Memo's from The President of Superior Windows & Doors

I was reading this article on how to make sure that your pricing policies meet the federal laws of the land.  This is something that I have never even thought about.  Our pricing policies are based on honesty and ethics. But it reminded me of something else...

I've been hearing rumours that our small community, Southern Oregon and Northern California, is about to be the target of a very disreputable window company.  The economy has forced them to expand their territory and it seems we are in their cross-hairs.

I never talk about "the competition" in this manner, but in this case I feel compelled to make an exception.  When you read what follows you will understand and maybe thank me for it.  Forewarned is forearmed.  I am going to name names and so did the people I am going to quote.  If you cross their paths RUN the other way.

Consumer Protection Hotline
1-877-877-9392
consumer.hotline@doj.state.or.us

https://www.doj.state.or.us/finfraud/concompform.shtml

Read this guys experience with this company.

Read this guys experience too.

MUKILTEO, Wash. -- You've probably heard or seen the ads for Penguin windows. The promise: They would cut your energy bills by at least 40 percent.

Turns out, the State Attorney General's Office charges, the company could not back up that claims. "And that the claims themselves were false," said Assistant Attorney General Jack Zurlini.

Overall, the Attorney General’s Office accused Penguin of misrepresenting its products, making false claims about the energy savings customers would achieve, and misleading consumers into thinking that the in-home appointments they set up with Penguin were something other than sales calls.

"Penguin Windows has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau and over 50 complaints as of May-- Also Penguin recently settled a suit with the Attorney Generals office over misrepresentation and false claims: See http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/86025767.html or google "Penguin Windows Attorney General"

"Can't actually rate the windows; never got that far. When we made the appointment for them to come give an estimate, we expressed concern over complaints of 4-6 hour apointments. We were guaranteed that it would be 2 hours- no longer. Silly us for believing them. After 4+ hours, us refusing to talk to "the boss" after the rep repeatedly called him, and he giving us his personal sob story, we came to the conclusion that the only way they can sell their significanlty over-priced windows is to make a sale that night before you can compare companies. We went elsewhere for fairly priced windows from a company with a positive reputation. A year later, still loving them."

"I see the company as having a serious lack of integrity and I would NEVER suggest my worst enemy buy anything from Penguin.. Improvements: HONESTY, FAIR PRICES, INTEGRITY. REDUCTION OF GREED .....l.. Other: I worked at Penguin recently. In 2 days of training, it was OBVIOUS that my idea of INTEGRITY and Penguin's were solar systems apart. It would a chance to make a lot of money in hard economic times, I am so broke right now and I am receiving food stamps to survive. Yet, I could NOT and would NOT lie, cheat and bs customers out of money. I am in need, but I refused to adhere to Penguin's dishonest, and corrupt ways of doing business.."

"1 hour energy demo lasted almost 4 hours and wanted $68,000 (yes really 1/3 the purchase price of the house) to replace all the windows in the whole house. After telling him to get out several high pressure sales specials came up, still ended up throwing them out with great difficulty. Stay away from from Pengiun."

"Overpriced. High pressure tactics. Tried the old bait & switch where managemer offered 20% to make it look like a "deal". Still way above competitors' price for comparable window. I'd give no stars if I could. It's the most unethical company I've ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Stay away!!!"

"Sorry for the negative review, but I got ripped off by Penguin because I am stupid! Paid $1000 per window for these poor quality windows. A year later, no energy savings over the double paned vinyls I had, I was just as cold all winter, two windows have already jammed and they give you the run around when you call to have them honor their lifetime guarantee. Seriously thinking of calling the BBB or AG office. There ought to be a law as to what these sales sharks are allowed to charge. These window are worth about $100 apiece not $1000."

"SO I MANAGE TO GET AN INTERVIEW AND WAS HIRED FOR THERE SALES STAFF. I WENT THROUGH AN EXTENSIVE TWO WEEK TRAINDING COURSE BY THEIR TOP SALES PEOPLE FROM WASHINGTON STATE. WE WERE EVEN INSTRUCTED TO REMIND SENIORS OF REVERSE MORTGAGES TO PAY FOR THERE WINDOWS. I QUIT AFTER THE TRAINING WAS OVER AND DELIVERED A RATHER NASTY MESSAGE TO THEM ON HOW I FELT ABOUT THEIR SALES TACTICS AND WARRANTY THAT IS NOT WORTH THE PAPER IT IS WRITTEN ON. I NOW TRY TO EDUCATE ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN ABOUT THIS COMPANY. I HAVE MANAGED TO KEEP MY SMALL CONSTRUCTION BUISNESS GOING THROUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES BY BEING A PERSON OF INTEGRITY."