Discount Shutters: Finding Deals and Promotions

Installing new window shutters can make a big impact on your home’s style and energy efficiency. But with custom shutters running upwards of $1000+ per window, cost can be a barrier for many homeowners. That’s where discount shutters shine – with the right strategies, you can save hundreds on quality window shutters. This guide will explore creative ways to find discounts, score deals from retailers, and lower your overall shutter installation costs.

Leverage Retailer Discounts and Promotions

One of the easiest ways to save on shutters is to take advantage of regular sales, coupons and promotions from major retailers. Here are opportunities to watch for:

Look for Holiday Sales

Most big box stores and shutter retailers offer special holiday weekend savings events on home improvement products like shutters. Mark your calendars for these major sale holidays:

• Memorial Day – Late May
• Fourth of July – Early July
• Labor Day – Early September
• Black Friday – Late November
• Cyber Monday – Late November

Sign Up for Retailer Email Lists

Subscribe to retailer newsletters and email lists to receive notifications about upcoming sales or special discount promo codes. These are often exclusive subscriber-only offers.

Check Sunday Newspaper Inserts

Sunday circulars from home improvement stores frequently contain shutter promos and coupons ranging from percentage discounts to dollars off an order.

Look for Limited-Time Sales

Retailers periodically offer flash sales and other short-term discounts, especially during slower seasons to boost sales. Create homepage alerts on favorite retailer sites for notices.

Stack Savings from Multiple Promos

Check whether you can combine an ongoing percent-off sale with a retailer coupon code for even deeper savings. Retailers allow stacking as long as it doesn’t exceed a price floor.

Buy More, Save More

Bulk and tiered pricing incentives reward larger orders with increased savings. Buy all your shutters at once to unlock the best bulk discounts.

Join Retailer Loyalty Programs

Loyalty members often get exclusive access to sales and discounts year-round. For example, MyLowe’s members get 5% off every purchase online and in store.

Negotiate with Local Shutter Retailers

Beyond big box chains, tap into savings opportunities from local specialty shutter retailers.

Request Quotes from Multiple Local Companies

Shop around and get bids from at least 3 local shutter retailers. Comparing rates makes it easier to spot deals and negotiation opportunities.

Look for New Company Promos

New local companies may offer introductory savings on services to attract initial customers when starting out.

Ask About Seasonal Discounts

Some local companies lower rates during slower seasons like winter to fill demand gaps and keep business steady year-round.

See If There’s Room to Negotiate

Don’t be afraid to counter initial quotes and ask local retailers if they can offer a lower price. Many build in room for negotiation.

Inquire About Referral Credits

Ask retailers if they offer customer referral reward programs and discounts for referrals that turn into sales.

Pay in Cash Rather Than Financing

Opting to pay the full shutter price upfront in cash can help unlock discounts rather than retailer-financed installment plans.

Shop Discount and Overstock Retailers

Beyond standard shutter retailers, some specialty discount stores offer budget-friendly shutters at unbelievable prices.

Check Overstock Websites

Sites like Overstock.com and Wayfair Overstock carry excess shutter inventory at markdowns. Selection is hit or miss but discounts can be 50% or more.

Visit Discount Building Supply Outlets

Look for shutter overstock and open box offerings from discount building/construction material retailers like Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations.

Scope out Clearance Sections

Home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot have clearance sections with discounted display models and returned/open box items.

Watch for Inventory Liquidation Sales

Retailers and manufacturers sometimes hold warehouse liquidation sales to clear old and excess shutter stock at blowout prices.

Buy Discount Gift Cards

Use discounted gift cards from sites like Gift Card Granny to save on DIY shutter purchases from major retailers.

Cut Installation Costs

In addition to the actual shutters, professional installation also impacts the total project budget. Use these techniques to reduce labor costs:

Install DIY

Skip hiring an installation pro and install vinyl, composite, or aluminum shutters yourself to save on labor. Use online tutorials.

Hire Hourly Labor Only

Rather than paying a flat project rate, hire a handyman at hourly rates for an à la carte install. Provide parts yourself bought at the best price.

Learn to Measure Correctly

Taking accurate window measurements yourself avoids installer trip fees for measurement and reduces errors.

Schedule Smartly

Installing shutters off-peak rather than prime season can help ensure availability of contractors at lower rates.

Provide any Materials Possible

If hiring a pro, offer to provide all the tools, hardware, ladder etc. to avoid markups on materials.

Offer a Payment Discount

Ask pros if they offer any discount for paying in full upfront rather than financing your shutter installation over time.

Explore Shutters Alternatives

If regular shutters remain out of budget, affordable alternatives can offer the look for less.

Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl is the most economical shutter material and resembles painted wood. Great for DIY.

Faux Shutters

Inexpensive, lightweight foam faux shutters act as a decorative façade mounted over windows. Easy DIY install.

Shutters Wallpaper

Removable peel-and-stick wallpaper printed with a convincing shutter design creates a faux look. Super budget-friendly.

Exterior Shutters

Focus budget on front-facing decorative shutters instead of ones fully operational on every window.

Window Film

Decorative frosted window films add privacy and style at a fraction of the cost of real shutters.

With persistence, creativity and smart shopping, installing custom shutters doesn’t have to break the bank. Use these strategies to unlock shutter discounts from major retailers, local businesses, overstock outlets, and through strategic installation decisions. Do your homework and you can save 25%, 50% or even more over full price on quality shutters for every room of your home.