No wonder window salesmen have such a bad reputation... Also,the best route to replacing my windows?

[Deleted User]

Last year I got a window quote and called the supplier (Crystal Windows) back up to see if I could retrieve that quote. I was told that all information had been deleted for data protection purposes and they only hold quotes for 6 months. Fair enough.

I really just wanted a ballpark figure on prices but they were insistent someone had to come out. I agreed and told the person on the phone, as well as the salesman who arrived, that there is no way I am buying today, I just wanted a quote to compare to the cost of getting the glass replaced. The guy agreed but then persisted on trying to sell me everything there and then. Despite telling him I only wanted the front of the house done for now, he kept wondering into other rooms to do measurements and I had to tell him twice to stop. When it came to pricing, I again reiterated that I am not buying now, don't want to haggle and he should just give me the lowest price up front to avoid annoying me.

He then comes up with a price of £7k+ to replace 3 sets of windows. This was more expensive that the entire house quote I got previously. Told him no and wished him a good day. From there, the sales pitch ramped up another level with the guy looking so desperate I initially felt sorry for him. But then he got so desperate I started to worry. I am a big guy, could snap this guy like a twig, but got so worried I put my keys in between my fingers just in case he tried something. He eventually finished his pitch, showing me a window and talking about how they fill it with gas etc. and then aske ME, what price would I buy the windows at so he could give me a special offer. Told him it was a stupid question and that I was not impressed as I told him I didn't want to haggle and he should give me his lowest up front. Told him I'll give him £500 and he finally left.

I used to be in professional sales and I am bemused with their sales techniques. May work for an impressionable or vulnerable person but I was obviously not that. If I was in his shoes, I would have simply given a very reasonable price and left it at that. Worst case scenario, I am now wasting my time and can move on to the next client. Best case, you don't come across as a pressure-sales person and could have walked away with a sale.

Question to the forum - what's typically the best method of getting a window replaced? Mainly, go through one of these companies or talk to a local supplier/fitter? Pros and cons of both will be good 

flashg67

Having worked for a large window company, many years ago (I see they haven't changed their techniques in those 30 years!), I always try for a friend's recommendation, failing that, local firms with good Google/Facebook etc reviews. My new windows are on order with a local company who've been around for many years, which I suppose is as much reassurance as you can get nowadays

FreeBear

Go for a local independent fitter that doesn't have a showroom or sales team - They both cost money which you are paying for when you buy from them.

I use an independent local one-man band. Not the cheapest, but he does do a good job and pays attention to the detail.

Alanp

We’ve just had two windows replaced,plus soffits, guttering ect, we had two quotes, no pressure, we told them exactly what we wanted , both measured up then left, we got our quotes in an  email, absolutely no pressure to buy at any stage, 

[Deleted User]

Always use a local, small, independent unless you want this kind of harassment and sky high figures.

NSG666

Recommendations from friends and relatives or local facebook groups (not mycheckaspannerbuilder) and you need someone who is FENSA (or similar) so they can issue the relevant certificate or you'll need to go through Building Control.
If you get several quotes make sure they are like for like or you know the differences as they can have different energy efficiency ratings e.g. low e glass

Jaybee_16

I always look around locally to see who is having work done on their homes. If I need something done, I knock on their door and ask if they were happy with the work and if they have contact details. Neighbours are better than any Trustpilot review.  

dontmess666

Never ever under any account use the national home improvement companies. Dreams, Hammonds Furniture, Anglian Windows, Safestyle etc. Ditch them all and their pathetic sales patter. The amount of times I hear an initial inflated price and then the magic phone call to the manager who can authorise a 60% discount, its a joke they still do this.

I've used local tradesman and everytime much better service, honest pricing with no stupid sales pitch and a fraction of the price!

TripleH

A few years ago my father got a window replaced in a rental property.

He got a local firm in who told him the big name firms put the window in place and just spray expanding foam to secure rather than go to the hassle of bolting the window in place.

Grabs39

As others have said, use a small independent firm.  I use a lad who went to school with one of my friends - he's done a couple of jobs for me in the past and is great, reliable and reasonably priced.

He actually told me that I might not need to immediately replace a window last year that was leaking, but to use silicone to fix a small leak in the corner - worked fine though he talked himself out of a job!

Have any of your friends or family had any windows done recently who could recommend someone?

longwalks1

We went directly to a window manufacturer, got a quote for 10 windows we needed and the manufacturer recommended us one of the local family run fitting companies. It was 6 years ago, but we paid about £3500 for 10 windows supplied and fitted