Paying too much OR too little is never a good decision!
Those are wiser words than you might realize, even if you have already heard them in one form or another (i.e. “you get what you pay for”) before. They are as true for buying a pair of sneakers as a brand new garage door system, and because of that it pays to know how to choose the right vendor. In this article, we’ll look at tips for making the right choice.
Before we look at those tips, it’s important to remember that a garage door system includes the door, the essential hardware and the electric garage door opener. The prices and terms from vendors vary widely, and you’ll always find those who say they can do a job cheaply. This is tempting but remember that adage and how it also warns that paying less mean getting less… less experience, lower product quality and less after-sales service.
The cheaper quote often means a system with a shorter lifespan, lots of service calls, and even breakdowns. It could be put together with defective parts or backed up by subpar service. Of course, a price measurably higher than all others may not mean a superior outcome. This is when you need to put the tips we offer to work, finding answers to key questions about the whole system. This way you can see if you’ve found a real garage door professional and not some fly-by-night operator. Your goal is to get a quality product that lasts a long time and to do that just follow our tips:
1. Take time to learn about the company and not just the system
Did you know that the internet makes it pretty easy to setup a business and make it look as if it is reputable? This is why it is essential that you take the time to find out just who it is you are going to do business with when you buy a new garage door system.
How do you do that? You set aside your fears of offending someone and specifically ask for references and photos of other homes and projects. Contact a few of those homeowners to see how they feel about working with that company. If they don’t recommend them, take it seriously.
If you hear good things, the next step is to check that the garage door dealer in question has mandatory state or provincial licenses required to do the work. Also, be sure they have valid liability and professional insurance, and see if they are part of any associations or organizations relating to the garage door industry. Why? This would require them to follow a code of ethics!
2. Learn all about what you can expect
To quote another adage, “the proof is in the pudding.” In other words, don’t make a commitment to any firm without ensuring they are all they claim to be. For instance, firms that specialize in garage door sales, installation and service should be very straightforward about customer satisfaction, terms, and even company reputation.
The best way to verify is to visit their establishment. A warehouse and showroom that appear organized online must be so in person. It establishes them as thorough, honest and conscientious… traits you can expect when you work with them as a client.
Take time find out about their response time to service calls. How many operators and vehicles are on duty? How fast can they do an installation, repair, or service? What about on the spot repairs and replacement parts? Answers to these questions should give you an accurate idea of service you will receive.
3. See if they provide information freely and easily online
How willing are they to answer questions and supply quotes without lots of pressure or obligations? That is the final measure.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to see other projects, find out about references and licensing, and more. Our goal is to give you the best advice and options for your needs and budget, and we’ll always back it up with a quotation by email.
We encourage you to pop into our showroom and see the many styles of garage doors available. You can also test out options with the Design Centre, and for even more inspiration just peruse the image gallery.
“The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” is a great quote for consumers to remember, and particularly when choosing a garage door dealer!
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