The custom window treatment industry, like many other suppliers around the globe, is experiencing extended backorders and unprecedented delays. These delays could affect your custom window treatment orders. Most window treatments can be ordered, manufactured and shipped in 3-4 weeks. Depending on where they are manufactured, some products could be delivered in as little as 10 working days. Our world has changed. We now have lead times of 5-6 weeks for most products and 12 for specialty-shaped items. Operations are still affected by global Budget Blinds supply chain, labor and logistic limitations.
There’s hope! Budget Blinds is North America’s largest custom window treatment provider. This means that we offer the most diverse selection of products from as many manufacturers as possible. These include Hunter Douglas, Lutron and Norman Window Fashions. Enlightened Style is just a few. Our design consultants can recommend the best products for the lowest price and take shipping times into account. We can create a customized solution for you and your business, based on your requirements and the constantly changing global environment. We can swap to another manufacturer if one manufacturer is experiencing a delay. We have choices. There are many things that we can’t control.
Budget Blinds Trucking/Shipping
Shipping delays are common because of unpredictable lead times. Orders are not shipped by date. They will be shipped based on the size of the aircraft or truck available. Larger orders might take longer to ship than smaller ones. Longer packages can take longer to arrive than shorter ones. It does not necessarily mean that a shipment isn’t moving. It’s just waiting for the right space. We don’t know if the package you have ordered for your Colorado Springs home is still waiting for fuel or a driver to get it on its way to Colorado Springs.
Here’s an example of communication from one our most Trusted Manufacturers
Budget Blinds shipment delays are increasing. We wanted to inform you about what’s happening and what it means for your service.
The first is that there isn’t enough international air freight capacity. DHL informed us that their volume has increased 78% in comparison to last year. FedEx said that shipping volumes are at their target level for 2026. UPS is also in this situation. DHL is currently adding planes but we are seeing delays in shipments Budget Blinds as they wait to get on planes.
The second problem is US domestic delivery. DHL can’t find enough staff at their Cincinnati hub so Budget Blinds are having to divert full aircraft into Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami in order to clear customs. They are waiting for domestic flights when shipments have been cleared. When they reach local service centers, they wait for trucks and drivers.
The freight costs are rising. The custom window treatment manufacturers increased shipping costs to us after delaying for as long as they could. While we have tried to absorb as much as possible, freight companies continue to change their requirements and increase shipping costs. Freight companies have reduced the maximum ship length (e.g., a very large shade) before oversize shipping charges are incurred. Manufacturers are responding by removing the option to have wider window treatments.
Budget Blinds Supply Chain
Suppliers are experiencing more frequent stock-outs of critical parts. This has led to an increase in backorders, and sometimes even complete production stops for some products. This is often due to small things, such as paint availability or chips for automated wifi hubs. Paint availability and chips for automated WiFi hubs. This is not a forecast and we cannot predict when it could change. We can only respond to information. Sometimes, we are informed about stock levels before your product ships. We are confident that our manufacturing partners will do everything possible to prevent this. We have so many manufacturers and products that we can choose from, so if one product has extended backorders, we will usually suggest an alternative product.
Budget Blinds Labor
There have been labor issues in many industries. In short supply, manufacturers cannot respond to an increase in demand without hiring more workers. The port situation in Los Angeles is one example of the impact that a labor shortage can have on businesses across the US. Staffing shortages have caused many to close schools and restaurants, as well as closing their dining rooms. Our small business in Colorado Springs isn’t immune to this problem. Our dedicated team works hard every day to provide the best customer service, but the labor shortage has left us in a situation where we are chronically short-staffed for at least 18 months.
Budget Blinds Lead Times
We used to give an estimated time for installation for all orders. We have now seen lead times range from 3 to 15 weeks. We only give an estimate of when your window treatments will arrive. This is based on the information and moving targets available at that time. Since we don’t want you to be disappointed if your window treatments arrive late, we have asked our Design Consultants not to give us any more best guesses. We don’t like to hear bad news more than you would like. Remember that the products you receive from us are not available until they are ordered for your windows. These products are custom made and not available in stock. We look forward to serving you
We do our best to provide solutions that can be manufactured and installed in your home within 4 to 6 weeks. Although we often beat this time frame, there are times when we miss it due to a combination. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
We are proud to offer a superior experience to our El Paso neighbors. We are the most reviewed custom window treatment company in Pikes Peak Region. In fact, we have been voted Best Employee and Best of Springs for the past two years. We are sorry for any unanticipated delays or problems. We are unable to think of any other way we or our team could have made this better. The situation is changing every day and different suppliers have told us different things. We can only tell you what we know. It has been extremely difficult to manage this situation.
We are grateful that you have placed your trust in Budget Blinds of Greater Colorado Springs for your custom window treatments. Every day we will do our best to provide you with the best service. We will one day settle down into a new norm. We offer the highest quality custom blinds, shades shutters and drapery to your homes and businesses.
Budget Blinds Level Orange/High Risk Protocol
El Paso County has moved from Level Red/Severe risk on the COVID-19 dial back down to Level Orange/High risk. This is encouraging news. We want to share how we will interact with you, our valued customers, as we continue to monitor all State and Local COVID-19 regulations.
Are you still available for in-home consultations and/or installations?
Yes, but with some restrictions. No touch, social distancing or masks are allowed in our Orange-Level/High Risk protocol. This applies to both our office and your workplace. We will continue to be vigilant as long as COVID-19 spreads.
