Bite Me, Thomson Creek Windows
You may have heard their ads on the radio, or seen their ads on WTOP.com or WashingtonPost.com, they have a big media buy in the DC area right now for the windows and shades. But here’s what happened when I tried to get some new windows for my condo.
After doing a bunch of looking around, and asking friends for recommendations, I’ve been calling places and getting appointments and quotes. Today, I called Thomson Creek. The woman who I spoke with asked for my information, which I gave out, but then started prying, “Is there a Mrs. Bridge?” Um. Yes. Her name is Tiffany. “And when will you both be available for a meeting?” Well, she works downtown, I work from home. I’m glad to meet with your salesperson whenever… and that’s when she cuts me off.
They don’t do meetings with just one person, if you’re married.
What the fuck is that? I just want the quote for the windows, I don’t need you to try to manipulate my spouse against me out of some stylistic choice. I just want to know what you’ll charge me for 9 windows! Now, I respect that it’s their legal right to run their business however they want, I just want to point out that when you have two people working in the same household, and on different schedules, you’re not going to get their business if you insist that you have the meetings on your terms instead of those of your clients.
Screw you, Thomson Creek, that’s a dumb and fucked up policy.
I’d go with Fairlington Windows and Doors. You get a discount for being a resident. I thought their price was reasonable and the workmanship was good. I got mine this winter and am pretty happy with them so far.
Pretty douchebaggy. Attempting to schedule an appointment with both people I get – nobody wants to invest time in a pre-sale if the real decision-maker isn’t there. It’s one of the cornerstones of being a salesperson: determine who has the power to make a purchase commitment.
But REFUSING? That’s just moronic. What would they have done if you said that you’re Cumquatian and your faith mandates that the man makes all the purchasing decisions, tell you that your beliefs are stupid? (They would be but that’s none of their business…) Or more probable, would they have put up this kind of fuss if the more gender-traditional case had crossed their desk and a woman had called wanting to make the decorating decisions without her husband? I’m betting they’d have agreed to come then.
Offensive.
I would go on their website and fill out their survey and let them know that the person on the front line just lost them a potential sale because she was so “close-minded”.
http://www.thompsoncreek.com/survey.shtml
I work in marketing and letting someone know, at least will help you find closure and them know that they’ve got a stupid marketing policy – or a stupid script for the “customer service” representative on the phone to follow.
We were talking about this in the office today, and it occurred to Lisa that maybe they’ve gotten bitten in the arse enough times when a spouse hasn’t been onboard with the process that they no longer find it profitable to take those meetings.
Which is fine, but they won’t be getting OUR business, that’s for sure…
If you are thinking about going with Thompson Creek, Don’t! I did and have been regretting going with them. They screwed up all my trim and don’t call back. The windows leak air and are no different than other vendors. If you go to their website, you won’t find any email addresses or customer service numbers. Only contact information they have is to schedule an estimate. This should be the first clue to someone wanting to use them. This company should be investigated.
If you are thinking about going with Thompson Creek, Don’t! I did and have been regretting going with them. They screwed up all my trim and don’t call back. The windows leak air and are no different than other vendors. If you go to their website, you won’t find any email addresses or customer service numbers. Only contact information they have is to schedule an estimate. This should be the first clue to someone wanting to use them. This company should be investigated.
I am an employee of Thomson Creek Window Company, and I can tell you that we really care about our customers and regret any negative experiences people have had when dealing with our company.
As a company we visit over 9,000 prospective customers a year, and we complete over 3,000 projects a year. The majority of customers have had extremely positive experiences with company, our products and our services. On occasion we make mistakes, and when we do people get justifiably upset. What makes me proud to be a part of this operation, is that when there is a problem, management does not ignore it. They work to make things right for the customer and then they look at the company policies to make sure the problem does not happen again. In fact, the policy which this Blog addresses is being reviewed as a result of these postings.
I invite anyone who is reading this message to call me on my direct line with any comments or unresolved issues. My number is (301) 560-1420. I will answer any questions and help to resolve any problems.
This is a great company to work for! We have fantastic benefits, caring managers, and an energetic workplace. Sites like this one are a wonderful forum for the exchange of information, but because of the reach of the internet, they can also do a tremendous amount of damage to a company’s reputation. This damage can jeopardize my coworkers’ and my livelihood. We are proud of our reputation in the community and will work hard to continue to improve.
If you look us up on the BBB website, you will see 3 complaints in our entire twenty-six (26) year history. All have been resolved. We are human and we make mistakes, but we take responsibility and fix them accordingly. I hope you will consider speaking with me directly if you have comments or suggestions. I can assure you that your voice will be heard by people within the company who will implement change.
Thank you for the opportunity to share another perspective.
Regards,
George S.
Direct Line: (301) 560-1420