Order Receiving Process in Curtain Industry

Share:

Curtain Industry

Curtains are an indispensable element of interior design. These products not only change the ambiance of a space aesthetically but also provide light control and privacy, offering a wide range of options based on customer expectations. Therefore, it is not possible to define a single standard process for curtain sales. However, the basic order-taking process generally follows similar steps across most companies.

Identifying Customer Needs

The order process begins with the customer’s physical visit to the store, communication via the internet, or an inquiry by phone. This first point of contact is a critical stage that shapes the customer’s perception of the brand and directly influences their purchasing decision. Therefore, the sales representative’s approach at this stage is of great importance. During the initial dialogue, the first priority is to identify what type of curtain the customer needs. The choice among various types such as roller blinds, zebra blinds, sheer curtains, drapes, or Venetian blinds is determined by both functional and aesthetic expectations. A detailed needs analysis at this stage lays the foundation for offering the most suitable product to the customer.

The intended use of the space is also a key factor in selection. Curtains chosen for residential spaces can differ significantly from those selected for commercial environments such as offices or hotels. Hence, the function of the space must be evaluated carefully. The customer's style and color preferences should also be taken into account. While modern or classic decor styles influence curtain choices, preferences for light or dark colors should harmonize with the general ambiance of the space. These choices allow customers to reflect their personal tastes.

Site Survey and Measurement Service

The curtain industry often requires custom production, as standard sizes are rarely sufficient. This makes professional measurement services highly important.

Steps in the measurement process:

On-site inspection: Elements such as lighting conditions, window type, and wall structure are evaluated.

Detailed measurement: Height, width, and distances from walls and ceiling are measured precisely.

Determining mounting points: It is planned whether the curtain will be mounted on the ceiling or wall.

Product suggestions: Recommendations are made to the customer about suitable curtain models for the space.

This service enhances customer satisfaction and reduces the risk of production errors and returns.

Proposal Preparation and Approval Process

After measurements are taken, the next step is to present a personalized proposal to the customer. This proposal should include not only pricing information but also details about the product and service scope.

Key elements to be included in the proposal:

• Chosen fabric type and model

• Quantity of products (in units, square meters, or meters)

• Whether installation and labor are included

• Delivery time

• Warranty terms

• Payment plan

To confirm the offer, a deposit is usually collected from the customer, serving as a guarantee for moving into production.

Production and Procurement Process

Once the proposal is approved and payment is received, the production process begins. This may take place either in the company's own workshop or through contracted curtain manufacturers.

Main stages of the production process:

Fabric procurement: If the selected fabric is not in stock, it is sourced accordingly.

Cutting and sewing: The fabric is cut and sewn according to the specific measurements.

Accessory preparation: Complementary elements such as curtain rods, rustic poles, buttons, and tassels are prepared.

Quality control: Products undergo quality control before being made ready for delivery.

This process usually takes between 3 to 10 business days, depending on workload.

Delivery and Installation

Once the products are ready, the customer is contacted to schedule a suitable installation date. Installation is a critical step to ensure the proper functioning of the curtain system.

Important considerations during installation:

• Use of the correct fixtures

• Symmetrical and level mounting

• Testing of rails, mechanisms, and accessories

• Providing the customer with usage instructions

Working with experienced teams is essential to handle potential issues like wall damage or product incompatibility during installation.

Challenges and Solutions

Based on the steps outlined above, we can conclude that the curtain ordering process is complex and variable. Even small mistakes at any stage can lead to incorrect product sizes, making it essential to minimize manual procedures. Errors in conveying measurements or curtain codes often result in faulty products, creating significant costs for retailers.

This complexity is especially pronounced for manufacturers of mechanized curtains, where many variables come into play such as cassette structure or color, chain direction, gear options, bracket types, ribbon, or trim preferences. It is crucial that all of these variables are correctly communicated from the customer to the retailer, and then to the wholesaler or manufacturer.

In a single order, multiple measurements, codes, and colors may be involved, which is why the curtain industry requires specialized order management software. Standard B2B platforms, designed for packaged or standardized products, fall short in addressing the industry's unique needs.

Bayiloji, a B2B platform designed specifically for the curtain industry, resolves these issues. It allows retailers to submit orders to manufacturers immediately even while taking measurements in the customer’s home via a mobile app. In addition to mechanized curtains, Bayiloji also accommodates the needs of companies selling sheer and curtain fabrics by cut length or full rolls, offering inventory tracking capabilities. With Bayiloji, the curtain industry has laid the groundwork for digital transformation.

Curtain manufacturers using Bayiloji reduce costs caused by order errors and require fewer customer service representatives, lowering labor expenses. Developed based on years of feedback from users in the home textiles industry, Bayiloji is a pre-accounting and order management software tailor-made for the curtain sector.

Conclusion

The curtain ordering process is complex and multi-staged. Every step from needs analysis, site inspection, and measurement to proposal preparation, production, delivery, and installation must be carefully managed to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize the risk of faulty production or installation. However, manual processes can reduce efficiency and incur significant costs. At this point, the importance of digitalization and technology becomes increasingly clear. Sector-specific solutions like Bayiloji accelerate workflow and minimize error rates by offering customized order management programs for the curtain industry. These digital tools help make order processes more transparent, faster, and error-free, while also reducing operational costs.