Quick answer
Comparing roller shutter quotes properly means putting them side-by-side at the spec level (slat profile, motor brand, warranty period, what\'s included in install) not just the headline price. Two quotes with a $400 gap often hide $1,000 of real spec difference.
Always get the quote in writing, with line items, and confirm what\'s NOT included. The hidden cost is usually electrical work, removal of existing window coverings, or after-hours surcharges.
- Who this is for
- Homeowners with two or more quotes deciding which to accept.
- Key takeaway
- Match the spec first; price comes second.
The biggest mistake homeowners make is comparing roller shutter quotes on price alone. Below is the framework (spec, inclusions, warranty, installer) that turns a guessing game into a confident decision.
What changes the price
Spec match
Slat profile (foam-filled vs single-skin), slat width, material, colour. Two quotes specifying different slats aren't comparable on price.
Motor brand (electric)
Somfy, Becker, Alpha, Nice. Name brands have parts availability years later. Generic motors often don't.
Warranty
Separate warranties for product (typically 10+ years), motor (typically 5 years), and installation labour (typically 1-2 years). All three should be in writing.
What's included in install
Electrical work, certification, removal of existing window dressings, rubbish removal, patching/painting. Each of these can add $80-$200 if billed separately.
Lead time and deposit
Standard deposit is 20-30%. Standard lead time is 3-6 weeks. Anything wildly outside these ranges deserves a question.
Installer credentials
Licensed builder/electrician where required by state, ABN, references, completed-job photos. Ask for all of these.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slat profile | , | , | Foam-filled is markedly better for heat |
| Motor brand & model | , | , | Affects long-term reliability and parts availability |
| Product warranty | , | , | 10+ years is standard |
| Motor warranty | , | , | 5+ years is standard for major brands |
| Install labour warranty | , | , | 1-2 years is standard |
| Electrical work included? | , | , | Often $80-$200 per window if not |
| Removal of existing dressings? | , | , | Easy hidden extra |
| Deposit % | , | , | 20-30% is standard |
| Lead time | , | , | 3-6 weeks is standard |
What to compare on each quote
Slat profile
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- Foam-filled is markedly better for heat
Motor brand & model
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- Affects long-term reliability and parts availability
Product warranty
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- 10+ years is standard
Motor warranty
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- 5+ years is standard for major brands
Install labour warranty
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- 1-2 years is standard
Electrical work included?
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- Often $80-$200 per window if not
Removal of existing dressings?
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- Easy hidden extra
Deposit %
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- 20-30% is standard
Lead time
- Quote A
- ,
- Quote B
- ,
- Why it matters
- 3-6 weeks is standard
Questions to ask before signing
- Is the quote a fixed price or subject to on-site assessment?
- What's explicitly excluded?
- What happens if measurements are wrong?
- Who certifies the electrical work?
- Can I see three completed-job references?
- What's the cancellation policy?
- Are payments split into deposit, progress, and final?
Red flags
- Cash-only or no GST quotes
- Deposits over 50%
- "Today only" pricing pressure
- No physical address or ABN
- Reluctance to give written quotes
- Generic motor brands with no warranty card
Checklist before you accept a quote
- 1
Insist on written quotes
Phone quotes are negotiating positions, not real prices.
- 2
Make installers quote the same spec
Otherwise the price comparison is meaningless.
- 3
Get three minimum
Two leaves you guessing. Three reveals the real range.
- 4
Use the comparison checklist
Walk through every line on our quote comparison checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How many roller shutter quotes should I get?
What's the most common hidden cost in roller shutter quotes?
Should I always pick the cheapest quote?
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