Is It Safe to Buy Windows Online?

Good question. The short answer is that buying windows online is no riskier than buying them from a sales rep or a lumber yard. A rep can misread a tape measure exactly as easily as you can, and a showroom doesn't make a window fit any better. What changes online is who holds the information, and that tends to work in your favor.

That said, buying windows online is not the same as buying a toaster. It's not difficult, but there is some complexity, so it's worth going in with your eyes open about the process and what to expect.

What's better about buying online

The big one is price transparency. Prices are posted, not negotiated: no "call for pricing" and no haggling. You can change a size, a color or a glass option and watch the price move, which is hard to do when a quote takes a week to come back.

You also get to do it at your own pace, at midnight if you like, without anyone leaning on you to decide.

Where the risk really sits

It isn't the buying channel. It's that the product is custom. Our windows are made to order, and that has three consequences worth knowing before you click.

• The measurements are yours to get right. Our terms are plain about this: you're purchasing custom products, so make sure you've determined the right measurements and configurations before placing the order. The width and height on your order confirmation are the outer dimension of the product, excluding any nailing flange. If you're not sure how to measure, our measuring guide covers new construction and replacement.
• All sales are final once your order is processed. Made-to-order means there's no shelf to put an unwanted window back on. If you need to change or cancel, contact us and ask about your order's status. What's possible depends on where it is.
• It takes time. Lead times are real. They're published on our lead time page, and your order confirmation gives an estimate for your specific order. We go through what to expect in What Happens After You Order Windows Online.

None of that is a reason to avoid ordering online. It's a reason to treat a custom order like a custom order, which is equally true at the lumber yard.

How pick-up works

Right now, our windows and doors are available for pick-up only. You choose a pick-up location during checkout. Each window comes wrapped individually, the products are made available at a loading dock, and you're responsible for loading your vehicle. You'll get details on the process once you've ordered, and the delivery and pick-up page has the current version.

Who stands behind the window

Our windows are manufactured by Alside, and the product warranty is Alside's limited warranty. We're the retailer, so we won't call it ours. You can read both the new construction and the replacement warranties on our warranty page before you buy anything, and you can contact us with questions about them.

A short checklist before you click "order"

1. Measure twice. Then, if you're feeling thorough, a third time.
2. Check the configuration summary: size, color, glass and opening style.
3. Compare the standard lead time with your schedule. If you're working to a deadline, tell us before you order, not after.
4. Plan your pick-up: where, and how you'll get the windows home.
5. When your order confirmation arrives, read it. The width and height on it are the outer dimension of the product you'll receive.

So, is it safe?

Yes, as safe as buying windows anywhere, provided you measure carefully and know what you're ordering. It's not hard. It just takes a little care.