Clearview National February 2016 - Issue 171 | Page 60

doors&windows

Reviewing the designer site
National Window Systems, showroom manager Hayley Leech
knows exactly what consumers are looking for when it comes
to installing new windows and doors in to their homes. Not
only is she uniquely positioned to give her opinion because
of her job role, but she has also recently becoming a first
time houseowner in search of new windows and doors.
»»Hayley shares with
Clearview her opinion on the
latest version of the online
window and door designer
from Residence 9, discussing
how the new marketing tool
is assisting her and her staff to
guide consumers to choose more
traditionally styled doors and
windows easily, she also offers
her recommendations to how she
feels the site could be improved
to help retailers and homeowner
even more.

‘The site allows
users to ‘walk
through’ its features
easily, combining a
variety of functions
including a ‘mullion
stiffener’ option’
“The site allows users to
‘walk through’ its features easily,
combining a variety of functions
including a ‘mullion stiffener’
option,” Hayley comments,
“an advantage to trade users,
and allowing me and my staff
to show the consumer how the
window can be transformed if
moved.
“However, I do think if a
consumer was using the function
the title could be confusing.
‘Mullion’ is a terminology used

in the trade and not necessarily
a word a consumer would
understand. The site would also
definitely be easy to use if there
was ‘next and back’ buttons
applied to help continuous
usage.
“Working with the site really
helps you visualise what you are
explaining to the customer, or
when making a recommendation
it can be used to try out
different options against similar
brickwork.
“We use the site in our
showroom and we have found
the process gives customers a
visual which they are impressed
by, it’s a tool which is certainly
helpful in the consultation
process.
“Showing customers what
colour options are available,
especially dual colours is a great
benefit, and allows them to
dismiss any options which do not
work for them.”
Hayley continues: “Georgian
bars are sometime difficult for us
to describe without a visual to the
customers in particularly because
we do not have every example of
combination in the show room.
Customers really seem to respond
to this feature and being able to
tailor the colours, is a definite
plus.
“As the system is developed
further, I believe Residence 9
should consider adding more

60 » F EB 2016 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M

options of Georgian bars and
window styles to enhance the
site’s capabilities and give the
customer more choice.
“It would also be useful for
the site to work as a plug-in, so
we were able to have the site on
our own website for customers
to use.”
Hayley shares her thoughts
on using the site as a new
homeowner, “As someone in the
market for new windows, the site
has really helped me plan what is
going to work on my home.
“My new house has brickwork
not unlike “Elegant Retreat” so
I have tried a few different styles
and colours to get a real vision of
what it may look like.
“Windows are a considerable
purchase, not only due to the cost
but also the influence it will have
on the sale price of houses in the
future, so the opportunity to try
a couple of options really gave me
some peace of mind.
“However, the choice of house
styles on the site are stunning, but
generally lack reality.
“I live in the North East and
the closest brickwork type to
match my property was the
‘Elegant Retreat’ or ‘Beautiful
Bays’. But, the style of property
did not really match mine, and
appear to be aimed more at a
premium, more affluent audience,
perhaps alienating other target
markets.

“Compared to other online
‘designer sites’ we use, the
Residence 9 designer runs
relatively quicker than most and
is very responsive. The only thing
I would suggest to improve is to
ensure the Georgian Bar options
is available with every window
combination. It’s definitely
a shame you can’t explore all
options at the moment.”

‘the Residence 9
site is a fantastic
visual tool, easy
to use, broadcasts
the options on
offer, and clearly
shows the quality
and workmanship
of the system
Hayley concludes: “Overall,
the Residence 9 site is a fantastic
visual tool, easy to use, broadcasts
the options on offer, and
clearly shows the quality and
workmanship of the system.
”I would say that it’s better
than anything else available on
the market and does everything
you need it to as a consumer and
as a window retailer.”
www.nationalwindowsystems.
co.uk