Window Scams And Sales Tactics

Window Sales Tactics

The theme that links these aggressive sales tactics is what's known as the hard sell. One of the tell tale signs of the hard-sell is when a company insists that any household decision makers must be present during the house call. In these cases, the company will give you their spiel, and then attempt to get you to sign a work order right then and there. It is pretty standard operating practices for certain companies.

This is a great deal for the window company because it restricts the consumers ability to collect multiple bids. Many companies that use these window scams will throw out swing-for-the-fence prices that are grossly overpriced. In many cases, the project quote is double what other companies will charge. This is a ripoff that you should never fall for. Full stop.

Instead, homeowners should thank the person for coming out and clearly tell them that they intend to collect 4 bids before any decision is made. Throughout this article, I will come back to this concept of multiple bids. In short, this is the only full proof way to avoid aggressive window sales tactics.

Buy Now Window Scams

One way to entice the consumer to sign the work order right then and there is with buy now pricing. This is one of the most common window scams in which the initial price is much higher than the buy now or special today only pricing. Companies will often start with very high per replacement window costs and then they will cut it down by 20% to up to 50%. But this only if the consumer is willing to sign with that company at the moment.

Typically, the reduced or buying our pricing is actually a pretty standard or slightly higher than standard per window price when compared with reputable company. However, if the consumer hasn't received many project bids, they would have no knowledge of how these costs compared with others.

Aggressive Sales Tactics

Many of the same companies that use the aggressive sales tactics, will also be very aggressive in calling and asking whether you've made a decision. Some consumers feel that it becomes almost harassment like tactics to bully them into purchasing the windows from them. The easiest way to avoid this is to simply not get the bid from these companies in the first place. We have a list of window companies that engage in these window scams and we are happy to provide that you.

However, if you have received the bid and the company continues to call you, can always tell them that you went with another company. If they ask why, politely tell them that the salesperson was too pushy. While this isn't a window scam per se, it is very bothersome and not something you are required to endure.

Avoiding Window Scams

Luckily, there are plenty of window companies that will come out and provide free beds. Therefore, there's no need for consumers to rely on ones that insist on these strong arm type tactics.

However, if you do decide to get a bid from one of these companies, again just make it clear that you are going to collect your three bids before making any decisions. If they are a quality company, they shouldn't have any problem with a little competition. get the best windows from the best local window companies at the best price.

Tampa Replacement Window Issues

I've been dealing with window companies for months now and it's always the same. Who's the decision maker in the home, is your husband home. Frankly, I'm super annoyed by this 1980s b.s. However, I tread on and would love to get your two cents on what I've got. So, we are replacing three impact windows that is in Tampa, but not in any sort of flood plain.

Armorvue - $8.4K that started off at $16.5K and then 30 minutes of discounts and specials to get to the final price. I told him to leave, but I was polite - reluctantly.

Simonton Stormbreaker Plus - $6100.

Custom Window Systems 8000 Series - $5.7K

Viwinco Oceanview Series - $8K that eventually went to $5700 when I showed him my CWS windows price quote. But let me tell you, it took a lot of phone calls to the office, discounts that magically could be applied, and hemming and hawing to get to the final price. I'm very dubious of going with this local company.

Allison - Homeowner - from 2025

Dan K Replies

Allison, while I wouldn't necessarily call these window scams, it does sound like at least two of the or at least dubious companies all competing for your business. So, here is what I will do. I will simply list the products in order of best to worst. Further, I would suggest looking up each of the companies that gave you bids and rating them as well. Then, I would compare the two lists. Custom Window System 8000 series, Viwinco Oceanview, Simonton Stormbreaker Plus, ArmorVue (I don't know this well enough to really score it).

Editor Dan - from 2025