About a year ago I moved into a new house, which only 10 years old but had only single glazing. I also ahd several windows nailled shut (from the outside) so getting new windows was a priority.
I was aware of the high presure sales tactics and prepared the face up to it.
I had about 11 companies round giving prices, and trying their hard sell. I refused all of the. lots of them wouldn't give me a written quote as the price was only valid for that night! I got prices ranging from £8k to £3.6k for 7 windows and two doors in woodstain. Now £4400 is a lot of money. The cheapest quote was from a local builder, who wanted cash up front, which I wasn't prepared to do.
At this point, I knew I only wanted to pay £3.5k, so I sent my plan in action. Several companies called me again, to see if I had decided. None were willing to go down to £3.5k, and kept, trying to sell the quality of thier windows & rubbish other companies. The amusing part is they all said their rivals hasd shocking hard sell policies, then they tried the hard sell!! (Pot, kettle and black spring to mind).
Safestyle had been missing me on the phone, then one day they got me. I got the spiel "We think there was a problem with your quote, we have had complaints about the salesman giving too high quotes. Why don't we send a manager round to give you a better quote". I played along and accepted.
I liked the quality of the windows and they don't need any money upfront, so I had decided to go for it if he would do it for £3.5k. (Original quote was £6.5k). After another sales patter, I gave him my best quote of £3.5k and asked if he would match it. After the obligatory "i have to call my manager" rouse, he agreed.
I booked a survey, paid the £60 and they came as agreed (well they were 30 mins late but phoned to apologise & check it was OK). I was given a lead time of about 6 weeks, which was OK for me.
A few weeks later, I get a call saying can they fit them next week. great I thought, I had the money waiting and was getting sick of being unable to open my windows.
On the day of the fitting, 3 fitters arrived at 8am. They had finished by 12 noon. They didn't make any mess & had tidied up after themselves.
There was a problem with the back door - it was about 3" too short. They apologised and said it would be sorted asap. Sure enough, I got it replaced 5 days later at a time that suited me.
Apart from the short door, I never had any problems. All the windows were of good quality, and the same ones I looked at during sales talk. (Some companies show you a good one, then fit an inferior one!).
Having lived with them for some time, I've had no issues at all with the windows or doors.
I woudl recommend the product, but they have (like other double glazing companies) some very dubious sales tactics. As I got £3000 off the intial quote, it does make you wonder. What really is the bottom line & how many people pay the overinflated prices??
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Aug 4th, 2005
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