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Home » About Us » FAQs

FAQs

As leading experts in shutters, blinds and awnings across southeast Queensland, there are very few questions we can’t answer. We understand things can get a little overwhelming at first with so many options, and that’s just in blinds alone! So, we’re here to simplify it all for you.

We’ve outlined some of our most frequently asked questions on this page to help give you some of the answers you’re looking for in one place. We also recommend checking out the page for each product where you’ll find more specific information and pictures that might help to explain a lot.

We also really encourage you to call our friendly, expert team with any queries you have about your specific needs and how we can best meet them with blind, awning and shutter solutions. We can even send our mobile showroom to you.

At Factory Direct, customer service drives everything we do so we’re looking forward to your call.

Call us today with your enquiry or to book a measure and quote, obligation-free. Our mobile showroom will come to you

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How can we help?

What product would be best for my home?

We offer a wide range of products to suit every home and application, depending on your needs. Louvred products such as shutters and venetians offer the benefit of allowing a breeze whilst still shading from the sun and providing privacy. Blockout rollerblinds and roller shutters are perfect for darkening rooms. Whatever your situation we offer practical advice. Our consultants are trained in the benefits and limitations of all window coverings and external shading solutions. Allowing you to make an informed choice on which product best suits you.

Are timber shutters better than synthetic shutters?

This depends on your needs. Synthetic shutters such as our Alto Polyresin Shutter, are very hardwearing and robust. They are unaffected by salt air or moisture so we consider them the best product for salt air environments and wet areas. Timber shutters are also very popular particularly as timber is much lighter than synthetic materials. Therefore if looking at large panel sizes, we would recommend Timber.

Can you use all of your products outside?

Not all products are recommended for external use. We offer an array of external awnings and shade solutions, as well as shutters suitable for external use. We also recommend Alto Polyresin Shutters or Venetians for internal blinds should they be susceptible to getting wet from windows or doors being left open. Our trained sales consultants can offer expert advice on which products would be suitable for your application, and how warranties can sometimes be affected by products exposed to the elements.

How do I clean my blinds?

Different shutters, blinds, awnings and curtains require different treatment when cleaning. Many of our products are low maintenance and can simply be wiped down or dusted. Some of our products have anti micro bacterial treatments and anti static treatments to reduce dust clinging to fabric. We have specific care and maintenance instructions for our entire range. If unsure, please contact your local Factory Direct Shutters office.

Are your blinds child safe?

All of our products are manufactured and installed in compliance with Australian law. The ACCC have produced Child Safety Regulations for window furnishings specifically relating to the danger of loose hanging cords and chains. Some products can be provided chain or cord free by changes in design or by motorisation of the blind. Where chains or cords are necessary, child safety devices will be attached or the cord or chain must be shortened to the relevant height legislated by the ACCC. All Factory Direct Sales Consultants and Installers are trained in child safety standards.

Are your products environmentally friendly?

All of the materials used in our products are sourced with sustainability and the environment in mind. We offer a range of pvc free, lead free alternatives and many of our products are recyclable and made from recycled materials.  Ask us about the below accreditations related to many of our products.

Most of our products are designed to reduce heat transfer into your home in summer and insulate against the cold in winter, reducing energy costs and emissions.

Do non timber shutters emit toxic gases?

Some pvc building products including shutters are believed to emit VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOC’s are considered toxic. Our synthetic shutter product ‘Alto Polyresin Shutter’, has been lab tested and does not emit VOC’s or any other toxic gases. Often overlooked when testing products for VOC’s is the paint used on the PVC product tested. Many imported products are painted with inferior cheap paint that does not meet Australian standards but can easily be imported into Australia. We believe this will become highly publicised in the future and that we have an ethical responsibility to guarantee that our products are not manufactured using paints that do not meet Australian standards.

Are your products made in Australia from Australian sourced materials?

As much as possible. Factory Direct Shutters believes in Australian made products and jobs for Australians. Some of our products including our Forte Aluminium Shutter is manufactured in Brisbane using aluminium profiles extruded in Australia. All of our curtains, blinds and awnings are manufactured in Australia using Australian materials and components where available. Some parts and materials are sourced from overseas if they are not available here to an equal or superior standard. Our Alto Polyresin Shutter is manufactured in Shanghai to our specifications and design. This program has been highly successful for many years due to an incredible level of consistency and high level of quality in manufacture, as well as competitive pricing. We continue to enjoy an amazing relationship with the family that operate this factory on our behalf. Recently we gained the ability to also manufacture this product in Australia to ensure that we can always offer a consistent service to our existing and future customers.

What’s involved in a free measure & quote. Is it obligation free?

Arranging an obligation free measure and quote is easy at Factory Direct Shutters. You can call us directly on 1300 077 125 or call your local area office directly using the numbers listed on this site. Alternatively you can send us a quote request from the contact form. Your request will be sent directly to the sales consultant closest to you, who will call you to make an appointment at a convenient time for you. We offer a solution based consultation and bring all the relevant products samples and colours to assist in making a selection in the home, where you can compare to your décor. Our consultants will measure and provide pricing advice all in the one appointment.

Does your showroom have all products on display?

We only feature a select few products at our various locations as our consultants are fully equipped to demonstrate our products in your home using colour swatches and samples. We have found this to be more effective as you have the opportunity to see how the products are going to look in the location they are intended for. This includes comparing colours against your existing décor. Some products such as ‘Zipscreens’ and ‘Plantation Shutters’ are very impressive in large displays so we also welcome you to visit us as well.

I live near the ocean, what products do you recommend

There are definitely some products that are far from suitable in salt air conditions. We have not seen an aluminium venetian produced yet, that will not pit very quickly when exposed to salt. There are also some products on the market that have componentry that will require replacing if salt builds up. With this in mind Factory Direct Shutters began over 20 years ago on the Sunshine Coast servicing homes from Caloundra to Noosa and all the coastline in between. We understand exactly what works and what doesn’t. What requires maintenance and what products will cope fine with salt air conditions. We can provide professional advice depending on your location and what solution you are looking for.

What warranties and guarantees do you provide?

There are definitely some products that are far from suitable in salt air conditions. We have not seen an aluminium venetian produced yet, that will not pit very quickly when exposed to salt. There are also some products on the market that have componentry that will require replacing if salt builds up. With this in mind Factory Direct Shutters began over 20 years ago on the Sunshine Coast servicing homes from Caloundra to Noosa and all the coastline in between. We understand exactly what works and what doesn’t. What requires maintenance and what products will cope fine with salt air conditions. We can provide professional advice depending on your location and what solution you are looking for.

What type of interest free finance do you offer?

Ask us about our interest free options when you get us out to quote. We have a standard interest free offer, but also have special interest free offers from time to time

Why should I buy from you?

Factory Direct Shutters has operated in South East Queensland for over 20 years. We are an industry leader and take great pride in our quality products, excellent customer service and our outstanding team of sales consultants and professional installers. We are a family owned and operated business, big enough to ensure our products and services are very competitively priced with great quality control, but also small enough that every customer has a name and not a number. In fact, we believe our success is based on the value and respect we have for our customers. We understand that choosing window coverings can be daunting. They are custom made products and you don’t get to see what they look like before you commit to buying them. In some cases you are making a considerable investment. Most customers that buy from us, tell us they did so secondly because of our great pricing. Firstly because the sales consultant took the time to explain everything. The products, the process, the cost and the wait. When we complete a job we ask our customers if they could provide a review for us on sites like Google and Product Review. We are interested in the good and the bad. We like potential new customers to read good stories about us, but also to see how we respond to customers who may feel we could have done better. Every company can always be better, and we will always ask that question, of you and ourselves.

What our happy customers are saying. See more five star reviews

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Tracey Dunlop
2023-02-02 via Google
If you need shutters, call this company. I highly recommend them. I am so happy with the result. Through the whole process every person l spoke to in the company were so informative, professional and the installation happened without any problems. Christmas happened during the process and so it delayed things but that's pretty normal. I am so happy with the end result. Thank you FDS, Tracey.
Lia Maheno
2023-01-25 via Google
Cameron was prompt with his measure and quote and was very good with his follow up. I also had another 2 quotes from other companies who never once followed me up. The office team kept me up to date with expected arrival times. Luke came out to install them last weekend (huge job in the terrible heat) and he was also great to deal with and did a very professional job. They look absolutely amazing and love them. I have recommended Factory Direct to literally anyone who will listen!!
Elizabeth Barker
2023-01-18 via Google
We recently used Factory Direct Shutters for a few areas in our home Our initial contact was with sales representative Wendy who displayed excellent knowledge of the product and was very professional and friendly We had our installation today . Kyle turned up exactly at the organised time and efficiently installed our product The shutters are very good quality and looks fantastic Would definitely recommend this company
Emily
2022-12-15 via Google
My grandparents recently had shutters installed and wanted to pass on their praise. They wanted to comment on how amazing both Aaron and Anthony were throughout the consultation and installation process. Aaron was extremely careful and precise with his measurements and gave them full confidence in the final product. Anthony made them feel like nothing was too much trouble and was incredibly considerate. Both were extremely professional, friendly, courteous, and completed their jobs to an extremely high standard. Thank you so much they absolutely love their shutters!
Alex Henry
2022-02-16 via Google
Factory Direct have a wonderfully efficient and sympathetic team. Quinn provides accurate on the spot quotes while Issac installs exactly to client needs even when these needs change at the last moment. Rochelle is a friendly, patient, customer focussed administrator who keeps clients up to date on the progress of their project.
David Armstrong
2022-01-18 via Google
We just had outdoor aluminum shutters installed at our house and couldn't fault these guys. From start to finish, we were impressed with the level of professionalism displayed and quality of finish. The price was also good. I will be using them again.
Glenda Campi
2021-12-16 via Google
What a delight to have Ren and Ben from Factory Direct complete a truly professional fitting of our wind down awnings for Lind Lane Theatre. Not only do they look magic, but they screen exactly as we had hoped, with the use of quality materials. They left the job site spic and span on completion too. Highly recommended.
Joanne South
2021-10-20 via Google
From the measure up and quote to the updates etc from customer service people to the installers both times we have used this company all parts of the service has been excellent Thank you Cameron, Scott and office staff we can highly recommend all of you.
Guy Terry
2021-10-15 via Google
We had aluminium lever shutters installed in our house. The tradesperson was amazing friendly and courteous. The job was outstanding. Could not fault any of the job. It was a pleasure to work with the person who came out and quoted through to the office staff and The Legend. trades person who installed the job. Highly recommend factory direct shutters. Will be using them in the future. Thanks again for the excellent job
Sharon May
2021-09-28 via Google
We are thrilled with our outdoor blind from Factory Direct. Very impressed from quote, to install, and excellent kindly office staff. As a bonus prize the product is absolutely perfect, brilliantly installed, and well made.
Jon Rist
2021-02-19 via Google
Absolutely delighted with my new shutters, they look awesome, and definitely add value to my property. Not as expensive as I'd first imagined. Ben the installation guy is a friendly nice guy too. Whole experience was great!
Malcolm Williams
2021-02-19 via Google
We installed Factory Direct Sun Blinds to our western deck. The quality of the blinds cannot be faulted and Kyle installed them without any fuss just perfect. Thank you for a fine product adding value to our apartment and allowing us to use the deck on hot summer days. I can recommend your firm without hesitation.
Andrew Holford
2021-02-19 via Google
Factory Direct Shutters & Blinds are a team of Super Stars. Exceptional service and price! We had a pleasurable experience every step along the process from initial contact thought to quoting and installation. My Office blind looks great i will be back again soon.
Shirley
2021-02-19 via Google
Jules is so wonderful to work with. She has so many ideas. Our blinds look great and the two installers ( Scott was one) were pleasant and cleaned up when they were finished. I love the new look! I would definitely deal with this company again!
Barbara Rowan
2021-01-19 via Google
Look no further this company would be the best. Last Saturday I had installed a concertina plantation shutter in my pergola, roller blinds, Venetian blinds & vertical blinds installed in my home. They all look fabulous. The quality is superb and price very competitive. All Australian made no rubbish from China. The service from each employee I dealt with was efficient, friendly and helpful. I will be using them again in the new year for a small plantation shutter in another pergola. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for their products.
Martin Kijlstra
2021-03-11 via Google
Our new plantation shutters are very nice and installed perfectly. Ordered them in December and advised of manufacture time and likely installation date, which matched well. Installation was quick, allowed silicone to dry for 24 hrs, now it's awesome. Everyone who sees then thinks they are awesome... And I agree! Good job FDS!
Clint Wright
2020-12-05 via Google
Just had our newly renovated bathrooms updated with new shutters. From the first quote through to the install the team at Factory Direct Shutters have been faultless. Nigel in sales was really helpful in choosing the best products, Alison in the office kept us informed of the install and Marks install was excellent. Really happy the final outcome and will be using these guys again.
Maria MacMaster
2021-02-23 via Google
I have used this company to install shutters throughout my house (in three bedrooms, bathroom, toilet, laundry) ad well as two vertical blinds on two large sliding doors. Jules did a great job doing the measuring and quoting, giving good advice on some unusual windows. Isaac did all the installations and was always efficient, tidy and friendly. I had great confidence in the team and have been very satisfied with the end results. Highly recommended.
Katrina Boyd
2021-03-11 via Google
From start to finish I was impressed. The whole job has exceeded our expectations. We got a few quotes and FD SHUTTERS came in cheaper and were happy to negotiate. They gave follow up call and the guys that installed the blinds were absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend FD Shutters
Dav Hunter
2021-01-16 via Google
Had my blind installed today . Josh was awesome did a wonderful job. Recommend to all looking at getting one. makes a huge difference to your home. Not only cooler but stylish and privacy .I will be getting more done now I have seen the excellent care and work completed and how a difference it has made to the house. Thank you Josh Jessica and factory Direct shutters I really recommend them. Value was one of the best I had been given in a quote.
Lance Obrien
2022-03-16 via Google
Justin & the Team were well above my expectations. I had several quotations & the level of service Factory direct provided was head & shoulders above the competitors. What i liked was Justin's approach; he had passion for his work & gave a good practical opinion on all facets rather than what was easy. Factory directs after sales service was spot on with no neglect on coming back to make a few minor adjustments along with back up calls to ensure we were 100% happy. I can highly recommend these guys as i believe they fit into good old fashioned service