BIG PANIC over double glazing deal.

A question about : BIG PANIC over double glazing deal.

Hi, we made an appointment yesterday for a designer (their description) to call from Zenith Staybrite to give us a quote for 6 windows (1 large bay 3 windows) 2 bedroom and 1 large dining room window. The guy called as arranged and stayed 5 hours. However, we were very impressed with their product. He originally quoted Ј10,000 but if we agreed to be a show home (board outside) and various other discounts this was reduced to Ј6,150.00 which we thought was very reasonable considering the amount of work that needed to be done. We currently have single glazed metal window which are 30 old. The box frames have started to rot and will be competely removed and renewed. Checking out the boards tonight, I'm now worried sick we're paying way over the top for the windows. Also the call to his manager was used to approve the generous discounts and seems that's an old trick. We're currently waiting for the surveyor to call to make an appointment to take the final measurements. On the terms and conditions it states we have 7 days from signing the agreement to cancel.I'm in such a quandry and now feel sick with worry that we're paying too much for too little. I know I've been an idiot and should have arranged for several quotes but who can face all those double glazing salesmen especially when they stay so long.

Any sound advice would be very welcome. We can't afford to waste money as we're both early retired and not in a position to throw away thousands of pounds.

Best answers:

• Id cancel the agreement , then get some other quotes.
  If they want your business, they will let you sign up again, when you feel less pressured.
• Agreed, get some quotes from smaller local companies with a good reputation, avoid the big boys like the plague.
  They are still using the " show home " routine, how sad is that?.
• wow thats some profit there for the company
  I would get several quotes if I was you, and dont believe the stories these salesman say, show house, or you got to sign today to get a discount. If they stayed 5 hours in my house I would tell them to get lost
  They make a hell of a lot of cash from doors/windows so beat them down, they need your business more than you need them
• https://www.wickes.co.uk/Windows/PVCu...t/pcvuwinready
  Ј225 is the most expensive window they sell.
  So, let's say you don't need any custom work done and that you want 6 of the largest windows available you'd end up paying Ј1,350 for parts and Ј4,900 for labor.
  Seems like a good deal for them. The salesman probably only got Ј500 for getting you to sign. It's a bad deal for you.
  Contact them in writing to say you wish to cancel the agreement asap. Phone them and tell them you want to cancel the agreement.
• Zenith is the worst of the worst, they used to be Zenith on thier own, then they joined up with another company and became Zenith bowater, and now it seems they are Zenith staybrite.
  They are very famous for thier staying 5 hour tactics, and the numerous phonecalls to 'thier boss' to reduce the price, but of course you must sign now :rolleyes:
  Cancel it, and they will probabaly knock the price down more anyway.
  But if you do go with them, just be very careful, as the people I know that have used them have had some problems with them, my daughter included,even though I told her not to go with them, but like most children they dont listen to thier parents, and she got stung, plus they kept letting her down
  Also, they say they use thier own men , but they dont, they use contractors to fit the windows.
  I think like Op says, you have a 7 day period, get quotes from independent companies, dont forget there is a credit crunch, so they will be more deals than usual
  You can always ring the citizen advice people, or even try trading standards, as if you have felt pressurised then you have ever right to complain and cancel.
  Did you pay a deposit up front?
  Let us know how you get on.
• Thank you so very much for sound advice. I've only had 2 hours sleep because I've been sick with worry. I can't tell you how angry I am with myself. My husband didn't want this to start with and I wish I'd listened to him. To make matters worse we signed a credit deal. I hate debt and would rather break into my savings but we were told the cash price would be a Ј1,000 dearer!!! I think this guy must have hypnotized me. The loan is called a Lifestyle Account (through Hitachi Capital). I also paid a larger than requested deposit to make the outstanding credit balance smaller. I'm really not such an idiot and I feel so ashamed to admit what a prat I've been (& my husband!) . I'm going to cancel the contract in writing, there's a special form attached on the back of the agreement and post it off this morning. The quickest and most secure route. I also plan to cancel my cheque and hopefully they haven't expressed it through. At the moment they have no idea I'm going to cancel. I expect I'll be inundated with calls. I can do without all this worry and hassle. All I originally wanted was a quote. Why is nothing simple. Thanks to everyone who's given me advice. Wasn't expecting all this help so quickly. HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.
• If you haven't already done it, I'd make sure you send the cancellation with a signed for delivery. Or if you ring, get the names. Anything that means you have a decent record, should they query it in future.
  Happy Christmas to you too.
• Francesanne we all make mistakes, you come on here to ask advice, so you did the right thing. Try and not worry, if your windows aint falling out, then there is no rush take it nice and slowly.
  Perhaps do this after Xmas, there is enough stress sorting Xmas out. Enjoy that time together with your partner and if you have kids, them too.
• Zenith Staybrite are the only D/G company that still doorstep in my area. I would never do business with them, even just to give a quote for replacement garage door, they insist both husband and wife are present when salesman calls.
• I'd say without being able to look at your property I'd say they are at least Ј3k overpriced .
  If only the window fitters were as good as the salesmen
• Thats what I was thinking although I aint any expert although had double glazing fitted several times
  I would certainly shop around and get local companies quotes, dont rush its a lot of money to spend.
  I bet companies are begging for your buisness
  Quote:
• What ever you do DONT go with these people, i had a salesman come round the other day, 3 hrs later. I have had 3 quotes for my windows, prices range from Ј4000 - Ј4600. Now for the laugh, they quoted me Ј20,000 I looked at him and asked if he was taking me for a mug. His reply was there windows are the best on the market, they are police approved, loada codswallop. Told him to ring his manager, and dont mess me around. After all the old B******ks i told him to Sod off.
  Please ring other companys.
  Jase
• Please cancel. I used to work at a CAB and the biggest number of complaints for any company, let alone double glazers, were these people. Cancel and look for a small local firm.
  Its not just you, I had something like this happen a couple of years back - with Direct Kitchens, I dont know what happens to you when a salesman is in the house for hours its as though you feel guilty refusing the deal. After wed signed and hed gone, we went into the kitchen and marked out what units we were actually getting and there were hardly any! I rang and faxed the next day to cancel and they do try to persuade you to take a different deal, so be prepared for that. Say very firmly, weve had a much better quote and the chap is starting next week and then put the phone down.
• God yes, takes me back. I had my house completely redone in March 2007 so I remember vividly what it is like to have any of the big companies in and how much pressure they put you under to sign there and then.
  Safe Style UK - unfortunately my dad bought me a back door from them as a gift. I felt so sorry for him as he got ripped off - 900 quid and it's a pile of crap, shoddily made and fitted.
  WeatherSeal - This company is the worst. They sent round a guy who spent 2 hours trying to find out as much personal information about me as he could and then tried to flog a "Lifestyle" pack where I would pay 29.9% APR on an installation of Ј8,000.
  In the end I went with a local firm who did the whole job for Ј4,200 cash deal all in including a new front door, they did it properly and came back straight away when there was a slight issue with a seal after settling in.
  Bottom line, don't let em in!