Zenith windows AND help please

dairymaid002002

I have fallen for the biggest con ever!! I'm a single Mum of 2 boys the oldest is 19 but has Hydrocephalus which causes learning difficulties, and I have always been very careful with money, never getting into debt etc.
Last year we had problems with vandals, and they smashed my bathroom window, so when someone from a large double glazing company called last november, offering me a free quote to be used any time in 2 years I agreed.

To cut a very long story short, I have fallen for their lies, I was told I was going to be a showhome and would 100% go into their brochure, resulting in all my money being paid back, if I signed up for 5 new windows and a door. I was even taken outside to have photos taken for this brochure by the salesman, who explained he was the manager in charge of this brochure and I would be in the march issue. I signed up believing I was getting the deal of my lifetime.

Another saleman turned up in january, this one refused to leave, was very rude, insulting my handicapped son and myself, in floods of tears I signed for yet another window after 4 and a half hours, just to get him out of the house.

I am now receiving phonecalls and letters, wanting to fit these windows, I have complained to head office about their tactic's and treatment to my son, but only received a letter back stating as he had not heard the conversation between myself and saleman he could not comment.
Have just received a letter saying they are taking legal action against me, because I will not give them a date for fitting these unwanted windows. But I have signed the forms, so I am now in debt for almost £4000 and the APR for their finance is enormous.

Thanks for reading this, I have always considered myself intelligent, but feel so stupid now, it is affecting my health, am off sick with stress and worry.

Trading standards reckon I have to have these windows, as I signed the contracts, and if I took them to court they would deny all of the lies the salesmen told.

Any advice please, I plan to fight.

Froglet

I really feel for you,you must be so worried.I would contact citizens advice bureau to see if there is anything you can do.If you could pay for these windows but without the high finance rate,would that help,ie with a cheap loan perhaps,if it turns out you have to have them installed,because of what you signed.

I would however contact Watchdog,the BBC prog.Just go on to the BBC website,there is a link there.They are great at helping people in distress.

We had an idiot from Zenith years ago,even my husband had a job getting rid of him.They are truly a horrible firm,with their bullying tactics.

Let us know how you get on,and the very best of luck.

full-time-mum

We wouldn't touch zenith with a bargepole after they cold called us 3 times in less than 3 minutes.

1st call went along the lines we're not interested
2nd go away we're in the middle of dinner and take us off your telephone list
3rd went something like - are you having a joke (the rest is not repeatable!)

Optimist

You might like to contact BBC watchdog. This is something they like to take on

http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/contact_house_and_home.shtml

In the meantime a trip to the citizens advice is a must.

ilovegreatdanes

welcome to the site.i am sure you will get some really good advice from the members.i have.i am sending you a big hug and please dont let this get you down.you already sound like you have your hands full.everything can be sorted and i am sure someone whos really knowledgeable on this will be along soon.keep looking at the site.dont know what i would do without all the great info i have gleaned,but its very addictive.best of luck and kind regards,

advent1122

Let them take legal action against you - I bet if you call there bluff long enough they will crawl back under the woodwork.

iceicebaby

And on the other side of the coin I had my windows and doors from Zenith and I couldnt be happier with their service and product!

They have not called me once since I have had then and I have had them for just under a year now.

I must just be lucky!

globbits

Registering with the TPS often dissuades these people from phoning. Fines can be hefty, so most companies have a coronary if you tell them you're registered. http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/

Otherwise, a good ploy is to say the householder isn't in, but if they would like to wait a few seconds, you'll go 'and fetch him'. Make sure you're away for a good 15 minutes or so - they usually hang up well before that.

PS: To Dairymaid: any further developments, Mary?

trisontana

The BBC Three Counties consumer programme has crossed swords with Zenith Windows on several occasions. They have a secret recording of on of their salesman making all sorts of false claims, including saying they had fitted windows in several houses in a street which had actually been done by another company.

Stephen Rhodes the presenter of the programme usually takes a fairly benign attitude to most companies, but mention Zenith Windows to him and he has nothing but contempt for them.