Double Glazing On The Web

In a rather sad story from a Flintshire local newspaper we read that the found of a charity for disadvantaged children has been forced to consider giving up the work after being terrorised. 

Margaret Williams, who runs the charity Superkids, says she is being repeated targeted by ‘mindless thugs’ and,  in another episode of the vandalism last Saturday night, bricks were thrown at the house windows.  Margaret said, “I usually sit by the window and I was so terrified when I heard the bang, I nearly had a heart attack. My heart was still racing on Sunday morning.  If we did not have double glazing, it could have come straight through the window and caused someone serious injury.”

To be honest, that advantage of double glazing has never occurred to me, what a sad indictment on modern society that it now has.

A head’s up today from one of the double glazing industry’s publications that is worthy of wider dissemination.

A nationwide police operation has been put in place to target the epidemic of metal theft crimes that is sweeping the country. In response, the construction industry is being warned to be extra vigilant when securing their premises to discourage intruders looking for high value ‘scrap’ metal. The high cost of energy and growing demand for metal in developing countries such as India and China (which has forced steel prices to unprecedented levels) is thought to be the catalyst behind this outbreak of crimes, said to be costing the economy £360 million every year.

Thieves across the county are targeting construction sites, public buildings, homes and businesses looking for valuable ’scrap’ metal such as lead and copper from roofs and steel from domestic and commercial gates and fences. It has even been reported that some thieves are posing as professional contractors or installers to remove metal from sites in a bid to cash in on the high demand.

Police Superintendent Peter Wedlake, Kent Police Force says: ‘Criminals target copper cable, piping or plumbing materials and lead from the roofs of houses, churches and commercial buildings. We are advising that premises with valuable metals undergo a security review and that any necessary adjustments are made. People should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police’.

Don’t forget, there’s also Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

It seems like ages ago that we first planned to bring our website up-to-date but it was, in fact, just a couple of months ago.  Our old site, whilst functional, left a lot to be desired on the aesthetics front and it probably didn’t do a lot for our public profile.

I’m proud (and a little relieved) to announce that our new site is up and open for business.

You’ll notice the upgrade straight away - it is definitely a far ‘prettier’ site than the old one - but it’s not just about looks.  We’ve tried really hard to ensure that the site is easy to negotiate and provides all the information you need when buying doors, windows, or conservatories.

As with most new sites, I suspect we’ll have some teething problems, I would just ask you to be kind to us in these early days.  If you find a problem with the site, please let us know, either by using our Freephone Number:

0800 783 9176

or by emailing us at sales@doubleglazingontheweb.co.uk

So, come on over and see what we’ve done to the place.

On the 18th September, this blog told you about new rules designed to protect the consumer from unscrupulous doorstep sellers.

Following on from this new legislation, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have launched an ad campaign to make householders aware of their new rights when buying goods at home.

Last year, apparently, the OFT received more than 50,000 complaints from people who had bought goods at the door, with double-glazing products one of the main problems.

The ad campaign, which will appear in local newspapers throughout October, will remind householders of their right to a ‘cooling off’ period for any goods purchased at a cost of over £35.  It will also remind consumers that home salespeople must tell them of the right to cancel, in writing, at the time of purchase.

Homes in parts of the UK where there are greater levels of home sales will also be leafleted, these areas are:  the East of England, the Midlands, Scotland and Wales.

We do not use a sales force, which is one of the reasons for our low pricing.

For more information about the OFT campaign: Reuters

Some conservatory suppliers are reporting up to 45% increases in sales over the past three months.

The probable reason for this trend-bucking statistic is that conservatories are seen as a risk-free way of enlarging the home, thus adding value to the property.  In this very uncertain housing market, moving home is nigh on impossible and there is a very real fear of negative equity.

Adding that conservatory is one way, and a very good way, of safeguarding the value of your property, and giving you more living space.

A double glazing salesman features in the new ITV ‘real life’ series, Natural Born Sellers.

The series, which commences on October 2nd, features eight salespeople who have put their careers on hold and their reputations on the line. They risk everything over six weeks for the ultimate buzz - to close the biggest deal of their lives.

Replacing the existing workforce in real businesses across the UK, these ruthless professionals must hit aggressive sales targets, earn maximum commission and as a result push their combined kitty of cash ever higher.

Watch it and learn - then come to us for your double glazing, doors, and conservatories!

Apparently, rogue conservatory salesmen still exist, despite the industry’s attempts to clean up its act.

From next month (October 2008) as a consumer, if you sign up on your doorstep to purchase a conservatory (well, anything really, but this is a double glazing blog!) you will be allowed to cancel contracts, even if you requested a sales visit to your home or office.

Previously you only had the right to cancel door-to-door salesmen’s contracts in a seven day ‘cooling off’ period if the salesman visits were unsolicited.

The Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regs 2008 came about because a number of reports and consultations uncovered the need for more protection.  Apparently, protection is particularly needed in the case of the sale of services to construct patios, driveways and conservatories.

The Regulations apply to sales of goods or services to a value of £35 or more, not to sales below that threshold.

Another sad indictment on our industry.  Here at Double Glazing on the Web we pride ourselves on being honest and ethical - and our conservatories aren’t too bad either!

If you are waiting for the fuel poverty package to be announced before installing double glazing, it is expected to be unveiled tomorrow.  Despite expectations, there will be no windfall tax on energy companies’ profits. And whatever the package, you’ll want to be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

It is expected, however, that over 10 million households will be offered financial help for the installation of loft insulation, a new boiler, and double glazing.

The announcement comes after Tuesday’s report by the National Housing Federation that showed a staggering quarter of the population will be in fuel poverty by next year.

To read the announcement in full go to The Press Association.

Alison Prowse Piper, who apparently goes by the moniker ‘Queen of Double Glazing,’  has  won her claim that she suffered sex discrimination, sexual harassment and unfair dismissal.  Piper, who worked for double glazing giant, Anglian Home Improvements, claimed that, after taking maternity leave twice in 14 months, she felt ‘ostracised’ and her pay was cut by more than half to £30,000.

Now, I can’t comment on the case per se - I wouldn’t know Ms Prowse if she came up to me and offered free double glazing - but the story underlines the point I’ve been making about how sales people’s salaries and commissions inflate the price of your home improvements.

At one point, Her Illustrious Majesty was a national manager of Anglian Home Improvements telecanvassing department, commanding a £72,500 annual salary for a three-day week.

I rest my case.

Oh, and here’s some honest pricing!

Following rumours that the government had been ready to hand out £150 fuel money to families claiming child benefit, Gordon Brown’s speech to business leaders yesterday smashed all hopes of that extra cash materialising.  Instead, he said that proposals would soon be unveiled to assist with rising fuel bills, but there would be “no gimmicks or giveaways.”

The expectation is that the measures will focus on helping people to install insulation and double glazing.  In fact, the government are locked into talks with industry leaders about this as I write.  Brown said the government would take “steps to making every home more energy efficient,”  thereby cutting bills permanently.

You know where to come!

Daily Mirror