No, this blog is not about the TV game show, “Family Feud.” I am a person who likes to ponder. Ponder meaning that I spend way too much time thinking about things. Recently, I read an article that said something to the effect that the design community did not have a good grasp of the cost of decorative glass and as a result, in many instances is cut from projects.

I used to work in a decorative glass shop and saw many customers come through the door wanting to redo their kitchens and baths with all kinds of decorative glass. When the job was quoted, many of them smiled and said, “I’ll be in touch as soon as we’re ready.” Some customers were honest enough to tell me that they had no idea that glass cost so much and that they could not afford it.

I decided to create on online survey to find out what the decorative glass price perceptions of the design community really are.

The respondent pool is small. I spent three days trying to get the design community to take my survey and only six people responded. (The fact that only six people responded just makes me want to do another survey to find out why they don’t participate in surveys!)

1. How likely would you be to specify decorative glass for a project? (6 responses)

Extremely likely – 33.3%

Very likely – 66.73%

Moderately likely – 0%

Slightly Important – 0%

Not at all likely – 0%

2. How important was price in your decision to specify decorative glass? (6 responses)

Extremely Important – 0%

Very Important – 33.3%

Moderately Important – 66.7%

Slightly Important – 0%

Not at all Important – 0%

3. Do you think prices for decorative glass are too high, too low, or about right? (6 responses)

Much too high — 0%

Somewhat too high – 33.3%

Slightly too high – 50%

About right – 16.7%

Slightly too low – 0%

Somewhat too low – 0%

Much too low – 0%

4. Excluding custom fabrication and labor, what would you estimate is the current square footage price you would pay for ¼-inch standard pattern antiqued mirror? (6 responses)

5. Excluding custom fabrication and labor, what would you estimate is the current square footage price you would pay for ¼-inch standard color back-painted glass? (6 responses)

6. Excluding custom fabrication and labor, what would you estimate is the current square footage price you would pay for ¼inch single-side, acid-etched (frosted) glass? (6 responses)

Note: I did not include an option of “Don’t know“for questions 4 thru 6. I wanted the respondents to pick one of the price points. In hindsight, I think I should have included it as an option. I’m not sure if the $1-$10 person really thought that was the price or that they just didn’t know the price and therefore, picked the lowest option. Also, glass prices will vary depending on where you are located in the United States or Canada. It would have been helpful to ask a location as part of the demographic [insert head slap here].

7. What do you like most about decorative glass? (6 responses)

• The ability to customize the piece for the client. Make it one of kind.
• It’s a fresh, new look that isn’t your run of the mill.
• Textures and feel
• Adds texture and interest
•  Cleanability, shine, customization, custom colors etc.
• Everything

8. What would make you more likely to specify decorative glass for a project? (5 responses)

• When they are looking for something specific or different. A unique piece can make or break the project deal.
• Lower prices
•  Client need
• Ease of getting samples from supplier!
• Price – I often specify but clients’ budgets do not allow!

What have I learned from this survey? I’ve learned that I am not (nor ever will be) a professional survey writer. Please don’t tell me how I should have worded the questions differently (my family has already done that). In all honesty, I think I need to ponder these results for awhile. I’ll let you know when I have an answer.