Power Home Remodeling review: don't let these people in your home 102

STAY AWAY FROM POWER WINDOWS AND SIDING, ACTION MARKETING INC, HEAT INC THEY ARE ALL CONARTIST LIARS...DONT TRUST ANY DOOR TO DOOR SALESMAN THAT COMES TO YOUR DOOR USUALLY THE PRODUCT IS BAD ENOUGH THATS WHY THEY HAVE TO DO IT. CALL THE POLICE IF YOU SEE A SALESPERSON WITH A NOTEBOOK, THEY ARE ILLEGALLY SOLICITING.
AS FOR THE FAKE POSITIVE POSTS HERE -"sellersville, Pa, helpmypeople, happyfornow, CJJD, caddrafter, pwscantwait, hubbahubba sandgirl83, edward k, goodperson, oef ALL WORK FOR ACTION MARKETING/HEAT INC POWER WINDOWS AND SIDING adn are bigtime liars.. DONT TRUST THEM AND CALL THE POLICE IF THEY KNOCK ON YOUR DOOR.
THEIR HOME OFFICE IS LOCATED IN WILLOWBROOK NEW JERSEY CLOSE TO THE MALL.
SEND THE POLICE TO THEIR HOME OFFICE OF ACTIONMARKETING/HEAT INC
201 willowbrook blvd,
suite 403-4th floor
wayne, nj 07470

these people deserve to be arrested for fraud and illegal soliciting, and trespassing repeatedly..

I had PWS quote on a new roof and they happened to be the first bidder I brought in to see the job. The sales pitch took 2.5 hours. It was mostly professional and informative, but a few comments about how other lowball contractors workers may show up drunk or not know what they are doing. Much of the pitch is designed to get you to feel that PWS is your friend and guardian and looking out for you-its clearly a canned corporate sales pitch. They quoted $22, 000 for a 50 year guarranteed roof and $16, 600 for a 30 year. They had a price for "today" and and a slightly higher price for 30 days. I have professionally sold for 20 years and a "buy-today" push is an insult to anyone. Oh, and they insisted on speaking to my wife - I thought they were selling time shares. The job was worth roughly $6, 000 to $8, 000 based on 4 other quotes I later received.
So, you tell me if a contractor trying to score $10, 000 in additional profit and asking for the order that night, is ethical. The young salesman even proposed financing arrangements! We passed on PWS.

After hearing an advertisement on the radio, we called Power Windows & Siding in the Pennsylvania area. I should have been suspicious about the initial phone call:

1. The guy couldn't get my name, phone number, address, or town spelled correctly, even after I spelled out each. My name and the name of my town isn't very complicated, nor is my phone number
2. I described our problem - we wanted to replace the windows in one room because they leaked and one was cracked. The rest of the phone conversation was about getting an estimate for all of my windows.

The sales guy called me the night before to confirm. I don't think he read anything except, "quote for 14 windows." He also asked me, "How good is your credit score?" I am fortunate to have a good credit score, but I wasn't going to reveal this. I responded by saying that we would not be seeking financing.

The office called me the next morning to confirm, again, and to inform me that my 9AM call will be closer to 10AM.

By 11 AM, we gave up on them. No follow-up calls. I suspect it may be because we weren't planning to finance with them.

If you would like to use a company that has rude pushy sales office people, by all means, pick this company. The young gentleman that knocked and gave me the script on the company about how they could give me great windows was typical of any company. Since I was in the market to replace some of my windows, I asked if the company could give me an estimate without having to listen to a sales pitch but I got no answer. He handed me the phone to talk to the office about my appt and I had to answer all the same questions. Some questions were unnecessary and when I said so, the person (Dustin) was very rude to me and started arguing about why I "had" to answer the questions. I advised that if he wanted my business they could give me an estimate to consider. Dustin continued being rude so I handed the phone back to the guy at my door who asked for a manager. He was told no and Dustin hung up. He called back for a manager and Jeff continued the rudeness where Dustin had left off. I was interrupted when trying to explain how I was treated rudely and then Jeff argued how I had to answer all the questions. As someone who has worked in customer service longer than this company has been in business I realized that their employees had no manners or training in real customer service. There is no way I would ever use this company after being treated this way and will be sure to tell all my neighbors the same. The irony is that I would normally never listen to any cold sales pitch at my door but today I was willing to give this company a chance. Next time I will not answer the door.

If someone comes to your door or calls and says they are with Power Windows and Siding, I would highly recommend you smile and say no thanks while closing your door and then congratulate yourself on not being taken in by such a rude company.

2 hours is nothing! I had a 4 hour talk. Salesman had a conflict and did not come until 8:30PM. He was nice but did not leave my house until 12:30PM! I was beat and tired and signed the dotted line. . . partially so he would just go away. Best deal . . . must sign now! I should have thrown him out right then. A good deal does not change over night unless you are a scammer. Luckily I woke up more alert and cancelled and signed the 2 forms I needed to sign. (One good thing about my state is that you have 3 days to cancel by law). Now they want to come over to sign a 3rd cancellation form. I learned my lesson and will not let them past the front door! My quote was for siding. Not bad product if you are willing to pay 3 times for the top of the line that is out there using a professional local installer who will start the work in a few weeks rather then a few months.
Do not let them in the door if you value your time. I am glad he got paid for making his pitch but 4 hours of my life are gone and I will never get them back!

I had Power windows install windows throughout my house. Service
and installation was great. Then it came time for another project.
Gutters, it is! Wish they would have told me when they were hammering the gutter hangers in that the roof was questionable to bad.
Now the gutters keep falling off and they won't help til I fix the roof. If they had been up front about that 3 years ago, I may have given them the job. They don't return calls or e-mails. So, what am I waiting for?
A new contractor to install a new roof. They took my money for the gutters and it went right down the drain! Too bad, because I did like the
windows, now I just feel ripped off and can't wait to tell as many people as I can how unhappy and dissatisfied I am.

My wife and I made the mistake of letting them in. We went through the sales pitch and like the price. We did get a good price for the windows at least. The price with siding was 27, 000. I could buy all the material for just over 2, 000. A project manager came out and convinced us that the windows we picked for the back of the house were not a good idea. His point was valid and we agreed to change out order. The crew that came out was very good as far as craftsman ship. There was an issue with the language that they used. Now I am no saint but there were small children around and they were requested to watch their mouths. My brother-in-law finally went out and told the gentlement that he was not going to be warned about his language again. We also found that the same foul mouth installer placed a window face down in the sun on my lawn. During the course of the install I noticed a strong odor in the house. I found that they were using a solvent with a warning indicating that it may cause respritory issues in infants. That was nice to hear considering my daughter (which were blessed with after six years of trying) was five weeks old. I called the company that made the solvent indicated that I needed to keep my daughter out of the house for two days. That was fun. The job was finally finished and the windows looked and worked great. My wife came home just after I made final payment and pointed out that one of the two back windows was not what we ordered. The install manager indicated that the one window change was noted but not the second. He contacted the project manager who convinced us to make the change and he admitted that it was his mistake and that it would be rescheduled. After five weeks of being ignored because neither change was noted even though one correct window was in (figure that out) they finally scheduled. The same crew came out two hours late with the wrong window. Some one will call to reschedule was what I was told. Three days later I called and scheduled because I never heard back. They were supposed to be out today at eleven. I just got off the phone with them at 4:30 and had it reschedules for a fourth time. I like the windows and the crew did a nice job putting them in minus the language, lawn damage and solvent but I would never use this comany again. The level of communication from the bottom up is terrible.

I haven't had experience with this company directly but the sales tactics seem common in this industry. I have the same complaint about the sales tactics and customer service of another high pressure sales window and door company(Castle), one full year to resolve all my complaints from sloppy installation issues to incorrect items installed (wrong color/missing parts etc.). I fell for it once but never again. I will not be pressured into a decision/purchase again.

I feel a sales pitch of 2 hours is reasonable DEPENDING on the size of the job provided it includes all paperwork and product selections. I am now looking into another upgrade for my home. When I find myself in a high pressure sales pitch now, I thankfully decline and ask the rep to leave. If they attempt to remain after my second request for them to leave (and after ignoring my first request), I inform them that they are now harassing me and trespassing and that I intent to file a complaint with the town and the BBB if they do not leave immediately.

The whole "this price is only good right now" is crap. You can always find another reputable company. Don't feel you have to make a purchase because they tell you it is the best you'll get. High pressure sales tactics need to stop.

I also made the mistake of agreeing to an "estimate". I figured siding was something we wanted to purchase in the future and they said the estimate would be good for one full year. I thought it would be helpful to at least know what the cost would be. What a mistake. After 3 full hours of presentation I was given the price good for a year, $36000 for 2800 sq ft of siding! But if I signed that night the price would magically reduce to $19900. I read the cancellation policy that he failed to mention in his long winded presentation and figured if I sign I'll get that "magic" price but will have 3 days to back out. The sales person was completely dishonest, gave me prices based on 2800 sq ft and then wrote on the contract 2150 sq ft, so basically the cost of materials was being greatly inflated. He left our house at 10:30 pm and I was calling to cancel by 8am the next morning. The woman in the cancellation department insisted that it was company policy that someone come back to the house to sign a different form than the one I had, when I asked her to fax it to me she said she didn't have one and whoever has them is unable to fax them. I told her we would come to their office since we did not want anyone from the company to show up at our house again and she said nobody would be there that could help us. I then asked "BY LAW IF I SEND YOU A WRITTEN REQUEST TO CANCEL, SIGNED AND DATED, YOU MUST HONOR THAT REQUEST AND CANCEL IT, EVEN IF ITS NOT YOUR FORM", to which she admitted yes. Signed, sent, and done. I hope to never hear from them again.

OMG! Wish I had read this before I agreed to a "free Estimate" . I was approached in BJ's Wholesale club. Saying we would get an estimate now, but we could use it when ever we wanted to with $10, 000.00 off----yeah right! We were told there would be no pressure, we rec'd approximately 10 phone calls from them before they even showed up! 15 minutes after their scheduled appointment, we receive yet another call on the cell phone. They were not coming because the windows we might(in the future) think of replacing were on a 3 season room. After reading these complaints, I'm so glad they did cancel! If you are approached in BJ's, walk away!

So, last night, two young guys showed up at my front door just before 8 pm asking me if I was interested in an estimate for new windows and siding. I said we were fine and were not interested at this time. Then the second guy looks up at our roof and asks how old it is because it looks to him like it needs replacing. Now, I find this interesting, because at the time they showed up, the sun had already gone down. I told them the roof was less than 5 years old and is fine. After repeated attempts and not-so-subtle hints to get the hell off my property, my 2 year old son pulling on my leg because it was his bedtime, I decided that since you wasted my time, I'll waste yours. So, they put me on a cell phone with a customer service rep who asked me a series of questions which I had already been asked, to set up an appointment for a free estimate. So, thinking about my schedule and my wife's schedule, I decided on a time when neither of us would be home. Oh, and good luck trying to call us with the fake phone number I gave you.

I decided to replace my aluminum siding on my two story house built in 1980. After going to a home show I liked PWS because of the insulation placed behind the vinyl siding. The salesman came to the house used the high pressure techniques, discount after discount, but I knew I wanted siding and finally agreed to a price of $25, 000.00 - yes a lot of money. The promised professional installers, customer satisfaction, and 100% guarantee, and quick 2-3 day installation.
What I received was day laborers that couldn't speak english, installation frustration, and numerous phone calls between the project manager and myself to fix problem after problem.
First problem, the crown molding headers above the windows were installed crooked, very uneven, my 9 year old daughter even asked how come the window molding was crooked before I mentioned the problem to my wife, second problem over 1 inch of caulking placed between the molding and the siding, third problem they ran the gutter downspout straight to the top of my fence and bent the fence to run the spout rather than installing the spout where the old one had been, fourth problem they did not order enough shutters to complete the install (couldn't count!).
I went back and forth with the project manager to fix the problems they sent more day laborers that supposedly could not speak english and did not know the problems, they always came late in the day and would only fix one problem and then I would have to reschedule for their return on another day.
The installation from start to poorly done finish took almost a month, the molding was straightened the spout received an elbow, and there is an inch of caulking between the moulding and the siding. I will now have to deal with the elbow and the caulking for years to come as the spout clogs and the caulking shrinks over in the heat over time.

I would NOT recommend this company if you want a professional installation.

i had an appointment today with this company between 6-6:30. guy never showed up. what an extremely unprofessional company and i will never recommend then to anyone. i feel as if it was some sort of scam, kid walking around the neighborhood door to door and then puts you on his cell phone to the company. what the hell is that about?!?

Well I was approached by this company today, and the same things happened to me. I was working in the garage, with the door opened about 18 inches, the sales guy walks up and looks under the door and starts his bs. Well I like to give people a chance, so I listened. He started out talking about the rebates and the quality of the windows and the history of the company, then he started talking about the other neighbors in my developement. Telling me that they were on vacation, or that they were in poor financial situations, etc. He even asked my wife and I what we do for a living and how old our daughters were. Towards the end of the spiel, he lit up a cigarette and then when done put it out on my lawn. Then he was eyeing up another nieghbor and asking how old she was? I also don't understand why I had to talk to Dustin, the sales rep back at the office? Who asked the same questions. Definately a scam here. And then people wonder why people are rude to door to door salespeople?

Called to schedule an estimate for a simple job: replace a few windows and 1 door. I own a home I rent out in another state. I have a property manager who handles the porperty. This was an unplanned expense, one he wasnt aware I was planning on doing. I called PWS, scheduled an appointment for a time when I knew he would be there, explained his role and that I would not be there. No problem.
Told him this was scheduled, no problem.
He calls to change the time of the appointment because of a conflict that arises. All of a sudden they need me to be the one to meet them. "We only meet with the homeowner" they explained to him. I explained initially that I live 10 hours from this house, and there is zero chance of me coming in for an ESTIMATE appointment. My being there has no impact on the cost of something. GIVE ME A NUMBER. If your product is that good, put your TWO HOUR SALES SPIEL ON YOUR WEBSITE AND LET YOUR CUSTOMERS MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION.
Now perhaps I am dumb as some other posters- who clearly work for this company- will put on here (I have an undergraduate degree in economics from Harvard, and an MBA from another IVY school), but I know business practices that indicate a company is trying to make a short term profit and not be around for a long time.
When they called me repeatedly at my office (I am still unsure how they got that number to be honest, but kudos to them for that) I ignored the call. When I finally picked up this evening not recognizing the call, I explained if they needed me to be there for an estimate, I would not do business with them. I have a well educated property manager onsite who can make any necessary decisions on the property, and frankly has made much more important and costly ones than replacing doors and a few windows. I hung up.
If I receive any additional calls, I'll contact the BBB.
My simple question is this: for everyone out there who touts the lifetime warranty they offer that is also transferable, please, if you work for the company and are posting this, think about how stupid this sounds. If you actually bought into this, think about who you are going to call for that warranty when they are out of business 5-10 years from now. (silence).
YES. Sad fact, tough to get a bankrupt company to send someone to replace your torn screen door isn't it? The math doesn't work, windows and doors wont last forever. To offer a transferable lifetime warranty on such a temporary item amounts to a bit of a pyramid scam. They all eventually break. My guess is the company wont last that long though for this math on breakage to work out, the sheer number of complaints will crash their sales soon enough.

The same pitch is now being posed in Northern NJ. They just did a house in the area and mentioned the street name. I asked for the address and they were unable to provide it; I figured the guy is just the sales rep and forgot the address, so I drove the street to see if any houses just had siding work and could not find any, small street. I assume they get the name randomly as the drove through the neighborhood. I made an appointment anyway, for it could not hurt to get an estimate. The information left had no phone number just a website; well anyone can create a fluffed up website to make their company appear to be of any size and quality. They never showed up and tried an contracting tactic; make an appointment if you can't show up call, hangup and the number is on the caller ID. Then they called two days later to say they attempted to contact us, however, noone answered. Boo Hoo! Once this was the case, I noticed a PA area code from the phone they so-called attempted to contact us on. Why a residential contractor would be so far from home can only be for bad reasons and the above comments are solidifying this claim.

No Thanks, Get a contractor on your own free will, not a door knocker passing through the area. The free estimate is not worth it.

These people keep calling me from [protected]. They claim to have gotten my phone number from 102.9 WMGK. (I know, however, that I gave it to them when I inquired about a sidng project we completed this spring, which, incidentally, they never returned my call on to give us a quote) The weird thing was that they knew who I was before I even told them; they have my cell phone numberin their system. Regardless, the issue is that I received repeated hang up phone calls. No one would answer when I said hello and/or they wouldn't leave any message. The Customer Service person said they knew and that they had problems with their dialer. Instead of taking the thing offline until it was fixed they have apparently decided to just allow it to keep cold crank calling people?! I told him that they were being extremely unprofessional and that my phone number was listed with the State Attorney General's Do not Call List and to take me off their call list immediately. He then told me that no one was calling me and hanging up...From that point on I was also a little less than PC and used a few other choice words I won't relate here but... Whether or not this continues I don't know, but the rep (craig) was all full of excuses and not all that eager to apologise or assist with a known issue. I'm so glad we chose not to use these people for our siding job. God only knows what our house would look like right about now.

You people are crazy. You are getting upset because a salesman is asking for your business? Why do you think there is the word "sales" in salesman? If you go to a doctor wouldn't you expect the doctor to diagnose your physical condition? Or would you writing a complaint here and say "that doctor wanted to cure me and charge me thousands of dollars for it"? And you all need to wake up about price inflation, sure there are companies out there that add an astronomical profit margins on their products or services. But, 1) YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY, 2) Imagine if your current employer told you that the company will cut its profit margin in half but expect half the pay, would you say yes?

Lastly, would you rather have a pushy salesman (who maybe irritating but just trying to make living) or a thug with a gun pointed at your face asking for your money?

WAKE UP!

Never, ever EVER let these parasitic [censor]s into your home. If they knock at the door, tell them you are calling the police. I am not kidding.

They came at dinner time, would not take no for an answer and kept coming back. All I wanted was for them to leave. They would not stop calling despite having been asked 7 times to put us on their do not call list. I had to resort to calling the phone company and putting a system block on their number so that it would never reach our house.

I also suggest following my lead by answering the door with a baseball bat when they are there. Nothing gets their attention faster.

I'm glad I'm not the only person who feels embarrassed about letting this company enter my home. I wish I had the time to have looked this up information before the sales pitch. I stated that I wasn't signing on to work that night about an hour into the presentation. I could tell from the escalation in the sales person's voice this didn't go over well. I don't respond to the "hard sell", If you can only give me a price that's good for that night, I'm not doing business with your company. Does that seem so unreasonable? It seemed to be to this sales guy. My only regret is that I was polite and followed social norms to not cut the person off to tell him to leave me home. After he left without giving me a written quote, and taking up 2 hours of my Friday evening, I really wish I had the nerve to tell him to get the “F” out after the first hour. It's too bad they didn't just give the window information in about a reasonable amount of time like a half hour and leave a written quote good for 30 days. I probably would have bought some windows from them. Now I'll look for someone that doesn't make me feel like I’m a captive in my own my home. By the way, it's nice to see that the company also reads these posts and adds their own counter responses. Maybe if they just didn't employ these sales tactics there wouldn't be these complaints.

8/20/10
I had the same experience w/ the cute polo college student asking me to make an appointment w/ the company for an est. for vinal siding.( I am a sucker for kids out of college as i have college kids and as a hs teacher am supportive. OMG the guy they sent the following day was here for 3 hrs. I was okay w/ the measuring but when he brought out the "book" it was typical sales crap.They begin w/ what is wrong with other options and eventually they get to what is so great about their product. I tried to pass through the pages but he insisted. I actually walked off my deck into the house and refused to talk w/ him. But he would not stop!He continued to measure and dance around the house as if he was inspecting many important details ( bull [censor]) He got on his cell phone making "important decisions" about my house quote in a most dramatic and theatrical way that was so obviously staged. I told him I did not want to listen to his calls. He continued to talk as if he wanted to provided me w/ info I needed to make an intelligent choice, again calling on the failures of the competetors.

Overall, I think their sales pitch is based upon creating an aura that they will do it right and that their price justifies this job.That was what all of the jumping around every once in a while to measure was all about. And I think they also rely on ramdom hits of innocent people who will sign up because they have the cash and they lack the knowledge.. I would like to add that after giving me the crazy price of 90, 000. he dropped the price, due to the sides I selected, to $30, 000. Crazy!

I should have dropped kicked that guy out after two hours. I am a good person and it takes me a night to figure out what bs I have tolerated. I will never do business w/ them.

You get what you pay for, I had their salesman come into my home he was polite and kind to all of my family...Yes the presentaion was longer than i anticipated...But, I became very informed...You might think their prices are high atfirst, but with a lifetime guarantee on EVERY SINGLE PART OF THE WINDOW...I dont see how paying that little bit extra isnt worth it...I am now saving money on energy and i wont have to spend another penny on windows for the rest of my life...the most expensive job is one you have todo TWICE! I DEFINETLY RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY TO ALL OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

I had a similar experience. In late-July, 2010, I encountered this outfit when they had a display set-up at a soccer tournament. I should have known better - but since we had been considering window replacement, I figured I'd give these folks a shot. I set up my appointment for the following Tuesday, 6PM, expecting it to be a 45min sales visit. The salesperson arrived by 6:15 (a little late, but OK). As he was entering our home, I told him that no matter the price, I was not signing any contract that evening; there were other contractors I was also considering and only after I met with three of them would I make a decision.

His first order of business was to take measurements - but what he was really doing was casing the place to see what our economic threshold was, tried to find out what I did for a living, what my spouse did for a living, etc as I 'helped' him take measurements. This took far longer than it should have, as he was very observant of the room contents - made comments about our kids' trophy walls, etc. While some of this was trying to open a line of communications, part of it showed his high level of attention to detail and of observation. Rather unsettling.

After the measurements were done, he went into the song & dance over their product line, etc. First was the heatlamp demo with the thermometer. Next was the impact test. Then the cut-away window frame. When we asked for him to work the numbers, he said he had to retake a few measurements - and during this time, he focuesd on pointing out that there was no need to have to go through this all over again with other contractors because he was confident PW&S would be the best value. By the time he finished 'crunching numbers' it was after 8:30PM! (So much for the 45min visit). He gave us our estimate and said he would pack his things while we discussed his quote. His estimate was way overpriced & we asked him to pack his things and go.

He took some of his things to the car, but as I looked out, he was on the phone. When he came to get the rest of his belongings, he had 'new' numbers and wanted to go over one item (service & warranty) he forgot to go over with us earlier. Trying to be the courteous homeowner, I felt I would hear him out but told him that under no circumstances would I sign anything that evening. He then presented us a 2nd quote that was half the first quote. Just like that, he knocked 50% off the estimate. It was now after 9PM at which time I again told him we would not sign any contract & asked him to leave.

I I had finally gotten rid of him when the doorbell rang. He was there to let me know his associate (who had an appointment a few blocks away) had gotten a contract in place & that if we placed our order, we could get a volume discount with our 'neighbors'. I saw this coming, and had the phone in hand when I opened the front door. Through my storm door screen, I showed him the phone and replied: "I've been very courteous, but have asked you to leave more than once; you can either leave now, or I will call the police & have you arrested for tresspass", at which point he left without further comment.

The following day, the phone calls started. My cell phone, my home phone, my spouse's cell phone. "No, not interested, please stop calling." I finally had to ask for a supervisor of one of the callers to have all of my numbers removed from their system. Thankfully, this was it took to get them to stop.

One point I forgot to raise in my previous reply: I don't think a 2 hour presentation regarding windows is 'too much' IF THAT IS WHAT THEY HAD SCHEDULED. I was told to expect them to be there for a total of 30-45 minutes. I had already gotten the demo at their site display. If you tell a customer you need 30-45 min, take 3 HOURS, and then STILL won't take no for an answer - you've gone from being a salesperson to being a nuisance.

As to the person saying Andersen windows are going for $1500 a piece, you are nowhere close to reality. I can get Andresen replacement windows at Home Depot for $450 ea (without installation). The biggest reason I was looking to an outside firm to do the windows is health reasons as I can no longer do some of the things I could a few years ago. Otherwise I'd put Andersen TW400s throughout my house.

I actually used to be a canvasser (the "nice young man who approaches you on your lawn") for this company, I know most of the ins-and-outs of how it works (though I wasn't there long, I learned A LOT).

They really are as bad as this dude says... First of all, they train you how to manipulate and ultimately force any of the potential clients into setting up appointments... We are given reasons/rebuttals for literally ANY argument you give us (with the exception of that one time a dude threatened me with a shotgun). We are encouraged, in fact, to stand at your doorstep with a grin on our faces for HOURS if that's what it takes to get your appointment...

But that's besides the point...

Yes, it is a lie when we tell you we just did some work in the neighborhood...
"Hi, my name is so-and-so and I work for Power windows and Siding. We actually just finished a window* installation in the neighborhood and I noticed you still have your original windows*. While we're in the neighborhood, we're giving you and your neighbors free estimates on our energy efficient, vinyl windows. We're going to be here all day today, or would tomorrow work best for you?"
Sound familiar?
*I'd like to note that we're supposed to critique your home as we walk up to it... We find what part of your home needs the most work (windows, siding, roofing, etc) and we lie to you and tell you "wow, you know what? A neighbor JUST got that done too!"
If you notice, we never give you a chance to say no in the canvas-pitch... We just ASSUME you want the product... We're supposed to treat you like a bank, basically.

Our salesmen are even worse, as evident above. Most of them are arrogant and loud and really only care about the money the company gives them... We don't care about your questions or concerns, we don't care what you think... You're buying this product whether you want to or not. Most of the time we get sales PURELY because the home owners want us out.

The article up there says it best, though.

I actually left the company due to how we treat our customers... All of my past experience is in customer service, so I have been "brought up" to value my customers and treat them, almost, better than I treat my mother.
This company has almost zero ethics... be thankful you could even get them out of your home.

I'd like to point out, when I was learning the sales pitch about our product: the window sample they had broke when the demo tried to show off its durability. Thought that was awful revealing.
To their credit, the glass didn't shatter into harmful shards...

That's all I have to say about them... I'm actually really against their business practices... No pride in what they do.

I went through the sales process with Power Windows and Siding last week, and I have to say that there are points to both sides. Ultimately, however, I became very suspicious and am canceling my installation agreement, because the salesman sent up a red flag right before leaving. Here are the key points:

* I want a LOT of information before making a huge purchase of this kind, and I actually kept the sales guy for FOUR hours to make sure I understood what he said I was getting and under what terms.

* Quality products and installation, with a long-term guarantee, just plain cost more than the "you can get windows [or siding or roofing] for half the price from X" option.

* The sales "presentation" seemed very good, and the salesman answer all of my questions. He built up my trust, and I was ready to just go ahead and get it done.

BUT, then things started getting fishy...

* As we closed the deal, he said something like, "Great, Mr. Francisco--we'll do a great job for you and bring everything up to code." Gee, I thought, neither he (not that he was qualified to judge) nor anyone else had ever pointed out any specific code violation around my home. Then came The Bomb...

* As he got up to leave, he said (again, paraphrasing), "Before I go, Mr. Francisco, I'd like to know that you're 100% behind this project." I said, "Sure--but if you want me to promise I won't back out, I can't do that. Doesn't the law give me a three-day right of recision?" He said, "Yes, " skipping over the word like it made him nervous, and went on to say, "but I'd just like to know that you're 100% committed." That sounded even more coercive, so I got more forceful in return: "If what your asking is for me to waive my right to back out of the agreement, I simply can't do that." We went back and forth for about 10 minutes, because he didn't want to leave until I promised that I would not cancel the agreement. ALARM BELLS WERE NOW SCREAMING.

Now VERY suspicious, I thought about everything that had happened:

* He only took one quick, rough measurement.

* He started with an astronomical price, then immediately dropped it 30% as soon as I balked--to make me FEEL like I was getting a big discount, even though the price still seemed very high even for a top-quality job.

* I told him I still couldn't afford it, so he said he would help me out. He offered to finance the job at something like 13% APR. Obvously, that was way too high, so, just as with the price, he immediately cut the interest rate in half, remarking on what a deal I was getting compared to their "standard" 20-some percent rate.

* The next morning when I reviewed the package of information he left me, I noticed that the part of the agreement specifying the products and services that I was getting, for more than $15, 000, said only "Roof"! There was no itemization of the specific system and materials I had chosen.

* I realized that I had started out asking if they could patch one leak over my garage, and the next thing I know, I've been sold an entire roof replacement. Even if I thought the whole roof should be addressed, the building code would allow me to simply tack another layer of shingles on top of the single one that's on there.

* Finally, I discovered that he had left his clipboard and calculator in my living room. I suspect this was a tactic to create an excuse for coming back and twisting my arm if I attempt to recind the agreement, although I haven't gotten the expected follow-up call/visit yet.

Needless to say, I am now sick to my stomach and plan to cancel immediately. The Better Business Bureau gives this outfit an A+ rating (their very top), and I haven't had time to confirm whether or not the offer was reasonable, assuming the quality would be as outstanding as he promised. But the whole process he went through in order lead me into signing an agreement to buy a very, very costly job that I don't need, and then trying to seal it with a promise that I wouldn't back out STINKS LIKE A PILE OF DEAD RATS.

Just noticed something else shady as I reviewed the documents I signed. The form specifying the terms of the financing agreement doesn't mention the salesman's promise to waive the first 5 or 10 payments (I don't recall how many exactly), and it doesn't describe the terms in any form I've ever seen--and I've had four mortgages and dozens of credit cards over the years. It doesn't specify the periodic interest rate, the frequency of payments, the total number of payments, or the total amount I'm paying over the life of the loan.

I can't believe they're getting away with this. But worse, I can't believe I was dumb enough to sign it in the first place. The guy let me ask all the questions I wanted, hoping 1) I'd convince myself I was getting a good deal on a quality job, and 2) I'd eventually become so mentally exhausted that I'd overlook all the loopholes in the contracts. I'm embarrassed to admit that it worked, but I'm channeling that shame into determination--and GETTING OUT IMMEDIATELY!

I bought windows from Power Windows & Siding and they are awesome! They were efficient, worked hard, knew what they were doing, were well-trained, polite, prepared, and completed the entire job in less than a day. Complete. The windows are beautiful and well built. I give them the highest rating there is.

You can go with builders grade if you want, but the same value will not be there. Most people hate cold-callers, and anyone who has done it knows they will usually get a bad reception. I happened to be working in my yard when the scheduler approached, AND I happened to need new windows. They alleviated a real problem that I had, and I am grateful they showed up when they did. I love these guys.

The scheduler was in my area last week and stopped me and my neighbor. He scheduled an apt for my neighbor on Monday and mine on Wednesday since my husband would be home... HA HA HA They never showed up for either appointment. My neighbor and myself are anti-power windows and siding now that we wasted our day waiting for some one to stiff us... Bad business move...

I do see a lot of people complaining about "whiners" on here, and yes, after being mildly deceived and worn down for 3 hours, I can feel a little "whiny."

I had all the things everyone already said happen. Young guy at door, schedule of appt, phone call to company while standing outside my house, 5 follow up calls next day with no message left for me to return when I couldn't answer my phone at work, spouse must be home, how's my credit, man comes in acting casual then launches into 2 1/2 hour pitch.

What gets me is that the deceit to get into your home starts with that kid on your front porch. I told him I MIGHT be in the market for a new front window, that was it. Technically it counts as "2 units" which I found out from the salesman in my home. According to the young man, that was fine, let's schedule the appointment. According to the salesman, PW&S doesn't come out for less that 4 units. UNLESS they are absolutely desperate, have been in your home for nearly 3 hours and you refuse to purchase anything from them RIGHT NOW. Then they start making deals for things that were IMPOSSIBLE 2 hours ago. Also, the young man very much stressed that we had a year to decide, and that became very evidently false within the first ten minutes of the salesman's pitch. He said almost immediately that the tax credit was up at the end of this year (which honestly I'm not sure about, but I'll take his word for it) BUT that to receive it through them, I had to book within 6 days because they are so backed up on work that if I wait longer than that, they won't have time to install before the end of the year. I felt pressured before he even measured the windows.

Look, I know how sales work. I knew I was going to be given a pitch when I signed onto the appointment, that's obvious. Also, of course they're going to work deals with you, even your cable company will do that if you threaten to cancel service. What I do expect is that someone respects you in your own home. When I ask for final numbers now and to stop hearing about what everyone else is offering because I was getting "tired and cranky" (yes, I did tell him that exactly), just give me some numbers and take a hint that you're not making a sale simply because I'm starting to really not like you. They would have had a better chance with me if the man would have taken cues from me and just left me my 30 day number and my year estimate and have had that be that. The fact that you can't respect my wishes NOW completely goes against everything you've just told me over 3 hours about your fantastic customer service. (Plus, just a note, they did not leave me anything in writing either, thought it appears the whole time that they will and at the end he tells you he'll "put it in your file" for a year.)

I respect what sales people do. I actually felt bad for that man when he left empty handed tonight. He did provide me with a lot of great information, and from what he was able to show me in samples, their product actually does seem good. That's something that was actually beneficial in his pitch, but that part took only a half an hour or so.

The problem lies in that fact that they repeat themselves many times, trash their competitors and break down numbers repeatedly, and all that takes the extra 2 hours that are frustrating, tiring and wasteful of my time. I swear to goodness, if my boyfriend and I get follow up calls everyday from now until forever, I'm going to flip my lid. I literally cringe every time I hear a car door outside after reading these reviews and it's been over an hour and a half since he left!

Unless you have the time to put out to hear a SERIOUSLY long pitch and are SERIOUSLY considering work to be done within days without receiving estimates from other competitors, avoid the pressure sales of PS&S. If you do find that you want to go with them DON'T TAKE THEIR FIRST OR SECOND OFFER! They'll go down as many times as it takes!

I'm just lucky that I can keep cool under pressure. When he gave us "alone time" to talk, I just looked at my boyfriend, asked if I was just "drinking the KoolAid" and that answered my own question. I knew then to walk away from the crazy low price he was offering me on the spot. I'm just disappointed I didn't nip it in the bud when that young guy came to my door last night!

Hi - We are not being whiny and we are not complaining too much - These people are almost like a cult - they are very scary in their tactics - not violent scary - just very weird and strange scary - they dont take no for an answer - they never leave - they're rude - they need to speak to both me and my wife - i was ready to get some windows until they wouldnt make the sale without both of us there - I had the same run in with a pool company as well - i almost physically through him off my property because he used the same tactics - I dont know what they're trying to do? It's almost like they get off on making you angry and upset! When i bought windows from Anderson, they didnt ask to speak to my wife - anything i ever bought or my wife has ever bought, did we need to both be around - the pool guy wouldnt take my check with my wife at the window telling him it was ok ! The window people were the same - guy wouldnt take no for an answer - and the more mad i got - the more he seemed to ask the same questions - any normal person would say thankyou for your time and get out of there real quick - but he kept going and going and going - and he wasnt getting mad back he knew he was pissing me off! so in my world its the same thing - im surprised i didnt hear anyone saying they physically threw them out - These people are a cult or very strange - i dont trust them and i want them away from my family

That guy Lasareath - is the only one who keeps saying positive things about this company - Come on man we know you work for them - or at least getting paid to say this stuff - You think we're all that naive? And even if you are telling the truth - Youre one of the few and far between that didnt get the BS we all got - Im glad it worked out for you - For the rest of us it has been a nightmare!

FWIW, I got pretty much the EXACT same experience with a Home Depot windoe sales rep. If you are going about purchasing windows this way it is pretty much industry standard. Home Depot pretty much did the same thing...high initial number...low WAY lower to sign before he leaves and a fairly high pressure sale.

I agreed to the free estimate for windowsb/c we were planning on replacing them. The pitch was about 2 hours but seemed to take forever. The salesman was knowledgeable about his product as one would expect. The things I didn't like about the pitch were the Buy Today discount and the fact that both me and my wife must be present for the appointment. The first price he gave us was over $23, 000 but the Buy Today price was $16, 000 for 19 windows. That's right, over $7, 000 discount for buying today! The salesman said it was because they would save money by not having to come back to sign the paperwork. Part of thier GREEN INITIATIVE. (Gas prices aren't that high anymore). Well we signed the paperwork then cancelled by signing the two cancellation sheets and mailing them back by the end of the third day. They called to make appointment to have someone come to finalize the cancellation by signing another form. When he came back (the same salesman) he said it's odd that he had to come out because we mailed the forms within the time period. He checked our copies for the date and signatures. Mainly he just was trying to see if we were going to get the work done by someone else and if he could contact us in the future.

I ordered windows today and will be installing them myself with some contractor friends. The windows are the same without the laminated glass. The new cost is about $5, 000 minus tax credit. Laminated glass was about $57. Even if thier windows cost $550 (high) they were charging $300 per window for installatioin. 300 x 19 = 5700 installation for 2 guys 2 days.

You decide. Get other Estimates first. then thiers.

They went around door to door in my development seeking appointments for windows and sliding glass door replacements (my development did have shoddy original doors). Their phrasing suggested they were authorized by the association. However they were *too* nice and it smelled shady to me, so I called the association, and of course they were not authorized - and solicitation here is not allowed. So if the first impression you have on me is by breaking rules, you're out.

I just got off the phone with the most Rude person from PWS. I was approached by a pws salesman at BJ's whole sale club with whom I agreed to have someone come out & give Me an estimate for a new roof. My wife called Me about thirty minutes prior to the appointment to tell Me pws just called Her to confirm the appointment. One problem, My wife was at work & I never gave the salesman Her phone number. I proceeded to call pws & was told they would not come out to do the estimate without My wife & I both there. I proceeded to tell the gentleman on the phone to please remove My name & number from his computer.

Waldo,

I know from prior experience - the reason they want both you and your wife present at the time of the estimate is that so they can educate you both in the products and services they offer so that you can make a better judgment call on who to go with and what - if anything - to purchase. They're doing it for your benefit!

While reading "RBD" posting, I am thinking OMG this is what happened to us. I heard the advertisement on the radio and called, had someone come out to meet with my husband and I. Although enlightened by some information I was extremely annoyed since my husband and I work different shifts to meet with both of us at the same time. After my "ill" husband and I sat through the speil several hours later the salesman left when I strongly explained to him that we would not be signing anything that night. (My son fell asleep in a chair waiting for me to put him to bed). Several weeks later I receive a call from PWS saying we have a great price for you...however they can't give it to me over the phone they have to come out and once again see both of us. An appt is made for 7:30 one evening and they call at 7:10 to confirm and I missed the call so they called back at 7:20 to confirm...REALLY...they should have been at the front door at this time. Needless to say they were a no show...I followed up with an email after the new year and never received an acknowledgement. What a shame really liked the windows but really was only doing it for the "Sweepstakes", had no intentions of getting new windows at least not at this time. After all the postings it won't be from this so called "company" and will add my complaint with the BBB

These jackals tracked me while I was shopping at Sam's Club, and caught me by surprise. Before I even knew the guy was a salesperson (was dressed like a normal shopper) I had already allowed the discussion to begin. He started off by asking me a question, so I just thought he was another shopper about to ask me where something was...well, I quickly realized it was a sales pitch and knew right away that whatever this company sold was snake oil, but I made the weak mistake of feeling sorry for the kid so I let him schedule me for an estimate for siding or windows (forget which one, didn't care). I obviously called the number on the website as son as I got home to cancel.

I resent businesses like Sam's Club and other places, notably grocery stores that have bank branches in them, who let their sales vultures solicit their own customers while they are trying to shop. For this very reason I am canceling my membership there. Not that I ever got anything good there anyway. Shame on them.