What’s The Difference Between Custom Blinds and Stock Blinds From The Shelf?

I receive this question quite a bit..."Brian, is there really a difference between custom blinds and the stock stuff at the big box stores? I mean, a blind is a blind, right?"

Well, the simple answer to that question is, no.  A blind isn't just a blind.  You see, a blind(or shade) serves a few purposes.  I'll cover a few of these to give you an idea as to what I'm rambling on about.

1) Privacy
No one gets a window blind or window shade for the sheer purpose of never opening or closing it.  The reason you open them is to allow in natural light because, as humans, natural light has a great effect on our mood and health.  The reason we close them is for security and to make sure no one sees us dancing in our birthday suit...don't tell me I'm the only one that does that!!! Now, as you can see in the picture above, the one on the left looks wrong.  Here's why...a stock blind that is sold on the shelves of those well known box stores only comes in 3 lengths.  So regardless of your window size, they're going to sell you one of those lengths.  Let's just say that there are many more lengths of windows in the world than 3.  Thus, this blind had approximately 12 extra slats and that causes a few problems.  Problem #1, and the subject of "Privacy", it hinders the blinds ability to close all the way.  Those extra slats create a wall for the first free hanging slat and the slat isn't able to rotate fully to complete the close.  So, every time this customer closed the blinds, there was always enough openness for someone to look in between the slats.  I proved this to the customer by having her close the blinds and hold a random object.  I then went outside and identified the object she was holding.  That was the point that she ordered the blinds on the right of the picture...custom blinds.

2) Aesthetic appeal 
Let's face it, another reason we get blinds or shades is because of how it makes the home look when they're installed.  Does the blind on the left look like something you would want to look at everyday?

3) Nickel and Dime concept
Freedom Blinds hates this concept.  You walk into a big box store and you see this blind costs $55.  You think, NICE!!!! Then you get to the point where you have to pay and it's $110...ummmmm, WHAT????
You see, those 3 lengths that are sold as stock are all adjustable. However, you aren't going to get that done for free.  It also has to get installed. However, you aren't going to get that free either.  All in, this blind would've cost the customer $110 from the "trusted big box store".  Freedom Blinds was able to replace all of her mass produced box blinds with perfect custom blinds with a 5 year warranty for just $89 each.

So, is a blind just a blind? Is there really a difference between custom blinds or shades and mass produced stock blinds or shades sold by big box stores?
​Freedom Blinds thinks so....How about you?