I've seen the DIY tactic work a few times, but honestly, with windows it's a bit trickier than flooring. Most salespeople know window installation isn't exactly beginner-friendly—there's weatherproofing, insulation, and warranty issues to consider. I've had customers try the DIY angle on me before, and usually I'll ask a couple of casual questions about their tools or if they've done similar projects. Not to grill them, just to gauge if they're serious or bluffing.
Competitor quotes tend to be more effective in my experience. It shows you're informed and actively shopping around, which puts pressure on the salesperson without risking awkward follow-up questions. Plus, windows vary so much in quality and features that having another quote handy makes your negotiation feel more legit.
Did you find that flooring salesperson was quick to offer a discount because flooring is generally easier for DIYers? Wonder if they'd react differently if it was something more complex like windows or roofing...
Totally agree, competitor quotes are usually the way to go. Another angle I've found helpful is mentioning energy efficiency rebates or incentives—salespeople often have wiggle room there, especially if you show you're informed about local programs or tax credits...
Good point about rebates, they're often overlooked. I've noticed that salespeople tend to be more flexible once they realize you're familiar with local incentives. Sometimes I'll casually ask, "Hey, does this qualify for the county rebate?" even if I'm pretty sure it does. It's interesting how quickly they'll confirm and then suddenly find a little extra discount room. Being informed definitely pays off when negotiating prices...
Interesting tactic, but do you ever worry that playing dumb about rebates might backfire? I've had salespeople assume I didn't know much and then try to upsell me on unnecessary extras... Maybe it's just my luck, haha.
Haha, I totally get what you're saying—salespeople can definitely smell uncertainty and pounce on it. I've had that happen to me before, too. Usually, instead of playing dumb, I do the opposite: I casually drop some info about rebates or competitor pricing early on. Nothing too aggressive, just enough to show I've done my homework. It sets a tone that I'm informed but still open-minded.
One time, when shopping for windows, I mentioned a rebate program from our local utility company right off the bat. The salesperson instantly shifted gears and started offering better deals without trying to upsell me on fancy coatings or triple-pane glass I didn't need. So maybe it's less about playing dumb and more about finding that sweet spot between "I know nothing" and "I'm an expert—don't mess with me," haha.
But hey, everyone's style is different. If your method works most of the time and saves you cash, keep riding that wave...just watch out for the sharks!
- Good point on rebates, probably should've checked that sooner.
- I've mostly just asked directly about discounts or seasonal promotions...mixed success tbh.
- Curious if anyone's noticed better deals at certain times of year? Like end-of-season or holiday sales?
I've noticed late fall or early winter tends to be pretty good—companies slow down a bit and wanna keep their crews working. You might have to deal with chilly drafts a bit longer, but hey...cheaper windows might warm your heart, right?
Late fall can work, sure, but honestly I've found early spring to be a bit better. Companies are ramping up again after winter and sometimes they're eager to lock in jobs early. Plus, you don't have to freeze your butt off waiting for installation day. I mean, saving money's great, but dealing with plastic sheets taped over drafty windows for weeks...been there, done that, not fun.
I've actually had pretty good luck with late fall installs. Got a killer deal once because the company was trying to hit their year-end sales targets. Sure, plastic sheets suck, but saving a chunk of cash made it worth the hassle for me...
Interesting point about late fall installs—I hadn't considered the year-end sales angle before. But I'm curious, isn't there a risk that colder temperatures might affect the installation quality or seal integrity? I've read somewhere that certain adhesives and sealants used in window installations have optimal temperature ranges for curing properly. Maybe it's not a huge deal, but I'd be hesitant to trade off long-term performance just for an upfront discount. Has anyone experienced issues down the line after installing windows in colder weather? I'm genuinely interested because I'm planning to replace mine soon, and while saving money is appealing, I don't want to compromise on durability or efficiency...