New Solution to an Old Installation Problem

French Door Pet Doors — Pet Door installations in French Doors are versatile and attractive

Install a Pet Door in a French Door

Installing a dog or cat door in a true French Door can be an attractive and versatile location for the pet entrance. Because the pet door can be installed at different levels from the floor, it can better fit the pet’s leg length which is great for short-legged as well as tall dogs.

Get the Glass Out

One of the most challenging parts of this installation is removing the removable molding from the door in order to remove the glass without breaking it or damaging the door. After cutting the seal of paint or varnish with a razor knife, the standard operating procedure was to pry the molding up with a putty knife until the molding could be removed. For more details see Step 7 of our Installation instructions

Use a Multi-Tool

There’s a new kid on the power tool block that makes quick work of this part of the job. The Multi-Tool is an oscillating tool with changeable heads for different purposes.

Once you determine that you have a true French Door with wood stops, you can use the Multi-Tool with a fine tooth blade to cut through the adhesive that holds the molding on the glass. Use window cleaner to keep the glass wet, so it doesn’t get scratched. After you’ve cut through that adhesive, you can carefully use the Multi-Tool along the frame side of the molding to break that adhesive seal as well.

There’s probably a myriad of ways to use this handy tool that is now readily available in a wide range of prices. Here’s a helpful article that compares several brands ProTool Reviews

Thanks to Eric Baldwin of Desert Star Pet Doors Desert Star Pet Doors.com for sharing this installation tip.

If you have found a new tool (or a new way to use an old tool) to help you install pet doors, please comment below with your tip.

Marketing on the Web: with or without a Website

March 24, 2011April 8, 2011 Hale Pet Door internet marketing, pet door business, small business

WebMuted3 — Connect with your customers on the web

These days, it seems like you can’t be in business without a website, but for many start-ups, it’s the one thing that can be put off until some money starts flowing in.

So what can you do? Well, there are many marketing opportunities on the Internet that don’t require technical know-how or big bucks. If you can find a website and fill out some forms, you’ll have a presence on the Internet without the expense of ads or a website.

Add Your Business to these Directories for Free

Check out the directories below that encourage you to add your business – even if you don’t have a website. There are pet related sites in this list as well as general local business listings. And remember, this is only a place to start, there are more places on the Internet to create a presence for your customers to find you.

Market Socially

There are some businesses that take social marketing so seriously that they create their Facebook business pages and get active on Twitter before they build a website.

It’s a great time to be starting or growing a business with all these free local marketing opportunities.

We’ve been very pleased with the exposure these lists and directories have given us. What’s been your experience with listing on these or other directories?

Tips & Tricks by Bill Hale – Best Product for Installing Carpet in Wall Pet Doors

March 2, 2011March 2, 2011 Hale Pet Door cat door installation, dog door installation, install cat door, install dog door, install pet door, pet door installation, wall cat doors, wall dog doors, wall pet doors cat door installation, dog door installation, pet door installation

Use caulk to attach carpet to tunnel

Best Product for Installing Carpet in Pet Door Wall Tunnels

Over the years, I’ve discovered that different installers like various products to adhere the carpet to the metal tunnels for wall model pet doors. And unlike most situations, in this case the best solution is the cheapest.

Because the Hale Pet Door flaps close so securely, it’s important to use a mastic that doesn’t outgas and potentially harm the pet that uses the pet door. Silicone is a great sealant, but unfortunately, creates toxic gases as it cures.

The best product that I’ve found is the most inexpensive latex caulk that you can buy. It dries quickly and completely, so you know that your installation is finished before you leave the job. It’s non-toxic as it cures and when it’s dry, so there’s no danger of pet inhalation.

So leave the expensive caulk for sealing the outside frame at the top and sides to the exterior house wall, and your customers’ pets and your bottom line will thank you.

For detailed installation instructions for the wall model pet door including pictures and diagrams, visit the halepetdoor.com website installation page. Specific instructions for attaching the carpet are included in step 21.

Are You Missing Out on this Easy Way to Improve Cash Flow?

March 1, 2011March 2, 2011 Hale Pet Door cat doors, dog doors, pet doors cat door business, dog door business, pet door business

It’s true that Hale Pet Door is committed to selling the highest quality, easiest to install pet doors around the world. We know that you are committed to the highest quality of service for your customers and that is why you are a Hale Pet Door dealer.

We’re all in this to make a profit, however, and your dealer discount is the quickest way for you to increase your cash flow. When you purchase a Hale Pet Door for your customer, you’ll receive your discount which will give you an immediate profit when your customer pays full price for the pet door.

Quick and Easy Ordering on HalePetDoor.com

When you log in to halepetdoor.com with your dealer log in, you’ll be on your way to instant profits. You can fill in your customer’s name and address, so we’ll have their information in the rare case that there’s a warranty issue with their Hale Pet Door. You can also note a P.O. number for your job tracking.

If you don’t yet have a log-in, please call Mysia at 888-293-6411, and she’ll get you set up.

You can have the pet door shipped to you or directly to your customer – it’s your choice.

So, start improving your bottom line today by ordering Hale Pet Door products for your customers.

Have You Seen the New Pet Door Security Covers?

February 28, 2011March 2, 2011 Hale Pet Door cat door security cover, cat doors, dog door security cover, dog doors, pet door security cover, pet doors

Four colors of Starboard covers coordinate with our four frame colors

Although Lexan® polycarbonate covers had been the standard Hale Pet Door security covers for years, in May 2010 marine grade polymer was added to the cover choices.

After six months of extensive testing in all types of climates, we determined that this marine grade polymer material was superior to polycarbonate because of its scratch resistance and color choices.

Lexan® security covers are still available in the standard translucent gray color.

The marine grade polymer colors are black, dolphin gray, sanshade tan and white. These color choices help the customer to match or contrast with their wall colors and are designed to coordinate with the dark bronze, brushed aluminum, Arizona beige and white frame colors.

Getting a Handle on Security

Another improvement for the security covers is the new handle. Although the finger hole opening was performing well, we discovered these attractive pewter colored metal handles, tried them with great success and have made them standard on all the security covers.

Some Things Should Stay the Same

The positive action pin lock that has been standard for years works so well that we haven’t made any changes. We’ve been very pleased with this lock’s performance. Our customers are happy with it with its position on the frame and the positive action that safely secures the cover.

If you would like to order a new Starboard cover for your sample door or if one of your customers would like an upgraded cover, please click here to order.

Welcome to Hale Pet Door Dealer News

February 15, 2011March 2, 2011 Hale Pet Door Uncategorized

In an effort to keep our dealers informed of product improvements and other news, we’re launching a blog created exclusively for our dealers – Hale Pet Door Dealer News.

When you read or subscribe to this blog, you’ll receive brief useful articles about