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Post by Guest on Jun 19, 2008 7:33:59 GMT
OH MY whats happening m8's looks like I'll be the only one left soon. and i got one foot out the door. anyone want help with setting up own business, contact your uncle bri only sold one roller today so thats only 40 quid i made today, I sold 3 verts for hilly billys and will get 25  Your double dealing days are numbered my old soft mate were onto you "Brian" Isn't there a word used for people like you Russhole the gr'arse, now thats ha ha ha Incidentally, do you have ANY friends, I wonder why! I love the way you use "were" (surely you mean we're) like you are part of the Hillarys team or something! Also, I thought you were banned! Russhole the grass, sorry, gr'arse ha ha ha |
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Post by ha ha ha on Jun 19, 2008 8:03:21 GMT
Your double dealing days are numbered my old soft mate were onto you "Brian" Isn't there a word used for people like you fantastic Russhole the great, now thats ha ha ha Incidentally, do you have ANY friends, I wonder why! I love the way you use "were" (surely you mean we're) like you are part of the Hillarys team or something! Also, I thought you were banned! Russhole the great ha ha ha Know why I cant be banned its because I have friends in high places  funny how you use 4 different names on here ;)oh and Brian has gone quiet but his other alter ego has recently spoke  |
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Post by Mr Blind Spot on Jun 19, 2008 12:27:51 GMT
Guys, even though some of your comments are quite funny, lets try to keep it clean, please.
Signed Mr baldspot, I meant blindspot.
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Post by ha ha ha on Jun 19, 2008 20:03:44 GMT
Guys, even though some of your comments are quite funny, lets try to keep it clean, please. Signed Mr baldspot, I meant blindspot. ok matd |
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Post by oh dear on Jun 23, 2008 21:40:58 GMT
oh dear
It is just unbelievable that Hillarys can be so incompetant!! I am the one that needs to go back for a third time to customer and what do I get paid, only £20!! I am the one looking like an idiot, meantime the idiots in the factory and HQ can't do their work and it is costing me money that I will not get back from Hillarys!!!! I am not doing any more service calls, only my own customers!!
oh my trading standards dear
Join the party! If you had the recent mail shot "One extra order every week" you will know that a £100 blind costs less than £20 to produce (don't for a second believe the £22 quoted). So, your order cost less than £250 to produce. How long would it take you to fit those blinds? Worst case scenario 2 hours plus your 1 hour sales call. What would you like to earn for the 3 hours work, £25 per hour maybe? Based on you earning 14.68% of vat inclusive sale price, work out what you want to earn from that order/fit and discount to win it.Ignore the selling price, sell to your needs not Hillarys' prices.
dear dear dear
can someone please tell me why?
every time there are parts missing from blinds i phone hillarys straight away to order the parts and have asked them to send overnight which would cost about 10 quid,
there answer no cant do that can send them by regular post only
example parts missing for verts (therefore cant completethe job)phoned while at customers house to order missing parts would not send overnight .waited two days no parts anyway to cut a long story short had to order 5 times before reciving and took 14 days? does this make sense hillarys wont send overnight for about a tenner but at the drop of a hat will give the unsatisfied customer a 150 quid discount?
am i the only one with this kind of problem
oh my dear
Surprised you got a straight answer from Quotes. When I rang them shortly after I started they just said that it was up to me to make the commercial decision. Or the other vague answer is 'to to do it if for whatever you think is worthwhile', so I've never rung for advice since. I see they have offered 30% discount which is what I would probably offer without thinking about it. It's rare to have to go more on wood. I did do a conservatory at around half price for aluwood once as a beat-a-quote. Nobody is going to beat you up over a 50% discount on one deal. The averages are what count. They must be some pretty big blinds. I did a wood venetian to cover a large patio door once. SAM said 400 and I didn't dare quote that. Offered 250 and she took it. If it is only a couple of hours work then I would probably do a beat-a-quote. You have to remember that Hillarys are probably knocking these out for about 30 pounds each and the new message is discount if necessary to get the deal, but not on every sale!
dear dear dear dear
ring the advisor help desk on the freephone number and order the parts.
Then the following week after your delivery order them again(because you will get an invoice and no spares)
After about three attempts you sometimes get what you ordered.
As for the UPVC screws I ended up buying a box at Screwfix as I could never get these from Hillarys and you often don't even get them with conservatory orders. They are a tad longer than the Hillarys ones but are fine for plastic not near the glass.
Ordering spares is Hillarys version of the lottery, you don't win very often!!
uuuhhhhhhh deary deary dear
While its better than advertising 3 for 99 pound,I am still disappointed with the choice on offer. As already mentioned by others no half price verticals in a neutral colour except Colarado, and how many people will want it? Hardly beautiful to look at is it?
Why do we never promote any white fabrics in verticals or rollers at half price?
I hate being this negative before its even started but i will be relying heavily on the multi blind offers as usual.These half price offers are sadly all about selling fabrics that are usually not popular because of their colour/shade.
Most of us would agree that 99% of people will see this offer and not only ask us,but expect to see a white or cream as an option. Time will tell, i hope i am wrong.
deary deary deary me
It remains to be seen whether customers will know that Summer Savers Collection is a limited offer or, as I suspect, they assume this applies to all fabrics/colours. If you see my posting at the top, that customer was fooled into thinking that it applies to all. So, the writing is on the wall yet again for accusations of misleading the customers and resentment may result. We will keep you posted Hillarys.
dear oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear
The offer we are advertising Nationally is our 50% off the Summer Savers Collection, where all blinds in the collection are at 50% off. As it's a collection of blinds and all blinds in that collection have 50% off, there is no need for us to say 'selected' or 'up to'.
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Post by guest on Jun 25, 2008 8:21:11 GMT
oh dear Calling it a Collection in order to avoid stating 'up to' or 'selected' is to my mind a fudge - mere semantics. It is not a collection ! If all the promotional fabrics and colours for all the blind types were gouped together in a special different binder then it might be possible to get away with calling it a collection. But they are not - they are, from the customer's viewpoint, randomly spread out amongst all the other full price fabrics, have not been collected together, and cannot be viewed together as a collection. Perhaps somebody should look up the word 'collection' in the OED. I'm sure someone feels that they have been very clever coming up with another way of being devious and of creating false expectations in customer's minds, but all they will achieve is to make our lives more difficult and reduce conversion rates because customers feel they have been deceived. May I suggest that all the 'bright ideas brigade' in Marketing spend a week in the field with an experienced advisor - then they might realise that the product sells itself anyway and we do not need to resort to these methods. Fantastic!! We love this post  |
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Post by OH MY GOD on Jun 25, 2008 20:14:45 GMT
LET US PRAY
Is it me or are things getting worse?
Just in the last couple of weeks:
DOR’d 2 faulty headrails + fixed 2 other which were supplied with broken grub screws.
DOR’d 2 romans and again looks like I’ll have to again as not panel matched 1st time and now the material is too tight and not hanging straight!
DOR’d faulty curved rail as control length was hanging under the cill!
Taking 2 weeks to get urgent spares!
Wood Venetians taking over 21 days to get to me!
Getting no reply from chasers for missing blinds!
A few more faults that I either make look good or blag it as I neither have the time or money to keep going back for free!
OH LORD LET US HAVE MERCY
yes but when these "idiots" are parting with close to £300 for one they expect it to darken the room somewhat, thats why they call them "blackout" blinds! Also don't forget these so called idiots are paying your wages.
BLESS HIS SOUL
A few weeks ago, over the week-end, I inadvertently took an update on SAM I should not have, and subsequently my SAM device did not work. I contacted IT first thing Monday morning. They said they would send me an SD card that would correct the problem and I should receive this card the next day. Having no paper order pads, I phoned diary management to let them know the situation. They said I could get order pads from my Fsm. I felt that the time it would take for them to come, I would have SAM up and running. How wrong I was and with hindsight I should have ordered pads. During the week, no SD card arrived, and I spoke to diary management several times, each time they said they would take care of the appointments. They did not. On Saturday the new SD card arrived and I spent time over the week-end trying to get it loaded onto SAM. Spoke to It on Monday morning again, they said I would have to send the device back, and I would have it returned within 2 days. My SAM finally arrived on the Saturday!
Meanwhile, during that last week I had a meeting with my fsm, who I believe diary had informed of the situation, and I also explained the above. The meeting was pretty usual as far as fsm meetings go these days. I perhaps demonstrated a lack of enthusiasm for being able to always “toe the Hillarys line” as far as the practicalities of always being able to send quotes in via SAM, (according to latest memo from Craig we can send them in via other means now too). Also explaining how I would have to put “advisor not available” on appointments that I could not attend, due to poor postcode coordination by diary management. You can’t be in two places at once, nor has teleportation been invented yet! In my opinion, my fsm demonstrated the now typical shallow vision, and a lack of ability to comprehend the real issues we face on a daily basis, and to grasp the problems by the “scruff of the neck” and allow us to resolve them together. For a long time now it seems fsm’s are aware, that they have to make judgements on performance with largely inaccurate figures. Why is it that they show no interest or concern in an explanation for the accusations? When there is a problem a good manager will try to resolve the issues, looking into specifics, working out solutions, not using threats and showing no interest in what is relatively a solvable issue.
There seems to be a distinct lack of concern and a lethargic “I can’t do anything about that” approach. Issues have been raised that are pertinent to a successful business and have been dealt with by “shrug your shoulders management.” This is also evident in group meetings. There is a cyclical pattern of repeat here that surely someone with genuine concern for Hillarys is making note off.
On the Friday before I get my SAM back, I get a call from my fsm saying he wants to terminate me. (I suppose that’s one way to solve a problem). The words he used were, he would “struggle to work with me”. I’m sorry , but what I struggle to see is, what now, or in the last few months has actually been done by way of “working with me” that has played any significant effect, or had a positive (or any) impact on my business. Is not good management all about “struggling”, most issues can be resolved by good communication. I, like many others ask the question, what exactly can an fsm do for my business that wouldn’t happen anyway. For most capable advisors an fsm is largely insignificant, a point of contact when things can’t be resolved any other way. They seem to be nothing but “middle men”, conveying the latest missive from above, while focusing solely on their bonus, regardless of the long term negative effects on an area. Improving diary and service support would practically eliminate the need for them altogether. I think it’s about time the centre of focus shifted back to the capable advisers. Particularly as most fsm’s are gone in a few years and we are left to soldier on.
After my initial surprise and efforts to correct his misinterpretation of circumstances, he said he would think about it over the week-end and call on Monday. So next week comes, I have a SAM and appointments booked, but no idea if I am an advisor or not. This is the sort of indecisive and “hands tied” management that has done damage to relationships and ultimately mine and your business. I finally get a call on Wed and am terminated. I’m not sure why.
For my part, I know decisions that have been made by fsm’s and others in the past have directly and indirectly resulted in my business now turning over half of what it has done, could, and should be doing now. Here is someone with the motivation, capability, experience of over 15 years, and a track record of a very efficient and successful agency behind him, having his business strangled. Not least by poor interdepartmental communication and accountability, poor and largely deconstructive diary management, lowering quality standards, real truths being spun into unreal half truths which manipulate us and the customers, and managements unconcern and seeming incapability to resolve issues and stimulate growth. How is it that you can have someone who has in the past sold and fitted more roof blinds than any other advisor, now effectively being unable to sell or fit them. What other business would asset strip themselves like that?
Other such situations that are unacceptable are, having a small roman blind made 4 times before it comes with the crystal bead trim. Then that same customer getting a discount, which means less commission, without consultation with me and despite the fact she has had a working blind fitted, all be it without the decorative beads. A customer waiting a year (and still waiting) to have roof blinds made at the measurements I originally gave, despite several phone calls with service support and fsm, I still get a call every 2 months or so, asking what’s happening! Waiting and waiting for dor’s, not least of which are a wooden pelmet which was scratched and an easistop blind that is on its third dor, both of these are two months old now. The reluctance to pay out for dor’s and service calls, despite constant chasing. All of the above scenarios are commonplace, and if nothing else Hillarys over the years are consistent in their inability to show improvements in these areas, if anything things are getting worse and I think we all know why.
These situations and others, we all experience day after frustrating day, have led to a severe demoralization on my part. Magnified, by the so called importance of, “policy of the month” management, which to any long standing advisor, can become tiresome. Decision making that seems to be dictatorial and detached from the reality of the advisors world. An absolute wealth of experience and knowledge that is largely untapped and ignored. I know I am better than I am being allowed to be. I feel my business is being hindered and held back. On a daily basis I see lost opportunities that have financial implications, but no-one is listening.
I think it is quite sad that it has come to this. I will now look at the other offers and opportunities that are there, whereby my skills and experience will be valued, and appreciated, both by financial reward, and a genuine concern to make a business successful for mutual benefit. I suspect, well I know, I am not the only one who feels this way, the evidence is obvious, and screaming to be heard and dealt with instead of being glossed over, spun, and swept under the carpet. There does seem to be a pattern of repeat, whereby success is not rewarded and Hillarys become kingmakers of ex advisors that go on to rule in different kingdoms. That in my opinion is a shame. When most of the capable advisors are gone, Hillarys will be left with a load of “Ruperts” (ask Clive). It’s all well and good looking at the “big picture”, but we should never lose sight of the small parts that make the whole what it is.
I’ve been in the blind trade now for over 15 years, and guess what; it doesn’t take a genius to realise that’s where I’ll probably continue to be. Unfortunately, just not with Hillarys (or “Hillarys” as they seem to be called on other forums, perhaps, on occasion justifiably). It is with regret that I find myself in this situation, and I use the word “unfortunate” with genuine sincerity. There have been some really good times and great successes over the years, I have managed to make Hillarys work for me. My family and I have benefited greatly and I know the company has too. I recognise that this is just my view of events and things can look different from other perspectives, I have tried to see and understand that perspective, it’s been hard. I am not “terminating”, I have been “terminated”, but like Arnie I like to think “I’ll be back” selling blinds.
There are some genuinely good people working for Hillarys and I have had the pleasure of working with them. Despite the ups and downs over the years, I like to think I have made some friends and perhaps some enemies, I like to think the enemies are only so because of a lack of mutual understanding, and in different circumstances would be friends. I hold no grudges and wish all good luck in making it work for them.
Thank you.
LET HIM WALK THROUGH THE TUNNEL OF LIGHT
Saw an old customer over the weekend, told me just had a quote with Hillarys....
"the guy who came out told me, you didnt cover this area anymore?".
ER NO!
Not only have we got call centre staff saying i am either dead, broke my leg, left, etc, advisors do too....
great.............
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Post by russhole on Jun 26, 2008 7:53:58 GMT
Very funny post, looks like "oh dear" has met his match.
The new kid on the block is "oh my god"
Keep them coming
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Post by ha ha ha on Jun 26, 2008 14:35:29 GMT
Very funny post, looks like "oh dear" has met his match. The new kid on the block is "oh my god" Keep them coming ha ha ha very funny post my a*** about as funny as all of you wasters pretending to make money ,wheres that t*** brian when you need him ooooo let me guess TERMINATED |
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Post by brian on Jun 26, 2008 19:00:27 GMT
Hey peeps , boastful bri here. It seems unbanable russhole is being more boastful than me!!! Do not fear jokers i'm still here, and if brown noser russel kenney is on to me, they ain't let me know yet. They better hurry up and terminate me as i will be leaving myself after crimbo as its not worth it on commision. why sell a £70 roller and get £10, when for the same you can get 35. unless your old or insecure why stay. someone explain please. there may be another reason does anyone know if russhole is married, because there is one gay fsm that i know of and he may be covering fraggle rock. otherwise its unexplainable Anyway back to boasting. I had 5 appointments for sillybillys today, not bad for someone whos terminated, 4 orders. Good converts to. ive still got it even with no insentive. only one appointment for me  but with an old sillybillys cust but not one of mine. in fact my m8 adviser went in and qouted 240 or 260 for stratford. he don't come on here so don't tell him I got the order for 180. £80 quid profit, twice as much as him if he got the order at full wack. anyway jokers, i'll let you know when there on to me, until then keep well. because i'm chill!  |
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Post by brian on Jun 26, 2008 19:05:23 GMT
oh and by the way, whats pretend about it!!!!!!!
get any trade price list from any supplier they'll send you one and then you will absolutly know whos the great pretender and it ain't me peeps.
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Post by blindmansam on Jun 26, 2008 22:02:53 GMT
Factory not busy !
Workers sent Home Early ! Daily Occurence Seemingly !
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Post by OH DEAR on Jun 27, 2008 9:53:57 GMT
Factory not busy ! Workers sent Home Early ! Daily Occurence Seemingly ! oh dear |
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Post by guest on Jun 27, 2008 10:51:41 GMT
Please can anyone tell me where I can get hold of the "apollos"
that are used to hold the roof filo wires on Hillarys roof blinds.
Does anyone besides arena do them, and who's the original supplier.
I really need help with this one, thanks.
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Post by gwest on Jun 27, 2008 16:31:17 GMT
You could try Louvolite in Hyde, Manchester or try any supplier that does the Bentine roof system, which is basically the same as the Hillarious 20mm system without the stupid side bars!
Most do them do the 'open filos' but you may need to show them an 'apollo' one first!
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funny how you use 4 different names on here ;)oh and Brian has gone quiet but his other alter ego has recently spoke 
but with an old sillybillys cust but not one of mine. in fact my m8 adviser went in and qouted 240 or 260 for stratford. he don't come on here so don't tell him I got the order for 180. £80 quid profit, twice as much as him if he got the order at full wack.