Buying products from Malta, especially when it comes to custom-made products that involve high craftsmanship such as furniture, involves more than just a purchase. It is about the genuine qualities of the product, the service at the time of acquisition, the delivery and installation and the after sales service - aspects that support the product and the customers' expenses and give peace of mind that no buying from abroad can ever match.

"Perhaps people are under the impression that when they shop from abroad, they are getting a better product or service and better prices. What we are saying is that one does not necessarily need to travel abroad to find great prices. Choosing to shop locally from a very wide selection of showrooms saves a lot of hassle and you can still find affordable furniture," explains Dino Fino, Commercial Director of the Fino Group in Mrieħel.

FINO are kicking off a campaign to promote the fact that buying furniture from Malta is not only affordable but also more convenient and regales customers with a personalized service and guaranteed quality that they can trust.

"We have been meeting many people who with the promise of cheaper products from abroad, they find out that their consignment comes damaged, not according to their exact specifications and not to mention the hassle and added expenses involved in the delivery to the extent that what should be a pleasant and enjoyable experience becomes a headache," adds Mr Fino.

Mr Fino also made reference to a number of cases whereby Maltese customers are choosing furniture items from local showrooms with particular specifications, ordering these same items from abroad only to find out that the product they ordered was not in line with what they would have specified.

"We've had customers visiting our showroom, falling in love with a particular kitchen, and seeking an foreign supplier who matched the same design they wanted. What they don't know is that most probably, the foreign supplier would have quoted them cheaper price not because the kitchen comes cheaper but because he would have avoided specifying that the kitchen will be of laminate, pvc or any other inferior quality or finishing."

"With this campaign, we want to say that shopping from Malta not only keeps supporting Maltese companies but ensures that the products you buy are genuine, the quality you are after is guaranteed, the service is trustworthy and complete and you have an accountable supplier," concluded Dino Fino.>