Discount for being a reference (loft conversion)

cm233lh

I'm getting quotes for a loft conversion from several companies. One has said they can give me a 12% discount if I agree to let them use me as a reference site. This seems like a good deal, and the story is convincing - they want to get into this town, and don't have any references here yet. They are offering it to other potential customers, so they say we need to commit quickly to get the offer.

Is this normal practice in the building trade, or are they just putting pressure on me to make an ill-considered decision? In all other ways the company seems fine - they've given us no reason to think they are in any way dodgy or anything. Has anyone been offered similar?

madeane

You could try asking them if they have any 'reference sites' that you can look at to go and get references of their previous customers. To say that they are moving into the area (which may be true) rings alarm bells you may be their first customer!! Be very wary with this one and really check them out you could always ring trading standards in the area were they are supposedly established. Just get more quotes and try to get recommended workmen unless you are very satisfied that they will be OK!!

phill99

In the window and conservatory world this is a common ploy to think you are getting money off (over priced) windows. If they were a bona fide company, they wouldn't pressure you into signing so quick. Its a bit of a sales acam!

woodbutcher_2

Sounds dodgy to me.I'd steer well clear.Like Phill says,if they are a reputable company,their work would sell itself.

Smi1er

Typical sales scam.

A price is a price and really shouldn't be discounted otherwise I think I'm been had over.

baldelectrician

sounds a bit dodgy

I have regular inspections (regualtory) and ask the odd customer if they would mind me asking an inspector round in the future.
People are usually happy as they know I am doing a decent job if I am thinking of bringing an inspector round.

Alias_Omega

Usual sales scam, of course you will never have anyone round to have a look.

How much is the quote for, and for what work. Post it up in the 'is this quote fair?' section and see what people think.

Its like the window men..

Us - 'Hi, id like a quote on a new window...'

Them - 'ok, ill send someone round'

Us - 'hi, id like a quote to replace this window with one of these..'

Them - 'well sir, if you have this window alone its £***, but if you have all the house done, i can give you that one free.'

Us - 'naa, its ok ill get someone else'

Them - 'ok sir, i can do it for £*** instead..'

Us - 'please leave..:)'


Im suprised they never used the 'if you sign a deal today, we can knock £xxx off..'