[cbdi]

Lots of opinions please: I own a small remodeling company. Over the years we have migrated to window and door installation, and now we have several lines of our own windows that we offer. Our business name is Construction by Design, inc. My question is this. As a contractor would you have a problem purchasing windows and doors from a company named "Construction by Design" or should we add a DBA- and add cost and complexity- "Window and Door Supply"? I really do not want two business names, and I have received advice both ways.
Does the business name really matter?

 

[ProSweep]

Just my two cents but your business name matters, a lot. Here is something you may not be considering, the name decision will impact a majority of the first impressions you generate with your digital presence. With the way digital content is growing your online presence is not something to ignore.

 

[cbdi]

Yes but...

Thanks for the reply, just for discussion.... I spoke with a business consultant briefly about this, and she said " look at Maceys, they offer lots of different products and services and they are just known as Maceys." ?

 

[Watson + Nowlin]

From the point of view from a customer, I would stick with Construction by Design, or at the very least have remodeling in the name but not supply. Placing supply in there will make customers think you are selling supplies to remodelers, contractors etc.

Now, if you were to create a DBA for contractors supply might be fine. However, like your consultant suggested, it is better to keep everything under one roof.

That said, the business name matters a lot.

 

[KAP]

Thanks for the reply, just for discussion.... I spoke with a business consultant briefly about this, and she said " look at Maceys, they offer lots of different products and services and they are just known as Maceys." ?

You are not retail in this sense... people are not going to be browsing your store looking for a colander and a sweater, both of which you can get there and you know this because this is what they advertise.

You offer remodeling services AND your own line of windows... If you are a manufacturer now with your own line of windows, you can market to retailers, construction companies, architects, designers, commercial and residential.

I would recommend a window company with "window" in the name, and always keep your "construction division" in the mix, just like you can up your perceived value in the construction world by letting them know you also have your own line of windows and all the benefits that entails...

 

[cbdi]

Thanks for the replies. If we need to sell windows retail, then we need a name that expresses what we do.

Thanks.