Invest in the best windows, doors
Time for new windows? Don’t know where to go? Well, you are 80% of the consumers purchasing new windows and doors for the first time. What are the secrets or ideas to find the right place or vendor to purchase new windows and doors for your home? Ask the experts Matt and Mike, owners of Tropical Wholesale in Honolulu. Matt or Mike will point you in the right direction. This is what they had to say:
“I am old school,” says Matt. “I’ve been selling and installing windows and doors in Hawaii for over 40 years. I even owned my own window factory at one time and have been a licensed contractor in Hawaii since 1981. With tens of thousands of customers, I always say,first,ask your relatives, neighbors and friends. If that doesn’t work, then the next step is the newspaper or other advertisements. But I believe the coconut wire is normally the best.”
“Go to the web. You know, Google it,” adds Mike. “This should bring you almost all the window and door installers in Hawaii. This does not mean they are all good. Check that the contractors’ license is current, as well as the insurance and bonding, how long the outfit has been in business (in Hawaii, not the mainland or anywhere else), and go to the Better Business Bureau. This is always a good source for info.”
What else should homeowners look for or beware of when looking to purchase windows and doors?
“Be careful of misleading ads,” says Mike. “I am constantly seeing 50% off, buy one, get one free. Remember, if it is too good to be true — it is. So many times in our life we learn the same les son over and over, trusting that this is the greatest deal ever, but beware. Recently, I went to give a window estimate and as soon as I gave the price the couple said sign me up. I was shocked and asked, ‘Why so quick?’ They said the last guy gave me 50% off and was about $8,000 more than you. Plus, they did say they felt I had a better product and did a more thorough job. So be akamai. Don’t jump the gun.”
“I agree with Mike,” says Matt. “I go in bids a lot and see all kinds of what I call ‘come on ads,’ ads that get people to call them thinking they will save big. However, most times they are just getting the opposite. They are then overcharged. I also hear a lot of homeowners saying they were high pressured by aggressive salesmen, that they are sometimes almost feeling somewhat intimidated to purchase the product presented. Well, as far as I am concerned, this is unacceptable. Sure, everyone wants to sell their product, but this is Hawaii. Where is the aloha? Call us and we may not give 50% off, but don’t be surprised if we are more reasonably priced.”
And that is what Tropical says they are all about: aloha. With roots going back to 1961 in Hawaii and Tropical’s “Vinyl is Final” slogan, and our “Buy Local” slogan. They separate us from the mainland guys. Tropical is the only locally owned and operated window and vinyl siding business in Hawaii left. So, if you want a good local company, call Tropical at 808-593-2000 or visit the showroom at 1351 S. Beretania St. The home of “Vinyl is Final” where you can buy local.
