I think one area of the market that is still being over looked by installers is the shaped/arched windows sector.
The majority of the housing stock in the country have square/rectangular windows. But some houses have the odd circular window or windows with arches in them. The houses that I see with the shaped windows are all still timber and I think that there is a lot of money still to be made from replacing these
I think that most customers believe that circular or shaped windows can’t be replaced unless it is in timber again. But if installers were to really engage customers in educating them about the range of available options in the shaped frame market, either via their websites or by their literature, then I think the could tap into an area of the market that hasn’t really been pushed as much as other parts of our industry
The tools to make this boost possible are already there. We already have specialist bending companies like ArcoFrame and (possibly the best) Universal Arches who have the capability to arch end bend almost any type of frame into almost any type of shape. We have plenty of glass manufacturers who can make specialist glass units to fit any shape of frame. All the manufacturing capabilities are there. Installers just need to tune in and get interested. In my experience in selling shaped frames, there is good money to be made out of them, as the cost of the product commands a higher profit margin.
I agree with your sentiments DGB and it’s something that I raised in a feature in 2008. I have attached it below if anyone would like to read it. News Release 16th January 2008 LOOKING BEYOND THE BOX Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches suggests that the glazing industry needs to look beyond standardised products to something a little more bespoke. The industry will change during the course of 2009 and we must change with it. As consumers we are faced with greater choice whether it is a bottle of wine from the local supermarket, the exacting details and… Read more »