Is Dulux Select Worthwhile? A full Review

I’ll be honest, I haven’t had any experience with the Dulux Select Scheme. I know they’re investing a lot of money try and improve and move it forward. That includes investing a huge amount in promoting the scheme to homeowners to help with work leads. With that in mind, I thought I’d do some research, firstly online, but then I asked a few Select decorators from the Decorators Forum UK what they think. There is nothing better than honest opinions from other decorators with experience.

First thing to mention, you can’t just pay your money to Dulux Select and be accepted to the scheme. There are requirements you have to meet. I suppose this is so the homeowner knows they ae getting a fully qualified and insured craftsman, which should help a select member win the right type of work (I know that’ll make sense to anyone who works for themselves). I think homeowners will be expecting to pay slightly more for a select decorator with the view they are getting a high end. If you do go onto apply to join Dulux Select, we’d love to here any feedback you have.

Price is the next thing. It is only £195 plus VAT for a full year! To me, that’s not an awful lot and it makes me a little bit weary about the level of value it is going to give me. At this point, I figured I was better off asking other decorators about whether Dulux Select was worthwhile or not.

Paul Sharp on Whether Dulux Select is Worthwhile

How long have you been with Dulux Select?

I’ve only been with select since last January. I’ve been to quite a few of the Dulux Academy courses where it’s always been mentioned but never pushed .. finally decided to give it a go at last year’s painting and decorating show after speaking to some of the guys on it!! Signed up there and then!!

How difficult is it to become a member? What is the vetting system like?

It’s not a pay your fee and you are in job, everything’s checked .. Social media, advertising.. paperwork and then they send an assessor out on to a job to check your work and your interaction with customers etc .. only the best makes it!! Ha ha

What benefits do you get from being a Dulux Select decorator?

The benefits include; If you use Dulux trade paint they will guarantee your work for 2 years, Their on line back up and help is immense, a vast range of different people help straight away with any problems , no falling out and no big time Charlie’s !!  Like a big family … 75% off all courses helps 2!!!

Have you noticed any changes to the scheme in the last 18 months? If so, are they for the better or not?

The scheme seems to be constantly changing for the better each time. You think they pretty much admit they let it go, but it’s under new management now and couldn’t be in better hands. The scheme really seems to matter now.

Are you happy with what you get from the scheme? Would you recommend it?

Very happy and would definitely recommend (just not to anyone in my area lol)

David Barrett on Whether Dulux Select is Worthwhile

How long have you been with Dulux Select?

I am now in my fifth year of Dulux Select

How difficult is it to become a member? What is the vetting system like?

The scheme has changed how it was run recently and I believe the assessment process may have changed to when I was assessed. For me a Select Decorator came out to check over my work, asked questions about the processes I use, what paints I regularly use, how my paperwork was laid out, how tidy I and my work areas are and how I came across to my customers. Whole thing took about 2, 3 hours and was very in-depth. If you are a good, decent decorator who prides themselves on good work and appearance, customer relations then it wouldn’t be difficult to join. Dulux want more good decorators to join!

What benefits do you get from being a Dulux Select decorator?

You get to use the Dulux branding on all your business branding, which despite how a lot of decorators feel about it (most of that is down to pricing rather than quality, just easier to say quality so they don’t come across as tight ha ha!) the general public still recognise it as the main premium brand in the country. Having that associated with your business can give you the edge in certain jobs along with a two year guarantee on your work underwritten by Dulux. We also get discounted courses at the Dulux Academy, which is well worth using to further yourself, we have various family and activity events over the year, an awards ceremony each year celebrating the best work and achievements, competitions, money off vouchers to be used at Dulux Decorating Centres, a great support network both down at Slough and within an online community and you get to meet some brilliant people. For the price to join you can get way more out of it than that.

Have you noticed any changes to the scheme in the last 18 months? If so, are they for the better or not?

Lots of changes! All credit for that has to go down to Vickie Mather for all her hard work, the whole scheme is unrecognisable to the one I joined. In fact, a lot of former members who left under the previous regime I believe wouldn’t have left if they had this support now. Iits improved so much in the last year or so!! The support we’ve received during the lockdown from the panel members and scheme has exceeded any expectations.

Are you happy with what you get from the scheme? Would you recommend it?

100% for both. When I joined, I was starting out on my own, I suffer from anxiety and worry but I joined up and I’ve thrown myself headfirst into the scheme. I took myself out of my comfort zone and attended the Awards dinners, attempted the Dulux Revolution, entered competitions, became a Mental Health Ambassador for the scheme and have made friends with several members, some who really go above and beyond in many aspects of their lives. Can truly say it’s been a positive experience for myself, might not be for everyone and I do get many don’t believe in paying to advertise etc but from a personal viewpoint it is worth it.

I will say if you join expecting it to generate work for you then it won’t, not on the levels of Checkatrade anyway, but if you only get one job direct from the scheme it’s going to cover more than your yearly fee.

Pete Clark on Whether Dulux Select is Worthwhile

How long have you been with Dulux Select?

Since 2006 – 14 Years

How difficult is it to become a member? What is the vetting system like?

An assessor arranges a visit to see you and goes through a list of criteria such as having the correct insurances, tools & equipment, knowledge, experience, and qualifications. Work practices and vehicle. Its to see how professional you run your business. You have to primarily use Akzo Nobel Products and become an active member of the scheme supporting other members. There is also a re assessment every few years to check that you are still working professionally and with good practice.

What benefits do you get from being a Dulux Select decorator?

I have made great contacts and friends, There are competitions, A yearly Dulux Decorator of the Year competition, Organised meet ups once or twice a year for all members and their partners, A 2 year job guarantee for customers, business support materials such as templates with the Dulux Logo. Discounts on branded workwear. Discounts on training courses. Also if you have been with the Scheme for 10 years or more you can become a ‘Fellow’ which gives you a discounted rate on membership and a yearly ‘Fellows Dinner’ as a thank you for being a loyal member. There is also a unique Dulux Stand and members area when trade shows are on.

Have you noticed any changes to the scheme in the last 18 months? If so, are they for the better or not?

Since Select was moved from Nottingham to their main office in Slough the scheme has really improved with a lot of support and upgrades. It’s now very Pro Active and supportive of the members.

Are you happy with what you get from the scheme? Would you recommend it?

If you mainly use Akzo Nobel Products, then I would highly recommend it. Most householders know the ‘Dulux Brand’ so being able to advertise a 2-year guarantee is a good asset and you can use the Dulux Logo and branding on your vehicle and paperwork. The cost of membership can also be claimed as part of your tax return. Also, the office is always just a phone call away to give advice, help and support. No other manufacturer that i know of has a similar scheme that supports its decorators and their customers and gives the benefits that Dulux Select does.