Have used Shades in Hawthorn before so went straight back to them for plantation shutters
Great product and service

Approximate cost: $4000

Guarantee on Manufacturing and Workmanship NOT HONOURED!

As stated in all email communication from Shades "All goods guaranteed against faulty materials & workmanship as per manufacturers warranty"

Shades have failed to honour what they agreed were workmanship errors on the manufacture and installation of a number of shutters. They have additionally blamed us for costing them money for electing to accept their offer for us to return the faulty shutters (it is worth noting they made this offer without prompt or specific request). We did insist they accepted the kitchen shutters back (one window adjust to the French doors) as we were not going to be able to replace the French Doors through another company and get them to match easily. However the other shutters being at the other end of the house were far enough away for any subtle difference to not be noticeable.

Shades were originally accommodating (with measuring up etc) ... but when an issue arose (which is when you need to know you can rely on a company and their promises) ... interactions with them became negative and strained. Interestingly we disovered our Interior Designer had a similar issue with them 15 years ago.

Deceptively Shades waited to reneg on their guarantee until an outstanding balance was cleared (which remained as they didn't process a payment prior to the installation date).

We have been called "unreasonable" and accused of "sen[ding] quality shutters to the tip" and told that "if Karma does exist, as [Shades] believe it does, you are getting off to a very bad start in your new place"

At the suggestion of Shades we sought a second professional opinion and shared the feedback: "... the kitchen blinds are not wide enough and the solution employed for the French doors is unusual ...". They were hesitant in criticising the work, as no one likes to pull apart someone else's work, but highlighted clear measuring and fitting errors.

It does remain if the errors didn't exist then no-one would have faced any impact / loss.

Shades installed 7 blinds for me. I got a couple of quotes and they were slightly cheaper but I liked there range the best. I just wanted middle range basic blinds and although there was no specific problems with service, I got the impression they were not too happy to waste there time on me and when they first came out to quote I don't think the lady thought I was a genuine customer because she did such a basic job at measuring the windows up, she had to come back out a second time. But the price and finished product wad good so I'd recommend you atleast get a quote from them especially if you are in the area.

We have had Holland blinds installed in three of our rooms. We were able to arrange a measure and quote with sample materials quite quickly and at a time that suited us. There was a waiting time of about 4 weeks while the blinds were made. Once they were ready, they fitted them within a few days. There were no problems and the blinds are fine. Shades also supplied and installed timber venetians for me about 15 years ago so the business seems to be in for the long haul.

Approximate cost: $800