Well the B-word (that’s Brexit) is back of mind for most of us this month whether we like it or not, and I was tempted to consider how this might impact the double glazing industry but as it’s still a wait-and-see situation, I’ll ponder this a little longer before sharing my thoughts.
The other news items that caught my eye this month were two conflicting stories within our industry. The first was an online poll which asked whether double glazing companies are comfortable to post their prices online to help homeowners undertake a quick search when considering home improvements. This is certainly the way most sectors are going, but there are obvious limitations in being able to give someone a quote for new doors, windows, a conservatory, orangery, roofline or a new garage door (all of which we offer, by the way).
New or old, each home and – perhaps more importantly – homeowner’s vision is different, and while one person may hanker after a sleek, minimalist look, their neighbour may prefer a traditional, sliding sash timber-effect window, both of which potentially have wildly differing costs. Although pricing online can provide a ballpark figure for a customer, there is the potential for huge disappointment when an estimator arrives on their doorstep and explains that the price they thought they knew isn’t realistic for their home improvement plans.
On the other hand, I also read this week that a firm has been named the Best Window and Door Company in Scotland for the second year running. Asked the secret of the company’s success, owner Ernie Rea said: “We do not believe in putting people under pressure, buying windows or doors for your home is a big decision and we don’t want anyone to feel stressed about this… Customers can be further assured as we are a Which? Approved Trusted Trader and we are also one of only eight companies in Scotland approved installers and members of VEKA’s Independent Network.”
Now, you might wonder why I’m giving Ernie so much credit, but his views are identical to my own and West Norfolk Glass’ too.
I see that the future is inevitably digital and our own website gives you a good insight into our wide range of products and galleries of local installations, but as a second-generation family firm that has been serving West Norfolk for more than 50 years, I like to think that our customer care and high quality work mean more to our customers. If you prefer to speak and meet with a real person, receive honest advice and a good, quality job that improves your home, please do give us a call, we are always happy to go the extra mile that a computer simply can’t deliver.
