Trying to buy new windows, but companies won't let me

Mrs_Imp

We need two new windows in our house. They are around 80years old and not in good condition.

We get lots of leaflets and people knocking at our door wanting to sell us new windows. However, even when I say 'yes please can we have a quote' they won't do it. Mr Imp works away from home a lot, and the companies refuse to quote without both of us there. Even when I explain that Mr Imp is happy for me to sort the windows as he's not at home, and that I've bought windows before so I know what I'm looking at, they still refuse.

Can anyone enlighten me as to why this is? I just want 2 new windows, and if the companies are really doing such good offers (eg buy one get one free or buying back my old windows) I want to make the most of them. I was able to get our house insulated without my husband there, so why can't I get it double glazed?


ps, I've just realised that this might be in the wrong board, sorry

Kevie192

Why even mention your husband? Just say you live there alone... Who owns the property etc. is really none of their business.

Mrs_Imp

Tried that, but short of removing every trace of him, once they're inside it's tricky to hide him, and they leave pretty sharpish

Bantex_2

They work on a "first call close" basis and don't want to give you the get out of "I need to speak to my husband".

Try a local company rather than one of the national outfits.

penguine

This doesn't really answer your question, but I wouldn't buy new windows from companies that come knocking at your door. If they have the money to employ staff to go around door to door they're probably going to charge too much for the windows.

Mrs_Imp

yes, I'm starting to realise that! lol
If their offers really were that good they'd give me a quote and let me talk to Mr Imp

anselld

Do not buy from door knockers!

Find a small local company, preferably one recommended by someone who has used them recently.

LEJC

I would certainly suggest you try smaller local companies...we had similar experiences to you with the larger ones and in the end went with a much better deal from somewhere local.


2 Years ago being a novice to the window market we asked a large company to quote and had nothing but agro and repeated sales calls for over 18 months....we have now used an independant company 3 times over 3 houses and had nothing but good honest service.

Mrs_Imp

Yep. I think in the new year I'll have an ask around the local independant companies and see who'll give me a quote without Mr Imp there.

r2015

If they have the money to employ staff to go around door to door

Most of these work on commission only, as I found out during a brief spell knocking on doors while I was on the dole.

Bart1

Bantex wrote: »

They work on a "first call close" basis and don't want to give you the get out of "I need to speak to my husband".

Try a local company rather than one of the national outfits.

This

And they will prob tell you that you can get a better price if you agree there and then...... Don't if someone will sell something for a price they will always sell for that price