Trust Me, You Don't Want That Door

Dec 10, 2012

By Rob Greenberg of Garage Door Specialists, Inc.

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When it comes to knowing what they want for their home, the customer isn’t always right. That sounds contrary to good business, but stick with me and you’ll understand what I mean.

Recently I received a call from a homeowner who wanted to purchase a black garage door to match the black entry door and shutters on her home. I counseled her against the black door for several reasons, but more importantly, I wanted her to be aware of the new garage door design options available to enhance the appearance of her home.

Her house was built in the 80s and garage doors have come a long way since then.

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The homeowner originally wanted a black garage door to match her black entry door.

She agreed to visit our showroom to take a look around and was excited about the options and design potential for her home. Then she returned with her husband, who was still insistent on a black garage door.

After months of e-mails and discussion, they agreed to a design consultation at their home. I came prepared with ideas and used Clopay’s Door Imagination System to show them the impact a different door design could have on their home.

Slowly, the conversation moved away from simply replacing the garage door to talking about a total exterior facelift.

Ultimately, they selected a Clopay Coachman Collection steel carriage house garage door.

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Clopay Coachman Collection garage door Design 12, SQ23 windows, Sandtone with White Overlays

They even ended up replacing their black entry door – the original “design focal point”-- with a coordinating Clopay Craftsman Collection entry doorand surround painted the same color. One thing led to another and before you knew it they had decided to paint the black shutters Sandtone as well.

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Clopay Craftsman Collection ENERGY STAR qualified entry door in Sandtone with full sidelites and Addison handleset in a Patina finish.

The before and after photos speak for themselves.

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Coordinated curb appeal

In this economy, it can be scary not to be a "yes man" because no one wants to lose a sale. But understanding the customers’ needs and taking the time to educate them is just good business. People want to add value, curb appeal and energy efficiency to their homes, especially since they are staying put longer.

I could have sold a generic door and moved on. Instead I went the extra mile to demonstrate that a garage door isn’t just a convenience, it’s an investment. In the end I helped them create a look that they are thrilled with, and I can show off to future clients. It’s a win-win.

When it comes time to upgrade your garage door, before you tell the dealer exactly what you want, ask him or her if they have any suggestions about a door design for your home. You may be surprised when you end up with a completely different, yet perfect solution to make your home stand out.

About the Dealer

Garage Door Specialists, Inc. is a leading garage door sales and service company that has been serving north and northwest suburban Chicago for almost 30 years. They are a Clopay Authorized Dealer as well as an Angie’s List Super Service Award recipient 5 years in a row. Contact them at www.garagedoorspcl.com