It still amazes me how many companies still only offer a C rated window as their standard offering. In October 2010, as we all know, the law changed to make the new standard of energy efficient window a C, up from E. But with A rated windows being very readily available, I still think there is a large part of our industry who still don’t want to offer it.
When WER’s arrived, there was a great deal of scrutiny as to how the energy ratings were actually calculated and how accurate the results were. But I think we all pretty much decided that rather than spoil what is a very good sales tool, it would be better for all if we just got on and sold the windows rather than pick it apart. What I then found was a splitting of the industry somewhat. We were noticing that some companies, some sizable local competitors were saying that A rated windows didn’t actually exist! We were even accused of lying! What was clearly going on, and is still going on, is that those who have chosen NOT to go for A rated windows are struggling to sell against those who do – therefore relying on lies and false information to try and sway the customer, mostly failing to do so.
Lets face it, the cost between a C rated window and an A rated window is minimal (well it is in our case). We chose years ago to sell only A rated windows as standard. So no starting at C and charging more to go up to A. We didn’t see the point. Why skimp on a few quid to sell a window that is still going to lose heat? Why not go out on a limb and chose to be better than your competitors?
What I would like to know from those who do sell C rated windows is why? Is it because you don’t believe that an A rating is genuine? Is it because your manufacturer charges significantly more for A rated windows? Do you think customers aren’t that bothered about A rated windows and only want to go for C?
For me the choice is simple; no settling for just the minimum. Go for A rated windows as standard, don’t start at C and work your way up. Show the customer that you sell the highest quality as standard.
I couldn’t agree more. It is typical of the industry (and what’s ba about it) that most companies see it as a way to get more money from customers by upselling to A Rated products rather than sell the very best from the start. This also goes for the tactics of starting high and dropping by stupid amounts. The public simply don’t go for this anymore!
as a sealed unit supplier, i find trade only buy on price not quality, A rated has more expensive components than c rated, so by rights has to be more expensive, having said that a competitor of mine sells planibell a and tells his customers (and mine) that it competes with and performs exactly the same as planitherm???????????? if we went back to U values it evens the playing field out and people can start to see the benefits rather than a coloured misleading band on a sticker
Thanks for your comment Jamie. I understand your point about U-values. Dealing with just numbers is an easy way of making the distinction of which is best for customers, the lower the U-value the better. But the advantage of the WER bands is that it is the more recognizable way for the consumer to identify what is efficient or not. Houses and white goods have the same certificate which people have seen for a few years now.
U-values are more appreciated by the industry, but not the general public, despite it being more accurate!
totally agree that consumers get the banding, so why cant it be simplified for trade and public and say a u value of 1.2 is an A, 1.4 is B, 1.6 is a C or something along those lines, it means then people cant mis sell products by claiming they are something they are not, and stickers can be produced to suit, i supply numerous companys and the difference in specification on a A rated unit to one client and another is amazing, the client who takes planitherm total +, thermo bar, argon, low iron and gets an A rating… Read more »
We offer a B as standard with an upgrade to an A+6 if the customer wants it, at a fair (not highly inflated) price. In fact we have 2 x B’s an A+4 and an A+6 as our WER windows. We do it this way because not all houses are insulated properly (loft and cavity wall) so the heat they could save leaves by a different route. (more heat leaves through uninsulated walls and roofs than windows) We discuss the options with our customers, if they plan to get (or have already got) loft and wall insulation we offer the… Read more »
For example shootbolt locking is not as good as TwinCam. <– since when ;-)
I dont think where the hardware is made has anything to do with the quality of the product to be honest, there is plenty of hardware companies that ship in product from the far east that far outsrips what is alledged UK made product which is little more than assembly of far eastern parts and then sold as UK made product.
Quote “For me the choice is simple; no settling for just the minimum.”
On that logic, shouldn’t you be considering selling triple glazing as it can make a big difference to energy and money saving, and the uplift (although higher than C to A) is getting closer.
I’d like to think that in the coming years, double glazing will be the minimum.
(Still trying to talk all our sales teams to think this way, mind!)