Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Window Covering Specialists in Oakland
Established in 1954, Alcatraz Shade has served the Oakland community with expertise in custom window coverings for over six decades. Our team prioritizes personalized service, offering showroom consultations to guide clients through product selection and budget planning. We provide comprehensive solutions including in-home measurements, professional installation, and repair services for a wide range of window treatments. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our partnerships with reputable manufacturers like Hunter Douglas and locally made brands. We emphasize transparency in pricing, with clear fee structures and deposit requirements outlined upfront.Our installation process includes a one-year guarantee, ensuring client satisfaction through follow-up support. We specialize in unique applications such as skylight shades and motorized systems, backed by in-house electrical expertise. Our repair services maintain strict quality standards, declining work on certain low-quality brands to preserve our reputation. We prioritize customer education, explaining product lifespans and replacement considerations. Our dedication to locally sourced products and environmental consciousness distinguishes our approach to window covering solutions.
Services
Roman Shades
Solar Shades
Custom Draperies
Wood Blinds
Skylight Shades
Motorization
Repairs
Consultations
Installation
Cleaning Referrals
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience in window covering solutions.
- Our team provides personalized showroom and in-home consultations.
- We specialize in locally made window coverings and eco-conscious options.
- We offer a one-year guarantee on all installation services.
- Our repair services maintain strict quality control standards.
Services
Showroom Consultation
Our showroom consultations provide one-on-one guidance with Lindsay to explore window covering options. Clients receive detailed product information and budget planning assistance. This initial step ensures informed decisions before in-home measurements.
In-home Consultation
Professional measurements and project assessments conducted at client residences. A $150 fee applies, which converts to a purchase credit for qualifying orders. Includes detailed project estimates via QuickBooks.
Installation
Custom installation services for all purchased window coverings. Fees vary by project complexity. Includes one-year warranty for adjustments or repairs. Old treatments removed at no extra charge.
Repairs
Repair services for existing window coverings with quality checks for brand compatibility. Excludes certain low-quality brands. Requires prior professional cleaning for heavily soiled items.
Motorization
Motorization upgrades for most window coverings. In-house electrician available for specialized installations. Enhances functionality for hard-to-reach windows and skylights.
People
Leo Salas
Owner
Co-owner with decades of experience in window covering solutions, overseeing business operations and customer service standards.
Rupert Salas
Owner
Co-owner managing technical aspects and product quality control, ensuring adherence to high installation and repair standards.
Lindsay Salas
Owner
Primary client consultant providing personalized guidance in showroom appointments and project coordination since joining the family business.
Questions
What window covering brands do you offer?
We carry Hunter Douglas, Carol's Roman Shades, Alta, Conrad, Graber, and Horizons products with locally made options prioritized.
Do you provide repair services for all brands?
We decline repairs for 3 Day Blinds, Smith and Noble, Blinds.com, and big-box store products due to quality limitations.
What's included in your installation warranty?
Our installation warranty covers free repairs for defects within one year of service completion.
Can you handle specialty window shapes?
Yes, we specialize in custom solutions for skylights, angled windows, and corner installations.
Do you offer motorization options?
Most window coverings can be motorized with our in-house electrician handling specialized installations.
Reviews (6)
Sally F.
Feb 18, 2022
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I highly recommend Alcatraz shade. Small shop local flavor plus loads of fabrics and knowledgeable staff. We were very impressed.
Daniel B.
Jan 04, 2022
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They did a beautiful job. There was a certain amount of delay owing, it seems, to Covid supply problems, but once they got the materials, the job was done absolutely beautifully. The installers were wonderful too, a perfect job. Very pleased. We don't think we'll need them again in this lifetime, but if we did, we's not hesitate to be sent to Alcatraz for shades.
Carole L.
Nov 12, 2021
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I can hardly say enough BAD about the attitude of the woman who answered the phone. It was as if she didn't want to make an appointment at all. I will look elsewhere rather than even attempt to make an appointment with these disagreeable people: not interested in offering any kind of service at all. Also tried to get me to come into their store BY APPOINTMENT rather than tell me what their business hours are. Check out the other reviews on this page. Most of us seem to agree about the difficult non-service.
Jareth J.
Aug 03, 2021
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Snooty old hipsters trying to cling to their youth with no customer service skills. They told me to just shop online and so I will.
Anne F.
Jun 25, 2021
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As others have stated "Horrible experience. Zero customer service. Condescending, rude, unprofessional and disorganized." Add "bait & switch" to this. When I came to the store, the manager Amy recommended a doorway treatment we needed, and told me I needed a $100 consultation to take measurements. When I told her we also needed other window treatments, she assured me the consultant could guide me on what types of shade were suitable for particular windows.
When the consultant arrived, she announced that the door treatment Amy had recommended was impossible and that she couldn't offer me any guidance on other possible window treatmentsl. This consultant turned out to be the OWNER of the business so it was surprising she does not have this expertise! I was charged $100 for this useless "service" call. And when I called to protest the owner was rude and disrespectful.
When the consultant arrived, she announced that the door treatment Amy had recommended was impossible and that she couldn't offer me any guidance on other possible window treatmentsl. This consultant turned out to be the OWNER of the business so it was surprising she does not have this expertise! I was charged $100 for this useless "service" call. And when I called to protest the owner was rude and disrespectful.
I. M. P.
Jun 15, 2021
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No service! A few years ago, I had them buy and install shades that cost $2500. I had a simple string break. They wanted more than $300 plus it would take six weeks to get service. Last night, I got a ladder and fixed it by myself. The repair was simple. This store simply wants to gouge its customers.
