{"id":271,"date":"2014-11-01T08:37:20","date_gmt":"2014-11-01T08:37:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kravelv.com\/?p=271"},"modified":"2022-02-14T22:16:01","modified_gmt":"2022-02-14T22:16:01","slug":"making-sure-window-isnt-dog-getting-value-pay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kravelv.com\/making-sure-window-isnt-dog-getting-value-pay\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Sure Your Window Isn\u2019t A Dog: Getting Value for What You Pay"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When we have a need for products or services, we tend to favor recognizable name brands. Research studies show that despite the hundreds of product options now available to us, both on store shelves and over the Internet, we most often pick products that have the highest name brand recognition; more so, if we\u2019re purchasing big-ticket items.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s the way it\u2019s always been. In fact, brands that spend a lot on marketing and advertising are able to gain larger market shares based on name recognition alone. Why? Because we believe that we\u2019re getting value for our money. <\/em><\/p>\n

But are we, really?<\/p>\n

I make it a point to speak with our customers often to solicit feedback on our products. My conversations with customers over the years have provided me with invaluable insights on what affects purchase decisions.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve learned that most buyers these days start by doing a quick internet search, which often yields a long list of top-performing brands. Some of the same brand names keep popping up. Some brands cost a lot, some are pretty reasonably priced. Some products are nicer to look at, some boast better performance than other competing products; some have great reviews, some do not.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u201d you may ponder, \u201cshould influence your decision to pick one product over another?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Information Overload<\/strong><\/p>\n

Windows can be a big investment. Any homeowner knows<\/a> that. But consumers are bombarded with a lot of conflicting information about what\u2019s on the market. There is a confusion of choices and they are bound to give you sensory overload. A typical consumer will instinctively turn to what, or who, is most familiar\u2014friends, relatives, and co-workers\u2014to solicit insights and suggestions before making a purchase.<\/p>\n

In a similar manner, print and TV ads and, of late, the Internet continue to strongly influence decision-making. But as the options grow, the bigger a buyer\u2019s dilemma is; with so much available information, most end up even more confused than ever.<\/p>\n

What should you do, then?<\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t Let the Tail Wag the Dog<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, first, don\u2019t believe everything you read<\/em>. An internet search can yield a lot of wonderful reviews, promising you the stars and the moon, and you may find loads of horribly negative comments online\u2014but be wary. If there doesn\u2019t seem to be a good balance of both good and bad reviews about the product, then there\u2019s a possibility that some of the information may be false. Market competition is always fierce, and not all competitors play fair.<\/p>\n

So what\u2019s my point? Well, I think actual experience counts for a lot. If you can\u2019t experience the product\u2019s performance yourself before committing to a purchase, then speak with someone you know and trust<\/em> who has first-hand <\/em>experience with the product. How they\u2019ve personally<\/em> experienced the product should play into your final decision on whether or not to patronize a brand.<\/p>\n

Before you buy, do your research. Apart from asking around and soliciting opinions from people whose views you trust and respect, talk to sales representatives.  Ask all the relevant questions. Read the product\u2019s specs, pick out the products that best meet your needs, and carefully read the small print before signing any purchase contracts.<\/p>\n

The result of this due diligence, I have found, is a successful purchase. Not surprisingly, the happiest customers are those who end up buying products from well-established brands.  Do you want to know why?<\/p>\n

Simply put, it makes the most sense.<\/p>\n

Certain qualities make a brand, and a company, stand out; these are the same qualities that you should look for, regardless of the product you\u2019re looking to purchase:<\/p>\n

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