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My wife and I made the most rookie of mistakes we have ever made. Everything you have read is true about this company. We had an individual named Michael (I am not giving his last name, but if you ask I will provide) come to our home to give us an estimate on Siding. Michael was pleasant, he arrived about 6:30 PM. After (what we now know was calculated) 3 hours of presentations, measuring, more presentations, and hand written calculations he hit us with the whopper. Michael presented us with a very reasonable quote which was only available if you signed on the dotted line that night. He explained that it is because they don't want to waste sales person time coming back after you have thought about it. If you did not sign that night (at what was now 11:00 PM) the price almost doubles (in our case $23, 045 - $41, 500).
Rookie mistake 1: Michael offered to do something "no one else would think about doing" offer a partial agreement to just cap the windows, which would lock the first night price in. This seemed reasonable. We neded this done anyway and it was chump change. We figured this would give us time to think about the whole job and have other companies in. The catch is, and why I figure they offer this, is that no other company will do a partioal job and still warratny the work. They probably know this so that is why they offer to do this. We cancelled, which to their defense was fairly easy.
Rookie mistake 2: Since the window capping was only $5, 315 we were going to pay cash. Michael however was so proud of the fact that they do not take payment until after the job is done. Maybe it was because it was 11:30 at night, or mayme Michael was just an awesome sales person (I would go with the 11:30 excuse) we signed a credit application that was "standard policy". Well they ran our credit for the whole job. This was a hard inquiry which will affect our credit score. Since this was a cash deal, and I would have been more than willing to pay upfront I am not quite sure why they ran our credit. I am still waiting for my call from the VP of Finance to work this out. I have a feeling I will be waiting for a long time.
I was in sales for over 15 years, I am now in Marketing for a major corporation. I have my MBA. The reason I say this is that with all of my business knowledge and common sense, i was duped. I would never let this company in my home. There are tons of big competitors out there, and the economy stinks. Do yourself a favor skip Power Windows ans Siding.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Mr. Oddo,
Thank you very much for your feedback. Even though its troubling for us to hear about such a frustrating encounter with us, its always an outside perspective that helps us become a better business. Whether it was apparent to you or not, we truly do strive to make our customers happy. We want everyone to understand the complexities involved with choosing the right product and the right contractor. And we take the time to explain that while we meet with you, specifically to avoid any ambiguity or unanswered questions down the road. It may have seemed a bit drawn out in our initial visit, but I assure you that it is vital for the weeks of process involved in a successful home improvement project. To address a few minor details in your comments:
- Regarding the capping project, $5, 315 is certainly not chump change to us. We don't contract to take that job because no one else will do it. We do that knowing we can deliver an excellent installation for a project you needed, and that hopefully we would be considered for your future needs. In addition, other companies would certainly take that job. We're not concerned about snatching you away from the competition. If capping was what you wanted, and it was within your budget, we are happy to serve you.
- With regard to a cash payment, we appreciate that you would have been willing to pay in cash. Contrary to how most companies operate, we actually prefer that you don't provide money up front. We want people to pay for a job they're happy with, when they're happy with it, and not a second before. We take no money up front to ensure you that we stand by our word and intend to deliver on what we promise. As you can understand with your business background, that can be a risky enterprise for us. We lay out all the money and risk, and get paid when we're done- trusting that our customers will stand by their word. One protection that we undertake is a credit inquiry, simply to make sure each cash customer has a satisfactory history of paying their debts. If you would have preferred to pay up front in full, and avoid a credit inquiry, that can certainly be discussed. But as a general practice, we don't feel comfortable asking our customers to assume that risk, and so we do not.
Mr. Oddo, if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly.
Ray Lodato
Customer Care Manager @ PowerHRG
[protected] x 2260
Mr. Lodato, I agree with Mr. Oddo. I too am a Finance Major and Accountant. I also possess a background in construction as well. I had the same experience that Mr. Oddo had to endure. I would believe that both he and I, having backgrounds in sales, do not feel it is necessary to trap a customer for 3-4 hours and then require them to buy the product or they will be punished if they come back to you. That isn't what sales is truly about. If you honestly felt confidence in your product and that it can actually sell itself, you wouldn't need to lock down a customer on the first night (and take the amount of time that your sales reps do). Further, your sales rep told me that, if I were going to finance the job elsewhere, they would not run my credit. Later on, they did. Now, my credit was impacted negatively just like Mr. Oddo's. Why does your company do that? What explanation can you give that justifies that type of action? What you explained to Mr. Oddo was completely unacceptable. His permission nor mine were ever granted to run the credit. Your company went ahead and did just that. That, too me, is unethical. I really would be disappointed if Mr. Jeff Kaliner new this was going on and found it to be acceptable. I cannot see how you would feel proud of conducting business in a manner that will entrap a customer within his/her home for 3-4 hours, force them to accept the price of the product, and then render a poor job (that will be in another complain that I have). For the reasons indicated above and in Mr. Oddo's complaint, I will never conduct business with Power Home Remodeling Group. I will also see to it that your company's reputation of conducting shady business, is known through all of my referrals.
Thanks for your feedback guys! While visiting the 4th of July celebration in Philly, I had signed up for a "free-estimate" for new sidings. Reading your comments woke me up! What was I thinking?...these windows and sidings entities should be better regulated 'cuz seems like they are all the same (I had a similar bad experience with a Windows Wholesaler, also in Philadelphia!). Needless to say, when I called to cancel with the Power HRG, they didn't even have me on their schedule (at least that's what the person on the other end feigned). And they all keep changing their business name every so often...whats with that?
Having worked briefly for this company I can tell you that Mr. Kalinder knows and is involved with the sales process. They also pitch to you that they dont use "subcontractors". Guess what... They are all sub contractors. For anyone reading this and considering using Power Hrg or any other name they change to in the future ask the installers for there insurance. They will produce a certificate of insurance with there company name. Guess why... There subcontractors... That is if they have insurance. In most states its actually illeagal to offer a "buy tonight" price. They should be reported to home improvement commissions...
If any posts are interested, I have retained an attorney to protect me from this company.I too, have had the same experience with this company. I ordered 5 windows, 1 didn't match..they sent a few to see the problem, only to tell me that they can't fix it...the project manager was a total waste, clueless..I am left with mismatched windows that I spent 5500.00 for...4 windows in a condo...WHAT A RIPOFF!..This is the reason I have contacted a lawyer..Anyone wants to know more.contact me at VizULfx@yahoo.com.I will give you more info on names, etc. this company needs to be held responsible, since they ignore complaints, and don't seem to know how to fix their mistakes.
Btw, mr Lodato was no help at all. I will post his response to his company's failure on Facebook, as soon as my friends set it up. This will soon show how bad this company is.
Hang in there, just found out there is a complaint filed with this company to the BBB..prolly don't mean much, but we gotta keep it up against this ripoff company..THIEFS
We had windows installed in our master bedoom, and my wife's engagement ring and my watch were missing when the installers left. Also, our daughter's bedroom was searched during the installation. Remember, these people know where you live and you are inviting them to case your house.
I just have a quick comment. We were told your "remodeling consultant" would come out to talk with us and give us a quote on a new roof, which should take only an hour! (3+ hours later, 10:30 p.m.), we actually had to be a little forceful and ask your consultant to leave! What the heck! Also, the quote was supposed to be honorable for a few years (I guess not since the consultant took the quote with him). I guess he was a little flustered and upset that he was told to leave!
DON'T YOU TEACH YOUR CONSULTANTS TO TAKE "NO" FOR AN ANSWER EITHER BY THE 1ST OR THE 2ND NO? HECK, HE DIDN'T GET THE MESSAGE AFTER THE 3RD NO?
OTHERWISE, WE DO BELIEVE YOUR CO. AND YOUR PRODUCT IS A VERY FAVORABLE ONE! JUST WORK ON YOUR SALES TACTICS! IT IS A VERY BIG TURNOFF!
THANKS!
People homeowners and condo owners as well today a sale person for phrg rang my door bell trying to meet with me for roofing work first of all never do bussiness with someone knocking at your door, this person had no badge pinned on him i told him what is the website that why im here.me personally i don't trust those kind of bussinesses there not with the BBB i looked them up. use your yellow pages in your town get referals don't fall for the first pitch i never do. do your home work first before you tell them ok .just giving out a word of advice. better to be safe than sorry.