How We Protect Your Blinds in Transit | Quality Checks & Damage Procedures

What quality checks happen before my blinds are dispatched?

Every blind undergoes factory quality control before packing:

The manufacturing packer physically inspects the product and signs off that it meets specification. This includes:

• Dimension verification against the order
• Fabric/material quality check (no marks, defects, or damage)
• Mechanism testing (operates smoothly through full range of movement)
• Component completeness (all brackets, fittings, and accessories present)

This isn't a cursory glance—it's a documented checkpoint. The packer's signature creates accountability for quality standards.

How do you ensure blinds arrive undamaged?

Transit protection involves two layers:

Product protection: Bubble wrap around the blind, securing vulnerable areas like control mechanisms and slat edges

Packaging protection: Rigid tubes for rolled products (preventing crushing), or cardboard boxes for structured blinds (providing impact protection)

The packaging is matched to product vulnerability. A lightweight roller blind doesn't need the same protection as a wooden Venetian blind with 63mm slats.

That said, packaging protects against normal transit handling. It cannot guarantee survival if couriers treat parcels carelessly. Which brings us to...

What should I do if the packaging arrives damaged?

Sign for the parcel, marked as 'damaged'.

If packaging shows:

• Crushed or punctured boxes
• Torn or split tubes
• Water damage or staining
• Any condition suggesting rough handling

Then:

1. Photograph the damaged packaging (if possible before the courier leaves)
2. Email customer.services@newblinds.co.uk immediately with your order reference and photos

What if I accepted delivery but found damage when unpacking?

Document the damage immediately:

Photograph:

• The damaged area on the blind (close-up showing detail)
• The full blind (showing context)
• The packaging exterior (if any damage is visible)
• The packaging interior (showing how the blind was packed)

Email customer.services@newblinds.co.uk with:

• Order reference
• Brief description of the damage
• All photographs
• When you received delivery

Timing matters. Damage claims reported within 48 hours of delivery carry more weight than claims made a week later. Report same-day if possible.

What happens after reporting damage?

Our customer service team reviews your photographs and determines next steps:

Clear transit damage: Immediate replacement dispatch authorised. You'll receive shipping details for returning the damaged blind (at our cost).

Unclear cause: We may need additional photographs or information to establish whether damage occurred in transit or during unpacking/installation.

Installation damage: If evidence suggests damage occurred during fitting rather than transit, this falls outside transit damage coverage.

Based on our experience processing hundreds of damage claims: most genuine transit damage is obvious and leads to rapid replacement. Clear communication and good photographic evidence resolve issues quickly.

Can I install the blind while waiting for a replacement?

Don't install a damaged blind.

If damage is minor and you're tempted to "make it work," remember:

• Installation voids your ability to claim the damage was present on arrival
• A damaged blind may fail during use, creating safety issues
• You'll have paid full price for a substandard product

Wait for the replacement. Install once. Install correctly.

How long do replacements take?

Replacement blinds follow the same manufacturing lead time as original orders—they're not pulled from stock because there isn't stock; every blind is made to your measurements.

However, damaged blind replacements typically receive priority where possible within the production schedule.