Marital status asked for shutter quote

[tulip*place]

0.50 price shutters had a stall at a local shopping centre.  I stopped as I'm looking for a couple of plantation shutters for the extension.

Gave my details to get someone to come out to do a quote.   My details were given and then was asked if I was single when I said there won't be both of us home when the quote is done.   Don't think I'll even bother getting them out.

[fiestas*girl]

they are assesing your ability to pay....

[amber-eyed-girl]

Personal questions like that are not necessary. Not for a quote. Not for blinds, shutters etc., full stop.

[mainecoon1]

I am not sure what you marital status has got to do with your ability to pay, there are 2 of us with only me working and I pay all the bill on time.  I know couples where both are working and are in financial strive.  A credit check proves your ability to pay not your relationship status

[tulip*place]

Have been looking at their reviews and this is apparently a common complaint.  They want both home to sign the contract once the price is negotiated.  They start high then make calls to  their manager and reduce the price considerably.  Also want their sign displayed so the price can be reduced even more.  Sound dodgey as.

[b3llag1na]

Don't go near them!

We wanted to get some roller shutters, they were REALLY keen to supply us, and yes, they wanted us both home when they came to quote. I explained that OH works away, and unless they time their visit to when he is home it wouldn't be possible.

So they ring and make the appointment "when they are in our area", I tell them fine but OH is away... a bit of muttering but they say OK.

About 10 minutes before the appointed time the salesman rings to check that "you both are home" When told NO, he cancels.

This happened twice.

NEVER AGAIN!

I pay all the bills. I have my own credit card. I have bought a CAR all by myself! But nooooo, I can't buy shutters from this mob.

Local fellow supplied and fitted, and probably for a lower cost!

as a PS, they have now moved into selling solar panels........ 

[lurker172602]

Having recently had plantation shutters installed, and seeing the time and precision needed to make them fit properly (especially in an older house where not everything is not perfectly square) I wouldn't go anywhere near anyone that had the slightest whiff about them. This is definitely a job for an experienced professional.

Anyway, the first thing I thought of from your OP was personal safety. There is no way I'm going to tell anyone who may or may not be in my house at any given time.

[punch*drunk]

I remember getting asked that once, I think it was for an alarm system. I told them not to bother then, its not the 1950's any more, I dont need my husbands permission to buy stuff.

[annies_fancy_dress]

They you both home so they can sign you up for the sale.

They don't want people to say they need to discuss it with the partner, then use the quote as a tool to get better prices.

Their sales spiel is directed (they are trained) entirely to sign on the spot.

They'd probably get into strife if they showed up and both of you weren't there.

I first came across this 20 years ago from a rep in advertising.

[smilmertennis]

This sounds like The Modern Group. When they finally came out to give us a quote for solar panels we were both home, but they left very disappointed as we told them we would not make a decision there and then. We ended up going with a Blue Mountains company as Modern and some of the other companies just were driving me nuts with all their phone calls to get me to go with their company.