Selecting lighting can be one of the most difficult aspects of a remodeling project, from the overwhelming number of products available to the difficulties of getting working clients to take the time to go from store to store. Even remodelers who have their own showrooms can't offer a truly representative sample of all the products available. Enter VLS, Virtual Lighting Showroom, a new service from BellacorPro, an online digital catalog with 30,000 lighting products —everything from ceiling lighting to wall sconces, fluorescents, rope lighting, and specialty and landscape lighting — and home décor products from more than 200 manufacturers. VLS acts as a lighting distributor.
Joyce Jordan, part owner of R. Boyd Construction, Springfield, Va., was one of the first to use the virtual showroom. After Jordan signed up, VLS set up a Web page with RBC's logo. Now, after getting an idea of what a client wants, Jordan searches the BellacorPro Web site, chooses several lighting options, and sets up a client's password-protected portfolio on her company's VLS. “Our customers have been pleased that the hard work has already been done for them,” Jordan says, “but if they don't like our recommendations, they can go to the BellacorPro site themselves to see additional selections.”
There's a client wish list that can be e-mailed to their remodeler. If someone wants a product that's not on the site, they can call a help line and a lighting expert will help them find it. Remodelers can also get quotes on products.
VLS charges no fee to the remodeler; it's free to set up and is maintained by VLS. An online training video is available to show remodelers how to use the system and to set pricing. For more information log on to www.bellacorpro.com/vls or call 877.436.6285.
