BIG PANIC over double glazing deal.

KT1985

jamtart6 wrote: »

wow we've had 2 quotes from local companies and both stayed about 20 minutes. Try to get a reccomendation from a friend or neighbour who has been pleased with their work. To the OP i think you have been majorly overcharged.

We are having 6 windows (white with diamond lead) and a front door for £2500 fitted

We have found something similar- local company, have been great. We are having a UPVC front door with a window and panel to the side, a plain back door in UPVC with obscure glass, another UPVC external door and a window panel, and a large obscure window, with a right hand opener supplied and fitted (and old rubbish taken away) for about £2500.

Some people might say we have over paid, but we are happy with the price (far better than national dg companies), the doors and window are bizaare sizes, and happy to give our money to a small local supplier. :A

thebaldwindowfitter

KT1985 wrote: »

Some people might say we have over paid, but we are happy with the price (far better than national dg companies), the doors and window are bizaare sizes, and happy to give our money to a small local supplier. :A

And as long as you are happy with your quote and the quality of the instalation thats what counts

jamtart6

i agree KT, I think we could have got cheape rbut it would have been a compromise on the quality. I'm happy with our quote too

Glorious

Glorious wrote: »

I had Zenith round in July (Edinburgh) regarding roofline/guttering replacement.

Told him he had 30 mins, and the guy had a young "apprentice" with him. Anyway, put the poor lad on the spot, usual smarmy tactics as well, put me on the showhome rate, which after questioning him, it was clear that you had to to get a good price.

Said I'd think about it as they were my first quote (lie) so I end up the phone to his manager:

"It's a great price sir"
"Agreed, but I'd be a fool to take the first quote"

repeat about 4 times

"I'll get back to you after my holiday" (not a lie).

They left absolutely fuming.

Anyway, main reason for this post:

I ended up going with Weatherseal and was told that for the £1300 I would get a cashback for £100 so £1200 - very happy with this. Was told to pay £200 a month interest free and that was it. Signed up and job completed - very professional job.

I've paid £1000 to date and called up to ensure all is well and only £200 to go. I've got over £600 outstanding including over £400 in interest. You've guessed it, they set me up on a 10 year deal at 29.8% APR!!! The salesman basically lied to me. I have called Barclays (finance) who have told me to speak to Weatherseal.

I am absolutely raging and am not an un-savvy moneysaver - but what can I do?

My thoughts are:

Trading Standards
FENSA
Watchdog...

I'l do anything to sort this - I won't be paying that ridiculous interest.

At the end of the day, I signed the agreement (whether hastily or not) but I was still lied to. Even Barclays know how Weatherseal go about selling these, so I'm guessing Trading Standards will.

Any advice/similar experiences very welcome....

Just an update - I wrote to complain to:

Weatherseal office who carried out the work
Weatherseal Head Office
Barclays Finance to make them aware of the situation.

I will post up the letters I've sent/received if anyone is intereted (may help someone else if they are complaining), but I have had a result - the Head Office wrote to me to say they were clearing off the interest and fees as I was unhappy (just short of £300) !!! I have called Barclays to clarify and they have confirmed they have spoken with Weatherseal and are waiting for the cheque. My account with them will be closed and I have nothing more to pay.

To say I am chuffed is an understatement. Just shows you can get a result
if you go about it correctly.

My advice is do not sign any finance agreement in your house or elsewhere until you read it all the way through and even if they tell you it'll be fine, what matters is the document in your hand - if there's a cost for interest on there as soon as you sign it they have you. I learned the hard way but have got lucky I guess. Be warned!!

daisyjulia

I have just had a visit from a Weatherseal salesman. As a single woman living with one young teenage daughter in a fairly isolated area I am potentially vulnerable. I did my homework.

I told the man I wanted

1. Measurements and a quote
2. To see a sample for quality
3. Full details of their guarantee.

He didn't really want to do what I wanted and rang his manager who obviously told him to carry on. he started by saying the company has been going for 45 years - WRONG!

When I made the appointment the woman told me to check out their website which I did. Scroll down and details of the actual company are shown Weatherseal Home Improvements Ltd followed by the company registration number. Go to Companies House Direct and use their WebCheck (free). This company was incorporated 27 Feb 2008.

I told the salesman this but he didn't believe me so I showed him. I said this might have repercussions for any guarantee. I asked if it was insurance backed but he didn't know. he rang his manager who eventually spoke to me. he didn't know the background of his employer either.

He wanted to leave but I made him do the measurements. he said he'd send the quote.

I then did a search and found this forum. I don't think I'll use them if they do send the quote which I doubt.

I'll take advice and get a local tradesman if I can

Lifeisbutadream

daisyjulia wrote: »

I have just had a visit from a Weatherseal salesman. As a single woman living with one young teenage daughter in a fairly isolated area I am potentially vulnerable. I did my homework.

I told the man I wanted

1. Measurements and a quote
2. To see a sample for quality
3. Full details of their guarantee.

He didn't really want to do what I wanted and rang his manager who obviously told him to carry on. he started by saying the company has been going for 45 years - WRONG!

When I made the appointment the woman told me to check out their website which I did. Scroll down and details of the actual company are shown Weatherseal Home Improvements Ltd followed by the company registration number. Go to Companies House Direct and use their WebCheck (free). This company was incorporated 27 Feb 2008.

I told the salesman this but he didn't believe me so I showed him. I said this might have repercussions for any guarantee. I asked if it was insurance backed but he didn't know. he rang his manager who eventually spoke to me. he didn't know the background of his employer either.

He wanted to leave but I made him do the measurements. he said he'd send the quote.

I then did a search and found this forum. I don't think I'll use them if they do send the quote which I doubt.

I'll take advice and get a local tradesman if I can

If you get a local tradesman you wont automatically get an insurance backed guarantee, but if they are a member of the FMB you will be able to purchase an insurance backed guarantee.

If you are in or around York PM me and I can help you with a quote!

timbo1234

Great thread. We fell for the Zenith "massive discount" in a 5 hour sell-a-thon on Saturday and signed up (£22k discounted down to £7k!). Will speak to my wife tonight but I reckon we'll be cancelling.

Plasterer

AVOID - Biggest ripoff ever. Rogue traders did a piece on this company - Showing the hard sell, Finance etc. Its a BIG BIG Ripoff. However, check out local firms but ALWAYS get references, how long trading (under the same name) etc.

Plasterer

timbo1234 wrote: »

Great thread. We fell for the Zenith "massive discount" in a 5 hour sell-a-thon on Saturday and signed up (£22k discounted down to £7k!). Will speak to my wife tonight but I reckon we'll be cancelling.

Hi Timbo, Did you sign up for the finance (go on mate its only 20 quid a week sale) If you did cancel it now!!!! - you do have the right if they try and blag you that you cant, its called the "cooling of period" and I think you have upto 7 days - though dont quote me on this. If you have signed for finance I fear your £7 grand is more like the original qoute of £22 when you have finished paying. These "salesmen/women" get paid nice little earners for selling the finance as well as the windows. Also, these companies DO NOT EMPLOY SALESPEOPLE THEY ARE ALL SELF EMPLOYED!!!! This should tell you something about these companies.

timbo1234

Hi Plasterer, yes, we did, fell for ANOTHER sales job. We're both embarrassed that we fell for this. I called Zenith a few minutes and told them we were cancelling, I'm sending the cancellation form to them first class recorded tomorrow. Same with the Hitatchi Finance, about to call them and cancel then post the form first class recorded to them tomorrow.

Cheers!