(Avoiding some of the pitfalls when buying double-glazing)
The Double-Glazing salesperson along with the life insurance salesman, estate agent and used car salesman has often been the 'butt' of a comedian's joke and the general public's 'loathing'.
These individuals often have very little direct experience of glazing and replacement windows. Most of their 'experience' will be gained on a sales training course where frankly the main emphasis will be on selling technique rather than product knowledge.
The above said we should also say that for every bad and pushy salesperson, there are many more that are thoroughly professional and dedicated to providing high standards of service.
First - A few important facts:
Most double glazing salespeople are still self employed and working on commission only. Do note that this includes 'managers'. This usually means no holiday pay, statutory sick pay or telephone expenses. Additionally most will supply their own car.
A lot of salespeople - especially when getting started - will have to find their own leads. (Door knocking, telephone canvassing etc.)
Putting it more simply - If they don't sell they don't get paid.
Below are just a few of the situations you might encounter in dealing with a salesperson. Despite what we have said above it should be said that for most the experience of buying double-glazing or replacement windows is a completely pleasurable one. After all, improving your home should be something you are pleased to do - not something you are dreading doing.
No1:
The salesperson tries to persuade you to have fewer openings in your windows. This is not that unusual and the reason is that the more openings you have - the more expensive it will be. Perhaps the salesperson thinks that if the costs are too high then you will not do the work. Be especially careful when comparing quotations to note the total number of openings each supplier is offering. After all, it may be possible that one
supplier is only cheaper because of fewer openings.
No 2:
This design is not possible: Very few designs are impossible. More often the salesperson, whom you should remember often has quite limited technical experience, does not know how it is done. The answer here is to ask more companies to design and quote. Look out for companies that specialize in bespoke designs and difficult sites.
No 3:
We don't recommend Hardwood or PVCu or Aluminium: This happens when a company has a limited product range. If you only do Aluminium then quite naturally you will not give a glowing reference for Hardwood. Fair enough in our opinion - just remember however that there are two sides to every argument.
No 4:
This Special Offer only holds good for one visit only (variations are offers ending this weekend, month etc): This is often referred to in sales circles as the FCD - First Call Discount. Basically it is to put pressure on you to make a buying decision now. Fail to buy now and you lose the discount! With very few exceptions we would always recommend "sleeping" on any buying decision. The only occasion a
time-specific-discount can be relevant is when you are buying an ex display model conservatory or something that is end-of-range.
No 5:
Our salesperson could not make it so I - the sales manager/commercial manager/trade sales manager have come instead. The deal here is that you will supposedly save money because the company will not be paying for any sales commission. (The manager will put order through at a trade price etc.) This approach will often be followed by - can you please make a decision now as I am a very busy person and I will not be able to call
out next time or fail to buy now and we will have to send out the sales person and off course the price will be higher.
No 6:
Agree to be a show house and we will give you additional discount. This is another common 'ploy' and whilst there may well be some genuine offers around - you should realise that this is often just another attempt to get you to make a decision now.
Please note, we are not dismissing this "discount" as always being fake. We know of some small companies that offer discounts of say £200 if you agree to an installation board outside or allow potential customers view your installation. Additionally even some larger companies will use this approach. (Usually for larger discounts). The issue here is - is the offer genuine? We have no doubts that some organisations just use this approach as a "sales tool" (and don't even place
installation boards) and that's what we object to.
A little extra "reverse" tip here and especially good if you are just about ready to make a decision - ask your potential supplier if there will be any additional discount if you agree to have an installation board outside your home or act as a 'show home'? You never know your luck - you might just get some additional discount.
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