Monday, September 2, 2013

We may NOT be YOUR outdoor lighting company

More than anything else, we want everyone to be happy with their outdoor lighting. That means they have to be pleased with the experience of the initial consult, the design, the installation, the service after the sale and the price. If someone is not happy with any part of that relationship, they are not happy with their outdoor lighting system.

This is why we don’t charge a penny for our initial consult. We want folks to get to know us a little, and we want to get to know them as well. People who don’t like each other, probably aren’t going to have a smooth working relationship, and probably won’t be happy, right? So, if we walk around together to discuss lighting ideas at your home and you’re not comfortable with any part of that visit, we’re probably not the right outdoor lighting company for you.

Kramer entry

But if we seem to be getting along great and we like each other’s ideas for lighting your outdoor spaces, and agree on the basic concept, then we’re ready to get going! Until I bring up the design fee -- and there’s a screeching sound as the brakes are slammed on. “What do you mean, design fee?” Yup, a design fee. Can you imagine what a home builder would say if you asked him to build you a without any plans? Not only are there no plans -- but you’re not willing to pay anyone to create some plans. Can you see the builder scratching his head? Perhaps some builders will offer a design service to create the perfect custom home, but they will charge for that service. Can you imagine going to a landscape design company and asking them to create a design for your home, but you don’t want to actually pay for that design? That probably wouldn’t go over very well, either. NightScenes is an outdoor lighting design company. Yes, we do also install, maintain and repair outdoor lighting systems; but design is the benchmark of our lighting service. Our designer has spent many hours, days and weeks learning and honing his craft to become skillful and artistic in outdoor lighting design; therefore, he needs to be compensated for the knowledge he brings to the table. There are some outdoor lighting companies out there that offer a free design, demo or quote. If you would feel better about it, and be happier with a free quote, then we’re probably not your outdoor lighting company.

When it comes to the installation, there is the right way to do it and there are the other (wrong) ways to do it. We only do it the right way. We are members of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals which promotes a very high standard for our industry. They require their members to follow specific and comprehensive criteria to insure safe and code compliant installations, and this is provided to each member in writing. This model is the right way of doing things when it comes to an outdoor lighting installation. Anything less is simply the wrong way. There are plenty of lighting installers out there who will cut some corners, use some inferior products and staple wires to trees because it’s faster and cheaper than doing it the right way. If you’re in the market for someone who will do a quick and dirty installation for you, we’re probably not your outdoor lighting company.

Finally, there is the service after the sale. As far as I know, we are the only company in Texas, and maybe anywhere in the country, which includes three full years of service after the installation on residential lighting systems that are designed and installed by us. I’m pretty sure that most reputable companies would offer at least a year of service -- or I would hope so, anyway. You may stumble on those that don’t provide any service after the sale. If you are a DIY person and don’t need service once the installation is done, then you probably will not need to be your outdoor lighting company.

My hope today is that we’ve been able to help you determine if we might be a good fit for you and your outdoor lighting needs. If we do, in fact, sound like your kind of outdoor lighting company, please drop us a note at info@night-scenes.com and request an initial consult for an outdoor lighting system. We are looking forward to meeting you!

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