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Alexandra Giles

Alexandra works in the marketing department, and in 2014, bought her first house, which turned out to be somewhat of a ‘project’. Since then, the whole house has needed renovating, which has helped her gain a knowledge of basic DIY, decorating and making the best of a small space.

By Alexandra Giles

During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of tradespeople and businesses were forced to shut down and cease trading. However, since 2022, the total number of annual trades in goods and services has continued to increase; with the UK having an annual output of £183 billion by the end of the year.

With approximately 244,000 business enterprises in the UK, tradespeople must understand what their customers are looking for in a brand so that they can better compete with other businesses in their market.

In a recent survey, we asked UK homeowners what they are looking for in a brand:

“What factors would make you more likely to trust a brand?”

What factors make you trust a brand infographic with sections of positive reviews at 75%, High quality materials at 50%, Garuntee or warranty at 75%, fast lead times at 5%, if the brand is well-known at 10%

Following these results, there are several features that may attract potential customers if utilised within businesses. 75% of UK homeowners stated that they are more likely to trust a brand that has positive reviews or provides a guarantee (or a warranty) with their products.

In a close second, 50% of UK homeowners would also be more likely to trust a brand that offers high-quality products.

Why is it important to supply high-quality fenestration products?

Customers, especially new homeowners, may worry about the quality of products when filling large expenses for their homes, including sliding doors, bi-fold doors and windows. But, has the cost-of-living crisis had an impact on whether homeowners prioritise high-quality products and materials?

When asked, 70% of UK homeowners stated that the cost-of-living adjustment has affected their priorities:

“Has the cost-of-living crisis affected your priorities when looking for a brand?”

Cost of living infographic with yes at 70% and no at 30%

However, despite this ongoing financial crisis, most UK homeowners are still not prioritising lower costs over the quality of the product:

“Do you prioritise the cost of the product over its quality?”

Cost over quality infographic with yes at 35% and no at 65%

Our research suggests that 65% of UK homeowners still care about quality when choosing a brand, and do not want to sacrifice the integrity of the item for cheaper and less durable products. These products are cheaper for a reason and typically are of lower quality; resulting in the need for repairs or replacement.

Working with Origin confirms to your customers that the sliding doors supplied will be of high quality. Our accreditations, reputation and quality control ensures you that all products are inspected at every part of the supply chain and manufacturing process, so that the highest quality products are delivered and received every time.

Bifold doors in a large living room with yellow furniture leading into a garden

Find out more about our Artisan aluminium sliding door.

The Artisan Slider is minimal and sleek in its design; it enhances a home’s interior by maximising the intake of natural light. It is available in any RAL colour and offers a guarantee of up to 10 years on the frames and hardware.

Becoming an Origin Trade Partner gets you access to a range of award-winning products and industry-leading delivery times that you can offer your customers.

Complete our online form today to open your Origin Trade account.

Why supply products with fast lead times?

One of the ways to stand out against other tradespeople is by supplying products with fast lead times. This is a hugely important factor in customer satisfaction as it sets expectations as to when customers can expect their products and they’re mostly looking to get their projects completed as quickly as possible, so by being able to offer a high-quality product and get it installed quickly, it will lead to your customers being happy.

In a recent survey, we asked UK homeowners:

“Is good customer service a factor that is important to you in a brand?”

Customer service infographic with yes being at 95% and unsure at 5%

An astounding but perhaps unsurprising 95% of UK homeowners responded that good customer service is an important factor to them in a brand. Ultimately, customers need to rely on who they are buying from, especially if it is a long-term important purchase for the home, such as sliding doors. Fast lead times can help enhance the customer service experience, and this can attract other potential customers, from the likes of word of mouth and positive reviews.

Origin provides flexible lead times when supplying sliding doors. On the Origin Patio Slider, you specify when you want your doors delivered. Whether that’s for a month, a week or a day, we will deliver.

Outside view of a house with bifold doors leading into the house

Lincoln Window Design’s Origin partnership experience (origin-global.com)

Testimonial:

“Origin lead times are phenomenal. I feel safe; I can trust Origin as a partner.

We can trust their supply, delivery, quality, and reliability.”

- Sean Smalley, owner of Lincoln Window Design

Find out more about the benefits of becoming an Origin Trade Partner here.

Why is guarantee important to customers?

Guarantees, or a warranty, on a product promises customers that the goods or services they will be receiving will meet specific quality standards.

A product warranty can strengthen the relationship between the customer and supplier. It suggests that their satisfaction is a main consideration and that if they are not completely happy, actions will be taken to right this wrong. Buyers may consider products that have a guarantee over other companies that do not offer this; hence allowing you to stand apart from your competitors.

In a recent survey, 70% of UK homeowners would consider brands that offer guarantees:

“Do you consider whether a brand offers a guarantee with its products?”

Brand garuntee offers with products infographics with yes at 70%, no at 5% and Sometimes at 25%

At Origin, we provide a guarantee of up to 20 years on our sliding doors. We provide UK tradespeople with confidence that our products are reliable, providing them with reassurance on their durability so they can specify them to their customers with complete assurance.

Browse through our sliding door range here.

The rising importance of sustainability

The UK government is focusing more on implementing sustainable goals with its 25-year environment plan. This document highlights the areas in which the country needs improvement, including ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles to achieve clean air by 2030, and minimising as much waste as possible in homes and businesses.

In the survey, we asked UK homeowners whether they would look for sustainable brands for their home:

“Do you look for sustainable brands when buying products for the home?”

Sustainable brands infographic with yes at roughly 20%, no at 10%, sometimes at roughly 50% and N/A at 15%

21% of UK homeowners would look specifically for sustainable brands, whilst 53% would consider them on occasion.

Every homeowner has a responsibility to help the environment as much as possible. At Origin, we focus on targeting our waste management and ensure all our products are recyclable and sustainable. Becoming an Origin Trade partner allows you to showcase that manufacturer of the products is ISO 14001 certified and that the products have been designed with the environment in mind.

Find out more about Origin’s sustainable accreditation here.

Good brand reputation

Overall, one of the most consistent factors that customers prioritise is the brand’s reputation. No matter how cheap the products may be, a good brand reputation and positive reviews are vital to a customer’s interest and subsequent purchases.

“Would you prioritise a good brand reputation over cheaper products?”

Brand reputation inforgraphic with yes at 65%, no at 15% and sometimes at 20%

Origin is a recognisable brand with various accreditations to its name. At Origin, we ensure that all our products match up to our reputation and are of the highest quality.

Why Become an Origin Trade Partner?

At Origin, we work with over 1,200 UK trade partners. Becoming an Origin Trade Partner ensures that the products you provide to your customers are of high quality and will be designed and manufactured bespoke in order to match your customers’ needs.

Working with Origin provides your customers with peace of mind that the sliding doors that they will be purchasing are good quality, sustainable and will have fast lead times.

Find out more information about becoming an Origin Trade Partner here.

Image of all previous information within a infographic

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