Who Should You Buy Replacement Windows From
While writing this guide to replacement window, I tried to represent our company’s point of view without promoting our company. I won’t promise I always struck the right balance and in this section, I won’t even try.
It amazes me the abuse and outright lies people are willing to accept or believe when shopping for replacement windows. Do any, of these paraphrased marketing claims or sales tactics sound familiar?
- Windows at 1999 pricing
- Buy two windows and get one free
- Both the husband and wife are required to be home in order to schedule an in-home consultation
- Hours-long in-home high pressure sales
- We are testing a certain number of homes and will pay you monthly
- Windows installed for $199 each
I could go on, but it would only get more ridiculous. These approaches and the people who employ them are the new Tin Men – funny movie for those of you old enough to remember. The men were home improvement sales people in the 50s and 60s who did not let truth stand in the way of a sale.
It is time to demand a better experience when replacing your window. Demand that replacement window sales people respect your time and your money – whether in your home or in a showroom, ensure that you are being honorably educated so you can make an informed decision. Ensure that all bids you receive provide the price for each window and door and that installation is separately delineated. Asking for bids in this manner will help you more easily compare competing bids and will communicate that you are a knowledgeable buyer, and will usually result in a lower bid.
What is up with requiring both deed owners of house to be present. My wife could care less about windows. I make decisions for everything regarding the maintenance and repairs to our house. 4 out of 5 companies I called are saying that. Long Windows and Doors went so far as to call me back to say “We see there is another person listed on your deed to the house and need that person to be present for the sales presentation.” I don’t think they are getting my 28 window replacement job.
Craig MK
Annapolis MD
This tactic is all about in-home, one visit closing. There assumption is that if you are both there they can deploy their arsenal of objection management and closing strategies and close the sale.
We believe that in addition to the in home visit to measure and understand the installation issues, homeowners should visit the showrooms of companies they are contemplating allowing to replace their windows. This give you a chance to evaluate the company. Moreover, it allows for a hands-on discussion of what type of product and what type of operation is best for your home. A window replacement project is an opportunity to enhance the beauty of the home, not just a correction for failed windows.