My complaint is against Hunter Douglas and the product, before it was improved, called Vertiglide. I was building a home in 2002 - 2003 and needed to get window treatments for the 18 windows to discourage vandalism while the interior finish was being completed. The 13 duettes have been fine, and in my previous home the $12000. worth of Hunter Douglas product worked well.

These Vertiglides have been a nightmare. I have paid to have them repaired repeatedly. They are not designed to withstand any opening or closing of the shade except at a perfect 90 degree angle. If the wind blows or you need to maneuver them around the sliding glass door handle, they jam. When I say jam, I mean they do not budge.

My repair person refuses to work with them anymore because he knows that in the current design, these Vertiglides present a problem without a solution.

So, I got tired of talking to my installer. It's not his fault. I found my warranty and called Francis who recommended a "Warranty Investigation." What a joke. Wait, wait, wait, and then, "so sorry... not our fault, misused." Hey, well if you can't get in and out of your slider to your patio or balcony, what's the solution? Perhaps a frustrated moment of misuse? I know, I should have let the steaks burn and walked around through the front door to the outside, around the house, and finally to the BBQ. Sure, that makes sense.

Now, my installer, and the repair guy, both said gently nudge them from the very top (they are 98") and I might be able to get them open with a total jam where there is no hope of movement. I tried this, but I always end up calling for repair.

This publication on ComplaintsBoard.com is only my first attempt at justice. I meet with my attorney in 3 hours, but he'll then advise me that since he is filing a lawsuit that I can't express my frustration in public forum.

The crazy thing is that Hunter Douglas had every chance to make this right. It makes me want to punish them that they rate right up there with all the scam artists. Over the years I have spent over $50,000. on their products because I thought they were a superior company in terms of quality and ethics. Wrong again.

I may CC Chris Outlaw, their corporate attorney with this scathing review of the Vertiglide (unupgraded) product. I suppose HD upgraded this product just for fun, not because it was defective!!! Okay, I'm done. Email me if you have any similar situations and I'll let you know how the lawsuit worked out...