Trade Shows: Are they Worth Attending?

Trade Shows: Are they Worth Attending?

We are mid-way through the trade show season and I am currently attending our fifth show this weekend. I am commonly asked by customers and other vendors alike, “Do you think the shows are worth attending?” Without hesitation, I smile and immediately reply, “Yes.”

To consumers that are planning a remodeling or a home improvement project, where else can you find so much information and products in such a convenient way? Not only can you gather up unlimited amount of brochures and business cards; you actually get to see and touch products that capture your interest. It still surprises me the number of times I hear, “that’s not what it looked like on the internet.” As we all know, the internet is a great information tool; however, it has limitations. Seeing and touching a product can be what makes your final decision. Furthermore, in most cases you also get to meet the business owners and/or managers, to ask questions and get a feel for who you are dealing with as a company.

To business owners that believe in good customer relations, what is better than the face to face time you get with new customers at trade shows? This is the ultimate time to demonstrate your products, educate consumers, and network with other tradesman. There is always a certain feeling of togetherness among those trades that work together on home improvement projects. As we all know, newer and more innovated products become available on a daily basis, tradeshows are a great way to see firsthand the newest and greatest products that are available. I always encourage all of my staff to visit other vendors’ booths to see firsthand the new products that are available at the shows.

The most important thing I learn from the show is the information I receive from my customers. I listen closely to their concerns, problems that have arose, likes and dislikes of products, etc. It would be impossible for my company and myself, to be knowledgeable in the wide array of products and practices, if there were no events such as this. How could I receive such valuable information? It is for the same reason that I frequently attend my vendor’s trade shows. I find these shows full of information, the newest released products, and network with “those in the know”, to make sure I’m updated with the proper information to relay to my customers.

Are trades shows worth attending? I believe the answer is short and sweet……YES! So the next time you have the opportunity to attend a show, don’t think of it as a wasted day, think of it as a day to educate and better your home remodeling decisions.

As always, thanks for reading,

Jeff Shipe

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Winter, Water and Your Floors

Winter, water and your floors:

Winter of 2009-2010 has been a cold one and came with record setting snow accumulation. As the sun peaks out and the snow begins to melt we find all-too-often, floors damaged by the elements; namely, moisture. I thought that now would be a great time to address some of our findings and hopefully prevent your floors from being damaged.

Carpet

Salt and sand are tracked in the home during these winter months. It is imperative that you vacuum your carpets at least 2-3 times per week. This will prevent the particles from penetrating the surface of the carpet fiber. Once this happens, the chemicals in these particles can lead to long term damage of the carpet fibers and/or the backing. Professional carpet cleaning should be performed on an annual basis; but only by a trained professional.

If water is present on the surface of your carpet, make sure to soak it up with white towels (never use colored towels, as they run the risk of bleeding). For Larger amounts of water; such as, roof leaks, pipe breaks, etc., pull carpet back from the tack strips immediately. Also, remove the pad (in most cases this will need replacing) and set fans and dehumidifiers in the immediate area where water is found. This will help prevent bacteria and mildew growth in your carpet and/or your subfloor. In many cases, after a professional cleaning and pad replacement, your carpet will be salvaged and undamaged.

Hardwood

Salt and sand are one of, if not, the biggest enemy of hardwood floors. If left unattended, they both will scratch and damage the surface of the hardwood. I highly recommend using a vacuum with a felt head on hardwood. Try not to use a broom to sweep if salt or sand is present, as this can lead to scratching. Damp mop as needed with a mixture of vinegar and water; use a 1:10 ratio. Finished hardwood floors never need wax or any conditioners; in fact, these products can severely damage the finish.

For minor water leaks or spills, remove water promptly by blotting with a dry towel. If needed, place fans and/or dehumidifiers directly on the area where water was found. When larger amounts of water are introduced into the wood, it will become very obvious, as the floor will begin to “bow” and/or “cup”. In some cases, the floor will settle back down to its original state. However, it may take the use of fans and dehumidifiers for weeks, as opposed to hours. If your floors are still showing signs of “bowing”, “cupping” or “discoloration” after the remedies have been exhausted, they may need to be refinished or replaced entirely.

Vinyl and Laminate

In most cases, treat these products with the same rules as hardwood. What is significantly different with these two floors is that once water gets under them, the subfloor is usually damaged and the chance of mold or mildew growth is much greater. The water gets trapped underneath and absorbs into the subfloor; and, possibly the backing of the floor covering. Fans and dehumidifiers are not much help in this circumstance, because they cannot get to the moisture. Floor replacement is usually needed once water gets under these particular products.

As a floor professional for over 22 years, I still find myself in situations that take me by total surprise. Every home is different and there are no set rules to live by. Therefore, whenever in doubt, please feel free to contact me or your local flooring professional for an on-site visit to access the situation. As I was always taught in life, “it is better to be safe than sorry.”

As always, thanks for reading and I look forward to your feedback.

Jeff Shipe

Hardwood floors: “Add value and beauty to your home”

Hardwood floors: “Add value and beauty to your home”

Did you know that homes with hardwood floors sell faster and for more money than homes without hardwood floors? It’s true; in a survey of realtors across the country, 58% of the agents surveyed agreed that homes with hardwood floors sell for more money than homes without hardwood floors; in some cases, up to 10 % more. In addition, homes with hardwood floors sell faster and list better than homes without hardwood. In that same survey, 90 % of realtors agreed that hardwood floors influence the homes’ marketability. They all agree; this is a feature worth adding to the home before putting the house on the market.

When it comes to your home, comfort and style are important factors as well. With hardwood floors you get both, along with a floor that can last a lifetime. With today’s technology in finishes and wide varieties of wood species, you can redefine an entire house with just one component. It is the preferred product of architects and designers alike. With hundreds of prefinished products available today, there is no need to have an unfinished floor installed to achieve the look and finish you desire.

When Hardwood floors are compared to other flooring products, they are extremely reasonably priced. If you were to spend $6.00 a square foot (s.f.) on a high end carpet, the majority of guest in your home, would never know the difference between that and a $2.00 s.f. carpet when recently installed. On the other hand, if any hardwood floor is installed (especially exotics) your guest won’t be able to miss it; nor will a potential buyer when the time comes to sell.

After reading this, I think you will agree hardwood floors are the “best buy for your buck”. Please check back often for my latest Blogs; and as always, thanks for reading.

Jeff Shipe


Works Cited
Abrams, L. (2009, Febuary 5). Realtor Survey. (J. Shipe, Interviewer)

The Debate between Square Foot and Square Yard Carpet Pricing:

This debate has been on-going for years and has become very intense. I have heard of salespeople using this debate to try and convince their customers that their competition was “crooked” for using misleading methods of figuring how much a job will cost. If one was selling by the square yard, they would say that the business selling by the square foot was trying to “pull a fast one”; and vice-versa. This is an easy out for small dealers who wish to fight the big box stores and the large retailers who have already made the switch to square foot carpet pricing.

The salesperson making these statements should research the real reason for this debate.
Not only has square foot pricing become law in many states, it is also the industry standard with most carpet manufacturers and flooring associations. While consumers adjust to this change, many retailers willingly display both methods of pricing.

The reason this change is taking place is a simple one: All other floor products such as ceramic, hardwood, laminate and the like, are already priced by the square foot. By pricing carpet by the square foot, it levels the playing field and makes product price comparison simple. Everyone benefits from this pricing method; it truly shows the consumer what a bargain carpet is when compared to most other products. Just remember, for every linear foot of carpet, using a 12’ width, is equal to 12 square feet. Each 1’ by 1’ section of material is 12 foot, or 144”.

If you are approached by a salesperson who argues this law with you, tell them to reference the January 1, 2001 regulation found in the National Institute of Standards and Technology handbook 130, “Uniform laws and regulations.” In short, carpet must be sold by the square foot instead of the square yard. The regulations are enforceable by the State Attorney General with consumer fraud divisions or other agencies that have enforcement authority.

Thanks for reading,
Jeff Shipe