Published: June 20, 2023
During an in-home sales appointment for replacement windows with DunRite Windows & Doors, homeowners generally fall into two categories: they either prefer to make a decision that trusts their own intuition, or they extensively research information before the appointment. They want to know ALL the details and come into the appointment self-informed, having a good idea what they want.
We do our best to satisfy both, and the spectrum in between, by providing enough information for the homeowner to make an informed decision they are comfortable with.
We’re confident in our pricing and reputation, and avoid any kind of high-pressure sales tactics. We hope that comes across in the appointment, and we’ll treat you like we would want to be treated.
Here’s why we prefer both spouses or significant others at the appointment.
Our appointments are a fairly streamlined process, designed to make the window buying process as simple as possible, while keeping you on budget. There will be ample time for questions and discussion, of course, but in a nutshell, here’s what you can expect.
1. The salesperson will look at your windows to determine the operating style, the condition of the openings and the installation style used. They’ll also ask if there are existing leaks, damage or issues to be aware of, and take measurements.
2. Next, they’ll sit down to ask a few questions, listen to any needs you have, and discuss styles, materials, features and options. If you have a preferred style, brand or material, this is a great time to let the salesperson know. That way, they will focus on relevant products and similar quality levels, instead of wandering into something that doesn’t interest you, and they won’t steer you toward vinyl windows that have a thicker frame if you tell them you prefer modern styles with thin frames.
They’ll also assume you want the same operating style the home currently has. So if you hate those casement windows that open with a crank, or want privacy glass in the bathroom? Tell them up front. It impacts price, and may steer them toward a different product recommendation.
3. Since the salesperson can’t spend hours at your house, talking through every option available, they often narrow the choices down quickly by asking about your budget and color preferences. Since all colors aren’t available in all materials or styles, and the budget can eliminate certain types of materials and brands, this is a great place to begin.
Here are a few examples.
If you want replacement windows that are black on the outside and white on the inside, that’s something only a few manufacturers provide, and it falls within a higher end budget. And if you want a thin frame, too, along with those color choices? You might have only one option available. Certain colors and styles can limit choices dramatically. That’s why they ask up front.
If you tell them you prefer a specific brand, like Andersen or Pella—or if they only sell one brand—they’ll tell you about the options from that brand that fall within your budget and are most suitable for your home and the type of installations available. If they sell multiple brands (like DunRite Windows & Doors), they’re likely to also tell you about any comparable brands that offer similar quality and features, especially if it’s available at a better price point. Not to waste your time, but just to make sure you are aware of your options, so you can make an educated decision. Sometimes similar products by different manufacturers have dramatically different prices.
They also might dive into the pros and cons of other products at similar prices to help you make an informed decision.
And depending on the budget or how long you plan to remain in the home, the salesperson might start by talking about vinyl windows. It’s the most common type of window sold, because of the reasonable prices and longevity, but even with vinyl, there are options at different price points and styles. Lower end? You might get an estimate for the most price effective option available, or the most energy efficient. High end? They might talk about vinyl, but recommend Andersen® Fibrex™, which lasts longer and is much stronger.
Based on what you say for color and budget, the salesperson will start off with options that fit within those parameters, instead of wasting time suggesting other options. Why talk about high-end product if the budget fits vinyl windows, right?
And if the design of your home and the home value suggests a specific type of product, they might start there. If it’s a neighborhood of homes around the median value in Phoenix, vinyl is often appropriate, but a $5+ million dollar home in Paradise Valley? Not so much.
Then, the salesperson might bump the quality of products they recommend either up or down, based on the conversation and budget.
4. They also might ask how long you intend to remain in the home, and any plans or upcoming changes you might have. This can set a baseline for how long you’d like the windows to last and the right warranty. It can also impact price, since someone who intends to move within the next three to five years may want to spend less on windows than someone who intends to remain in the home for three or four decades.
5. Once you’ve chosen a product and confirmed the operating style (details below), they’ll walk you through features, options and upgrades. Depending on the product, you might be able to customize the color of the frame and hardware, add upgrades to improve energy efficiency, add privacy glass to bathroom window glass, etc.
6. Then, once all decisions are made, you’ll be given the price estimate. If you sign a contract, it’s likely they will re-measure the job, product will be ordered and, once it’s arrived, you’ll be contacted to schedule installation.
7. During the appointment, don’t forget to review details about the product warranty, and ask about the installation warranty, too. If it’s an estimate from DunRite Windows & Doors, you’ll get a free installation warranty for as long as you own the home, along with a free argon gas upgrade (if it’s available for the product you’ve ordered).
Appointments vary based on what a homeowner tells the salesperson and the conversation, but this is a rough outline of what it often looks like.
Have questions? Give us a shout-out on Facebook or Instagram, or info@azwindowreplacement.com. Or better yet, just schedule and appointment and see how we roll.
You can call, too.
