Paying for windows before they are fitted?

danmcl

Hi, 

I was looking for some advice. I am replacing a few single glaze windows with double glazing and I received a quote I am happy with. The company who are carrying out the work were used regularly as a contractor at my partners previous place of work, so I have confidence in them. 

The main question I have is that I have been asked to cover the cost of the windows upfront, as the window manufacturer isn’t offering accounts with credit etc due to the current climate. The window fitter mentioned this to me prior to ordering the windows, which I didn’t give much thought, as I thought that sounded reasonable at the time. He has now paid for the windows and asked if I can send the money via bank transfer and he will provide me with a receipt. 

What is your opinions on this? Should I request anything else e.g. a copy of his order invoice for the windows, or a signed contract? If so what should this include?

Thanks for any advice in advance! 

TELLIT01

It would seem that you have already verbally agreed to pay for the windows prior to them being installed.  As long as you are only paying the cost of the windows now, not the installation costs as well, I don't see any problem.

danmcl

TELLIT01 said:

It would seem that you have already verbally agreed to pay for the windows prior to them being installed.  As long as you are only paying the cost of the windows now, not the installation costs as well, I don't see any problem.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I’m happy to cover to the cost upfront because I’m aware of them doing previous work, so I trust them. Just wanted to make sure I’m covered as the windows are the main bulk of the overall cost. For example if they arrived and didn’t fit correctly as they are a custom size do I need something in writing that shows the window fitter, who took the measurements, would replace at their own cost etc.

tacpot12

You need a contract that specifies who is carrying the risk that the windows you have paid for don't fit, or are not what you ordered. I would expect they already have a contract that covers this. Ask to see the contract and read it carefully before you give them any money. 

The main issue that I can see is that they go bust before they deliver the windows. To protect against this, you could use an  ESCROW service. With an ESCROW service, you give the service (often this is a solicitor) the money, and the solicitor gives it to the Window company IF they deliver the windows. The Window company can have confidence that you have the money and that you cannot spend it or refuse to hand it over  'just' because you have lost your job due to Covid, and you can have confidence that you will at least receive the windows, so that someone can fit them if the firm goes bust (or you get your money back). 

Jeepers_Creepers

Wouldn't a credit card provide protection?

David28

I am getting new double glazed windows fitted in November and my supplier got a 10% deposit and the remaining balance to be paid within 1 week after fitting.
The deposit was paid with a credit card and so will the balance.

AskAsk

the normal process is for them to ask for a deposit and then balance on completion.  how much of the total install cost have they asked for?

comeandgo

AskAsk said:

the normal process is for them to ask for a deposit and then balance on completion.  how much of the total install cost have they asked for?

I notice you stated it's normal for deposit on another thread.  I, nor any of my friends or family ever have to pay a deposit and non of my contractor clients ever ask for deposits.  

AskAsk

comeandgo said:

AskAsk said:

the normal process is for them to ask for a deposit and then balance on completion.  how much of the total install cost have they asked for?

I notice you stated it's normal for deposit on another thread.  I, nor any of my friends or family ever have to pay a deposit and non of my contractor clients ever ask for deposits.  

from my experience of window installation, the companies ask for a deposit as they have to make them to size, and so they don't want to make them, then you cancel the job.

if it was just one window, then they would be fine without a deposit, but if it is several, i find they will ask you for a deposit.

different companies operate differently, and i think it also depends on the area as some areas, like london, people can often cancel jobs and don't pay on completion.

Doozergirl

The company that we use for windows take a 10% deposit before survey and then another 85% 7 days before the fitting date.  The last 5% is paid on completion.  

We ask the same from our clients.  Virtually everything else we charge in arrears, but it's really not unusual or unreasonable with a made to measure product.  

You can put £1 on a credit card to get the section 75 protection. 

My rule is that if they take credit cards I will pay ahead.  If they don't, I don't.

we don't take credit cards but we're a fair way into a project and extending the the customer a credit line a long time before ask for deposits on bespoke thing.