Ever feel like this when you ask a question?  With so many options, choices and market claims about hurricane protection products, we certainly understand!  However, we ENCOURAGE our customers to ask us questions!  Our motto is "Our Best Customers are Our Most Informed Customers". 

Below, we've summarized many of the questions that we are asked on a regular basis by our valued customers.  If these don't answer your questions, please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail.

1.         General Business

            1.1.      Q:  How long has Distinctive Products, Inc (DP) been in business?

A:  Distinctive Products, Inc (DP) was founded in March, 1998 by President Jim Fletcher and partners.  Since that time, we have protected the property of over 3,300 customers on the northern Gulf Coast

1.2.         Q:  Is DP. a part of local business organizations?

A:  Yes!  DP is a long-time member of the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.  DP s President, Jim Fletcher, serves on the AGCCC Board of Directors.  Furthermore, DP has been an active part of the Baldwin County Homebuilders Association, the Community Associations Institute and several other business-related groups.

1.3.        Q:  Is DP a member of national trade organizations?

A:  Yes!  For example, DP is the only installing contractor from the State of Alabama that is a member of the International Hurricane Protection Association.

1.4.        Q:  Is DP a member of the local Better Business Bureau?

A:  Yes!  DP is a member in good standing with the BBB.  There have never been any unresolved complaints against DP

1.5         Q:  Does DP have a showroom?

A:  Our best showrooms are the more than 3000 homes, condos and businesses that our products have protected but, yes, we maintain a showroom of our products at our main facility, 2804 E. 2^nd St., Gulf Shores, AL.  We are located approx. one block east of the popular LuLu s Restaurant. Our general hours are M-F 8am-5pm, but we can be available by appointment at other times as well.

1.6         Q:  Does DP offer free estimates?

A:  YES!  Since every home is unique, we actually prefer to bring the showroom to you .  Simply call us, and one of our knowledgeable sales associates will be pleased to meet with you to discuss your needs and to provide accurate and timely cost estimates.

1.7         Q:  Where do you do business?

A:  We operate in Southern Alabama, Coastal Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle; however, we will upon consultation perform work outside of these areas.  We are licensed general contractors in Alabama and Florida

2                    Hurricane Protection Products

2.1.        Q:  Does DP manufacture the hurricane shutters that it installs?

A:  No.  We are general contractors who pride ourselves in a professional approach of matching the best products to your specific needs and installing these to the highest standards in the industry.  We have developed long-standing relationships with numerous national industry leaders in the hurricane protection field such as Roll-a-way, QMI, Hendee, and many others.  This is important, because each of these manufacturers produces shutters to exacting standards with state-of-the-art industry controls.  Local fabricators rarely achieve this level of quality.

2.2         Q:  Are all shutters sold by DP Hurricane Rated or Miami-Dade Rated ?

A:  This is a complicated question!  The simple answer is that no product BY ITSELF is rated !  BOTH the shutter AND its method of installation must meet specific engineering requirements in order to qualify under any rating IBC, FBC, Miami-Dade, etc.  Our trained professionals will discuss code requirements with you and demonstrate with Product Approval Drawings how our products will be installed to match whatever level of performance that you require.  BEWARE OF ANY COMPANY THAT MAKES BLANKET CLAIMS ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS BEING HURRICANE RATED OR MIAMI-DADE RATED .

2.3         Q:  What warranties are available?

A:  Our company issues a 10yr limited warranty for any installation of our shutter systems, with some exceptions.  Tubular motors for roll-up shutters carry a 5 year warranty, and paint finishes are warranted for either 1 year or 3 years, depending on their type.

2.4         Q:  Are permits required for installation of hurricane shutters?

A:  That depends greatly on the municipality where the shutters are to be installed.  We will investigate the need for permitting, and if needed, will file the necessary paperwork.  The cost of a permit if needed -  is included in our quote.

2.5         Q:  How long will it take for shutters to be ready for installation?

A:  This is a good question!  The lead time for shutters varies based on season, manufacturer and market conditions.  Currently, our products are available within 3-6 weeks from date of order.

2.6         Q:  Is DP more expensive than other shutter companies?

A:  Again, a complex question!  A simple answer is that for most single residential installations, we are cost competitive to slightly higher than most other shutter companies.  This is because we only sell the highest quality products; hire and train only the most qualified sales and installation personnel, who along with the customer, are supported by a friendly and efficient customer service organization. DP believes in providing its customers with a total worry-free sales and service package.  For larger commercial and condo installations, we are cost competitive with any other qualified bidder.

3                    Installation and Service

3.1         Q:  Do you use your own employees for installation?

A:  YES!  We only use trained in-house technicians for installation of hurricane shutters.  On occasion, when an installation calls for a highly customized application (i.e. Smart wiring), we hire only the most qualified subcontractors.  DP is committed to a system of continual quality improvement, and to a drug-free workplace.

3.2         Q:  How about insurance?  What types does DP carry?

A:  Because of the clientele we serve, and the number of commercial installations that we perform, we carry high levels of Workmans Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance.  All installers are required to carry high levels of automotive insurance as well.

3.3         Q:  What about service after the sale?

A:  Well-maintained and serviced shutters last for many years, even in our corrosive coastal environment.  However, if the need arises for shutter service, our trained staff are available for immediate dispatch during working hours.  We also maintain an after-hours emergency service call number (251-968-2728).  Our price for service work is determined by a fair parts + labor formula, and is quoted before work is performed.

3.4         Q:  What about extended maintenance programs?

A:  We offer a very popular annual preventive maintenance program, primarily for roll-up shutter customers.  Under the terms of this service, we completely clean the shutter, relubricate the moving parts, and make any necessary adjustments to its function.  Participation in the program restores year-one warranty protections so that any defect that is covered by warranty is fully protected as long as you remain in the program.  We can customize a preventive maintenance program for your home, condo or business just give us a call!

4        Terms and Conditions

4.1         Q:  What are your terms for shutter purchase?

A:  Our normal terms are a deposit of 50%, with the balance due upon our completion of the installation.  In larger installations, payment terms may be more flexible and allow for a smaller deposit, with progressive payments.  Call us for details.  We are pleased to accept your personal check for all payments.  We also accept EFT/bank draft payments and major credit cards (VISA & MasterCard preferred).