Today Only Window Prices: Why Today Only Quotes Are Always a Bad Deal

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Stay calm. Remember, nothing about window pricing changes overnight.
  2. Ask for a written quote. If they refuse, that’s a red flag.
  3. Get at least two more bids. Compare pricing with other companies.
  4. Check out our window pricing guide. It’ll help you know what’s fair.
  5. 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.

The Best Replacement Windows – Choosing an Installation Company

So you’ve picked out the best replacement windows for you, but how do you evaluate the installation company?  This half the battle as having great replacement windows installed by a less than great installer will ruin your day.

The first step is the easiest: read our page on common replacement window sales tricks.  These will not only help you avoid getting hoodwinked, but they will help to identify which companies are planning on treating you well BEFORE you bother meeting with them.

For instance, if a company requires both homeowners to be present you know you’re in for a sales pitch.  This isn’t something you should plan on enduring.  It should be used as a sign to avoid that company all together.  Just cross them off the list and move on.  There are plenty of great companies in your area and you absolutely do not need to deal with that kind of junk.

Once you have these companies crossed of your list it’s time to do a little research.  We’re not talking about spending every waking minute worrying about windows, but an ounce of prevention goes a long way…

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here. 

Once you have narrowed things down to 3-5 companies have them come out to take a look through the project and give you an exact quote.  If anybody gives you the runaround just send them on their way and move on to the next company.

We know this sounds like basic advice, but people get pressured into on gimmick or another every day.

Once you find a great company to install your great windows you’ll be sure you have the best replacement windows in your neighborhood.

Take a look through our pages on replacement window reviews and common sales gimmicks for more detailed info.

If you’re looking for a window company right now, the best advice we have is to check out our list of the best window companies all over the country.  You can find it right here.