More Sales and Marketing Gimmicks That Are Common In The Replacement Window Industry

BY JOHN KOLBASKA, OWNER

‘Your neighbor just ordered all new replacement windows with us. If you buy yours right now, we can combine them with their order and give you a buy-in-bulk discount saving 50 percent!’

Yeah, sure pal.

And that’s only one of all the sneaky sales tactics that many contractors use to lure you into buying replacement windows from them. Their favorite phrase is discount. Treat that as a four-letter word. If you hear the word “discount” sirens should immediately go off in your head.

But how do you identify these replacement window companies beforehand?

Typically these are the guys with the crazy-long ridiculous sales presentations where they beat you to a pulp, until you’re forced to say ‘yes.’ They’ll be in your home for 3 hours or more, talking about common interests before they even start the actual presentation.

They’ll jump on top of the window, stand on it, take a bat or hammer and bang on the glass and when they’re done, they’ll make you feel guilty if you tell them ‘no.’

In reality, most replacement windows are durable. Double-pane glass IS standard and Low-E and argon gas is the norm in the Northeast. Don’t fall for these scams and remember, the key factors you should be considering is the window performance, installation process and the warranty.

The following is part two of the sneaky sales and marketing tactics that companies will use to pressure you into buying replacement windows right then and there:

Part 1 is located here

The Model Home Program

‘We want your home to be the model home on this street. All of your neighbors will want to buy new windows, so we’ll give you a 30 to 50 percent discount.’

That’s probably one of the most ridiculous tactics. Who says that your neighbors are going to even buy new windows now, just because you had new replacement windows installed on your house.

All Replacement Window Warranties are Basically the Same

This is 100 percent false. Warranties vary between each window manufacturer. There are 10-year warranties, 20-year warranties, 30-year warranties and limited lifetime warranties. Pay close attention, some of them are also pro-rated, meaning after 5 to 10 years, they’re worth nothing.

Some manufacturers will only cover hardware. Others won’t honor the warranty if you’re within a 5-mile radius of a body of water. That includes, lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, streams, and obviously the ocean, so if you live on Staten Island, make sure you research your warranty. If you’re not on Staten Island, chances are there is some form of water nearby that will cancel out your the warranty being offered.

‘Your Windows Will Pay for Themselves in the Next 3 Years’

This is completely bogus. Don’t fall for these ridiculous claims, however the good news is this is one of the few types of home improvement projects that will pay for themselves over time while also adding value.

“A good quality company is going to come in, spend 60 to 90 minutes with you, talk to you about all of the options — the designs, styles, colors — talk to you about your needs, make suggestions, professionally measure your window openings and give you a price right there on the spot, without any ridiculous 30-50% price drops,” John said. “They’re also going to ask you for the sale, but they aren’t going to badger you to make it!”

Are you in the market for replacement windows? Check out The Men With Tools on Staten Island, NY who won’t caulk and walk and will give you a fair price. Call us today at 201-584-6728 for a free estimate.