Tucked away in the beautiful village of Kinver is a kitchen studio with a reputation for value for money and great designs - a company that reflects service from a bygone age and passion for design, coupled with good honest advice.
It's somewhat unusual to hear a company owner say he puts service and total customer satisfaction well before profits - but Just Kitchens is a rather unusual company. Rob Cooper is committed to customer satisfaction, and this ethos is so successful that he now counts many of his one-time clients as personal friends.
"It's not all about the money; it's about being reliable and giving people the best service," Rob says. "There are so many companies who give customers a false impression about the value of their product by offering huge 'discounts' - they call this marketing; I call it lies. But Just Kitchens offers competitive prices all the time."
Rob has been working in the field of kitchen design for many years, designing and creating stylish kitchens to the client's individual requirements. Just Kitchens receives a lot of business from the local area, and, as Rob points out, word of mouth recommendations are very important when operating in a small village like Kinver.
"People also recommend us to their relatives and friends in other parts of the country, and I have travelled as far as North Wales, London and even the South Coast to carry out commissions," Rob says. He is actually now semi-retired, but still supervises every job personally, never taking on more than one project per week.
"I'm totally accessible - customers have my mobile and home numbers, and can make appointments outside of the shop's opening hours," he adds. "When you ring the shop, you can always speak to me in person, rather than an answering machine, and since I also live on the premises, I'm always around should people need me."
Clients are also offered the chance to view past projects, either by visiting the homes of customers, viewing a video of kitchens that Rob has completed, or both. As Rob lives at the studio he often invites clients into his own home to discuss design ideas over tea or coffee, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
After a home visit to measure the kitchen, a design is put together using CAD (computer aided design) technology so that clients can get a better idea of the final outcome and cost. "Because the business is completely independent, I can source any kitchen from any manufacturer, whether you want old English oak or high-gloss modern design," says Rob.
Just Kitchens has had recognition from prestigious sources, including Homes & Gardens magazine which featured Rob and the business after a visit from an impressed 'mystery shopper'. BBC Midlands Today presenter Bob Hockenhull was also tempted into buying a kitchen after BBC West Midlands did a feature on Rob's unusual garden design.
Rob makes sure customers are given a reliable after-sales service, recognising that some firms fail to do this. "All people want is a job well done, and - if anything should go wrong - to have it put right with the minimum of fuss," he explains. "Also, because I do not offer false discounts, you are not under any pressure to make a rash decision. My contract does not carry any small print other than 'Do unto others as you would have done to yourself'...I think that says it all."
Just Kitchens, 55a High Street, Kinver. DY7 6HE Tel: 01384 878196
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