Gotta give credit where credit is due. There are few businesses left nowadays where both products and services are top notch. Custom Window Service is one them. It appears to be a mom and pop type business owned and operated by Mr. & Mrs. Fujiwara. And to think, after agonizing over where to buy new drapes, they're within walking distance! Gotta love Kaimuki, convenient to everything with so many long time, reliable local businesses. Whatever happened to the annual Celebrate Kaimuki Day? Thirty years ago wanted to rehab the Queen Theatre into something like the Arlington (VA) Cinema and Draft House, beer, wine, cheese, pizza and kitchy movies and shows! Maybe someday. But I digress.
Finally found a minute to pop into Custom Window Service on the way to elsewhere. It's located in the same little strip mall as Salz Lock & Safe, another local business I rely on. Considering the traffic on Wai'alae Avenue, it's best to be driving into town because turning left out of the parking lot can be an ordeal Better to turn right and head to the H-1 West/South King Street or Kapi'olani Blvd.
When you walk in the door, there's no "showroom." You're in the middle of the drapery production workshop. Should I be there? Is this the right place? Instead of stopping by, maybe all you need to do is call and set up an appointment?
The workers assured me that Mrs. Fujiwara would be right with me. She took my name and number and said her husband would call around 2 pm. And he did. Pleasantly surprised. We set up an appointment and he arrived as agreed with samples and measuring tape. Gave me an estimate on the spot. This is how I remember Hawaii from forty years ago. But lately, it seems tougher to get call backs, appointments, estimates, etc. Yes, I am a fussbudget, fussy about whom I give my money to!
Less than two weeks later, Mr. Fujiwara called to say the drapes were ready and he'd be by in the morning. He arrived on time. It took him an hour to hang the new drapes. They look great. No change to the estimate, which I thought was very reasonable. Expected to pay twice as much. Not only would I recommend Custom Window Service to others, I have other properties undergoing renovations. When they're done, the new drapes will come from Custom Window Service! read more