No one wants to pay more than necessary for a product or service, and yet we also understand the risk of paying less than something is worth. You get what you pay for, as they say. Considering this, it’s frustrating that many people perceive the word “cheap” differently now than they did in the past. Years ago, “cheap” was used to indicate poor quality. These days, many people take it to mean “good value.” Let’s explore why it’s unwise to shop for “cheap windows” and why you should be looking for high-quality windows from a reputable, well-established company instead.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy Cheap Windows
Cheap Materials
Cheap windows are inevitably made from cheap materials, which won’t hold up in the long term. For example, cheap rollers will fall apart. Cheap vinyl frames will break down and become brittle, chalky, and/or beige due to UV exposure. Cheap latches will snap off. Watch out for these flimsy materials.
Shoddy Installation
Even if you choose well-made products, bad window installation can wreak havoc on your home. It often results in non-operational windows, frustrating leaks, and poor insulation. In some cases, it may even lead to damage and the deterioration of your home’s interior. In addition, the glass of a shoddily installed window typically has a very short lifespan because it loses its seal prematurely, causing condensation — i.e., foggy glass.
Poor Customer Service
Cheap products go hand in hand with poor customer service. The workers may be underpaid and overworked, and they’re not likely to care about upholding the company’s reputation. So, when your window falls apart due to poor materials or installation, the company’s representatives are unlikely to be friendly, prompt, or efficient.
Worthless Warranty
When confronted with the above concerns, some people will say that they still feel safe buying cheap windows because they come with a strong warranty. But unfortunately, in many cases, that warranty won’t provide any value. Why? First, consider all the expenses the company would need to handle in order to make good on the warranty:
- The wages of an employee paid to take the phone call and schedule the repair
- The wages of an employee who drives out to inspect the issue
- The wages of an employee who processes the order for new parts
- The cost of a new frame or glass material and fabrication
- The wages of an employee who performs the service call
- The wages of an employee closing the file at the office
The costs add up quickly. How can a company afford to pay those costs when they sell cheap windows? The simple answer is that they can’t afford it.
When that company’s products have been out in the world for five or ten years, and they begin to fail, customers will begin requesting repairs covered under their warranty. The company will have a sudden influx of new expenses and may spend thousands of dollars each week or month covering these repairs. They won’t be able to afford these costs for long. At some point, the business will make the decision to shut down, allowing them to avoid their angry customers.
In some cases, these companies will effectively reopen — starting a “new business” that allows them to avoid warranty liability. Thus, they avoid all their warranty issues and get a fresh start while their customers get burned.
And the cycle starts again.
A warranty offered by a fledgling new company doesn’t count for much, especially if that company is selling inexpensive and poorly constructed windows. Experience and reputation matter. That’s why American Window Company only works with respected brands that people have known and trusted for decades. These brands’ primary focus is quality, and they’re too successful to want to change their names to hide from warranties. They don’t sell “cheap windows.” They sell solidly crafted, long-lasting windows that will stand the test of time.
So, if you’re looking for high-quality windows with top-notch materials, expert installation, and a warranty that will hold up for years to come, check out American Window Company. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality windows, doors, shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business that is committed to providing excellent quality and on-time installation. In addition, we are properly licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. For a free estimate or more information about our products and services, please contact us today.
