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Well, putting out calls in the morning for 21 new windows in my home. I've done a ton of research and have developed a list of questions I will ask any salesman giving me estimates. I'm going to be spending a ton of money here, more than some people make in a year, so I have some rules. 1. A salesman has a 15minute time limit to get to my home from when he says he will be there or he gets the door slammed in his face. Sorry, my time is valuable to me and if he can't be on time, his company probably sucks and I will let them know that this is why they have lost my consideration. 2. Hit me with some limited time offer BS and you are out of my home. I want a rock bottom price not a gimmick. Utter those words, you and your company are toast. 3. Come back at me with a discount and you're gone. Sounds odd but I want the rock bottom price. If you call me a week later and offer me 10% more off, you are not to be trusted. You could have given me that price at the beginning and we might have had a deal. 4. Use subcontractors and you will not even be considered. No matter your price. 5. I want references and prefer addresses of homes you have installed windows on. No references, no job. These are just the top five reasons for booting a contractor. (I used to be one years ago) and not close to the list of questions I'll be asking the salesman. These are just a couple off my sheet and a few expectations. The salesman I will really grill. A lot of money being spent here and I will get what I pay for. I'll except and expect nothing less.
Last edited by Finster; 05/05/2110:37 PM.
I BELIEVE IN MY GOD, MY COUNTRY AND IN MYSELF.
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258609 05/05/2110:55 PM05/05/2110:55 PM
Not that you can't demand those things but your demands don't in and of themselves ensure you are getting the best job or price.
Happen to own a company that is a subcontractor for Lowe's and Pella. Everyday I get a facebook advert saying to become a sub for Anderson. Using subs for install is kind of the way of the big boys. Shoot, a lot of the time the salesman is 1099. You aren't going to know the difference.
Also a distributor for a window manufacturer. So I know what a window costs and what the markup is. I don't disagree with you that the discount or special offer game is annoying but you kind of have to do that because everyone else is.
You can win your philosophical battle and still not get the best window or price or warranty.
Bob Jansma
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258627 05/05/2111:17 PM05/05/2111:17 PM
I have always agreed with most of your posts, but. As a contractor f I encountered someone with a upfront message like yours or an thought of that’s what I am getting into, I would not even bother quoting. I would rather work for someone that appreciated the value and usually if a customer starts out thoughts like yours there will be other issues. Not saying you don’t have some vaild beliefs, but when I work for someone i want there to be a fair mutual a partnership that we will both gain from.
I would suggest you forget all of that and listen and give them fair time even if their late, and play the price game, and then when your writing out the check to order you can use your values on who to spend your money with. You might find the guy that was late was best value and might be late because he was held up trying to give an extra effort for one of his customers
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258635 05/05/2111:41 PM05/05/2111:41 PM
I was a contractor for years and had my own business although I never dealt with windows. Never wanted to and always gave that call to someone else. Hey, it's my money, it's good money and I expect the craftsmanship and professionalism I would have given my customers for the kind of money that I will be putting out. If they don't want that work and can't handle doing a good job, they don't need to bid. Simple as that. I could buy a new car, at least, for what windows are going to cost. I'm a great guy to work for as long as you do your job. I ask and expect nothing less and I do not see where I'm being hard to work with. These are basic principals please tell me how this is harsh?
Last edited by Finster; 05/05/2111:42 PM.
I BELIEVE IN MY GOD, MY COUNTRY AND IN MYSELF.
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Boco]
#7258642 05/05/2111:49 PM05/05/2111:49 PM
I'd tell you to install your own GD windows with that attitude.
I'm sorry, you must be under the impression that I would even allow a Canuck on my property? Well, maybe to clean the septic tank but that's about it. Certainly not to do anything that would take an ounce of skill.
I BELIEVE IN MY GOD, MY COUNTRY AND IN MYSELF.
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258647 05/06/2112:00 AM05/06/2112:00 AM
I don't necessarily this your viewpoint is harsh and it's certainly your money and you can set the stipulations under which you are willing to spend it. Just pointing out that your stipulations might prevent you from getting the best price, window, or warranty.
Bob Jansma
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258687 05/06/2105:43 AM05/06/2105:43 AM
Even shady crooks can be on time, have the lowest price, and tell you everything you want to hear. Make your best choice then pay attention. A good contractor never wants a bad deal or unhappy customer...
you're only allowed so many sunrises... I aim to see every one of them!
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258699 05/06/2106:32 AM05/06/2106:32 AM
I would likely pick up on your attitude on the phone and would come up with a reason not to quote your project. There are way to many awesome customers out there that appreciate good products and service without being treated like they are doing me a favor by using me.
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258703 05/06/2106:46 AM05/06/2106:46 AM
I would likely pick up on your attitude on the phone and would come up with a reason not to quote your project. There are way to many awesome customers out there that appreciate good products and service without being treated like they are doing me a favor by using me.
Let's see. My attitude? 1. Be on time 2. Quote me the real price and don't play games 3. Install windows with your own people not some fly by night sub contractor. 4. Give me references. Well, if you consider that having a bad attitude, you wouldn't be allowed down the driveway.
I BELIEVE IN MY GOD, MY COUNTRY AND IN MYSELF.
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258705 05/06/2106:47 AM05/06/2106:47 AM
A quote for window replacement over the phone. Hahaha That's what you really want? I deal with people like you from time to time. I simply double the price.
Good luck
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: wetdog]
#7258709 05/06/2106:54 AM05/06/2106:54 AM
A quote for window replacement over the phone. Hahaha That's what you really want? I deal with people like you from time to time. I simply double the price.
Good luck
What are you even talking about? Who is getting quotes over the phone?
I BELIEVE IN MY GOD, MY COUNTRY AND IN MYSELF.
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258716 05/06/2107:14 AM05/06/2107:14 AM
Finster, From the words you used in your posts (a lot about the money) it seems you should just keep your money you hold so dear and forget the windows. Once that cash is gone, I predict you'll wish you had it back.
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258737 05/06/2107:52 AM05/06/2107:52 AM
I would likely pick up on your attitude on the phone and would come up with a reason not to quote your project. There are way to many awesome customers out there that appreciate good products and service without being treated like they are doing me a favor by using me.
Let's see. My attitude? 1. Be on time 2. Quote me the real price and don't play games 3. Install windows with your own people not some fly by night sub contractor. 4. Give me references. Well, if you consider that having a bad attitude, you wouldn't be allowed down the driveway.
You have rules and so do I. I’d fire you before you would hire me.
Re: Doing new windows and playing the Axe man
[Re: Finster]
#7258741 05/06/2108:00 AM05/06/2108:00 AM
I'd tell you to install your own GD windows with that attitude.
I'm sorry, you must be under the impression that I would even allow a Canuck on my property? Well, maybe to clean the septic tank but that's about it. Certainly not to do anything that would take an ounce of skill.
Life member, NRA, NTA, RMEF, Pheasants Forever. WTA,TTA,FTA,SA,GOA, member