Selecting a glass supplier – Tips and recommendations

So you need a glass supplier and have no idea what to do or where to start looking for one. Selecting the right glass supplier can be a bewildering and even intimidating process. Your choice should be based on a wide range of factors, such as value for money, quality, reliability and service.

Here are some tips to help you through the evaluation and make it an easier process that meets your specifications.

Who are the players?

If you’re looking for a provider in your local area, it’s worth trying directories like the Yellow Pages, your local newspaper, or searching online; most businesses have websites these days.

Once you’ve found a few vendors, contact them and ask for a quote. These quotes will help you establish whether or not you are overpaying for your windows.

reliability is key

Finding out how long the business has been in business is a good measure of reliability.

Second, ask if the company is registered with FENSA. FENSA, Window Self-Assessment Scheme, was created by the Federation of Glass and Glazing to ensure that replacement glazing is carried out to certain standards to comply with the latest building regulations.

Third, ask for recommendations or examples of previous installations, a good supplier should be able to show you letters from satisfied customers and possibly photos of other installations they have done locally, or even arrange a visit and talk to the owner.

Product quality

A warranty is an obligation that the product is as stated by the supplier, and often provides a specific remedy, such as repair or replacement, should the product fail to conform to the warranty. In this way, warranties are an indicator of quality and most window companies offer a warranty of some description, with the most reputable ones offering no quibble warranties. There are other accreditation bodies besides FENSA that also offer product quality certification and you should ask the supplier about these.

Value for money

The installer who offers the lowest price is not always the best option for you. If you want reliability, performance, and quality from your glass supplier and installer, you’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to pay for your supplies and the balance you want to strike between cost, reliability, quality, and service.

Service and Communication

You need your window installer to deliver on time, or to be honest and let you know if you can’t meet deadlines. The best installers will want to talk to you regularly to find out what needs you have and how they can best serve you.

financial security

If you’re launching a fairly large project or restoration, it could go a long way to ensure that your glass supplier and installer has strong enough cash flow to be able to deliver what you want, when you need it. A credit check will help make sure they won’t close when you need them most.

The most effective glass suppliers and installers are those that offer products or services that match or exceed your needs. When looking for glass suppliers and installers, it’s best to be sure of your needs and what you want to achieve. This is important to avoid being pressured into a sale where you pay for what the installers want to sell you instead of what you need.