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Minutes Matter

Every design job starts out with good measurements. Great care must be taken to make sure all necessary measurements are recorded or the whole job is doomed from the start. You only need a few simple tools like a couple of 25' 1" tape measures, Measuring Forms, digital camera, stud finder, protractor for measuring angles and a mechanical pencil. Also, keep some craft paper, chalk, Xacto knife and scissors to create templates for arch windows, chair cushions, or a window seat.

25' 1" Tape Measures - Keep spares in your vehicle for emergencies; tape measures can get misplaced, lost or bent. What could be worse then arriving at an appointment only to find you don't have a tape measure?
Portfolio - Give the client your portfolio to keep them occupied while you are measuring; mention you need to be quiet while you are measuring so you won't make a mistake.
Measuring Forms - Keep extra copies in a hanging file in your vehicle.
- Always measure & record measurements in the same way i.e., widths first
- Fill in all the blank boxes, in other words use preprinted forms.
- The best time to decide FW & FL of a treatment is on the job site.
- Make special note of items or objects that could be a problem during installation i.e., air vents.
- Discuss possible installation schedule with client; do they have a special event coming up and need their treatments installed by that time?
Digital Camera - Take photographs of all windows, possible installation problems, close up shots of complex molding, room shots to reference later, shots of items for color matching.
Paint Decks - Use your favorite paint company's paint deck for color matching.
Protractor - Keep a protractor to measure angles or staple two business cards together to replicate the angle.
Stud Finder - Use a stud finder to help determine FW of a treatment especially when treatment is extremely heavy. Adding a few inches to a treatment can ensure the treatment is installed into studs resulting in a more stable install.

Want to hear and see more measuring tips and techniques? Hear my "Measuring Solutions" seminar at the CHFI Conference in Greenville & Phoenix.

Would you like to start using preprinted measuring forms? We have a CD Edition, and a Copy Edition for those of you that do not want to use the computer. The grilles have been removed from all windows to simplify the forms. We have also added a Recess Layout form. This new form allows you to create a diagram of the step downs in a window for installation purposes.

Our forms have all pertinent information on one easy to use page which includes client information, all window measurements, treatment information, installation information, cutting information, fabric & product information, retail pricing for fabric & products and ¼" graph paper on the backside.

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The new CD Edition includes a CD with all forms in a PDF format as well as 25 printed copies of each form and two filled out sample forms.

Anyone that has the 2003 version of the Measuring System can upgrade to the CD Edition with PDF files only for $69.

Doing the same thing the same way every time is a philosophy that you should run your business by. Developing this one technique can move your business to the next level.

If you are not using preprinted forms you're wasting time! Preprinted forms not only save precious time they also prevent mistakes! At Minutes Matter we offer many different kinds of products and forms to help you systematize your business.

1.800.343.0616