This is a rating based on two experiences with AVB spaced fifteen months apart. The first experience I would rate as five stars; my most recent experience I would rate as one star. My first purchase with AVB totaled a little over $3200 and my second purchase totaled a little over $2200. Both purchases were for cellular or honeycomb shades for two entire houses. The first purchase went very smoothly from beginning to end; from selection, measurement and installation. Based on my first good experience I ordered similar goods from AVB. My new home had no window coverings and no window hardware so I said I would pay for rush manufacture, delivery and installation. However, the shades arrived later than my first experience. The subcontracted crew flew through the installation and I was alarmed at the fact that one of the crew didn't seem to know what he was doing and finally the lead installer told him just to open boxes. In less than two weeks, one end of one of double shades fell off the bracket and was dangling by the other bracket. I called AVB to complain about the shoddy installation and was told since I wanted expedited installation the job was subcontracted out and they squeezed my job in late on a Friday evening; so it was "kinda" my fault. When Michael came to reattach the shade he checked them all and found three more that were not snapped completely into the brackets as I could hear them as he snapped them into place. When I called the installer to report what had happened he denied any blame and was rude. Shortly thereafter one shade began to malfunction requiring me to pull very hard to lower it. There was unusual resistance for about two feet and then a very noticeable "release" and normal resistance thereafter; as though there was a sticking point. I called AVB and was told that the manufacture had put in too weak a winding mechanism for the shade and the shade was replaced quickly. Starting about six weeks ago three additional shades developed similar problems and I called AVB. Michael came out and examined the shades. I demonstrated the problem and further told him that the problem resolves itself if I pull and push the blind up and down several times However, after being idle for a short time, the problem returns I also showed him that often one side does not retract fully whereupon I have to "see-saw" the ends of the blind in order to equalize the cords inside the coiling mechanism. I was surprised how dismissive he was under the guise of his joking. He told me there was nothing wrong with the blinds and I just need to use them correctly. Since that time I have continued to have similar problems with the blinds and today I called again. Michael picked up the phone and as soon as I identified myself the annoyance in his voice was very obvious. I told him that nothing had been resolved and the problems I showed him still existed. He reiterated there was nothing wrong with the shades. I then said I owned the same shades in a previous home and I know how they are supposed to work. Michael then said there have been changes in shades over the last twenty years. Then I reminded him that I had purchased the same shades from his company just last year. By this time he made no effort to hide his annoyance. He asked what I wanted him to do and I answered I wanted him to believe what I reported about the shades as I knew what I was talking about. I then said I did not appreciate the dismissive remarks he had made to me. His response was that he was just joking. As this was getting no where I reiterated that there was something wrong with the coiling mechanism in at least three of shades. That he did not take the time or have the attitude to seriously listen to me and that if any of them stopped working, I wanted replacements. He agreed but it did not sound remotely heartfelt. I have spent over $5,000 with this company in less that a year and a half. I would expect that if Michael couldn't respect me, at least he could have respected the money I have given to his company. I tried to tell him I felt the problems were systemic and why; perhaps a lapse of quality control. He gave me neither the time or the attention to show him the evidence I had gathered. I didn't not call him on a whim but tried to do diagnostics myself so that I could show him concise facts. This is a company I once admired. However, this latest treatment not only angers me for what it will cost me in the future if I must replace these expensive shades as they fail but also being treated like the "dumb female". I have never written a negative online review before but I felt so devalued I have made this exception. read more