If you’ve been shopping for replacement windows, chances are you’ve sat through one pitch with today only window prices. Here’s how it works:
- The rep gives you a “retail price” of $13,000 that’s supposedly good for a year.
- After you hesitate, he drops it down to $8,000 with a special promotion.
- Still unsure? Suddenly, a “manager” authorizes a “today only price” of $3,000—if you sign on the spot.
At first glance, it feels like you’re walking away with a massive win. But are you really?
The truth is simple: these “today only window prices” are never a good deal. They’re one of the most common—and most effective—sales tactics in the industry. And they’re designed to benefit the company, not you.
How the Expiring Quote Scam Works
Let’s break down what’s really happening behind the scenes:
- Anchor high. The salesperson starts with a huge “retail” number, maybe $13,000. This sets an anchor in your brain and makes later numbers feel like bargains.
- Offer a timed discount. They bring the price down to $8,000 with a “promotion” or “rebate.” The idea is to create urgency without seeming pushy.
- Close with pressure. Finally, they slash the price to $3,000—but only if you sign tonight. That’s the hook.
This strategy works because it plays on psychology. You’ve been shown a fake “regular” price, so the “today only” price feels like you’re saving thousands—even if it’s just the real price all along.
Why Do Companies Use This Tactic?
Because it works.
Salespeople know most homeowners aren’t shopping for windows every year. They know you probably don’t have a mental catalog of what windows should cost. And they know if they give you time to compare, you’ll likely find another company with fair pricing.
The only way to stop you from shopping around? Make you feel like waiting will cost you thousands.
Do Window Prices Really Expire Overnight?
No. There is no magic cutoff at midnight that changes the wholesale cost of windows.
Yes, prices can change over time. In fact, wholesale costs have increased over the last couple of years, just like everything else, but nothing changes drastically overnight.
So if a salesperson tells you the $3,000 deal is gone tomorrow and you’ll have to pay $13,000 instead, you can be sure they’re not being honest.
The Psychology Behind Expiring Quotes
These tactics aren’t random—they’re rooted in well-documented sales psychology:
- Anchoring. You’re shown a big fake number ($13,000) so that $3,000 looks like a bargain.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). The threat of losing a deal pushes people to act faster.
- Scarcity. Limited-time offers make you feel like opportunities are rare.
- Decision fatigue. After hours of talking about glass types, gas fills, and warranties, you’re worn down. That’s when they swoop in with the “special offer.”
When you recognize the pattern, you’ll see it for what it is: manipulation.
A Realistic Example of Today Only Window Prices
Let’s say you’re replacing 10 windows.
- The rep starts at $13,000.
- Drops to $8,000 for a “special sale.”
- Ends at $3,000 today only.
At face value, you think: Wow, I saved $10,000!
But in reality, the fair market price for that job is probably $2,500–$3,500. Another company could have given you that number right away, without wasting three hours on a high-pressure pitch.
So what looked like a “deal of a lifetime” was just the normal price—disguised as a discount.
What Real Discounts Look Like
Not all discounts are fake. Some are real and worth taking:
- Seasonal promotions. Some companies offer lower prices in the winter when business is slower.
- Manufacturer rebates. These are published programs and can be verified with the manufacturer. These are also exceedingly rare in the home improvement world.
- Volume discounts. If you replace 300 windows at once, the per-window cost will be lower than replacing 3. Your 20 or 30 windows are not enough for a volume discount. It takes a whole semi-truck full of windows, about 250 units to get an actual discount. Everything else is a story.
The difference? Real discounts are documented, transparent, and not tied to a single night at your kitchen table.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you hear any of these lines, proceed with caution:
- “This deal expires when I leave.”
- “Corporate won’t let me hold this price.”
- “The manufacturer rebate ends tonight.”
- “I’ll have to raise it back to retail tomorrow.”
These are not true. They’re pressure tactics. Anyone who tells you these things is trying to manipulate you.
What Homeowners Should Do Instead
When you hear a “today only” offer, here’s your playbook:
- Stay calm. Remember, nothing about window pricing changes overnight.
- Ask for a written quote. If they refuse, that’s a red flag.
- Get at least two more bids. Compare pricing with other companies.
- Check out our window pricing guide. It’ll help you know what’s fair.
- Walk away if pressured. Good companies don’t bully customers into signing.
FAQs About Today Only Window Prices
Q: Do window companies ever have real deadlines?
Yes, but they’re usually weeks—not hours. Seasonal promotions or manufacturer rebates will give you plenty of time to decide.
Q: Why is the “retail price” so high compared to the final price?
Because it was never real. It’s a fake anchor designed to make the final number feel like a deal.
Q: If I walk away, will they really honor the “today only” price tomorrow?
Almost always, yes. If they could make money on it today, they’ll take the same money tomorrow. But, you probably shouldn’t work with a company that tried to manipulate you like that.
Q: Should I trust a company that uses these tactics?
It’s a bad sign. Companies that play games with pricing usually cut corners elsewhere, too.
A Note on Consumer Protection
The Federal Trade Commission specifically warns against high-pressure home improvement sales. If you feel rushed, you’re dealing with a company that doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Rushed
At the end of the day, the best replacement window companies don’t rely on gimmicks. They don’t inflate prices just to discount them later. They offer fair, upfront pricing that doesn’t expire when the salesperson drives away.
So the next time someone tries to sell you on a “today only” deal, you’ll know the truth:
- The discount isn’t real.
- The price doesn’t expire.
- And you’ll always do better by shopping around.
👉 Want to find companies that skip the gimmicks? Start with our list of the best replacement window companies.
