Are there any double glazing companies that don't give you the hard sell?

[platinumsage]

How will you cope without FENSA certificates?

 

[Chilli.s]

Got a reasonable quote from a local firm for a smallish job (front door), but they're insisting on 50% upfront via bank transfer or debit card (ie: no protection, like credit card) and a lead time of 6-12 weeks. This is causing me serious pause for thought. Or am I being paranoid?

That rings alarm bells. They can't cover their own costs? They want you to give up the protection that CC provide? Lead in time is quite long too. I think some bargaining is required. No credit card means 3% off the price at least.

 

[two sheds]

I think I might prefer to pay the 3% on top and have the CC protection.

 

[Wolveryeti]

Got a reasonable quote from a local firm for a smallish job (front door), but they're insisting on 50% upfront via bank transfer or debit card (ie: no protection, like credit card) and a lead time of 6-12 weeks. This is causing me serious pause for thought. Or am I being paranoid?

The only reasonable justification for that kind of thing is if materials are serious £££ and then only if you can store them on your property.

It is frankly worrying that their working capital management is so poor that they need cash this far out from the job to tide them over. I would personally not touch them with a shitty barge pole.

 

[magneze]

That rings alarm bells. They can't cover their own costs? They want you to give up the protection that CC provide? Lead in time is quite long too. I think some bargaining is required. No credit card means 3% off the price at least.

Tried offering 25% but they're insisting on 50%.

 

[Chilli.s]

Their paperwork/contract nice and clear?

Get another quote

 

[Guineveretoo]

Was it this one? Croydon double glazing specialist | The Window Clinic

yes

 

[magneze]

Their paperwork/contract nice and clear?

Get another quote

It's fairly clear apart from the lead time which is just really wide and only kicks in after survey. We've had building work done before and I can recall paying for materials just before needed.

However, it dawned on me that I'd be paying 50% upfront with zero protection for something that might happen in 3 months. The guy did also mention that the bits might be coming from China so I could see delays there too. Glad I asked on here, didn't feel quite right.

Will get more quotes. Had tried three firms but the other two either didn't respond or seemed interested then stopped responding too. One of them was a recommendation too.

 

[Riklet]

Just get a local window company to do it. Might as well get the best windows made you can afford too.

That said, its a common myth that new windows really improve energy efficiency and insulate the house. They don't much.

 

[magneze]

Well, that's what I tried. This is the local company.

 

[teuchter]

Unless it's something like replacement timber windows in a conservation area, the idea that some local small company will produce better quality is a bit misplaced.

Modern windows for the most part are best produced at large scale in well controlled factory conditions.

 

[magneze]

There's a number of UK-based manufacturers too - one based in Derby that I've found so I'm thinking that someone who doesn't have stuff shipped halfway around the world would be better too.

 

[teuchter]

There's a number of UK-based manufacturers too - one based in Derby that I've found so I'm thinking that someone who doesn't have stuff shipped halfway around the world would be better too.

Often what happens (at least with metal or plastic windows) is that the basic components are made elsewhere and bought in by the "manufacturer" and they then cut extrusions to size and assemble everything into the finished window.

When I'm looking into windows, I like to try and find out what system (ie of bought in components) they are actually using. If it's a well known system (which will often be used around the world) then it's (usually) easier to get some decent technical details, the guarantee may be worth a little more, and you have a bit of reassurance that it's a tried and tested system.

Sometimes it is hard to get any specific info. If the "system" they offer you appears to be one that only they sell, either it's a rebrand of a well known one, or it's some unknown one, possibly bought in from China from an anonymous manufacturer with little evidence of long term reliability. When a supplier is cagey about technical details I tend to avoid.

 

[magneze]

Got another quote from a not quite so local firm that a friend recommended. It's a fair bit less, only 20% deposit which can be paid via credit card. Smaller lead time too although still 6-8 weeks. Feels like this would be a better option all round.

 

[A380]

That rings alarm bells. They can't cover their own costs? They want you to give up the protection that CC provide? Lead in time is quite long too. I think some bargaining is required. No credit card means 3% off the price at least.

Sounds like a company circling the drain with a cash flow issue. I'd avoid.

 

[teuchter]

Got another quote from a not quite so local firm that a friend recommended. It's a fair bit less, only 20% deposit which can be paid via credit card. Smaller lead time too although still 6-8 weeks. Feels like this would be a better option all round.

6-8 weeks is a fairly reasonable lead time.

 

[Chilli.s]

Sounds like a company circling the drain with a cash flow issue. I'd avoid.

Does indeed, in 3 months they'll have to be taking money of someone else to pay for the job, or the price will suddenly go up, as basically they have bent you over the barrel. They shouldn't need a penny, just a good contract, after all they know where you live, you aint gonna do a runner!