Big window company versus little window company

Should you choose a large national company or go with the smaller, local company? That's a question that faces hundreds of home improvers each week.

We take a quick look at some of the Pro's and Con's of each:

The large national company:

The Pro's:

- Potentially bigger buying power, means potentially better prices.
- A name you've heard of.
- Lots of information, brochures and previous examples.
- Operate nationwide - usually with local dedicated fitting teams.
- Will probably manufacture their own windows/frames etc.

The Con's:

- You may be paying for the name / branding & glossy brochures.
- Bigger company doesn't necessarily mean better service.
- May not be aware of local planning issues.
- Little room for negotiating discounts.

The local company.

The Pro's

- Better localised service.
- Should be aware of local planning issues.
- More ready to discount. Less overheads means better prices.
- Other completed jobs nearby to judge against.
- Not tied to one frame manufacturer.
- Should be aware of local planning issues.

The Con's

- Little potential for discounts on single items.
- May not make their own window frames etc.
- May use contractors to complete certain stages e.g plumbing & wiring issues.
- Possible an unknown name / no trading history.

We've highlighted just a few of the pro's and con's of using a national company as opposed to a local company and vice-versa.

Of course, being a national company is no guarantee of quality or that they won't go out of business. Unfortunately, being a local company, even when they're members of various professional trade bodies isn't either.

One of the best ways of comparing companies is to read first hand customer reviews left by other homeowners who've used the companies operating in your area. As the Federation of Small Businesses own advice recently stated (with particular regard to double glazing companies) that the best way for homeowners to ensure they were hiring a reputable company was to read independent feedback left by previous customers. Click here to read some recent examples we've collected.

WindowQuoter goes one better. First, using our clever website gives you a price in minutes, without the need for a salesman ever to call you. Then later if you'd like to use our company matching service, you'll get to read genuine feedback comments left by other homeowners, to help you make an informed decision about both national and local companies operating in your area.

Remember, many local companies won't advertise because of the high costs and low returns involved, preferring to work on word-of-mouth or matching services like ourselves, so you may not be fully aware exactly which companies cover your area.

Click here to get your free, no-obligation online double glazing quote now and see how much you could save.