Meet Alex Blais, owner of Kelowna Curb Appeal Services, a home service business based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Offering services such as commercial and residential pressure washing, window cleaning, and moss removal, Alex was looking for a way to diversify his offerings during the slower months of the year.
"We wanted to keep the business thriving during the off-season," Alex explains. "That's when we started offering Christmas light installations. It's been a fantastic move for us. It's less stressful than some of our other services, and the crews love it. We get instant feedback from clients, and it's incredibly rewarding."
Embracing the Joy of Holiday Lighting
For Alex, the most rewarding part of Christmas light installations is the happiness it brings to his clients.
"People get genuinely excited about the lights," he says. "A lot of our clients are older and can’t get on a ladder, so bringing that festive spirit to them is really fulfilling. They’re so appreciative of the work we do."
Overcoming Challenges with Big Star Lights
Before partnering with Big Star Lights, Alex faced several challenges:
- Inconsistent Stock Availability: "Finding enough lights was an issue with our previous suppliers. If we were short on stock, it could ruin our entire season."
- Quality Issues: "The quality of the lights was subpar, and they often didn’t last as long as we needed them to."
- Limited Product Range: "The suppliers didn’t offer the variety of lights that clients wanted, especially for custom requests."
Switching to Big Star Lights made a significant difference:
- Reliable Stock: "With Big Star Lights, we never have to worry about running out of stock. It’s a game-changer for our planning."
- Consistent Quality: "The lights are incredibly consistent in appearance and quality, which makes installations look much more professional."
- Expanded Selection: "Big Star Lights offers a huge range of products, from traditional bulbs to unique options like the G30 round bulb, which is becoming a client favorite."
Innovative Products and Solutions
Big Star Lights has helped Alex overcome several challenges with their innovative products:
- Flat Wire with Parallel Sockets: "The flat wire design is a huge selling point. Unlike other suppliers, Big Star’s wires don’t twist, and they keep the lights looking neat and professional."
- Magnetic Clips for Commercial Installations: "The Mag Clips are a huge advantage for commercial installations. We often work with strip malls and commercial buildings, and having a secure, non-invasive solution like these clips is essential."
- Gutter Clips and Specialty Lights: "The gutter clips are fantastic for homes with gutter guards, and the specialty lights like Twinkly Pro are perfect for offering unique lighting designs for clients."
Exceptional Customer Service
A standout experience with Big Star Lights' customer service further solidified Alex’s loyalty:
"I had a spool of wire arrive with a broken end. I called Big Star Lights, and they sent out a replacement immediately, no questions asked. The customer support has been outstanding. They’ve been incredibly responsive whenever I’ve needed help."
Boosting Efficiency and Profits
Since partnering with Big Star Lights, Alex has noticed several improvements in his business:
- Increased Efficiency: "The reliability of Big Star Lights' products and fast shipping have allowed us to streamline our installations. We’re more prepared, and our projects run smoother."
- Long-Term Cost Savings: "Though we didn’t initially focus on cost savings, the quality of the lights and the five-year warranty we offer to clients have helped us avoid costly replacements or repairs, which ultimately improves our bottom line."
Advice for Fellow Installers
Alex’s advice for new installers is simple:
"Service is everything. Always focus on providing value to your customers, and do it safely. Don’t be afraid to say no if a job is too dangerous. Your clients will appreciate it, and it’s important to prioritize safety for long-term success."
Embracing the Future
Alex is excited for the future and the potential of expanding his offerings even further:
"I’m looking forward to incorporating even more innovative products from Big Star Lights, like the gutter clips and Twinkly Pro. There’s so much potential to offer new lighting experiences for our clients."