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Primax Windows

Primax Windows • Consumer Complaints • Ohio Sues Primax

Brian of Champaign, IL August 27, 2009

In 2004, we purchased windows and soffet siding from Primax from their Decatur, Illinios office. We were very happy with the custom fit of the material, custom bent on our property to fit. We were told that that "for ANY reason," we could get a replacement as long as we owned the property.

Unbeknownst to us, the Decatur office went under and was closed in 2005. Well, a couple of weeks ago, near-tornado level winds whipped through here, tearing off half the soffet siding, twisting most of it beyond repair. My wife called the Decatur office and, naturally, received no answer.

Deciding I'd try my luck, I fuond the Primax website and called them to see what could be done. I was told their repair people were at a specific number, which I called. Well, I live in East Central Illinois. The people I was referred to were on the west side of Missouri. The lady there gave me a St. Louis number and said they would cover me.

Well, the St. Louis company only did repairs within an hour's drive of his office. I called the Primax office again and was given the number of their president. I called this morning (keep in mind, I've already been on the phone with these people for an hour already) and was told the president, Mr. Jenkins, was gone for the day. I asked if there was someone else I could talk to about the Decatur, IL office dealings, the receptionist quickly said, "Mr. Jenkins handles that." That should have been my clue that this would end badly.

Well, a couple of hours later, Mr. Jenkins called me, confused that his receptionist didn't know his movements. After explaining my situation, Mr. Jenkins explained that I should find out the name of the siding and get the manufacturer to send me replacement pieces. He also said that I'd have to pay to have it put up as they didn't cover labor after two years (not what my contract said). After a while, I gave up as I recognized that every time I mentioned what I was promised by his contractor, he basically told me he wouldn't honor the promises made to me.

When I called Primax initially, they asked if I might use them for future repairs to my home. Before I began typing this, I left a message on their website that I would not be using them again and I'd gladly tell my friends to avoid them. In fact, I want off their mailing and phone lists.

So avoid this company. I plan to replace the soffet siding, but with a local company that will honor their promises to me. I also will not deal with a company where one hand doesn't know what the other one is doing and doesn't send its customers on phone chases. I could have been given Mr. Jenkins' phone line on my first call, but instead, I see that I was being led on a wild goose chase.

Kelly of Covington, KY August 14, 2009

I succumbed to the high pressure sales tactics of 2 salesmen who came to my house to give me an estimate. I am a single woman, so I felt outnumbered by these 2 men who had an elaborate sales pitch that lasted over 3 hours. I agreed to purchase 3 windows. The 2 largest windows in my house, on the front, and a badly worn bathroom window. The salesmen took rough measurements. I was told someone would be sent out to take more definite measurements. 5 days after signing the contract, I really wanted to get out of it. I was worried about how the replacement windows would look on my house since the rest of my windows are wood. I also realized how much more expensive these windows were than any other replacement window.

I called the company and left several messages. I offered to have them install just one of the three windows so I could see what it looked like. If it was ok, then I would go ahead with the other 2 windows. My calls were not returned for over a week. Of course by that time they told me the windows were already in production and the order couldn't be cancelled or changed.

No one else had been sent to measure at this time, so I asked how they could be in production without those measurements. They said the cuts rough cuts had already been made and those pieces couldn't be re-used on any other windows. The installation was about a month later than the salesmen estimated. It took all day to install the 3 windows. They left sharp pieces of aluminum in the carpet and outside the house. They also made the walls all around the windows very dirty. No one explained to me that the window would be surrounded by a shiny aluminum frame on the outside of the house.

I picked a color for the outside of the window, it is dark brown. The flashing that they put up all around the window is several shades darker than the actual window. It looks black. Nothing else on the outside of my house is black. All the trim is brown. These windows look cheap and ugly. The screens don't fit. They ordered one replacement screen and some clips to keep the other screens from slipping out of place. That was 4 months ago.

I called 2 months ago and asked about the screen and clips. They said the screen had been delivered but it was the wrong size so they had to reorder it. They said it would be done by July 27 and would be installed the next week.

I called today, 8/14/09. They had to search for 20 minutes then called back to say they could install the screen on 8/31/09. I asked to be transferred to someone that I could express my extreme dissatisfaction to. I was transferred to voice mail of Philip. He was the same person I spoke to about cancelling the order. I left a message about how unhappy I am with the look of the windows and said I would also tell everyone I know. I also told him that I have not been able to open my new windows all spring and summer since the screens don't fit.

Karen of Cincinnati, OH July 28, 2009

I originaly signed a contract with these people, but cancelled in the 3 day period. I then decided to go ahead & have them installed on my late mother's house, as I "assumed" the cost would be taken out of the Estate when the house sold. On 6-22-09, I was released from a 4 day stay at University Hospital, Cinti., Oh. at 6:00o.m. & arrvied home at 6:30p.m. Mr. Brooks, the sales rep. called me around 7:30p.m., as he was in the neighborhood & asked if he could stop by so I could sign the new contract. I told him on the phone I was just released from the hospital & was under the influence of morphine which the hospital gave me for the 4 day stay. I also told him that I desperately needed to rest, but he wouldn't give up.

I let him stop by, "just to get him off my back", & signed the contract under the influence of legal drugs, which I have the report from the hospital showing what days & times I was given these shots. I spoke to Mr. Jenkins on July 6 or so & told him my Probate lawyer said I'd have to get the other 3 included on my late mother's Estate, to approve the monies to come out of each of their 25% shares. I knew one of them would not agree, & I have no money to pay that part of the 1500 for that person's share. I also told Mr. Jenkins, I'm sorry his company made these windows 8 weeks in advance, when I was told by the sales rep., Mr. Brooks, who said they were made in the local Fairfield, Ohio bldg. Mr. Brooks had originally gave me one year to pay, but changed "his" mind & only agreed to a 6 month contract.

I am NOT going to pay for something I'm not going to receive & Mr. Jenkins has threatened to put a lien on this 50,000 run down house my late mother lived in. I have reported this company to the BBB & Mr. Jenkins basically said, "Sorry about yur luck, you're stuck". I replied back saying I don't own anything & will be filing bankruptcy when I am able to borrow more money to do so, so I will list this company under my Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My "drunken" sister is buying it, if she can actually get the bank to approve her for a loan on a house that's not worth as much as she is willing to offer. I already had it sold for "cash" but I have to speak to my lawyer about my realtor's offer who has someone who is willing to pay "cash" & I have already signed the contract. If someone has to pay for the windows, then bill my sister , since she's the one who wouldn't agree to have her 25% taken out of the proceeds. If my realtor & lawyer both agree she is entitled to buy the house for more than it's worth, she can have it. More money for the other 3 of us! I had to take out a loan to pay for my lawyer, mother's utilities, & lawn care, & the property taxes were paid late by the Estate when I was granted the Executrix.

Norma of Frankfort, KY July 17, 2009

My husband and I ordered new Primax triple pane windows. I do hope the windows are better than the experience to the point of getting them installed. The salesman seemed to really know his product and we were impressed. We bought and he promised a tech would be out to measure THOROUGHLY for each window (nine in total). The person came, was here about 15 minutes and I assumed he knew his stuff. His attitude was close to rude. I was in midst of cleaning a room and only one half was finished. He said the installers didn't like to deal with clutter. I ignored him because the sales person had made an excellent impression. Installers walked in today (two hours early) and looked at first window and within two minutes said: These windows won't fit. The measurements were not accurate.

We have since talked with company officials. Yes, we will get corrected windows but a lot of time was spent getting ready - removing furnishings and window treatments, etc. Nothing of this is to be considered. We have to redo everything and we can't cancel because we signed a contract. It doesn't matter that they broke the contract when they brought windows that do not fit. If we have to take them we will do so. HOWEVER, never again will we purchase anything from Primax. They did promise a discount on future purchases. Let them dream. There will be NO future purchases from them.

joanne of cleveland, OH June 2, 2009

I am disputing the charge of 708.19 billed 5-15 by priceline. I was searching for hotels on the internet for a vacation in va.beach in August. Somehow Priceline got involved, I didn't realize I was going to be charged for a hotel especially one that is not ocean front. I am disputing the charge of 708.19 billed 5-15 by priceline. I was searching for hotels on the internet for a vacation in va. beach in August. Somehow Priceline got involved, I didn't realize I was going to be charged for a hotel especially one that is not ocean front.

I didn't know I had been charged for this until I received my credit card bill. I never received any email or notice from priceline. I made 4 calls to them today, they tell me I they do not issue credit . They say I searched the Va Beach area and this is the hotel I clicked on. They gave me the name of the hotel and phone number which is not an oceanfront hotel, I explained I clicked on this in error) I had been looking at hotels all evening.

I called the hotel LaQuinta they confirmed I have a reservation for 8-9 thru 8-14 and they have nothing to do with it because priceline billed me I asked if there is another hotel within their chain that I could upgrade, they said disputing the charge of 708.19 billed 5-15 by priceline. I was searching for hotels on the internet for a vacation in va.beach in August. Somehow Priceline got involved, I didn't realize I was going to be charged for a hotel especially one that is not ocean front. I didn't know I had been charged for this until I received my credit card bill. I never received any email or notice from priceline. I made 4 calls to them today, they tell me they do not issue credit. Please help! I am calling the BBB tomorrow. Thank you

Rick of Louisville, KY January 18, 2009

We had our windows replace about 5 years ago, to this day we were better off with the wood windows we had. The triple pane windows leaks around the frame from day 1. Its all the things they do not tell you. When you can sit down and see daylight it just simply makes you anger and fill riped off by this company. The law should step and close the doors on this company nation wide. And yes I had service come out and they could do anything or new what to do. I will be replaceing these windows and I will never purchase another product that primax associated with.

My utiliity bills are great. And they want to charge me each time they come out.

Paula of Fithian, IL January 8, 2009

We bought 6 windows from them in 2002 and in the beginning was really pleased with them and the service we received. Since then we have had two handles break and the sliders don't slide so easy and I have tried to get a service person to come and check it out and have had no luck. The office that was located in Decatur Illinois has closed so I ended up talking to someone from Kentucy and she told me she would have a service rep call me which he never did and now everytime I call I get a busy signal. We were told the windows and had a 50 year guarantee, but when you can't contact anyone what good is the guarantee?

Allen of Leroy, IL July 3, 2008

we had 8 windows replaced in our home about 5yrs ago. the salesman came to our home and showed us their product. we were very impressed with their triple pane low-e windows. the salesman gave us a price that we did not agree upon. so a couple weeks later another salesman called and set up an appt. to talk to us and see if he could at least get us to become a customer. he called and he came and we talked and haggled and dickered on a price. eventually the sales rep told us he could do no better on the price and the only person that could approve an even lower price was the president and vice-president of the company.

well as you may guess the sales rep got them on the phone right then and there.i personally spoke with them and told them what i was willing to pay for my windows installed and they would be done 4 windows at a time within 1 year and i choose when. along with my choosing of payment method. low and behold the installers came to install our first 4 windows and i'm telling you they were terrible. he had no respect for our home and since i used to build homes and do siding i watched very carefully how and what they were doing. i was not satisfied with their installation and upon finishing that day the installers were expecting to be paid, but i refused to pay do to very poor installation and damage to our woodwork trim inside our home.

they left without payment and we in turn called the president of the Primax and spoke with him and explained it all. they were at our home the very next weekend to inspect the work, they brought another installer with them and they agreed with us totally and was happy to fix the mess and also discounted or contract to compensate us. the installer they brought with them (brian) was excellent. really knew his job and very conscientious of us. EXCELLENT work.

a few years ago we called them and had another salesman come to give a price on a sliding patio door. needless to say we had them install the door at the price we were willing to pay and chose the very same installer to put in our door. told them that he (brian) would install or there was NO DEAL. well we got what we wanted and are VERY EXTREMELY HAPPY with our windows and door we have. would love to have their windows and doors in our home that we are getting ready to build.

damage to interior wood trim. evrything was taken care of by the president of the company. no problems with their product.

Bill of W Harrison, IN May 20, 2008

My wife and I had a salesman come to our house about 5 years ago. He showed use the triple pane windows and sold us on a total of 5 windows for our small house. Our garage window was broke at the time, and we told the installers to leave one of the old windows from a bed room so we could replace it with the broken garage window.

The installers took all the old windows,left a mess inside the house under every window installed without sweeping up. Some extra materials were left outside the house as well. We've spoke to a rep from Primax serveral times within the past 5 years, and not one person solved our problem. We've asked for a window for free because of all the red tape we have gone through. One of our living room windows was broken by a flying baseball recently. We need to know if a warranty still exists,if not,a free window should be given to us for all the trouble and non-satifaction with Primax.

Steve of Clarksville, TN February 26, 2008

We had the triple pane windows installed in the 90's and within 2 months the Bay windows fogged up, handles broke off, and the sliders on the windows broke and /or would not work. Primax then required us to pay for Transportation charges for the repair personnel. We again had a fogging issue and the company wanted us to pay for freight and transportation again of 200.00. The last time I spoke with the representative they stated that the windows had been installed over 8 years and the warranty had lapsed.

We have to brace the windows up to get fresh air in, the bay windows are sagging and had to put in extra bracing. And we cannot see through the fogged up bay windows.

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