Double glazing con artists

[wrighty1874]

I had a company call round las t week for a couple of windows, a Bay window and a normal one. They started at just over £5k,then dropped to just over £3k,then £2,300 followed by £1585.They called by phone days later offering me trade price, and could they come round for a re-measure and drop the quote off.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

If ever we have people round to quote for work, I make it plain that I do not haggle, I want them to just give me their best price, first time of asking. it seems a very hard concept for them to grasp

 

[Iaing]

String them along, get them down as low as you can then tell them to get to ..

Hate them with a vengeance.

 

[wrighty1874]

We never got the final quote cos the missus rang them and told them she wouldn't have one if they gave it her for free. Had an indepenant round today who come highly recommended and very reasonable, and lo and behold can supply the same window that we were told was unique to the schisters.

String them along, get them down as low as you can then tell them to get to ..

Hate them with a vengeance.

 

[Iaing]

Independent is definitely the way to go. Especially if you've got a recommendation.

 

[SocketRocket]

I had the company rep who fitted my windows last year call round for the money. I told him to clear off as he said they would pay for themselves in 12 months.

 

[Mark_G]

I had three companies round a few years back and the two Nationals were awful, the smaller independent manufacturer had better locks, better frames and better finishes, they even had displays nearby that we went to see the frames in real buildings. I find small companies are more likely to look after customers, and are generally cheaper.

 

[bigslice]

keep trade local and use the wee companies

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Did the 3 quotes a few years back and the first guy starts with a tick list [just for head office you know].
1] Are you interested in making your house secure........emmmmm yes.
2] Do you want to never paint your windows again........errrrr yes
3] Are you interested in reducing your heating bills......oh no! I just love paying my heating bills, when it is really cold I go around opening all the doors and turn the heat up.

He ripped his wee sheet in two and said, can I please start again?

 

[Hacker Khan]

I'd like to add heating oil vendors to this list.

Year ago got several quotes and one company was a little cheaper (we are talking 2% at most), so we used them. Then next time they were slightly cheaper again so we used them again and also set up direct debit payment so we pay a regular amount throughout the year and spread the cost. So when I get a quote the other day for some more oil, it seems now we are on their DD system and sort of tied into using them, their quotes suddenly are 30% dearer than everyone else.

So I pointed this out and they came down by 15%. I then pointed out they were still 15% dearer so they finally came down again to the market price of heating oil. Rob dogs, it seems that in recognition of you deciding to use their company each time instead of the many others that are available, they rip you off and make you haggle to get the market price.

 

[louise_a]

Most home improvement companies rely on the rep creating a desire at the first appointment, few will actually get a sale if the rep leaves the house without a signature on a contract so they create a desire and then use the "drop close"to try and secure the signature.

I worked in the industry for 30 years.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Never ever sign up on the day

 

[Rooter]

I had to forcefully ask a guy to leave when we were looking at getting a conservatory. he couldnt get it that i was not signing anything that day. i told him that as he first walked through the door! then he kept on trying... thats one sales job i couldnt do....