Using new window dealer in town PROS CONS?

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barb johnson
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:12 pm

Using new window dealer in town PROS CONS?

#1 Post by barb johnson »

All else being equal is it OK to go with a new dealer? Here's the delimma. I've read and reread your pros advise that a high quality window is only as good as a high quality installation. So I know to worry about both the manufacturer and the installer.
How does the dealer fit in? This new dealer handles good quality brands but what WEIGHT do I put on his likelyhood of being in business 5 years down the road to service my windows if there's a problem. How important is the dealer factor? Some of the other window dealers in my SO Cal area have been in business a long,long time. The new owners are very helpful and aren't swamped with business yet hopefully equaling more customer satisfaction for me.
What say you experts???

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Randy
Posts: 1210
Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:26 am
Location: Houston, TX

new dealer

#2 Post by Randy »

If you choose a good product, and ensure proper installation, the chances of needing the dealer again are practically nil.

You do not want to accept a no-name brand window from a new dealer. Nor do you want to blindly accept his/her installation method.


Hope this helps.

barb johnson
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:12 pm

#3 Post by barb johnson »

Randy how would I know about his installation method?

johnmr12
Posts: 33
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2004 2:14 pm
Location: Northwest

#4 Post by johnmr12 »

Barb, it's not so much the dealer that you need to be concerned with. It's the manufacturer. You didn't mention any names, but if the window manufacturer has been around a long time, they will honor the warranty on the windows whether the dealer is still around or not. Just be sure to request the phone number to the manufacturers customer service dept. Also, get more than just a receipt from the dealer after the job is finished. All orders from the factory have an identifying number associated with it. Ask your dealer for the FACTORY order number. Be up front with him and tell him you want to be comfortable knowing you will be able to contact the factory for service should he no longer be around. If he is reputable, he will have no problem with that. I installed windows in Southern California for a number of years so i know all of the manufacturers who have been around a while. If a manufacturer has been around less than 10 years, i consider them a new company. They haven't had to survive a bad economic period yet. You can't go wrong with Certainteed, Milgard, Superior, and International. Heck, my father used to do business with all except Milgard. I know in the case of Superior and Certainteed, if the homeowner has an issue, the dealer doesn't even have to take care of the problem. They just submit a warranty repair form and the factory sends out a service person to take care of it. I used to go out and look at the problem first, in case it was something i could take care of myself. That way, the factory wouldn't get mad at me for making them drive an hour for something as simple as cleaning the mark off the glass that the customer thought was a scratch. :roll:
Learn how to install vinyl replacement windows. Visit http://www.how-to-install-windows.com.

barb johnson
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:12 pm

#5 Post by barb johnson »

Actually I'm interested in Superior windows. I overheard a window dept. guy at lowes saying how nice it was dealing with their customer service. I called the Superior window factory for dealer locations near me and he gave me a name of a dealer only a mile from me (newly opened) and its the newness that I was afraid of. But I'm happy to hear that its the factory that has to stay in business not so much the dealer.
Just a thought. I have't looked into this but are internet purchases OK too. Oh never mind.. Personally I want a person to deal with. This is a HUGE expense and I would't feel safe going that route even if it was cheaper. Thanks again for the info

Guy
Posts: 552
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2004 12:41 pm
Location: Minnesota

#6 Post by Guy »

Barb, There are some other factors to consider when dealing with this new company. Has the owner been an installer in the area for some time. Maybe he was selling for a competitor. Find out why they opened up in your area and where they came from. Most the time it's a hard working salesman or installer who has been in the area for years. They get tired of making money for others and go on their own. I did the same thing years ago. I think that's how we all start. We get tired of seeing the boss get new trucks every year. When we are still strapping the ladder to the Escort Wagon. So they may be a very worthy company to deal with. Like the others said. The main plant will cover any warrranty if they go under.

johnmr12
Posts: 33
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2004 2:14 pm
Location: Northwest

#7 Post by johnmr12 »

Barb, i'm still a superior window dealer. Wait, that didn't sound right. That sounds like bragging. What i mean is, well, you know what i mean. Unfortunately, i only sell to self installers. I don't install windows anymore. But, if you buy superior window products, you can at least feel comfortable knowing they will be around.
Learn how to install vinyl replacement windows. Visit http://www.how-to-install-windows.com.

Guy
Posts: 552
Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2004 12:41 pm
Location: Minnesota

#8 Post by Guy »

Come on John. Stick with it. "Superior Window Installer" sounds great to me!! I'd use it every day. I LMAO when i first read it. What a great one liner.

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