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Topics covered: II. Dream Windows (IWCE Display Opportunities Q: What is DraperyPro? A: DraperyPro is an online group of professionals whose interest lies in soft window treatments and related products/services. Member communication is via email through a private DraperyPro Yahoo Group. Q: Who is the coordinator of the DraperyPro forum? A: Dian Garbarini DianGar@aol.com. Find out about Dian, read Dian's Bio. Q: When did DraperyPro originate? A: February 1996. Read history. Q: Who may join? A: Anyone in the industry with an email address, even those just starting out. Many members are homebased; others have storefronts/showrooms or workrooms outside of the home. We also have members who are vendors, sales representatives, educators and others affiliated with our trade magazines. Q: How many members are there? A: Approximately 300. Q: Is a sampling of the email available? A: Yes. Click to see an individual mailing from the DraperyPro Yahoo Group, or DraperyPro Yahoo Group daily digest. Q: How do I become a member? A: Print and fill out the DraperyPro Registration Form. You will need to fax or mail your payment. Q: How much does it cost? A: $49.00 is the initial annual subscription rate. The subscription year begins when you are emailed the Welcome to DraperyPro! email upon receipt of your registration. See Registration Form. Payment may be made with a check, money order or VISA/MC. Renewal notices will be sent the following year, one month prior to your renewal date. Q: When can I join? A: Anytime! Your subscription year starts when you join. Q: What are the benefits? A: Isolation and secrecy are things of the past! You will enjoy increased confidence and profitability due to the ability to network via the Internet. You can find out about all inside information of this industry from fellow members, and learn from the mistakes of others. We share marketing/selling techniques, pricing, sources, tips, advice, as well as frustrations and triumphs! Read Testimonials. Often we will have vendors offering specials to our group and we also have had members coordinate group buys. Deals and offers are announced in the mailings and posted in the Members Only section. Q: Who handles the mail? A. All email goes through the DraperyPro Yahoo Group. Upon joining DraperyPro, you will receive an invitation to join the DraperyPro Yahoo Group to allow receipt of the email communication and access to the archives. Questions specifically for Dian may be sent to DianGar@aol.com. Q: How is the mail sent out? A: When you sign up for the DraperyPro Yahoo Group, you will select Individual Mailings (they come to you as soon as an email is sent out to the group; or, you may select the Daily Digest, a compilation of all the emails that came through the previous day. See samples of individual mailing and daily digest. Q: How much mail will I get? A: You might receive 8-20 emails per day if you choose the individual mailings. Just one Digest of the mailings per day if you choose the Digest format. You can change the format if you wish. Q. Do I have to save all the mailings? A. No, all the mailings are archived on the DraperyPro Yahoo Group website for you. The postings are searchable by date and thread, and searchable by keywords. Q. Do I have to visit the website to read the postings? A. No, but you would need to visit for the archives and discussion threads. Q: If I answer a question or pose a request, who should I address the mail to? A: Email for the group would be sent to DraperyPro@YahooGroups.com. Membership is required and you would have to activate your DraperyPro Yahoo Group account. Q: How soon can I expect an answer? A: It might be minutes, an hour or within a few hours, depending on how many in the group are monitoring their mail. You may receive one or several responses. Answering is voluntary, but we have many generous members! Rarely would any question go unanswered. Q: Who can I send a private email to? A: Send to Dian Garbarini, the moderator of DraperyPro. DianGar@aol.com Q: How do I know who the members are? A: You can check on the DraperyPro Yahoo Group site for a member listing. (The web address for this will be sent to you upon your becoming a member.) Q: Can I get the email from the previous year? A: All postings will be archived in the DraperyPro Yahoo Group website, so you will have a wealth of information to read as soon as you join. (Now, if only we had unlimited time!) Q: How have members saved at shows? A: Members can save on hotel costs by rooming with other members--it's a great way to network and really get more out of the shows as well. You also receive regular announcements on specials, whether they will be product specials or entrance fee specials. Window Fashions offers a special DraperyPro rate for IWCE. Q: How can DraperyPro members be recognized at the shows? A: DraperyPros attending shows have DraperyPro badges. DraperyPro always has a booth at the International Window Coverings Exposition, so if you attend that show, you can pick up a DraperyPro badge. Q: Have further questions? A: Please email your specific question to Dian at DianGar@aol.com. Q: Can I talk to someone before I make my final decision to join DraperyPro? A: Of course! Just send Dian an email DianGar@aol.com with your telephone number, city and state, and the best time to call. Sometimes it's just reassuring to know you're making a wise decision to join. If you wish to call Dian, the number is 949-916-9372 (Mission Viejo, CA). Q: Ready to join DraperyPro? A: Proceed to registration form and you will receive your welcome email and DraperyPro Yahoo Group invitation soon after your form is received. We look forward to having you as a member. (IWCE display opportunities) Q: What are the Vignettes? A: The IWCE Vignettes and the Trend Spot displays are a collaborative effort between DraperyPro members, Vendors and Grace MacNamara Inc. Deb Barrett coordinates the projects. The Vignettes are full size displays designed and fabricated by DraperyPro members for view during the annual International Window Coverings Expo. The original DraperyPro displays were Dream Windows, 1997-2004. Click here for the Dream Windows listing on the opening page. Q: Who is the Dream Windows (Display) coordinator? A: Deb Barrett, of Grace MacNamara, Inc.organizes the IWCE displays. Dian is Deb's liason to DraperyPro. Q: Who can participate in the Displays? A: Any current DraperyPro subscribing member. Sign ups are announced in the Fall the following Spring show. Q: What kind of displays will there be? A: Deb Barrett announces a general theme, and general parameters. Workrooms and designers team up to create these displays. Q: How many displays will there be? A: We expect about 14 display opportunities to be available. Q: When and where will the 2006 Dream Windows be displayed? A: During the International Window Coverings Expo in Tampa, FL, March 29, 30 to April 1, 2006 on the exhibit floor and registration area during exhibit hall hours. See show information at www.expoquestions.com. Q: How can I see them if I don't attend? A: They will be photographed and published in Window Fashions Magazine typically in the June or July issue. You can see the Dream Windows treatments from 1997 to 2003 on this website. Q: If I do a display, can I get vendors to donate fabrics and hardware? A: Yes!!! All you have to do is ask! Deb Barrett will also have a list of vendors who wish to donate to the displays. Q: Is there a fee to participate in Dream Windows? A: No, but expect to invest your time and some materials, as well as be involved with the set up and tear down of the displays at the show. Q: Have further questions? A: Please email your specific question to Dian at DianGar@aol.com. Q: Can I talk to someone before I make my final decision to join DraperyPro? A: Of course! Just send Dian an email DianGar@aol.com with your telephone number, city and state, and the best time to call. Sometimes it's just reassuring to know you're making a wise decision to join. If you wish to call Dian, the number is 949-916-9372 (Mission Viejo, CA) Q: Ready to join DraperyPro? A: Proceed to registration form and you will receive your welcome email and DraperyPro Yahoo Group invitation soon after your form is received. We look forward to having you as a member. END of FAQ |
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