Transparency isn’t just for windows in the double-glazing business.
Buying new windows, doors, or conservatories is a big decision and a significant investment. Time and thorough research are required to make an informed choice. You’ll want reassurance that you’re buying a high-quality product that will keep you safe and warm and not require replacement for at least 20 years.
Unfortunately, in the double-glazing sector, underhand sale techniques and scams are still used to deceive customers into thinking they are getting a great price.
Clearglaze Bath has supplied double-glazing, doors, orangeries, and conservatories in Badstock, Bradford-upon-Avon, and Midsomer Norton for over 30 years. As a company that doesn’t use overt sales techniques, we know how to spot unethical sales practices and scams. Read our tips for spotting warning signs and green flags so you can decide on your terms.
Sketchy sales. Dated sales tactics designed to pressure you into making quick decisions are still used today, even by well-known companies. A salesperson who has travelled to your home to present you with a scarcity deal at a hugely inflated price will theatrically call their boss to secure you a ‘special discount’. All this before encouraging you to sign a contract and put down a deposit. In reality, the offer is a heavily inflated initial price reduced with that ‘generous discount ’, often with an accompanying limited-time deal to pile on the pressure and get your commitment. You may then find that you are bombarded with phone calls and emails, and your final price has all kinds of extras or hidden conditions that were not discussed.
Fraud, scams and swindling. If an offer sounds too good to be true…it probably is. Sadly, there are many scams within the construction world, but among the most common is the cold caller that informs you you’re lucky enough to be eligible for government funding. All they need are your bank details and a deposit. Your details are quickly sold on, and the money is gone.
There are genuine government-backed schemes out there, like HUG2 and EC04. You can check with your local council to see if you are eligible. Never take the word of a cold caller.
Red flags to watch for:
- High-pressure sales tactics. Anything that involves scaremongering, manipulation or guilt-tripping is highly unethical. Likewise, putting a consumer under pressure to sign a contract or commit to a deposit is a poor sales technique and can cross legal boundaries. Being persuasive is one thing, but anything that makes you feel uncomfortable is a big red flag.
- False scarcity. Insinuating that an offer ends today or that only a few items are left is another tactic designed to make customers make impulsive decisions by creating a sense of urgency. A reputable company will likely have competitive pricing and an extensive range of suppliers that make your product to order.
- Hidden terms and conditions. T&Cs should always be accessible, easy to understand, and free of uncomplicated language. Question why if they are not freely available on the business’s website.
Green flags to watch for:
- Certification. FENSA and CERTASS are the two biggest UK companies for certification.
- Transparent terms and conditions. A trustworthy company will have their terms and conditions readily available and free from uncomplicated jargon.
- An itemised quotation. Your quote should include labour, installation and materials. All discounts, referral details, and details of your guarantee should be included.
- An insurance-backed 10-year guarantee. It is designed to protect you even if the trader stops trading.
- Reviews are available and easy to find. A transparent company will have its reviews available for everyone to read. The reviews will highlight good and bad points and allow you to see factors.
Here at Clearglaze, we’ve spent 30 years creating a loyal customer base. Our customers return to us for home upgrades because they are happy with the quality, installation and guarantee we provide, and they often recommend us to their friends, too.
We are proud to have earned a 4.9 Google rating, a reflection of the trust and satisfaction our customers place in our work. Our reviews are available for all to see, and they highlight our customers’ faith in our well-trained installers. Read our reviews here and see what makes Clearglaze a trusted choice for your next home improvement.
Our reviews are available for all to see and highlight our customers’ faith in our well-trained installers. As CERTASS members, our installers and their work are inspected thoroughly several times a year and are expected to know all the company policies and procedures.
Our Bath showroom is open six days a week so that customers can browse uninterrupted without any pressured sales. Our friendly team are always available to answer questions and help with enquiries.
If you’d like a free, no-obligation quote, contact us here.