Window Shopping?   10 Point Check List for Choosing a Contractor   Does your contractor Guarantee the Lowest Prices on Name Brands Does your contractor provide Expert Installation by their Employees – NOT SUBCONTRACTORS Does your contractor have a history of Dependable Service and will they provide you with references Does your contractor have a full service Showroom where you can view products in a relaxed atmosphere Does your contractor offer a Complete Selection of quality products to meet your individual needs Does your contractor provide FREE Estimates Does your contractor offer Zero down 100% financing at low bank rates Does your contractor Guarantee your Satisfaction Is your contractor Fully Licensed, Bonded and Insured Is your contractor Certified as a Mastercraftsman and a member of the BBB and Masterbuilders Association     Tricks of the Trade For most people, buying windows is a major purchase. In fact, it’s probably the third largest purchase you will make. So, it’s important to get it right. Unfortunately, all sorts of barriers lie in the way. The vast majority of window sales people are specialists in sales techniques, not windows. They use fictitious discounts or try to lure you into an unfavorable situation. Here are a few of the most common tricks used: The Commercial Project The sales person offers you a discount on an already high price, if you act immediately. They claim they will add your order to an existing commercial order and save you money. These projects don't exist. And even if they did, the only way to gain economies of scale is if your home's windows miraculously were the same dimensions as the commercial project windows. They are not. New windows should be custom fitted to your home. 50% Off or other significant discounts Every company has to make a profit to stay in business. The gross profit margin is typically 40% of the cost to do the job. If a company says that the replacement cost is $1000.00 but because there's a special offer at the moment giving 50% off, this means the sales person will sell you the job for $500.00. It should cost around $600.00 just to perform the work, so the company will actually lose $100.00. The salesman is either lying to you or the company will soon be out of business. Buy one get one free It equates to the same thing as 50% off. The Lure This is probably the most deceitful. The company offers you a Discount coupon if you visit their showroom. Typically after they have been unsuccessful in obtaining a decision during there in-home visit. They are trying to get you to sign a contract at their place of business. Sounds harmless, so what's the problem? Federal Law protects you if you sign a contract in your home. It gives you THREE business days to change your mind. If you sign in their showroom, you don't have this right. They got you and you're stuck with their often-inflated price. Showhouse Technique Company recently moved into the area? Show three or four other customers your job? Put your house in a forthcoming brochure?   Forget it - It's just a gimmick