Ask the Expert

 

 

Q: Why are there such differences in pricing from glass companies?

What the Expert has to say:

This is one of the main questions that we get asked both in our business and while out and about. Any person will see that there can be extreme differences in pricing among glass companies. However, as the rule of thumb goes, you get what you pay for.

 

We always tell our customers (including potential ones) to ask questions and be informed when making their glass company selection. We like to classify glass companies into three categories.

 

1. Companies that offer amazing prices. Well, there is a saying that something can be too good to be true. These companies are great representatives of that saying. The pricing that you receive from companies in this category are for the product only (such as $75 for glass replacement on a window). When the company arrives to install, then the customer finds out about "additional charges". The low price is the product, and then the customer finds out the real charges for installation which may be $300 or more for each piece of glass or for all pieces of glass for the project. Other "hidden charges" may include delivery fees, mileage, service calls, and even a charge for the initial consultation/measurement appointment. There is really a limitless list of charges that may be applied to you on your final bill. In addition, they might also use the "bait and switch" tatic where you are not getting what you think you are paying for.

 

2. Companies that offer great prices. This is along the same lines as the first category because they have the great "hook and bait". They offer below industry average prices just as the other category offers. However, rather than having additional charges, they charge higher prices for the product as it includes installation as well. Sometimes they also employ the use of the "batit and switch" tatic. A customer might ask what is wrong with that? The problem is when a company is not charging over their cost and expenditures they are more than likely not paying their bills. That means that a company is not going to be around for a long time due to their inability to keep their business out of the red. Companies in this category should be avoided because they are probably not going to be around to give you support after the sell. The liklihood of them being able to stand behind their warranty or give you any continuing support is very slim, if any. Consumers should always be cautious when something seems to be too good to be true.

 

3. Reputable companies with excellent customer history and great business morals offering industry average pricing. Companies in this category offer pricing that includes the product and the installation. Customers have no reason to doubt the professionalism of these companies or if the company will be around long enough to give support after the sell. These companies stand behind their warranties and offer assistance to their customers at any time in the future when they have questions or problems. While they may not be the most inexpensive in the industry, they are by far not the most expensive when it comes to the total.

 

Can you guess what category Speedway Glass is in? If you guessed category 3, congratulations because you have looked through our website and learned more about us. We stand behind our products and services, and offer reasonable pricing to all customers.

 

I cannot express how important it is for consumers to do their research on every company, especially if something sounds too good to be true. Just because a company is ready to be "cut throat" and offer you substantial savings over a quote from another company, does not make them the better choice.

 

 

Q: Why do windows have such long warranties, but glass replacement does not ?

What the Expert has to say:

Windows are able to offer long warranties, because most of their warranties are typically for the window frame and components only. The glass is not included in that warranty. Please check your individual window warranty for the details specific to your windows.

 

 

Q: I had a glass company tell me that they offered a five year warranty on glass replacement. Is that possible?

What the Expert has to say:

Glass warranties come from the original manufacturer, not from the company selling or installing them. All glass companies in our area carry products that have the same initial manufacturer. Matter of fact, all glass from the Gulf through the Mid-West, comes from the same original manufacturer. The maximum warranty that they offer is one year.

 

Speedway Glass stands behind our one year warranty, and our installation services are included as well. Although we only able to offer this one year warranty, in the entire existence of our business, we have never had a piece of glass that we have installed "go bad" that we know of. We have such success because of our experience and craftsmanship when it comes to this industry.

 

If a glass company says that they are offering a warranty beyond that one year, as a consumer, you need to be very cautious. If you decide to go with another company, make sure that you have researched the company, and have the warranty in writing including what it covers and does not. Some companies state that they offer a ten year warranty, however it is not on the glass, it is on the installation. The bad thing is that you do not find out about that until something does go wrong with the glass. At that time, you find out that you are excluded from the warranty.

 

It is very important for consumers to be educated and to ask the right questions to prevent a potentially devastating revelation later on with what they have purchased and had installed.

 

 

Q: Part of my window is fogged and stays that way. Does that mean that my window is bad and need replacing?

What the Expert has to say:

A fogged window does not mean that the window is bad. It may mean that the window glass in that portion of the window is bad and needs replacing. Only a qualified glazing technician can evaluate your glass and window to let you know if the glass needs replacing. Our free consultation service allows someone just like that to evaluate your window glass and determine your needs for FREE. Give us a call today to set up an appointment and start seeing clearly out of your entire window.

 

 

Q: I have an old house built in the early 1900s that I am renovating. I need to have some window glass replaced. However, I am worried that I cannot get the same look with the new glass. What do I need to do? Do I need to replace all of the windows to have the same look?

What the Expert has to say:

Renovations are something that we consider a specialty. Most glass companies cannot get what we call "antique" glass. The glass is brand new, however it looks like the original glass that was in the windows at the time the structure was built. You do not have to replace all of the windows, because with our "antique" glass, you will be able to keep the original look and all windows will be uniform. Call us today to set up a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you with your renovation.

 

 

Q: I had a patio door break in my home. What do I need to do with the broken door?

What the Expert has to say:

Handling broken glass, especially when it is partially attached to a door frame, is very dangerous and extreme caution should be taken. As glass professionals, we are able to handle the glass at a lesser risk than those not used to handling it. Please call us immediately to set up an appointment (either regular or emergency). We can clean the glass up for you and put up a temporary solution free of charge if you use us to fix the problem. We can also place your order and have your new door installed as quickly as possible.

 

 

Q: I noticed that Speedway Glass does not offer Automobile Glass Services. Who should I call?

What the Expert has to say:

Speedway Glass does not offer automobile glass services because we choose to focus on residential and commercial clients at this time. Because of our experiences in the glass industry, we know quality work is and the importance for professionalism. Please click here to be referred to our premier choice in auto glass repair and replacement, McCloud's Auto Glass.