In this four-part post we are focusing on the most prevalent window sales scams. For links to all four common window sales tactics and how to avoid them, read "How to Avoid Window Sales Tricks and Scams."
Window Sales: Buy One Get One Free, Buy 2 Get 2 Free, Etc.
We all want a great deal and we're trained to shop for a good sale - whether it's the clearance rack at a retail store or the weekly produce sale at the Giant Eagle, Marc's, Dave's or Heinen's. But when it comes to replacement windows a sale makes ZERO sense. The windows are made to order right? You give us the size, the type of window, the type of grids or glass, handles, colors... - it's all custom and doesn't get made until there is a buyer on the other end. Unlike produce and clothing which are harvested or manufactured expecting some waste and offering deep discounts before the product is trashed or donated, replacement windows are made to order. Nothing is going bad or out of style, no one needs to move your windows quick in order to give more shelf space to the latest arrivals - there is no logical reason to discount a custom-made window because it isn't being made until you have bought it!
However, national window companies, big box stores and other big players in the window industry with big advertising budgets have made a science out of marketing and know that they can increase appointments and window sales with a big offer of discounted windows. So they take that same vinyl replacement window you could have bought for $450 last month, raise the list price to $1,000 and offer the buy one get one free window special to get their salesman in your home, and make you think you're getting an amazing deal, when you're not. Angie's List covers this same practice in their article "Beware of the Latest Scam When Buying New Windows."
Spotting this one: beware of ads that offer 50% discounts or any type of "free" windows.
Avoiding this one is as easy as not falling for the special deal and making an informed decision without thinking the "deal" is real. Meaning, if you get a quote for $15,000 to replace all your windows during the special deal, you can be sure that after the deal expires $15,000 will still buy you all new replacement windows. So take your time, do your research and consider their "special" pricing with everyone else's.
No Pressure Replacement Window Estimate
At Integrity Windows we don't play that game. We're a locally owned and operated window company with a showroom in Lakewood. We keep our overhead low by not blasting the airwaves and the billboards with advertisements so our prices are transparent, competitive and without the need to negotiate. You can come to the Lakewood showroom and get an estimate, or we'll happily send Tim Folger or Ron Anders to your home. We don't jack-up the price of our windows so that we can sell them 50% off and make you feel like you got a deal. We don't pressure you - ever. And we don't take more than 20 minutes to learn about what you want, tell you what we would prescribe and calculate the total cost of windows and installation. We'll hang-out and chat a little longer if you want some company, or we'll email you a quote if you would rather skip the pleasantries. Your choice. Call now and find out what it's like to get an estimate from a window company that doesn't play games - we're confident you'll choose to buy your windows with Integrity.
