Tricks of the trade?
If you've ever tried to buy double glazing, conservatory or roofline products before, some of this might sound familiar. Seaforth Windows prides itself on providing straight-up, honest quotes with no hidden surprises.
We quote you a sensible, realistic price the first time, every time.
This is how some other companies operate:
Massive discounts – They’re often overpriced in the first place to make seemingly large discounts possible.
Today only – There's no such thing as a price for 'today only'. It's a sales technique to stop you getting another quote.
Trade deal - Beware the phone call offering you a 'trade deal' once the rep has left. It gets another hard-sell rep into your house.
Feature home – If you're being offered a full refund, ask them to meet a customer at their home that has had one.
Manager’s calls – Sudden drop in price. Are you getting the best price if they can keep dropping so easily?
Real people leave real reviews - Check online complaint sites for genuine feedback.
Finance – forget APR, what’s the interest? Is it daily? At 1.89%, £4000 windows will cost you £10,000 over 10 years Are they offering a discount for finance instead of cash so you can pay off early. Remember with finance you pay a set-up fee, ineterest on the months you have borrowed, and another fee to settle the balance if you pay off early. Speak to a mortgage broker or financial adviser, they can help you save thousands.
£4400 over 96 months could turn out to be £9957 actually repayable, plus £135 set-up fee. Interest is a whopping £5557 or £57.88 EVERY month.
Cashback to pay for your first six payments? It's a scam. It's in the finance agreement. Does it say in the paperwork, "Mr Smith is to get £800?
Window scrappage scheme - It’s a scam. There is no such official scheme for windows.
How long in your home? - Reps will spend 2-4 hours in your home to build a rapport which they will then use to pressure you into signing a contract
Guarantee - Do they have an insurance-backed guarantee and deposit indemnity insurance? Why not? remember, a company guarantee isn't worth anything.
Commission - A rep makes between 10% and 28% commission of the price given.
Trained - The rep is trained on what to do and say in your house.Has he ever seen a fit take place?
Amazing price - Five windows and doors from £1995!. It gets a rep in your house!
Tumbling prices - List price may be articially high, say £18k, then discounted down to say £11k on finance, £12k cash, If you say no, the manager calls to offer at £7k 'today only' deal. Are you really getting the ‘true’ price.
Testiimonials - Will they give you the name and address of customers that, by appointmen,t would allow you to check the company’s work out.
Insurance-backed guarantee? -
Quote/comparison site - They say a company is checked by them. Weatherseal pay them £45-50 to get a rep into your home. Weatherseal, St Andrew's Glass and Penicuik are all the same conmpany. Check their address and phone number! Yes, three quotes from the same company! And the comparison site is sending 'three reputable companies'.
