Buying new windows or doors is a significant investment. It’s not unusual for homeowners to spend several thousand pounds on improving their home, so it’s only natural that you’d want time to compare quotations, consider your options and make an informed decision.
Unfortunately, not every company believes you should have that time.
Over the years, we’ve spoken to countless homeowners across Chichester, West Sussex and Hampshire who have described remarkably similar experiences after inviting large home improvement companies into their homes.
While every company is different, there are a number of sales tactics that consumers should recognise before agreeing to anything.
1. The "Inflated Price" Strategy
The salesman produces a quotation that feels astonishingly expensive.
Perhaps it’s £25,000.
After seeing your reaction, they suddenly discover a promotion, a manager’s discount or a special offer that reduces the price to £17,000.
A few minutes later…
Another reduction.
Then another.
Ask yourself one simple question:
If the price can change so dramatically during a single appointment, how was the original price calculated?
A genuine quotation should be based on the cost of manufacturing, installation and service—not on how long someone can negotiate across your dining table.
2. "Let Me Call My Manager..."
You must have heard this one…..
The salesman excuses themselves to make a phone call, often from their car or outside your property.
A few minutes later they return smiling.
“I’ve spoken to my manager…..He’s agreed we can give a further discount…”
While there may be perfectly legitimate reasons for salesman to contact their office, homeowners should ask themselves why such substantial discounts are only available after several rounds of negotiation.
3. "This Price Is Only Available Today"
This is one of the biggest warning signs.
You’re told the quotation expires tonight.
If you don’t sign immediately, the price increases tomorrow.
Buying replacement windows or doors isn’t like buying a Tesco food shop.
It’s a major home improvement project that deserves careful consideration.
A reputable company should understand that customers want time to compare products, read reviews, discuss the investment with family and make the decision when they’re comfortable—not because they’re watching the clock.
4. Endless Discounts
- Government discount.
- Factory discount.
- Manager’s discount.
- Area promotion.
- Installation discount.
- Finance discount.
The list seems endless.
If every customer receives every discount, they’re no longer discounts—they’ve simply become part of the pricing structure.
5. Creating a Sense of Obligation
Sometimes homeowners tell us they felt guilty saying no.
After spending two or three hours in their home, the salesperson made them feel as though declining the quotation would somehow waste everyone’s time.
Remember:
You invited someone to provide a quotation—not to make a commitment.
You should never feel uncomfortable asking for time to think.
From our perspective, it can hurt when you receive a no, but it is a fact of life and there will always be another customer who needs a new window or door!
6. Discouraging You From Comparing Quotes
Major Red Flag 🚩
Some companies may imply that obtaining other quotations is unnecessary because “nobody else can match this price.”
In reality, comparing quotations is one of the smartest things you can do.
Different installers offer different products, guarantees, installation methods and levels of aftercare.
Would we like your business? Of course, but we recognise obtaining a few quotes is the only way you will know how competitive the quote is, and what is on offer. We recommend obtaining 3 quotes from individual companies and comparing what is actually included.
The cheapest quotation isn’t always the best value—and neither is the most expensive.
7. Asking for a Deposit Before You've Decided
No homeowner should feel rushed into paying a deposit before they’ve had the opportunity to carefully review the quotation.
If you’re being encouraged to sign paperwork immediately simply to secure a discount, it’s worth taking a step back and asking whether you’re making the decision you want—or the decision someone else wants you to make.
Our Approach
At Keystone Glazing, we believe buying new windows and doors should be enjoyable—not stressful.
That’s why we don’t use high-pressure sales tactics.
- Our quotations remain valid for a clear period.
- We encourage customers to obtain multiple quotations.
- We don’t expect decisions during the appointment.
- We answer questions honestly, without pressure.
- We’d rather earn your trust than rush your signature.
We know choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right products.
If that means you take a few days—or even a few weeks—to decide, that’s absolutely fine.
After all, you’re making an investment in your home for years to come.
That decision deserves time.
What are our sales tactics?
We’re lucky. Usually when a prospective customer calls us out, it is because their windows or doors are in a state of disrepair, or they have made the conscious decision to replace them.
Our reputation and product offering does the talking for us. Working across Chichester and West Sussex still very much feels like a community, most of our work is word of mouth recommendation, and operating in an area where we live means our reputation is everything. Our products typically have 10 manufacturer guarantees, 5 year workmanship guarantees and whilst things can go wrong on a given day, we never leave you unhappy.
After a design meeting, we strive to return a formal quotation to you as soon as possible, typically within a day or so. We then may check in via e-mail or telephone ensuring you have received the quote and if there are any questions, that’s it.
What We'd Like From Homeowners
Choosing replacement windows and doors is a two-way process. While we strive to provide honest advice, transparent quotations and absolutely no sales pressure, there are a few things that genuinely help us provide the best possible service.
Let Us Know If You Decide Not to Proceed
We completely understand that we won’t be the right fit for every project. Every homeowner has different priorities, budgets and preferences.
If you’ve decided to go with another company, we’d really appreciate knowing. Of course it’s disappointing when we don’t win a project, but we’d much rather have a polite conversation than be left wondering.
Even a quick email or phone call helps us close the file and move on.
Give Us the Opportunity to Discuss the Quotation
A survey appointment involves much more than taking measurements.
We spend time understanding your requirements, discussing different products, explaining the benefits of various glazing options, identifying any technical challenges and answering your questions.
If our quotation isn’t quite what you expected, we’d always welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you before you make a final decision.
Sometimes we’ve misunderstood a requirement. Sometimes a specification can be adjusted to suit a different budget. Sometimes there may simply be a question that hasn’t yet been answered.
A short conversation often benefits both sides.
If Another Quote Is Cheaper, We’d Love to Understand Why
Price is always an important consideration, but it’s rarely the whole story.
If another quotation is significantly lower than ours, we’d encourage you to compare more than just the final figure.
Ask questions such as:
- Are the products like-for-like?
- Are they using the same profile system?
- Is the glass specification the same?
- Are they a CERTASS or FENSA registered installer?
- What guarantees are included?
- Do they have a strong track record of independent reviews?
- Is installation included, or are there additional costs later?
We’re never offended if another company is less expensive. In fact, if they’ve genuinely found a better way to deliver the same quality, we’d like to know.
Our goal isn’t to be the cheapest installer. It’s to provide outstanding products, expert installation and excellent aftercare at a fair and transparent price.
Honest Feedback Is Always Welcome
Whether you choose Keystone Glazing or another installer, we’d genuinely appreciate your feedback.
Knowing why we won—or lost—a quotation helps us improve our service, refine our products and continue offering homeowners the experience we’d want ourselves.
A simple conversation benefits everyone.
Looking for Window Fitters in Chichester?
If you’re considering new windows or doors, we’re always happy to talk through your options — from product choice to installation approach.
No jargon, no pressure — just straightforward advice from experienced window fitters.
Call on 01243 302841 or email us at info@keystoneglazing.co.uk
