One line in our FAQ gets more follow-up questions than any other: our salespeople don’t work on commission. People want to know why, and what it changes. Compensation models differ between companies; the practical question for a homeowner is whether they can compare a clear scope, product specification, and written price without pressure. Here’s how to do that.
How Commission Sales Work in This Industry
Some companies use salary, some commission, and some a combination. A commissioned representative may be compensated partly from a sale, while a salaried representative is paid differently. Neither model proves the quality of the work or the fairness of a quote; the homeowner still needs a written scope and time to compare offers.
What It Does to the Quote
- Compare the total scope, not the sales model. Ask what product, glass package, installation method, finishing, and warranty are included in the stated price.
- Upselling. Triple-pane, laminated glass, premium hardware, and full-frame installation are all legitimately good in the right situation, and they’re also the easiest way to grow the ticket.
- Time-limited offers. A large, short-lived discount can make it harder to compare the underlying product and scope. Ask for the quote and expiry in writing.
- Pressure. If you are not ready to decide, ask for a written quote and take the time you need to compare it.
What It Does to the Homeowner
Beyond the money, it makes people dread the process. We meet homeowners every week who put off replacing failed windows for years because the last time they got a quote, someone sat at their kitchen table for three hours. That’s a bad outcome for everyone: they lived with drafts, the industry lost a customer, and the salesperson probably didn’t make the sale either.
Our Model
WideView is family-owned and has grown almost entirely on referrals over 20 years. The people who quote your job are salaried and are the same people who understand how the windows go in. They’re there to measure, look at the frames, explain the options, and give you a written, itemized quote that’s good for 30 days. If you want to think about it for a month, or get two more quotes, that’s fine; nobody’s pay depends on you deciding today.
It also means we aim to recommend the scope that fits the condition of the opening. If your frames are sound and a retrofit will do, we quote a retrofit. If your door can be fixed with a new sweep, we’ll explain that option too; see our drafty-door guide.
What It Means for Your Price
Our written quote is itemized and valid for 30 days. We do not claim to be the cheapest option in every comparison; instead, compare the same product, installation method, finishing, and warranty side by side. Our guide to reading a quote shows how to make that comparison.
How to Tell if a Company Pays Commission
- Ask directly. An honest company answers.
- Ask if the person quoting has ever installed a window.
- Notice whether the price changes when you hesitate.
- Notice whether they’ll leave a written quote without a signature.
- Notice how long the visit takes. Measuring and discussing a 12-window house takes about an hour. Three hours is a presentation.
Get a Quote Without the Pitch
We measure, explain, and leave you a written quote. Take as long as you like. Serving London, Mississauga, Oakville, and the GTA.
