It’s about people, process and product.
If you’ve ever seen entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis on his reality show, The Profit, you know he focuses on these three things as the keys to business success.
Those same “3 Ps of business” are good measures for choosing a flooring store in Texas, or anywhere in the country really.
Think about it. You might have three stores selling the same brand, but if one doesn’t deliver on time (the process) and another isn’t clear about fees (the people), which would you rather do business with?
Let’s break down the 3 Ps into what you should look for in a flooring store.
1. People
“Businesses are based on relationships and relationships are based on people, so surround yourself with good people.” – Marcus Lemonis Truer words cannot be said when it comes to business, especially for small businesses serving customers in the local community. Quality products are only part of the equation. You still want them to be supplied and serviced by good people for a great experience. In light of this…
Look for experienced and honest salespeople
The salesperson should have the experience to guide you and the honesty to be upfront about your best options. To give you an example, there have been times we’ve reduced a sale by pointing a customer to a less expensive product because it met their needs better. This should be expected.
Are they upfront about all costs and fees involved?
Nothing’s worse than getting surprise fees for floor prep, installation or materials. Your salesperson should be clear about all costs and include everything in your quote.
They should be good at communication and follow-up
Stores and contractors get busy, of course, but their people should do an exceptionally good job at customer service. This includes returning your calls and staying in touch throughout your entire project.
Look for an experienced and certified installation team
Some of the big-box stores work with various third-party contractors and the customer doesn’t always know who they’re dealing with. Make sure your flooring dealer has its own installation team with the experience to do a great job. Our installers are often praised for the quality of work they do and we’re proud to have them on our team.
2. Process
According to Marcus, a business needs to work in an efficient and productive manner to succeed. This means having a good process to keep things running smoothly and, most importantly, to keep customers happy.
Are customers happy? Look for positive reviews
Google, Facebook, Yelp – these are all platforms where reviews can’t be edited or removed by the business. Look for reviews that show customers are happy with the service (or process), as well as the quality of the product.
Make sure they can work within your timeframe
Although the industry is still seeing some shipping delays (see our post on the State of the Flooring Industry), a good flooring store will be able to work with you to get your project done on time or make sure you can choose from readily available materials that will work with your timeline.
Can they warehouse your order?
Believe it or not, most flooring stores don’t have their own warehouses. This makes a difference when you’re aligning delivery and installation dates. If the material is delivered, but there’s a delay in getting on your contractor’s schedule, guess where the flooring supplies will sit for a few weeks? In your house.
3. Product
As Marcus says, a business needs to offer the right products for its customers. Does your flooring store offer the right products for you?
Look for a selection of top-quality flooring brands
To ensure you get the best flooring possible, look for a store with an assortment of quality flooring brands to choose from. Some brands are best for families concerned with wear and tear. Others are best for those who want top-trending looks. No matter what you seek, your store should have a quality product that fits your needs and looks great. A good warranty doesn’t hurt either.
Do they offer flooring warranties?
Nothing shows a company believes in its product like a warranty. There are flooring brands offering 10-year, 20-year and even lifetime warranties. Ask about warranties for flooring and for installation as well.
We hope these tips will help you choose a flooring store. While some may be obvious, they’re a good reminder that the store’s people and service are just as important as the product.
We like to think we’re a good example of all the items above, but we’ll let you decide. Contact us for a free quote to find out.
