Whether you’re scheduling an appointment or communicating with your clients, integrating the right technology can streamline your business and help you manage your time efficiently. As a Bloomin’ Blinds franchisee, you have access to our innovative management software, as well as virtual consultation opportunities and our Window Visualizer – allowing you to avoid having to create or buy the software yourself if you were starting your business from the ground up.
Keeping Franchisees Virtually Connected with Clients
When COVID-19 hit in March, many consumers were spending more time at home and started to notice things around their house they wanted to change. The pandemic has created a need for home improvement projects, with 70 percent of consumers tackling these projects and have more planned for 2021.
In order to continue to provide our products and services to consumers while keeping our franchisees and their staff safe, we decided to introduce virtual consultations. Franchisees are able to take advantage of our Window Visualizer, an interactive tool that helps clients view the different window treatments we offer on their own windows prior to scheduling an in-person consultation.
These virtual consultations offer convenience to every client – especially when they may be juggling working from home and helping their kids with e-learning. After just one meeting, the client can get a strong understanding of which window treatments are best for the space before having a technician come out for an appointment. Clients also have the ability to create a vision board to show a Bloomin’ Blinds expert – ensuring they can get their point across and share an accurate idea of the potential scope of work with the technician.
While the Window Visualizer doesn’t replace the in-home appointment, it prepares clients ahead of the meeting so that both parties are making efficient use of the appointment. It gives the client the ability to come with prepared questions and request specific samples ahead of time – making the technician’s visit productive and successful.
Streamlining Management Tools into One Place
Communication and connecting with clients is essential to the success of any business, so our franchisees are given access to business management software that integrates all of the necessary functions in one place and helps create a healthy work-life balance. This software includes online booking, customer relationship management tools (CRM), scheduling and notification management, as well as providing clients with a stress-free way to communicate with their local Bloomin’ Blinds franchise owner.
Once a client has scheduled their in-person appointment and their technician is on the way, they will receive a text message that allows them to track the technician through GPS right up to their door. Not only do they get an exact idea when their technician will arrive, but they also receive a photo and short bio of who will be arriving for the service. This plays a critical role in the franchisee-client relationship – giving the client a strong first impression before the technician has even rang the doorbell, as well as a sense of safety and security.
Starting a business from the ground up can be frustrating – especially when you may not have access to the right software you need to grow and manage your business successfully. However, as a Bloomin’ Blinds franchisee, you have access to innovative, streamlined technology tools that have the power to differentiate your business from other window treatment brands in the area.