Free windows fitted in return for publicity shots

Nimnom

I had a phone call yesterday offering me free windows throughout my house in return for before and after shots of my house being used for publicity shots. I'm always very sceptical of this sort of thing and it really does sound too good to be true.
Wondered if anyone has any experience of this sort of thing?

ormus

they have been using this scam for about 40 yrs now.

Nimnom

Thanks for that lovely comment kind person. Not gormless - actually very sceptical!

DaftyDuck

Nimnom wrote: »

Thanks for that lovely comment kind person. Not gormless - actually very sceptical!

That's just his sig - not aimed at you at all. It's at the bottom of all his posts, so don't take offence. Ormus is probably just a cuddly :A

As to a scam... 100% yes. They're not going to do a few thousand pounds work for nothing. Once through the door, the terms will change or, when completed, "nah, nuffink like that woz discussed".

I wouldn't let them through the door. Any firm that has to resort to these tactics isn't likely to be good!

MaggieBaking

Put it this way - there will surely be a friend/neighbour/family member of the company director who would like to have new windows. And if no one would let him do it... Why should you?!

ic

The windows may be free, but imagine the cost of disposing the old windows and installing the new windows...

Leif

ic wrote: »

The windows may be free, but imagine the cost of disposing the old windows and installing the new windows...

I was wondering how they made the money. I would be tempted to ask for literature, and forward it to trading standards if it was dodgy. But I would guess that they avoid literature, and on a visit pressure you into signing a form which they discourage you from reading properly.

ormus

its like buying a book off ebay for 1p.
and then paying 4.95 for postage.

not such a good deal after all.

vaio

Nimnom wrote: »

I had a phone call yesterday offering me free windows throughout my house in return for before and after shots of my house being used for publicity shots. I'm always very sceptical of this sort of thing and it really does sound too good to be true........

Sort of answered your own question

Nimnom

Thanks all. I knew the answer really!

capeverde

Heres the deal, the people that call you up are canvassers aka telesales. It is their job to make appointments and they have no part in the process after this initial contact. They earn minimum wage, plus around a tenner per appointment and then 1% commission on any sales. They will basically say whatever works to get your name and address. Once the appointment is made, the guy that comes round is the salesman. He is self employed and earns a straight 10%, however any underpricing impacts his commission. The telesales guy doesn't care about how rubbish the lead is, because if the salesman gets through the door, he gets his tenner. Re the OP, its just created by the telesales and in reality the salesman will say you qualify for a 50% discount after calling his manager (wife, local pub etc) to get permission. Obviously the discount will be added to the price before being taken off. Most customers will let you take pictures of the job anyway, why would you need to pay for this??