Ripoffs: Another good story

['nuther Bob]

So, friend of mine (non-handy) gets a call from New Pro windows. She's interested in replacing a picture window with a bay, so she agrees to have the guy some out and do an estimate.

He arrives, before he's done he's decided that she should do a small casement "garden bay" to replace the kitchen window too. Total price for the job ? $13K. But, after he gives her the 15% for this month, and the "put the sign on your lawn" discount, and this discount, and one for that too, he's down to $6700. What a deal, $13k of work for $6700. :-)

Fortunately she's smart enough to know a rip off. What amazes me is that these guys stay in business.

Bob

[Trent©]

You gave us no details about the construction...not even any sizes.

Which part do you consider the rip-off?

Depending on facts that we don't have, this may not be a bad deal. We certainly can't make a judgment with what you gave us.

Unconventional salesmanship doesn't necessarily relate to a rip off. I've often been given more for my used car than what I paid for it originally! But I bought the new car anyway. lol

Have a nice week...

Trent

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!

[JTM]

No you didn't get more for your car than it was worth. What you got was a discount on the MSRP of the new car, part or all of which was represented as being for your trade in. A very common practice--often you can get the same price and still keep your used car. You would have gotten a better deal not including the trade-in during the negotiation, then when you have gotten your best price from the dealer you offer the car for its wholesale value. Or make a little more by selling it yourself.

Regards,

John

[Larry Caldwell]

Bay windows are very expensive, as your friend discovered. She would get by much cheaper to just do a small glazed addition using conventional windows. With a built in window seat, it would look pretty much like a bay window and only cost half as much.

Was there some reason she wanted to go with a casement hung garden window rather than a conventional (and inexpensive) fixed pane with small sliders?

[Trent©]

The point I was trying to make is...

Its not all that important is they give you a 15% monthly discount...and a sign on the front lawn discount...and a first name starting with the letter J discount...and a 'we'll pay the sales tax' discount. These are often salesmanship tactics...but doesn't necessarily make for a bad contractor.

I *KNEW* what my used car was worth...and didn't care. All I cared about is what the new car cost me.

Have a nice week...

Trent

Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!

[xymergy]

How did you get this contractor's name? Out of the yellow pages? The best way to get a good contractor is to ask your satisfied friends and colleagues. Works for me almost every time; I just had my roof done by a guy who did a colleague's roof, and he did a great job tearing off 3 old roofs and putting on an entirely new 22-square roof with new

1/2" sheathing, ice/water shield, felt, 50-year shingles, and proper flashing throughout. The cuts are perfectly straight, and the roof is truly beautiful. Again, word of mouth is best, and I am taking my own advice again right now to hire a tile guy to clean up and regrout my 1940s tile and marble shower.