An accredited garage door dealer has been vigorously tested and approved in the areas of quality, safety and expertise.
The right contractor can make all the difference. Upright Door Service Inc. suggested Tips for Finding and Qualifying the Right Contractor which highlights the importance of collecting information before making a hiring decision. Similarly, you can follow the same tips when you need to find the right garage door dealer.
[custom_blockquote style=”red”]As underscored in our previous blogs, leave garage door/operator installs and repairs to trained professionals. Garage doors and operators are mechanical objects involving parts under high tension and electricity. [/custom_blockquote]
Research “garage door service” on the internet and a myriad of companies appear. Who do you trust? Look for an accredited garage door dealer with credentials from associations such as the International Door Association (IDA) and the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA).
Accredited dealers have gone the extra mile:
⇒They meet a higher level of professionalism.
⇒They have been validated by independent organizations recognized by the entire industry.
⇒The end is result is a satisfied customer.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL DOOR ASSOCIATION – IDA
• Founded in 1995.
• Plays a key role in quality control in the door and access systems industry.
• Primary Mission: To provide helpful programs and services to dealers “to enhance their value and professionalism”.
• Partners with the IDEA to produce educational, certification and accreditation programs.
• Enforces a Code of Business Conduct important to both ethical door dealers and consumers.
• Puts on an annual trade show (the IDAExpo).
• Publishes the industry’s leading trade journal (International Door & Operator Industry).
• IDA members represent the highest quality door system professionals available to general public.
This video from the IDA highlights their checklist for Selecting The Right Garage Door Dealer.
SELECTING THE RIGHT GARAGE DOOR DEALER – AS ADVISED BY THE IDA
There are a variety of sources you can turn to to purchase or obtain garage door products, the most popular of which is the door dealer professional, such as an International Door Association (IDA) Dealer. IDA Garage door dealers are often the most reliable and dependable source for several reasons. These include experience, knowledge and- most importantly- the fact that IDA Dealers make their living by selling, installing and servicing door systems.
Safety: A Primary Concern
A garage door is often the largest moving object in home or commercial business facility. An improperly installed door and operator system can exert tremendous force when the door closes. This could lead to the entrapment of children or adults and subsequent injury – or worse. Therefore, selecting the right person to install and service your door and/or operator is an extremely serious decision. It is not one that should be taken lightly!
There are thousands of door dealers in business today. What can you do to assure yourself of selecting the right one? We’ve provided these five checkpoint for you to use:
1.) Experience
2.) Workmanship
3.) Code and Regulatory Compliance
4.) Insurance Coverage
5.) Financial Integrity
Experience
Of all the five checkpoints, this is perhaps the easiest to validate. How long has the company been in business? If a new company, do the principals have experience in the door and operator industry? How much?
Workmanship
This may be the most important checkpoint. And it is also easy to verify. Does the door dealer have satisfied customers? If so, do they have letters of recommendation from their customers? Depending on the project, you may want to talk to a customer or two.
Code and Regulatory Compliance
There are numerous requirements pertaining to safety and the installation of a garage door system. Federal, state, and local codes and regulations must be followed. Ask the dealer you select about how they comply with the codes in your city.
Insurance Coverage
It is important to you that the door dealer carry proper insurance on their business and employees. One checkpoint is to ask for a copy of the company’s Certificate of Insurance. If they don’t have one or hesitate to comply with your request, it could be a negative signal.
Financial Integrity
Depending on the size of your project, financial integrity of a door dealer can be very important. Although this is a sensitive issue, a dependable, honest door dealer won’t mind telling you about the basic financial integrity of their company.
Selecting the right door dealer is as simple as asking a few questions. The most important deals with the issue of reliability. Is the dealer dependable, trustworthy, and safety-conscious? These questions take only moments to answer, and yet they can help you avoid tremendous problems in the future.
Accordingly, Upright Door Service Inc. has been an accredited IDA Dealer since the start. As a member we:
⇒ Embrace the IDA Code of Business Conduct.
⇒ Agree with IDA that professionalism and safety are inseparable.
⇒ Are held to a high level of quality installation and product.
⇒ Increase the scope of industry knowledge by taking advantage of the many educational opportunities and publications available to IDA members.
⇒ Keep up to date with changes to products and standards in the garage door industry.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF DOOR DEALER EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATION (IDEA)
The Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) is an educational organization established to meet the informational needs of consumers and the business and accreditation needs of door and operator dealers.
Upright Door Service Inc. proudly displays the IDEA Accreditation Seal and earned the designation of IDEA Accredited Door Dealer by:
⇒Completing a demanding six-part study course.
⇒Documenting good business practices.
⇒Receiving recommendations from others with whom we do business.
⇒Demonstrating our commitment to industry excellence.
ABOUT C.H.I. OVERHEAD DOOR 5- STAR DISTRIBUTOR PROGRAM
C.H.I. Overhead Doors supports and recognizes the value of the IDEA Accreditation Program where dealers must devote a considerable amount of time and effort to the program. A core requirement for becoming a C.H.I. 5-Star Distributor is to attain accreditation from the IDEA.
Upright Door Service Inc. received approval as a C.H.I. 5-Star Distributor by meeting a list of requirements including, but not limited to:
• Full Time Door Business – Dealer must be a garage door specialist on a full-time basis.
• Clean Warehouse & Premises – Premises must be kept neat and organized.
• Good Reputation – Dealer must have a good reputation and business practices within local market.
• IDEA Accreditation -C.H.I. recognizes the value of the IDEA Accreditation Seal.
CHOOSE AN ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL
While there may be a lot of garage door dealers to choose from, take caution: Not all dealers are equal. Don’t take a risk by choosing any garage door company. Choose Upright Door Service Inc. Be assured, knowing we were vigorously tested and approved in the areas of quality, safety and expertise. Trust Upright Door Service Inc. for all your garage door and operator needs. Contact us today 905-852-1981.