Meet Ben Richardson, the owner of Stella Lights, a holiday lighting service based in Calgary, Alberta.
Stella Lights specializes in Christmas light installation, with a history of providing high-quality installations to residential and commercial clients. After years of experience in the industry, Ben was looking for a reliable supplier that could support the growth of his business.
"We’ve always been committed to quality installations, but managing product failures and service calls was draining," Ben explains. "When we switched to Big Star Lights, everything changed. The products were reliable, and it allowed us to grow our business efficiently, without worrying about quality issues."
Embracing the Joy of Holiday Lighting
For Ben, the most fulfilling part of Christmas light installations is the joy it brings to his clients.
"Seeing the excitement on our clients’ faces when their homes are lit up for the holidays is what it’s all about," Ben says. "For many of our customers, it’s a tradition, and it's rewarding to be part of that festive moment. It’s especially great when our customers comment on the quality of the lights—we’ve built a solid reputation over the years."
Overcoming Challenges with Big Star Lights
Before partnering with Big Star Lights, Ben faced several challenges:
- Product Failures: "Lights failing mid-season was a constant issue, and it led to service calls, which cut into our profits."
- Inconsistent Quality: "We were always concerned that the lights wouldn’t last through the season, which meant more repairs and less time for other installations."
- Limited Product Selection: "We couldn’t always get the specific products our clients wanted, especially for customized displays."
Switching to Big Star Lights made a world of difference:
- Reliable Stock: "We never have to worry about stock shortages anymore. Big Star Lights always has what we need, and the shipping is fast."
- Consistent Quality: "The lights are high quality, and we no longer face mid-season failures. Everything looks professional, and installations go smoother."
- Expanded Range: "From classic bulbs to unique options like the G30 round bulb, Big Star Lights offers the variety our clients love."
Innovative Products and Solutions
Big Star Lights has helped Ben overcome several challenges with their innovative solutions:
- Flat Wire with Parallel Sockets: "The flat wire design is fantastic. It stays neat, unlike other wires we used in the past, and makes installations quicker and more professional."
- Magnetic Clips for Commercial Installations: "The Mag Clips are a game-changer for commercial buildings. They’re easy to use and secure, which saves us time and effort, especially with strip malls."
- Gutter Clips and Specialty Lights: "We’ve had great success using gutter clips on homes with gutter guards, and the Twinkly Pro lights offer our clients a unique, customizable experience that sets us apart from the competition."
Exceptional Customer Service
A standout experience with Big Star Lights' customer service further strengthened Ben's trust in the company:
"I once received a spool of wire with a broken end. I called Big Star Lights, and they immediately sent me a replacement, no questions asked. Their customer support has been exceptional, always available when I need help or guidance."
Boosting Efficiency and Profits
Since partnering with Big Star Lights, Ben has noticed several key improvements in his business:
- Increased Efficiency: "The reliability of Big Star Lights' products means we spend less time troubleshooting and more time installing. It’s made our operations more efficient."
- Long-Term Cost Savings: "While we didn’t initially focus on cost savings, the durability of the lights and the warranty they come with have helped us avoid expensive replacements. In the long run, it has improved our profit margins."
Advice for Fellow Installers
Ben’s advice for new installers is simple yet impactful:
"Always prioritize quality. A good product makes all the difference, and clients appreciate it when the job is done right. Never sacrifice safety for speed—your reputation is built on doing the job well, every time."
Embracing the Future
Looking ahead, Ben is excited to continue growing his business and expanding the range of services offered:
"I’m looking forward to offering even more unique lighting options to our clients. Big Star Lights’ innovative products, like the Twinkly Pro and gutter clips, give us the opportunity to create memorable and standout displays that keep clients coming back year after year."