Replacement Windows – Is there a elephant in the room?
So, there’s always been a elephant in the room when it comes to buying replacement windows. Many people find that most companies will require a in-home consultation of some sort to help them select the right window and take measurements.
The time investment that a in home consultation may require is often a surprise people hadn’t expected. To properly educate on the purchase and products available, the truly responsible thing for contractors is to invest the time that it takes to do things ‘right’.
But what if you’re a busy family? In 90% of cases, it’s best for a Husband and Wife be present at the time of the consultation. Many families find it difficult to set aside the 1-2 hours where they can go through all the motions traditionally taken.
The situation from the contractor’s point of view is to spend the time with their customer that is required to ensure a great sale. If too little time is spent with the customer, they may end up buying a product they are not happy with and in return become frustrated. It’s also a great chance to ‘Make the sale’ and really explain what your product/company strengths are.
From the position of someone researching windows. The idea of getting the right purchase and spending the time required sounds great on the surface. Although, the best advise is often to receive more than one quote or at least research more than one product. It can be very frustrating to try to find time where you and your spouse are available at one time. It becomes even more difficult when you’ve got to find that time 2-3 times.
Many websites offer to ‘Get you the lowest quote’ or ‘get competing quotes’ from multiple companies. While this might help solve the ‘Most expensive/Lease expensive’ issue, you’re still missing out. A consultation – in house – even once, can provide a great outlook on the value of products and services and not just a flat price. It’s also common to have those companies request to take measurements of your home to ensure accuracy. So now you’re still stuck with getting enough time for someone to come and measure your openings.
Ultimately, I want to know what you think! I certainly don’t have the answers but I’m eager to see your opinions.
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As awindow replacement company in San AntonioI know the challenges that come with the situation you have described above. Many consumers are faced with a serious time crunch these days, and the 2 hour presentation from 3 window companies can get downright annoying for the time pressed consumer. I often meet with people who are absolutely shell shocked by the time we get together because they have had to endure multiple “show and tell” meetings with window companies. Don’t get me wrong, I want my chance to shine and I do believe that homeowners need to see the value of my windows and installation, but I can understand the frustration many people feel when buying replacement windows. The thing that many people in the window industry fail to realize is that today’s consumer is more educated on what is available today, and they are looking for the bullet points, not the full novel. Rather than spend 2 hours browbeating homeowners on the wonders of our windows, we should provide resources and direction for the customer to go to research. The truth is after the salesman leaves the house, the homeowner gets on line and does their research anyway. The confident window replacement company will be able to spend less time trying to “sell” the customer and more time educating and providing solutions.