Help please -haggling on dbl glazing quote - yikes!

[evrybuddy]

Had several double glazing quotes from local small companies for whole house - they all come in the range of £18.5k - £23k.

The most expensive one did my mum's back window recently and were fine but can be a bit slack on the communication.
I would feel fine and justified asking them to come down to nearer the bottom quote - not sure if they would but would be happy to try.

The least expensive quote, I'm not sure about the company so probably won't use them - but would have no idea whether they also had scope to go lower? Would they have built in wiggle room?

There are two or three companies all clustered around the £20k mark.

I'm rubbish at haggling - total rubbish.

The 'general truth' about double glazing is that they all make loads of money and can all be haggled down but even at £20k (this is new windows, comp door and large sunroom incl 3 patio doors too) I have no idea what's a realistic amount to try and get off - maybe £20k is nearly the right price?

I don't want to be taken for a mug but I don't know how to approach this.
To me, £20k seems realistic and most have independently quoted at this figure.

How much is realistic to expect to get below this? What should I do?

[wowfudge]

Well usual advice about quotes is to get three and choose the supplier you prefer - often ends up being the middle quote. Looks as though around £20k is right for your job.

Remembering that these companies have overheads and want (and are allowed to) make some money, I would approach the company you favour and tell them you really like them, but your only hesitation is that their quote is a bit more than you were hoping to pay for work; is there anything they can do on that?

They may say no, they may say they can cut something back. Don't tell them X quoted £18.5. They'll tell you to use X.

[evrybuddy]

Thanks - those are my feelings too - just doubting them in the fear of failing to get 'the best deal'.

It does seem that the average price will be about £20k - and pressuring someone to go much lower is probably pressuring to do the job at a price they're not happy with - which might lead to bad vibes, corner cutting.

You know, it's just when you need to watch your money, you want to feel you've paid the right price.

That nobody's going to turn up and say I got that for £16k ... but then again I don't think the companies would go down that low.

[allwornout0]

Are these local independent companies? I would never use a big national company to fit my windows, always very well know to give very very high quotes.

[MisForMumNotMaid]

Negotiation can be over price and/ or getting a few nice to haves thrown in.

Think gutter runs, gutter covers, your choice of handles, trim, extra electric points (assuming sun room to be wired) recessed lighting, extra openers in ceiling or side windows.

[evrybuddy]

Good tips on negotiating for 'extras' rather than fixating on price.

All of these companies are small locals and after lots of thought and checking the costs of materials and doing it ourselves, we actually feel as though the prices are not bad at all so feeling more positive and less fearful.

I wouldn't have thought there's a huge amount of room on the prices and I'm not someone who has to get the upper hand on a deal so we'll talk it over and see how we go.

[Elsie212]

Whereabouts are you?

[evrybuddy]

Near Canterbury - Kent

[knittingbat]

I have done this - just be really nice and pleasant, say you have several quotes, liked them the best as a company, but they are the most expensive and most others are coming in at 18/9k. Would they be able to offer you an improved quotation? You can email this, they are likely either to say 'sure, ooh, it's tough but if I cut it right down it could be 21k' or similar or say 'no'. Either way you have nothing to lose. Don't be scared of negotiating, it's just a skill that can be learned and practised and is something they'll be very used to! It's not at all about being aggressive or cheeky. Plus email them if you want , that's fine too.

[knittingbat]

Ooh sorry didn't mean to say email them twice...

[WetAugust]

Unless you live in a mansion, £20k is a huge amount for an average family home.

The national companies are always the most expensive. A good local supplier and fitter will be much cheaper. Here, a door us around £1k, windows with one opening around £500 each and
patio doors between £1000 and £1200.

I had 7 windows and 2 doors replaced in one day.

[WetAugust]

And you won't need to contact them for a reduction, they'll be pestering the life out if you soon to get your order. Expect a reduction in very spurious grounds e g. 10% off because it's Crime Protection Week or "my manager has authorised me to give you an extra discount...."

[evrybuddy]

@Knittingbat - thanks - I'm rubbish at negotiating - I'm always worried that I'll lose what I actually want.

@WetAugust - these are all small local firms. Not a mansion at all - as said in OP price includes a sunroom I've found on the web for £10k for DIY installation - so I don't think it's bad at £20K all installed plus all windows and doors etc

[helpbuyingahouse]

I once came across a Polish company that makes timber double glazed windows in Poland (lower labour costs) and then they have installers in the UK (fensa registered). Much much cheaper than UK companies. Worth a look? I can't remember the name but I will look it up if you are interested.