Based on looking at the website Blindsdirect-london.co.uk, our review indicates some areas that could be improved for a comprehensive, trustworthy online presence. While the site offers essential information about their products and services, some critical elements commonly found on well-established e-commerce and service websites are noticeably absent. This impacts the overall user experience and the level of trust one might place in an online business.
Overall Review Summary:
- Website Design & User Experience: Adequate, but lacks modern sophistication and comprehensive navigation.
- Product Information Depth: Basic, could benefit from more detailed descriptions, specifications, and customer reviews.
- Transparency & Trust Signals: Lacking key trust-building elements such as clear company history, team information, and detailed FAQs.
- Customer Support Accessibility: Contact information is present, but lacks diverse options like live chat or a dedicated support portal.
- Security & Privacy: Basic policies are linked, but the overall security posture and transparency could be enhanced.
- Online Transaction Capability: Appears to be an inquiry-based site rather than a direct e-commerce platform.
- Overall Recommendation: Caution advised; suitable for initial inquiries, but users may need to seek further assurance offline.
For those seeking robust online purchasing experiences and comprehensive transparency, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk may fall short of expectations. Modern consumers often look for detailed product customisation, readily available customer testimonials, secure online payment gateways, and clear company information before committing to a purchase. The current setup leans more towards a brochure website, necessitating direct contact for most serious inquiries or transactions.
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- Key Features: Extensive range of blinds, curtains, shutters, and awnings. Free in-home consultation, measuring, and fitting service. Strong emphasis on design and style.
- Average Price: Mid-to-high range, reflecting bespoke service and quality materials.
- Pros: Renowned UK brand, professional service, wide selection, excellent customer support, comprehensive warranty.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than DIY options, requires appointment for consultation.
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- Key Features: Online-only retailer with a vast selection of made-to-measure blinds. Easy-to-use website for self-measurement and ordering. Free samples available.
- Average Price: Mid-range, offering competitive pricing for online ordering.
- Pros: Huge variety, competitive pricing, quick delivery, excellent online tools, strong customer reviews.
- Cons: Requires accurate self-measurement, no in-person consultation or fitting service.
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- Key Features: UK manufacturer and retailer of made-to-measure blinds. Focus on quality, craftsmanship, and direct-from-factory pricing.
- Average Price: Mid-range.
- Pros: Good value for money, quality products, responsive customer service, often runs promotions.
- Cons: Limited in-person interaction, reliance on self-measurement.
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- Key Features: Part of the Hillarys Group, offering a strong online proposition for made-to-measure blinds. User-friendly interface for design and ordering.
- Average Price: Mid-range.
- Pros: Reputable backing, extensive product range, good online design tools, reliable delivery.
- Cons: No fitting service, requires DIY installation.
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- Key Features: Offers a mix of ready-made and made-to-measure blinds, often paired with their extensive home furnishings range. Option for in-store consultation.
- Average Price: Budget to mid-range.
- Pros: Convenient for broader home shopping, good for ready-made options, physical stores for viewing products.
- Cons: Made-to-measure range might be less extensive than specialist retailers, fitting services may vary.
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- Key Features: Premium selection of blinds with options for expert measuring and fitting. Known for quality, service, and design consultation.
- Average Price: Higher-end.
- Pros: Exceptional customer service, high-quality products, professional measuring and fitting, reliable brand.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive, might have longer lead times.
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- Key Features: Wide array of ready-made blinds from various sellers. Good for budget-friendly options and quick delivery on standard sizes.
- Average Price: Budget to mid-range, highly variable by seller.
- Pros: Enormous selection, competitive pricing, fast shipping (especially with Prime), user reviews available.
- Cons: Quality can vary significantly, no customisation services, relies on DIY measurement and fitting.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Blindsdirect-london.co.uk Review & First Look
When first landing on Blindsdirect-london.co.uk, you’re greeted with a relatively straightforward, if somewhat dated, design. The homepage features a rotating banner showcasing different types of blinds, followed by clickable sections for various blind categories like vertical blinds, roller blinds, and Venetian blinds. The promise of “FREE MEASURING & FREE FITTING” is prominently displayed, which is certainly an attractive proposition for potential customers in London. However, the overall aesthetic feels a bit basic, lacking the polished, modern feel often associated with leading online retailers. For instance, according to a 2023 report by Statista, over 70% of UK consumers expect a seamless and visually appealing online experience from businesses. This site, while functional, doesn’t quite hit that mark.
Initial Impressions on Design and Navigation
The site’s navigation is simple, with clear links to Home, Blinds, Special Offers, Portfolio, and Contact. This minimalist approach ensures that users can find their way around without much difficulty. However, the design elements, such as the slide transitions and font choices, don’t convey a sense of cutting-edge professionalism. It feels more like a template-based site, which, while efficient for smaller businesses, can sometimes raise questions about the scalability and future-proofing of the online presence. The footer provides essential legal links like Terms of Use, Privacy & Cookie Policy, and Trading Terms, all powered by Yell Business, indicating a standard setup for local businesses.
Missing Trust and Engagement Elements
A significant area where Blindsdirect-london.co.uk falls short is in establishing immediate trust and engaging potential customers beyond basic product display. There’s no “About Us” section detailing the company’s history, mission, or the team behind the business. Trust signals like customer testimonials, star ratings prominently displayed, or links to independent review platforms (beyond Yell) are conspicuously absent from the homepage. A survey by BrightLocal in 2022 revealed that 89% of consumers are highly likely to use a business if it has positive online reviews. Without these, potential customers might hesitate, especially when considering a significant home improvement purchase. Furthermore, there’s no blog or news section, which could provide valuable content, design inspiration, or maintenance tips, enriching the user’s journey and boosting SEO.
Blindsdirect-london.co.uk Pros & Cons
Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of Blindsdirect-london.co.uk, keeping in mind what a discerning customer in the UK would expect from a modern online business, especially one involved in home improvements.
The Upsides: What Works Well
- Clear Service Proposition: The headline “FREE MEASURING & FREE FITTING” is a massive draw. For anyone looking to purchase blinds, the convenience and cost savings associated with professional measurement and installation are significant. This is a strong unique selling proposition (USP) that immediately captures attention.
- Local Focus: Being “London.co.uk” suggests a dedicated service for the London area. This local specialisation can appeal to customers who prefer supporting local businesses and benefit from direct, personalised service.
- Direct Contact Information: Prominent phone numbers (0203 488 1466 and 0800 210 0567) make it easy for potential customers to get in touch. This direct line of communication is essential for service-based businesses.
- Simple Product Categorisation: The immediate display of Vertical Blinds, Roller Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Roman Blinds, Pleated Blinds, and Commercial Blinds allows users to quickly navigate to the specific product type they are interested in.
- Special Offers Section: A dedicated “Special Offers” page is a good way to attract price-sensitive customers and encourage immediate inquiries.
The Downsides: Areas for Improvement
- Lack of Online Transaction Capability: The website appears to be primarily a lead generation tool, requiring customers to call for orders. In today’s e-commerce driven world, the absence of an online shop, quote builder, or even a detailed inquiry form can be a significant hurdle. A study by Statista in 2023 showed that online retail sales in the UK reached over £100 billion, highlighting the expectation for direct online purchasing.
- Limited Product Details: While categories are listed, there’s a scarcity of detailed product descriptions, material specifications, colour options, or pricing information without direct contact. This makes it difficult for customers to make informed decisions before reaching out.
- Absence of Customer Reviews/Testimonials: No visible customer reviews or testimonials on the homepage or dedicated pages. Social proof is crucial for building trust and credibility, especially for service-based businesses.
- Basic Website Design: The design is functional but lacks the modern, aesthetically pleasing interface found on many competitor sites. Dated design can sometimes convey a perception of a less professional or less up-to-date business.
- No “About Us” Page: Without a clear “About Us” or “Our Story” section, it’s hard for potential customers to learn about the company’s background, values, or expertise. This missing piece hinders the development of trust and connection.
- Limited Content and Resources: No blog, FAQs, or resource centre to address common customer queries, provide design inspiration, or offer maintenance tips. This absence reduces the site’s value as an informational hub and limits its SEO potential.
- Reliance on Yell Business: While “Powered by Yell Business” ensures basic legal compliance, it also suggests a potentially limited customisation and advanced functionality that bespoke websites offer.
- No Live Chat or Diverse Support Options: While a phone number is provided, the absence of live chat, a comprehensive contact form, or email addresses beyond a generic one limits the ways customers can seek support.
- No clear Returns Policy or Warranty Information: While “Trading Terms” are linked, explicit, easy-to-find information on warranties, guarantees, or returns on the main site navigation would build more confidence.
In summary, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk excels in highlighting its core service value (free measuring and fitting) and providing direct contact. However, it falls short on modern e-commerce expectations, digital trust signals, and rich content that would elevate it from a basic brochure site to a comprehensive online presence. Pirnmillengineering.co.uk Review
Blindsdirect-london.co.uk Alternatives
When evaluating alternatives to Blindsdirect-london.co.uk, it’s essential to consider a range of providers that offer robust online experiences, transparent pricing, and a strong emphasis on customer trust and quality. These alternatives often provide more detailed product information, customer reviews, and diverse ways to engage with their services.
Leading UK Blinds Retailers and Services
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Hillarys: As one of the UK’s largest providers, Hillarys offers a comprehensive service from in-home consultation to fitting. Their website is rich with design inspiration, detailed product specifications, and numerous customer testimonials. They have a strong brand reputation and a wide network of local advisors.
- Website: Hillarys
- Key Advantage: Full-service model with expert advice and fitting.
- Trust Factor: Highly established brand, extensive customer reviews.
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Blinds2go: For those comfortable with DIY measuring and fitting, Blinds2go provides a vast online selection of made-to-measure blinds at competitive prices. Their website is highly intuitive, allowing for easy customisation and ordering, backed by a large library of customer images and reviews.
- Website: Blinds2go
- Key Advantage: Wide variety, excellent online tools, quick delivery.
- Trust Factor: High volume of positive online reviews, clear measuring guides.
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Direct Blinds: Another strong online contender, Direct Blinds manufactures and sells directly, aiming for good value. Their site features detailed product filters, clear pricing, and customer support. They often provide discounts and promotions.
- Website: Direct Blinds
- Key Advantage: Direct from manufacturer pricing, regular offers.
- Trust Factor: Established online presence, good product transparency.
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Web-Blinds: Part of the Hillarys Group, Web-Blinds focuses on online sales, providing a user-friendly platform for ordering made-to-measure blinds. It combines the broad selection and quality of the Hillarys brand with the convenience of online shopping. Dyerfarm.co.uk Review
- Website: Web-Blinds
- Key Advantage: Reputable brand backing, extensive product range online.
- Trust Factor: Association with Hillarys, clear online process.
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Dunelm: While primarily a homeware retailer, Dunelm offers a significant range of ready-made and made-to-measure blinds. Their online presence allows for browsing, and physical stores provide an opportunity to see products in person. They focus on affordability and style.
- Website: Dunelm Blinds
- Key Advantage: Broad product ecosystem, blend of online and in-store.
- Trust Factor: Well-known high street brand, customer service infrastructure.
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John Lewis: For a premium experience, John Lewis provides high-quality blinds and a bespoke measuring and fitting service. Their website showcases their commitment to quality and design, appealing to customers seeking luxury and unparalleled service.
- Website: John Lewis Blinds
- Key Advantage: Premium quality, exceptional service, strong brand reputation.
- Trust Factor: Highly trusted UK retailer, comprehensive guarantees.
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Amazon UK: For budget-conscious buyers or those looking for standard-sized ready-made options, Amazon UK offers a vast marketplace of blinds from various sellers. While lacking customisation, the convenience and quick delivery are significant.
- Website: Amazon UK Blinds
- Key Advantage: Wide selection, competitive pricing, fast shipping.
- Trust Factor: Established platform, relies on seller ratings and reviews.
These alternatives generally provide a more robust online experience, offering detailed product information, customer reviews, online purchasing options, and clearer trust signals that are crucial for today’s digital consumer. Cotton-street.co.uk Review
Understanding Blindsdirect-london.co.uk Pricing
Based on the Blindsdirect-london.co.uk website, there is no explicit pricing information available for any of their products or services. This is a significant observation for potential customers. Unlike many modern e-commerce sites where you can select a product, configure it (e.g., size, colour, material), and immediately see the price, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk operates differently.
The Pricing Model: Inquiry-Based
The implied pricing model is an inquiry-based system. This means that to get a quote or understand the cost of any blinds, potential customers must:
- Call them directly using the provided phone numbers (e.g., 0203 488 1466).
- Presumably, they would then arrange a “FREE MEASURING & FREE FITTING” appointment. During this visit, or subsequent to it, the detailed pricing would be provided.
This approach is common for businesses offering highly customised products or services where the final price is dependent on numerous variables (e.g., specific measurements, material choices, custom features, complexity of installation).
Implications of No Public Pricing
- Lack of Transparency: Customers cannot compare prices or budget effectively before engaging with the company. This can be a deterrent for those who prefer to do their research and narrow down options online. According to a 2022 survey by PwC, 72% of consumers expect businesses to be transparent about pricing.
- Time Commitment: It requires a time commitment to schedule an appointment and receive a quote, whereas competitor sites might offer instant online quotes.
- Competitive Disadvantage: In a market where many competitors offer online configurators with immediate price estimates, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk’s lack of transparent pricing could put them at a disadvantage. For example, Blinds2go and Direct Blinds provide robust online pricing tools, allowing customers to get instant quotes based on their measurements.
- Focus on Service Over Price: The lack of public pricing may indicate a strategy to focus on the value of their free measuring and fitting service, rather than competing solely on price. The personal consultation allows them to highlight quality and service benefits.
While the “FREE MEASURING & FREE FITTING” is a strong incentive, the absence of any online pricing information means that customers cannot easily compare costs or even get a general idea of the investment required before engaging directly. This necessitates a more hands-on, traditional sales process.
How to Engage with Blindsdirect-london.co.uk for Service
Since Blindsdirect-london.co.uk doesn’t offer direct online purchasing or instant quotes, engaging with them for their services requires a more traditional approach. The website clearly positions itself as a lead generation tool, directing visitors to contact them directly. Hughkeice.co.uk Review
Initial Contact and Inquiry Process
- Phone Call is Primary: The most prominent call to action on the website is to “Call Us” or dial the provided phone numbers (0203 488 1466 or 0800 210 0567). This is the primary method for initiating contact.
- No Online Forms for Quotes: Unlike many service providers that feature detailed online inquiry forms for specific quotes, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk does not have such a feature. The “Contact” page is very basic, offering just the phone number and a physical address (which seems to be for their showroom rather than an office).
- Showroom Visit: The website mentions “blinds showroom” in several places, implying that customers can visit in person to see the collection. This is another way to engage, particularly for those who prefer to see and feel the products before making a decision.
The “Free Measuring & Free Fitting” Stage
Once initial contact is made via phone, the next steps would logically involve:
- Scheduling an Appointment: The company would likely schedule a convenient time for one of their experts to visit your home in London.
- Professional Measurement: During this visit, precise measurements for your windows would be taken. This is crucial for made-to-measure blinds and ensures a perfect fit, minimising errors often associated with DIY measurements.
- Consultation and Quote: The expert would likely showcase samples, discuss different blind types (vertical, roller, Venetian, Roman, pleated, commercial), materials, colours, and features based on your requirements and preferences. At this stage, they would provide a detailed, itemised quote for the blinds and confirm the “free fitting” aspect.
- Order Placement: If the quote is accepted, the order for the custom-made blinds would be placed. Payment terms would be agreed upon at this point.
- Fitting Appointment: Once the blinds are manufactured, a separate appointment would be scheduled for the professional fitting at your property.
Key Considerations for Engagement
- Personalised Service: This engagement model leans heavily on personalised service. Customers interact directly with sales and fitting professionals, which can be beneficial for those who value one-on-one consultation and expert advice.
- Convenience for Fitting: The “free fitting” service removes the hassle and potential errors of self-installation, which is a significant value proposition for many homeowners. A 2021 survey by YouGov found that 45% of UK homeowners prefer professional installation for home improvements.
- Less Digital, More Direct: For those who prefer a less digital, more direct human interaction approach to home improvements, this model might be suitable. However, for digitally-native customers who expect quick online information and self-service options, the process might feel slower and less transparent initially.
In essence, engaging with Blindsdirect-london.co.uk means stepping into a more traditional sales and service pipeline, beginning with a phone call and culminating in an in-home consultation and professional installation.
Blindsdirect-london.co.uk vs. Online-First Competitors
When we pit Blindsdirect-london.co.uk against the new breed of online-first blinds retailers, we see a clear divergence in their business models and customer experience philosophies. Blindsdirect-london.co.uk represents a more traditional, service-oriented approach, while companies like Blinds2go or Direct Blinds epitomise the modern, digitally-driven retail model.
Service Model Comparison
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Blindsdirect-london.co.uk: Operates with a strong emphasis on in-person service. Their core offering revolves around “FREE MEASURING & FREE FITTING,” meaning the customer journey begins with a phone call, leads to a home visit for consultation and measurement, and concludes with professional installation. This model ensures accuracy in measurement and convenience in fitting, appealing to customers who prefer a hands-off approach and value expert advice.
- Pros: Guaranteed accurate measurements, professional installation, personalised consultation.
- Cons: Slower process, less price transparency upfront, requires scheduling appointments.
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Online-First Competitors (e.g., Blinds2go, Direct Blinds): These companies are built for e-commerce efficiency. Their websites are designed for customers to self-measure, configure, and purchase blinds online, often with detailed guides and video tutorials. They ship the made-to-measure blinds directly to the customer’s door for DIY installation. Harlandsaccountants.co.uk Review
- Pros: Instant online quotes, faster ordering process, often more competitive pricing due to lower overheads, vast product selection online.
- Cons: Requires accurate self-measurement (risk of errors), DIY installation, no in-person consultation for material feel or design advice.
Pricing and Transparency
- Blindsdirect-london.co.uk: Pricing is opaque online. You must contact them to get a quote, which is likely provided after a consultation. This allows for tailored pricing based on specific requirements but means no instant cost comparison.
- Online-First Competitors: Pricing is highly transparent and often dynamic. Customers can input dimensions and preferences to get an immediate, real-time quote. This empowers customers to compare prices across different materials and styles rapidly, fitting into the “browse-compare-buy” online shopping habit.
Website User Experience and Trust Signals
- Blindsdirect-london.co.uk: The website is functional but basic. It serves as a digital brochure and contact point. Trust signals like customer reviews, extensive “About Us” sections, or clear quality guarantees are minimal or absent on the main pages. The “Powered by Yell Business” footer suggests a simpler, template-based approach.
- Online-First Competitors: Invest heavily in their website’s UX/UI. They feature high-resolution product imagery, interactive design tools, detailed product specifications, comprehensive FAQs, and prominently display thousands of customer reviews (e.g., Trustpilot scores). This builds immediate digital trust and confidence, crucial for online transactions. For example, Blinds2go boasts an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot based on over 200,000 reviews, a clear trust signal.
Geographic Reach vs. Local Specialisation
- Blindsdirect-london.co.uk: Explicitly London-focused, catering to a specific metropolitan area with localised services. This can be a strength for customers within their service radius seeking bespoke local attention.
- Online-First Competitors: Typically have a national or even international reach. Their online model allows them to serve customers across the entire UK efficiently, though without the localised personal touch of an in-home service.
In essence, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk appeals to a segment of the market that prioritises personalised service and professional installation over immediate online transparency and DIY savings. Conversely, online-first competitors cater to the digitally savvy, budget-conscious customer who values speed, self-service, and upfront pricing information. The choice between them often comes down to individual preference for convenience versus hands-on service.
FAQ
What is Blindsdirect-london.co.uk?
Blindsdirect-london.co.uk is a London-based company that provides a range of blinds, including vertical, roller, Venetian, Roman, pleated, and commercial blinds, offering free measuring and fitting services.
Does Blindsdirect-london.co.uk offer online purchasing?
No, based on the website, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk does not offer direct online purchasing. Customers need to contact them via phone to initiate an inquiry or order.
How do I get a quote from Blindsdirect-london.co.uk?
To get a quote from Blindsdirect-london.co.uk, you need to call them directly using the phone numbers provided on their website. Pricing information is not available online.
Does Blindsdirect-london.co.uk provide free measuring?
Yes, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk prominently advertises “FREE MEASURING” as part of their service offering. Aboutgrabhire.co.uk Review
Does Blindsdirect-london.co.uk offer free fitting?
Yes, Blindsdirect-london.co.uk states that they offer “FREE FITTING” for their blinds.
What types of blinds does Blindsdirect-london.co.uk sell?
Blindsdirect-london.co.uk sells various types of blinds, including vertical, roller, Venetian (wooden or metal), Roman, pleated, and commercial blinds.
Is there an “About Us” section on Blindsdirect-london.co.uk?
No, the website does not appear to have a dedicated “About Us” page detailing the company’s history, mission, or team.
Can I see customer reviews for Blindsdirect-london.co.uk on their website?
No, the website does not prominently display customer reviews or testimonials on its homepage or other accessible sections.
Where is Blindsdirect-london.co.uk located?
While the website is for London, it also mentions a showroom. The footer provides a physical address, which appears to be for their showroom. Cyber-netservices.co.uk Review
Are the terms and conditions clear on Blindsdirect-london.co.uk?
The website links to “Terms of Use,” “Privacy & Cookie Policy,” and “Trading Terms” in its footer, which are powered by Yell Business.
Does Blindsdirect-london.co.uk have a portfolio of their work?
Yes, there is a “Portfolio” section linked in the main navigation, which is likely where they showcase examples of their installed blinds.
Does Blindsdirect-london.co.uk offer special offers?
Yes, the website has a “Special Offers” section, indicating they may provide discounts or promotions periodically.
How can I contact Blindsdirect-london.co.uk?
You can contact Blindsdirect-london.co.uk by calling the phone numbers listed on their website, such as 0203 488 1466 or 0800 210 0567.
Is Blindsdirect-london.co.uk suitable for commercial properties?
Yes, the website specifically mentions “COMMERCIAL BLINDS” made-to-measure for schools, offices, etc., indicating they cater to commercial clients. Exolab.co.uk Review
Does Blindsdirect-london.co.uk offer duplex blinds?
Yes, the homepage mentions that Blinds Direct also stocks “duplex blinds.”
Does Blindsdirect-london.co.uk have a live chat feature?
No, there is no live chat feature visible on the Blindsdirect-london.co.uk website for immediate assistance.
Is the website mobile-friendly?
While functional, the design of Blindsdirect-london.co.uk appears somewhat dated, and its responsiveness on various mobile devices might not be as seamless as modern, adaptive websites.
What information is available on the “Blinds” section of the website?
The “Blinds” section likely provides an overview of the different types of blinds they offer, acting as a catalogue for their product range.
Are there any FAQs on Blindsdirect-london.co.uk’s website?
No, a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is not readily visible on the Blindsdirect-london.co.uk website. Expertrepairs.co.uk Review
Who powers the Blindsdirect-london.co.uk website?
The footer of the website states that it is “Powered by Yell Business,” indicating it uses a platform provided by Yell for local businesses.
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