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Original poster

Staybrite Windows - any experiences? I think MIL has been done.

14 replies

Twinklemegan · 15/06/2007 20:51

She's been talked into paying £5500 for a new garage door and (large) front window. She doesn't even need the front window which will just make the others look wrong - she was talked into getting it along with the garage door. We've looked into garage door prices and we reckon an absolutely top super duper one couldn't be more than £1000 fitted. But she won't listen to SIL. So I'm after any bad experiences with their actual workmanship if anyone has ever got that far with them. Also, does anyone know how long the cooling off period might be?

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LIZS · 15/06/2007 20:59

I think the cooling off period depends whether she signed the contract at home or on their premises and if she requested the visit or was doorstepped info here .

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 15/06/2007 21:04

She was doorstepped and made an appointment for a sales person to visit. It was at the second visit when she agreed to buy. I think she's possibly passed the 7 day limit already. It makes me so so angry that these companies prey on vulnerable elderly people.

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Original poster
Twinklemegan · 15/06/2007 21:14

Bumping. I really need answers tonight I'm afraid in case there's still time. She just won't listen at the moment. Thanks.

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FunMumm · 15/06/2007 21:22

Have you looked at their website, you may get some answers from there...
www.Staybrite-Windows.co.uk

LIZS · 15/06/2007 21:23

oh bugger they sounds devious . Dread this sort of thing happening to my mum . Could you ring someone else and be there when they quote, for comparison.

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 15/06/2007 21:24

Yes I have - no prices on the site typically. I've also Googled them and found loads of cases of them flouting the law on cold calling, getting done under the data protection act etc. Even some old threads on Mumsnet about them. They also trade as Zenith and Bowater. I wouldn't touch them with a bargepole myself. MIL is 76 and lives alone and she hasn't got that kind of money to waste. We're VERY concerned.

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Original poster
Twinklemegan · 15/06/2007 21:26

Unfortunately she lives in Surrey and we're in Yorkshire. We'll mention that to SIL though. What worries us is that she won't listen to reason. SIL has already fallen out with her over it. She says she wants to have it done, even though she knows she doesn't need what they're offering, because "she likes them".

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LIZS · 15/06/2007 21:35

Can you phone Surrey Trading Standards and ask their advice ? They will at least have a register of any other complaints , or not.

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 15/06/2007 21:39

Yes I've suggested that to DH and we will - thanks LIZS. It does seem like it's too late to get her deposit back, but hopefully we can stop her from spending the whole £5500.

Has no one got any personal experience of these people?

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Original poster
Twinklemegan · 15/06/2007 21:56

Anyone?

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CarGirl · 15/06/2007 21:58

where abouts in Surrey - I'm in chertsey, could you tell her a "tale" about me being ripped off by them or something???

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 15/06/2007 22:01

She's near Camberley. I think we probably will resort to a bit of tale telling tbh. They're definitely dodgy if the info that came up through Google is anything to go by. Even if their workmanship is OK the fact is it's way way overpriced and she doesn't need it!

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Tiggly · 15/06/2007 22:41

my sister lived in oxfordshire and unfortunately bought windows from these idiots. They wrecked every window (they left an inch or more gap around each of the windows, so could see the bolts holding them in place), windows were the wrong size on 3 occasions they came to fit them. There was a lot more that went wrong, the case went to court, they ended up having to sort out their work (done shoddily again but they just wanted the workmen away from their house in the end) and refunding 90% of my sisters cost of the work, and all her court costs too. Speak to trading standards and tell them you feel she is a vulnerable adult (may or maynot be accurate) and you feel she was harrassed in to buying the door etc.

Original poster
Twinklemegan · 16/06/2007 20:22

Tiggly - thanks so much but I don't think anything is going to do any good now. DH has spoken to her today and she is adamant. Apparently she knew how much the quote was before she made an appointment for the salesman to come round. She definitely IS a vulnerable adult, and it seems like she's forgotten the value of money. She hasn't got that kind of money to throw around, and loads of stuff needs doing in the house, like a new boiler for example. But she's so so stubborn. I'm bl**dy furious that these people have taken advantage of her like this. God knows what else we can do though.

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