5 Red Flags to be on the lookout for when shopping for new windows
Most of us have limited knowledge when it comes to major home improvement projects, so it’s understandable if deciding on which company or products to use is a bit intimidating at first. It’s an investment in your home; we all want to be sure that we’re getting a good deal.
By now, most of us have gotten a direct mail piece (designed to look hand-written) with or gotten a knock on the door from a salesperson. They’ll entice you with unbelievable deals because they know, getting a foot in the door is half the battle. These high-pressure in home sales visits can last hours because, once they are in the door, these master manipulators are trained to get you to sign a contract with them before they leave. They don’t want you to compare their value against honest window replacement companies. Protect yourself against these predators by knowing what the red flags are.
Here are 5 signs that you may be getting scammed:
1. Buy one get one free and other too-good-to-be-true offers.
No reputable business gives out free windows away without inflating baseline pricing in order to cover the cost.
These “BOGO” sales are loaded with fine-print terms and they are counting on you NOT to read before you contact them. These deals are are almost always limited to a bargain basement windows and specific sizes. And and most alarming- you must agree to an in-home sales visit.
Why? Because they know that can up-sell you to buy a better window. If that fails, they tack on additional fees as outlined in the fine print.
2. The Cardiac Quote
This sleazy sales move is one most often associated with used car sales. You ask them to work up a price for everything you’re looking for and after it’s all added up, the price is enough to give you a heart attack.
The next move in the scam is they will volunteer to call their manager to see if they can offer you a better deal. You are so happy with the discount that you don’t realize that the quote is still way over what you could have paid with an honest window company. They’ll usually follow this up with the next tactic.
3. The Offer is only good for today/now.
They know that you are most likely getting several quotes for the project. So, if they leave without a contract it would leave room for you to sign on with another company.
A reputable window company would give you ample time to weigh alternative offers so you can make the decision based on what is right for you. If it truly is a legitimate offer, it will honored at a later time.
4. Sales Appointment Set Up
They insist that all decisions makers are present for the sales appointment.
This tactic is used to overcome a “I have to talk it over with…” objection. If setting up the appointment in contingent upon this, you should expect a high-pressure sales visit that will be focused only on getting you to sign a contract with them.
5. 0% Financing or Don’t Pay for a Year
Read the fine print. These deals are notorious for including unfavorable terms or exorbitant fines for a missed payment. Of all the scams, this one is particularly seedy. You could end paying far more than you bargained for and damage your credit.
You’ll most likely get multiple quotes for you project. And you should.
Who you decide to buy new windows from should be based on works best for you.
We know that we’re not right for everyone, but we do promise that our windows and patio doors are of the highest quality, our prices are honest, and our installers are good at what they do and will be respectful of your time and home.
Thanks for reading- and remember, Save Energy and Capture Comfort.
