The Four Basic Necessities for Selling Motorized Window Coverings
- Mar 1, 2018
- 5 min read
If you have ever been intimidated or even slightly hesitant to offer your clients motorization of their custom window coverings then taking the time to read this article will help you become more confident in offering one of the fastest growing markets in our industry. I have been teaching motorization classes for over 10 years now and I have found many ways to simplify the complex world of motorization. Once you understand the four basic necessities for a motorized window covering you can begin your quest to master motorization. In its simplest form, the four things needed to create a custom motorized window covering are; a window covering, a motor, a power source, and a way to control the motor. Now this may seem oversimplified for some, but for many this is the revelation that allows them to break down complex projects into smaller and more understandable items.
Let’s start with the first item, the window covering. With today’s technology we can add a motor to almost every type of window covering available. Now there are definitely some limitations as to the size and weight of the window covering, but as far as the type of window covering I have yet to find a product that cannot be motorized. In fact, we have a saying in our business, “If you can afford it, we can make it.” I say that jokingly, but to a large extent it is true. As long as the Laws of Physics are applied we can motorize just about any type of window covering that is on the market.
Photo courtesy of 3 Blind Mice Window Covers
That brings us to our next item, the motor. Now there are a several different motor providers in our industry and they all have their trademark names, specifications and availabilities, but the motors themselves can all be broken down into four simple categories; Horizontal, Cellular, Track, and Tubular. The Horizontal Motors are used mainly for horizontal blinds including faux wood blinds, wood blinds, vinyl blinds and aluminum blinds. Basically any type of Venetian style blind. The Horizontal Motor is designed to tilt the slats only, not tilt and lift. There are motors out there that will do both, but it is in a separate category that will be mentioned later in the article. The next category is the Cellular Motor. As the name implies these motors are designed to operate cellular shades. There are many window covering manufacturers that use a cellular shade headrail for other types of window coverings including pleated shades and some roman shades. In many cases the Cellular Motor will work in these shades as well. Again, keeping things as simple as possible, the Track Motor is designed to operate shades that traverse on tracks. These can include all types of draperies, verticals, and panel tracks. For vertical blinds there are two motor options, tilt only and tilt and draw functions. For the rest of the Track Motors they are designed to draw the shades open and closed. Most Track Motors are driven by either a worm drive or belt drive to traverse the carriers. The last and most versatile motor is the Tubular Motor. This motor is designed to be inserted into a tube and then be able to rotate the tube either up or down. Since the operation of these motors is to just rotate a tube, these motors can be used in almost every style of window coverings, and because these motors come in so many different styles and capacities they have the widest range of functions. These motors can be used for roller shades, cellular/ pleated shades, sheer shades, roman shades, woven woods, horizontal blinds (lift and tilt), and even draperies. There is one more category of motors I should mention and that are the Specialty Motors. These motors are generally from one of the categories mentioned above that have been modified for a specific purpose such as shutter motors and arch top motors.
Photo courtesy of 3 Blind Mice Window Covers
Now that we have identified the different motor types, the next necessity is the power source for the motor. This is where things tend to get a lot more complicated, but for this article I am again going to break it down to its simplest form. There are four basic types of power sources; Battery, Solar, Plug in, and Hard Wired. Battery power is obvious. Each manufacturer has their specific battery requirements and it varies by product. The batteries can be contained within the headrail or in a remote/ satellite battery pack. The size and number of batteries is determined by the motor and the size and weight of the window covering. Most battery powered motors have strict size and weight limitations. The Solar power source is just a modified battery power source. Basically the use of a solar panel charges a set of rechargeable batteries. It has the same if not lower limitations of the standard battery power source. Its advantage is that you do not have to change the batteries as often. Most recently added to the battery powered category is the rechargeable motor with an internal battery. The motor is still battery powered and must be recharged, but like many new cell phones, the battery is not replaceable. When the battery finally dies, the motor must be replaced. The Plug in power supply is when you have a power cable coming from the motor that plugs directly into a local outlet. This is generally used when you have exceeded the limitations of a battery source or you and your client have chosen to forgo the use of batteries for the more reliable and longer lasting plug in power supply. The last option is the Hard Wired power supply. This is when the power cord coming from the motor is directly wired into the home’s or the building’s electrical supply system. The wires are generally run within the walls and hard wiring requires a licensed electrician. This is the cleanest looking and most reliable power supply options available. Generally it is the most expensive as well.
Photo courtesy of 3 Blind Mice Window Covers
Lastly on our list of necessities for motorization is the Control Option. There are too many control options to list and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and product to product, but again simplifying down to its basic categories there are hand held remotes, wall switches, timers, sensors, automation interfaces, and the newest option is the mobile app and voice control. In most cases you can use any combination of controls. Choosing the right controls for your client really depends on their specific needs, wants and most importantly their budget.
So in review, the four steps to confidently offer motorized window coverings are: Select a window covering. Choose the appropriate motor recommended by the manufacturer. Determine which power supply options are available for that motor and discuss the options with your client. Lastly, work with your client to help them decide which control options will best suit their needs. This article was designed to introduce you to the basics of motorization and is the first in a series of articles on motorizing window coverings. If you would like to learn all you can about motorized window coverings and work towards becoming a master at motorization, please register and attend one of the many motorization classes that are offered at the 2018 International Window Coverings Expo happening in Tampa Bay, FL from March 26th through the 28th.
Credits
OD McKewan, 3 Blind Mice Window Covers
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