From designer handbags to furniture to cars, consumers buy all sorts of items online these days. Now add windows and doors to the mix, thanks to a new Website from Jeld-Wen that offers homeowners a revolutionary way to purchase energy-saving products for their home.
Last week, Jeld-Wen introduced its redesigned website at The company is the first manufacturer to break the mold of traditional window and door producer Websites and bring these home products into the e-commerce world.
"We know that 80 percent of visitors to the Jeld-Wen Website are homeowners who are interested in purchasing our products, so this new site is geared to help them through the process, " said Rob Jellesed, director of Internet sales and marketing. "This Web site goes beyond serving as just an informational resource; it gives consumers the power to research products, customize windows and doors, and take steps toward buying their creations."
3D pictures tell the story
Highly visual and intuitive, the new Website utilizes pictures and imagery to lead customers through the shopping process. Similar to other companies that require a dealer visit for purchase, such as automakers, Jeld-Wen makes it easy for window and door consumers to select products, customize their choices with options and colors, and reach an actionable step, such as scheduling an appointment with a dealer, in just a few clicks of the mouse. Then, like knowing what car and options you want to buy before you arrive on the lot, the customer can print out their product choices for their dealer visit, be armed with the knowledge to purchase and experience a more streamlined, efficient shopping process.
What drives the visual elements on the redesigned site is new technology never before used on a window and door website. Unique 3D pictures of the company's products allow consumers to see all facets of Jeld-Wen's products up close and personal.
In fact, research from Autodesk, a partner in creating the new Web site, revealed that nearly three-fifths (58 percent) of consumers prefer a Web site that gives a 3D image of something they are interested in buying, and that 3D imaging enables consumers to make better purchasing decisions.
"Today's online shoppers prefer pictures rather than words to learn about products, " said Jellesed. "Our goal is to help educate the consumer about windows and doors that will look and perform to the highest standards in their home. Sometimes it's just better to show than to tell."
Top features
In addition to individual sections for the company's interior and exterior doors, windows, garage doors and patio doors, the website features dedicated areas for learning about home improvement, tools and resources for architects and builders, and a design center where visitors can virtually design their own windows or doors.
Other features of the new Website include:
- Simple, customer-focused language that takes the emphasis away from the manufacturing process and puts it squarely on the product benefits and features
- Since purchasing decisions are rarely made in a vacuum, the new site offers visitors the ability to share and collaborate their selections with friends, architects or contractors
- Virtual interior tours of leading home styles and the window and door products featured inside
- A design gallery with photos, videos and tips on selecting the right windows and doors
Lou Manfredini