2023
Christmas Light Professionals Policies
In 2022 we made several changes to our policies and communication and want to thank you for your cooperation. We hope that through these changes you received a higher level of customer care and an overall simplified experience. In 2023 we will continue the use of the pre-scheduled calendar and 15% discount for accepting your pre-scheduled date with the payment of a ½ deposit. We will also be continuing with the use of Podium for communications, payments, and reviews. Below is a brief explanation of each of our policies for the upcoming 2023 season. Policies that differ from 2022 will be in bold.
Podium
Podium is a business software platform we operate on that allows us to manage our conversations with customers, send links for customer reviews, and take secure payments. If you receive a link to Podium from our number, it is not a scam but a way for us to stay better connected with you and simplify your experience in this modern world.
Scheduling/Deposit
All returning customers will be placed on our pre-scheduled calendar. You will be scheduled according to your location and notified of this scheduled date 2–3 months prior to your installation. Your installation date will be sent to you via text (or email if texting is not an option.) Any changes to your lighting plan can be discussed and adjusted at this time.
All customers that accept this pre-scheduled date and pay a ½ upfront deposit will receive a 15% loyal customer discount. This ½ deposit is due by September 25th. If you do not accept the date or do not pay the deposit by September 25th, you will NOT receive your 15% discount and will be removed from the pre-scheduled calendar-NO EXCEPTIONS.
*Our labor minimum is $250 inclusive of any discount.
Pricing
To keep up with current costs we will have a price adjustment of 3.5% on labor rates this season. An estimate with updated pricing will be given to you along with your installation date and you will have ample time to decide if this is a price you can manage and accept. This price is subject to change. If there are materials that need to be replaced (strands, bulbs, clips, etc.) or updates/additions to your lighting plan, your invoice will reflect this.
Payments
A ½ deposit will be required prior to installation this year and will be requested of you by a payment link. For the final balance, a second payment link will be sent to you by text/email on the date of installation. For payments above $1,250, we will require a check, cash, or a 3% credit card processing fee. Please look out for these payment links and pay in a timely manner. The ½ deposit is due by September 25th.
Final payments are due within 30 days of INSTALLATION (not takedown). After 30 days, a $50 late fee is applied. After 60 days an additional 3% late fee will be applied for each month past due.
Lift Fee
All jobs requiring a lift will be charged $250 per day. Trees over 25 feet tall may require a lift.
Maintenance
Maintenance of your lights from October 1st to January 1st is included in our services. Please text or call the office with any problems with your lights and we will send someone out in a timely manner. Light maintenance after January 1st may be subject to a $100/hour maintenance fee.
Lights that stay up year-round are void of our warranty. Maintenance on such lights will be charged at $250/hour (for a two-man crew).
LED lights
We are still in the process of upgrading all customers to LED lights. LED bulbs use just 3% the energy that an incandescent bulb does, which will greatly reduce your power usage. LED lights are more sustainable, longer lasting, and more durable than incandescent bulbs and will be our standard option moving forward. For customers that would like to keep their incandescent lights, a $50 maintenance fee will be applied to your bill.
Old lights
Every year we purchase new bulbs from a rapidly changing industry. These bulbs vary slightly from year to year and in time become outdated. We typically have inventory for products that are 5 years old or less. For products older than this, we will likely not be able to match. In addition, the wiring of these lights wear greatly from weather and sunlight. It is recommended that all lights (including the cord) be replaced after five years of use. For customers that have lights purchased 2017 or prior, you will be given an estimate for these new lights along with your scheduled date. If your lights were purchased in 2016-2017 this is an optional but recommended upgrade (with a $35 maintenance fee). If your lights are from 2015 or prior they will need to be replaced, no exceptions.
Takedown
We include free takedown with our services. The price of installation does not change if you decide to leave the lights up or remove yourself. Takedown begins January 1st and lasts until the middle or end of April (weather permitting) and is done by neighborhood. You can choose to be an Early (January 1st-February 1st), Anytime, or Late (March 1st to April 30th) takedown. Lights covered in ice, or that can not be safely accessed will have to remain up until weather permits their removal.
Light Storage
Light storage is a free service we offer to our customers. If you decide to store your lights yourself, there will be no price difference. If you decide to not have your lights installed for a season, we can continue to store your lights for another year for $60, or you can pick them up at our warehouse. All lights not paid for or picked up by December 15th will be recycled.
As a family-run business since 1989, we appreciate customer feedback and are continuously trying to improve our services. For any questions regarding these policy changes, please email or text us, as we do not have the staffing to handle a large number of incoming calls right now. From our family to yours, we thank you for your business.
Warmest Regards,
The Christmas Light Professionals
Email: info@thelightpros.com
Phone: 801-355-0111