promised full refund turned out to be more of a comedic math problem, resulting in about a 90% refund. To top it off, the supposed “Made in America” blinds were later revealed to be “Made in Mexico” upon closer investigation. It was like uncovering a plot twist straight out of a daytime soap opera!

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So, after going through lots of customer complaints on places like Yelp, it seems like the window treatment industry has a big problem with quality control. It turns out that just a couple of companies make most of the blinds and shades, so whether you’re buying from big stores like Lowes or Home Depot, or smaller local shops, you might run into issues because they all get their products from the same sources. Costco stands out with their “customer is always right” policy, which some installers aren’t too happy about because Costco will refund the customer if they’re not satisfied. And hey, if you’re a Costco member, you can save up to 35% on their monthly deals!

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As I bid adieu to the old plastic blinds, I’ve resolved to approach future endeavors in the window treatment realm with cautious optimism. I didn’t want to deal with all the hassle; those blinds were just plain junk. So, I’ve made a decision: I’ll only be ordering wood venetian blinds for one window, and I’m leaning towards trying out an online retailer like SelectBlinds. Their DIY installation option and custom samples are a game-changer. Ordering samples was a lifesaver; they arrived quickly and helped me match colors and understand textures better. I even got 9 different linen samples for our roman shades to ensure I made the right choice. Plus, with SelectBlinds, you can enjoy a 40% discount on your order with the coupon code YT40. It’s a win-win situation – your blinds arrive on time, and you get to install them yourself hassle-free!

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And guess what? I also checked out JCPenney for blinds, and I was really surprised by what I found. While it might not be the first place you think of for blinds, don’t underestimate JCPenney’s wide selection of colors, styles, prices, and materials for shades that suit your needs perfectly. Prices start at just $40, which is a steal! However, it’s worth noting that JCPenney no longer offers in-home custom window treatments, so you’ll need to handle the installation and measuring yourself. But don’t worry, you can have the blinds shipped directly to your door or opt for same-day, in-store pickup if it’s available in your area. Just remember, if you decide to go for custom shades made to your exact specifications, you’ll only have 24 hours to cancel your order for a refund, so be sure to double-check your measurements before ordering. Plus, with JCPenney’s Friends & Family Sale, you can enjoy up to 40% off your order, with an extra 30% off using the coupon code 4FAMILY until March 18, 2024.

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In the end, as the sun streams in through my window, I find myself reflecting on this uproarious journey and the valuable lessons it has imparted. As a long-term Lowes customer, I’ve gained newfound wariness regarding their install products, recognizing the need for thorough research and consideration before diving into the next window treatment escapade. Any other thoughts or suggestions are warmly welcomed, as I embark on this new chapter of window treatment wisdom.