The duration of a manufacturer warranty is generally defined either as lifetime or a period of time (e.g. a 10-year warranty). Have you ever stopped to consider what “Lifetime Warranty” means? Lifetime of what? Is lifetime measured by the life of the product, of the person owning the product, or the life of the manufacturer? The answer is that it can be any—but a well-written warranty will define how lifetime is measured.
It is no secret that current owners of window and door dealerships are predominantly folks closer to retirement than to the starting line of their careers. It is also no secret these owners know a lot about the business, and they continue to be hard-charging salespeople and managers.
I had the opportunity to attend the American Institute of Architects annual conference in New York City this summer. From my perspective, it was a great, busy show, with big names from around the industry, international attendees and a good energy overall.
Early last month, I and several other members from the Quanex team attended the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, both for some good weather and to get a sense for how the industry is feeling at the outset of a new year.
Recently, an employee of one of the Window & Door Dealers Alliance member companies received the following email message:
Hi. I would like to know if you have 59.5 in. x 47.5 in. Right-Hand Sliding Low-E Argon Glass Vinyl Windows In Stock ?If Not Can It be Ordered ? I will like to know the price and will make payment with my Credit Card.Please advise so we can proceed.Have a nice day. Regards, Edward Wilson
As we roll into the new year, here’s a question I’ve pondered recently: what kind of window and door market will we see emerge after some significant consolidation throughout 2018? Just a year ago, following a flurry of 2017 mergers and acquisitions, Window & Door forecasted 2018 to be an “open door” for some increased activity.
“Disruption” is something we’ve seen happen to a lot of industries over the past decade or so. Video rental chains got disrupted by Netflix. Taxi companies got disrupted by Uber and Lyft. Newspapers got disrupted by the internet and blogs (like the one you’re reading right now). What’s the next industry ripe for disruption? How about the typical, site-built building and construction model? Could it already be happening?
As we enter the new year and homeowners begin to think about the home projects they’ll tackle in 2019, it’s important to plan for the trends that may take hold in the coming months. New materials, styles and features are already emerging among popular photos on Houzz that will impact the fenestration industry. We’ve identified the top three that will make the boldest statements in the coming year.
Every now and then, a situation arises where there is an issue with a window or door that is not covered by the product warranty, but the manufacturer determines it should give a little extra to resolve the issue. Where that occurs, manufacturers may decide to go ahead and offer to fix the issue even though there is no obligation under the warranty.