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Champion Windows review: junk windows sloppy installation 79

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12:00 am EDT
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I ordered Champion Windows Nov. 06 finally installed Feb. 07 with many problems. It's June 07 and still need a window replaced that doesn't fit right. It has been months for the replacement. They do not check for rotting wood under sills. They are a complete joke. If you want JUNK buy these windows. Take it from me, Andersen Renewel are the only way to go. The manager won't call me back.

People beware!

Update by Anthony Goble
Aug 24, 2007 3:16 pm EDT

Champion did a great job with getting back to me. They refunded all of my money immediately without issue. It was great Customer Service they provided. Thanks to Dustin and John for your quick response. So sorry, I didn't post earlier. I forgot I had posted this on comaplaintsboard.com. THANKS again for a quick resolution!

79 comments
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maskpeanut
Omaha, US
Jun 06, 2010 6:46 pm EDT
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Champion answer these questions for us:

Why does Champion go around and represent themselves a "manufacturer" when your just a selling Crane brand siding? You guys don't manufacture and siding do you?

What is so "exclusive" about the Champion Comfort 365 glass when Champion does not manufacture any glass products for your Windows or Sunrooms?

What percentage of there products does Champion really manufacturer. Is it 5% or 10%

Isn't the only thing that is "exclusive" about the Champion Comfort 365 glass is the name that you call it by?

Isn't all of glass that Champion is using within its windows and sunroom products made by the Cardinal Glass Co?

Isn't the Class just that is used is the Cardinal LowE366 glass?

Why doesn't Champion ever post any of its prices for any of its products at anytime?

Is the your salespeople rewarded more for selling over the PAR pricing?

Is the Par price just "true" book price without any type of overages and less 50%

Are your salespeople paid an 8% sales commission for selling up at your par price?

Isn't the lowest commission pay scale at a 45% or (-55%) of profit then the salespeople get nothing for any sale that is under 45%?

Don't you guys think that a 45% profit margin would be enough for most other companies to operate within?

At what commission percentages does Champion and its sales staff members split any overages with the house or Champion?

Isn't the overage point incluse any profis that is over your 50% par price and that is always split with the house at Champion?

When a salesperson has gotten a sale with any overages on it doesn't the salesperson have the option to take there 8% commission plus 50% on any overages that is added together or they can take half of the overages which ever is the larger commission on that sale?

I will just assume that Champion is going to call those project overages "a performance incentives bonus" but it a really an incentive for your salespeople to cook the price book prices on any project and if they are willing to over inflate your already way over inflated product prices. They will add-on travel charges, heavy dump fees and types of products and service to get as much overages as they can. This is done all the time so the salespeople could show a the huge sale discount at 40% (60 profit) or even at at 50% discounts and the salespeople would still have some projects overages that is over the par price and that is always split with the house or Champion?

Isn't the highest commission rate at Champion pays on its windows is 80% of the profits for a self-generated sales lead?

By splitting any project overages profits with your salespeople doesn't Champion Corporate just give the appearance of being really unscrupulous and really a way to do business, It shows there true creature and there commission plan is all set up to promote these actions to take place within the Champion organization.

Does Champion change there standard book prices during any "open house" or sales at Champion to cover for the huge discounts rates that they advertised during that sale?

If any of the Champion people come back into this website and they keep posting Pro-Champion posting within it I will keep exposing Champion more and more. I can hear Champion now saying they would fired any salesperson on the spot for over inflating any of any prices because that is a bunch of lip service and pile of BS as that has been the Champion way for many years. If Champion does reply like that then I will post a copy of there price book and there Champion sales commission work sheet that would prove what I'm saying here has merit and is the truth.

Champion of Cini, OH is just set up just to put the screws to its customers and they don't have clean hands in anyway shape or form no matter what they is coming out of there lips. It is all just bunch of smoke and mirrors and sales trickery as well as outright deliberate deceit that is allowed this to take place within the Champion organization with they are participating within it all while condoning it all and profiting from that behavior. Buyers Beware as Champion is not what try to represent themselves as.

Mask

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maskpeanut
Omaha, US
Jun 06, 2010 6:08 pm EDT
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Roberto - Whats up Bro-Choc-ho?

When you say the "CURRENT" Div Mgr is it because you know that it isn't going to be long before Champion is just a a skid mark on your resume. You must have some baggage in your background where you have to have the J.O.B. (just over broke)
Did the corporate guys put you up to posting on this complaint site and saying the same old crap as before and wanting people to buy into your BBB A+ rating smoke and mirrors that you guys put up and it just bunch of bull. I have seen companies that really has earned a F rating turn that all around quickly and buy themselves an A+ rating by throwing more money at the BBB for its Accreditation program. That is all it takes to come in there world at the BBB and Champion know that all to well. The BBB isn't going to bit the hands the greases there plums. Champion is exploiting that cozy business relationship and trying to use that as being an legitimate but its doesn't pass the smell tests as Champion does not have clean hands and your actions do speck louder then your words. We will keep exposing them for being the PIGS that you are...

Dude, are you even legal to work in the US? I was wondering why you didn't you take that permission in AZ? Ummmm

See my next posting as I'm about to expose Champions for the pigs that they are... Mask

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RobertoDB
Pittsburgh, US
Jun 05, 2010 10:51 pm EDT

Ladies and gentleman,

My name is Roberto DIBenedetto,
the current Division Manager here at Champion of Pittsburgh, despite some of the few negative remarks here on this site I would like to reassure everyone that we have thousands and thousands of satisfied clients, we have surveys that we send out to all our clients and when something does not go the right way, we do everything possible and imaginable to rectify the issues in favor of our clients.

I cannot comment to what others have done in the past and I have seen nothing else but dedication on professionalism and customer satisfaction as our first priority.

I have been in this industry for 20 years and I can see that Champion would not do to others what we wouldn't be done to ourselves.

I understand your frustration as I'm a consumer myself, our products are top quality and the several certifications and references cannot be bought rather, they have to be earned and, as I still believe that "word of mouth" is the best form of advertising if Champion was doing a bad job I believe everyone would know that after almost 60 years in business along with being one of the largest Home Improvement Companies in the USA.

I will always put the customer first as long as I'm running the Pittsburgh location and mantain our outstanding A+ rating with the BBB.

I like to thank all of our loyal clients in behalf of Champion Windows Siding & Patio Rooms of Pittsburgh
Sincerely
Roberto DiBenedetto

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jasonharden333
Albany, US
May 16, 2010 5:30 pm EDT

I KNOW THE GAME NOW! ! CHAMPION WINDOWS, SIDING, AND PATIO ROOMS IS A HUGE COMPANY..THEY MAKE A AVERAGE WINDOW AT AN AVERAGE PRICE.. AROUND $550 PER PLAIN DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW IS WHAT THE GET ON THE AVERAGE.. THAT IS ACTUALLY THE PAR PRICE. I HAD CHAMPION WINDOWS PUT INTO MY OLD HOME .CHAMPION INSTALLED 9 DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS. INSTALLATION WAS AVERAGE..CHAMPION CONSTANTLY HAS TO HIRE NEW INSTALLERS BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF BUSINESS THEY DO, THIS IS NOT GOOD FOR THE CUSTOMER, YOU MAY GET A GOOD CREW AND YOU MAY NOT.. THE THING ABOUT CHAMPION IS THEY SPEND MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ADVERTISING, SOMEBODY HAS TO PAY FOR THAT PEOPLE!.. IN MY NEW HOME I HAD A COMPANY THAT CAME BY DOOR TO DOOR SALES AND THEY SOLD ME 18 DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS .. THEY USED A ALSIDE SHEFFIELD ALSIDE WINDOW, VERY GOOD WINOW... ALSIDES SHEFFIELD IS MUCH BETTER THAN CHAMPIONS WINDOW IN MY OPINION..ALSO, THE COMPANY I BOUGHT ALSIDE OFF OF WAS MUCH SMALLER OPERATION BUT ALSO A MUCH BETTER OPERATION FOR THE BUYER..INSTALLERS WER PROS .. MY HEATING BILL WENT DOWN 140 DOLLARS A MONTH IN THE WINTER WITH ALSIDES WINDOW.. THEY WERE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME PRICE AS CHAMPIONS WINDOWS.. MY ADVICE TO WINDOW BUYERS IS TO DEAL WITH A SMALLER COMAPNY THAT HAS MORE OF A GRIP ON WHATS GOING ON WITH THER CUSTOMERS

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maskpeanut
Omaha, US
May 09, 2010 2:10 am EDT
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Jenni in OKC your right...

Why do think they though you into the pressure cooker and tried to BBQ you right then and there. "Buy right now or the deal is OFF"... Champion sale pitch is designed like that. They don't want to five anyone any time to go shop them around so they told you the price is going back up tomorrow. I would bet money if you walked back into that store and told them you would purchase now but only at the discounted rate they would write you up... Go ahead and try it for some fun, Then just bounce again as they are a bunch of liers. What are they having another 100% price increase tomorrow... What a JOKE...
You should of walked out as they where disrespecting you all along with there refined used car sales tactics. It is a really good thing you didn't fall for the line of BS...

Really, If everyone would do some leg work and really shop around for windows before having a Champion Representative come out. I would do that just to see there good dog and pony show and make then make them sweat bullets. If everyone really did there home work then Champion wouldn't sell a thing...

Here is a new flash for everyone to read. If you was to seek out a window that is using the Cardinal Glass Company "Comfort 366" glass package you have the same glass package that Champion was trying to sell you. Champion purchases its glass that they use within there window products just like any other window manufacture does. Cardinal glass Company is just one of about six flat glass companies that supplies all of the window manufactures in North America that choose to use its glass products. PPG is another glass company that does the same. Cardinal & PPG offers several different glass packages for sales to most window manufacture and the glass is manufactured for different regions of the US and for different climates of the US. The only thing that Champion manufactures is its insulated vinyl window frame units then they install the insulated flat glass into there window frame units. I guess that is how they get by with calling themselves a manufacture and that a joke as well because Champion really only manufacture a very low percentage of its final product.
Champion is just like any other window manufacture but they are still using those ole worn out 10 step used car sales tactics to max out there profits per sale. Have you ever heard that ole saying that say there are two ways to make money. You either do it with sales volume or profit margins. Champion is a prime example of the later way of making its money. They represent themselves of being a manufacture of a far superior product and its not true.

I say that you could the very same quality window product offered by Champion for at least half of there price ans somewhere between the $350 - $550 price range.
I wouldn't ever recommend the other end of the window price sales spectrum as there is some cheap window products out here but there is a happy middle that is equal to better then the Champion built window product.

There is one other issue you have to take into consideration when purchasing any window product. If you own a home built per 1978 and you have some lead paint issues that would add to the cost for the lead testing and additional installation costs but still its not going to be $1000.00 a window...Good luck

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Jenni in OKC
, US
May 08, 2010 7:57 pm EDT

I am also looking for replacement windows and recently had a champion rep come out. He was very knowledgable and really believed in his product, but I just wasn't buying it. I mean, the early bird price includes a 50% discount which still left me paying $5300 for 6 windows. That quote is twice the amount of an estimate from a local company who have windows that qualify for the tax credit. And that $5300 was only good for that day. If I wait til the next day the price goes up to $6300--thats supposed to be at a 35% discount.

$1000 a window is just too expensive. I mean, eventually, I think all replacement windows will end up having some issues because you can't stop a house from settling or shifting and the elements (rain, snow, wind, hail, etc) are bound to take a toll. I just can't see paying that much for windows.

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junk windows
Elkhart, US
Apr 02, 2010 9:48 pm EDT
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I hav been dealing with the South Bend In office about the windows that were installed in my home in Nov 2001. not only did the workers do a lousy job of installing them, they left the entire place a mess. I have complained to champion many many times about the windows that leak more air then the single panes wood windows that were orginally in my home and all they did was blow me off. I made the mistake about agreeing to have the BBB look into this and of course they agreed with champion. If you want good windows stay AWAY from these . they leak air, workmanship on job-site i poor and the local office tries to belitle you and blow you off by claiming that the windows are the best in the world.. If so then why do I have to put plastic over them to stop the drafts? I f you were smart you would buy someone elses product

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JAMES . JOHNSON
ATLANTA, US
Mar 23, 2010 2:09 pm EDT

I have been thinking of replacing all my windows, After reading the comments from people that have done business with Champion, I will look to another company to give my business. The only way to root out these bad company's is to post your truthful experiences so unsuspecting customers can avoid the same mishaps. Thanks for the heads up on this ROTTEN APPLE.

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aConsumer1234
Juneau, US
Mar 20, 2010 12:10 pm EDT

Based on the above comments I think you are complaining about different companies in some instances above:

There are numerous Champion Windows companies across the US which have no relation to each other.

For example check these ones out:

http://www.championwindow.com/
http://www.championwindows.com/
http://www.championwindow.net/
http://www.championwindows.net/

So when posting a complaint please specifically identify the company and location as that is very helpful to people reading the site. One 'Champion Window' company may be great, while another 'Champion Window' company may be a bad bunch.

Alan Leslie (above) when stating 'However, when I asked for the money here is how the president Michael Duncan replied:' is talking about ( I presume):

Champion Windows, Siding
Michael Duncan
[protected]
7920 Marshall Dr
Lenexa, KS [protected]

Whereas Champion Windows of 12121 Champion Way, Cincinnati, OH 45241 ( a huge company) has the following executives

Donald R. Jones,
President, C.O.O.

Dennis L. Manes,
C.E.O.

It would be nice if all these companies changed their names and made life easier for us consumers. But part of this is the trick - a poor company with a similar name riding off the good name of the other company.

So it all comes down to doing your homework and understanding who you are actually dealing with.

So in a way everyone who posted is correct - just correct about different companies...

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maskpeanut
Omaha, US
Mar 18, 2010 4:22 am EDT
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OK, So you purchased a standard quality window product at an exorbitant price. Maybe you should call Champion up and ask for at least half your money back. Let me guess you payed between $750-$1200 dollars each window installed at there 40%-50% off price. Now that some serious mark-up don;t you think. The local Champion branch store paid about $199.00 ea for a standard size double hung window under 100 untied inches in size. They sub-contracted the installation out for $30.00 per window and they might have another $20.00 per window in material to get them installed. So how much cost is that per window? Maybe $250.00 per unit. Let just say its $300.00 per window. There is not a Window contractor out here that wouldn't sell that project using as good or even better products for $400.00-$500.00 per window. DO YOUR LEG WORK. I have only exposed Champion and its used car sales tactics which I believe to be unethical as I used to work for them for a short period of time. I seen what goes on under the Champion vial and seen 75% profit margin. I know people that would kill for half those profits margins. If Champion represented there products as being Superior which they do then it should be wouldn't you agreed.

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bjlloyd
Valley Park, US
Feb 18, 2010 9:18 am EST

Maskpeanut, I had Champion windows installed in my house over 6 years ago and they are still great. The installers were wonderful. They left the outside of our home so clean you couldn't tell they had been there. The company where you live might be the problem but the group we worked with in St Louis, MO were great.

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David Ben-Ariel
Toledo, US
Dec 07, 2009 9:53 pm EST

I ordered a front window on October 15, called the sales rep MANY times to ask questions about discount information I received in the mail, leaving voice mail messages, and finally he got ahold of me and said he would get back with me and NEVER did, so I went in person - more of my time and money - to their Maumee store and had some man explain what the other fellow failed to do.

Thinking it's been quite awhile, I called the other day to see what was going on and was told by the receptionist my window should have been on their last truckload but apparently wasn't and if I would call back that Thursday or Fri. - I said I'm sick of calling and if they were professional they would contact me and let me know what's going on! She said she would let the sales rep know who, again, FAILED to call me with explanations, understanding, anything. Today is Monday evening and still no word. I'm tempted to call tomorrow and tell them to refund the money I put down and good riddance!

David Ben-Ariel

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consumer7
, US
Sep 18, 2009 11:18 pm EDT

bad company.

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consumer7
, US
Sep 18, 2009 11:17 pm EDT

Agree!

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maskpeanut
Omaha, US
Sep 14, 2009 6:39 pm EDT
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Nigal's Mon... I have issues with your incorrect statements that you have posted above.
You really don't have a clue on what your talking about.

1. "installed by thoroughly trained installers who have clean criminal records, and they are not subcontracted out"

Your completely incorrect when you are saying The Champion windows out of Cini, OH doesn't use sub contracted labor for all of its installs. They only employee a "Job Manager" or a "Foreman" that is suppost to oversee the SUB CONTRACTORS and the work that they do. The subs might be wearing a Champion provided shirts but they are paid only by the JOB that are completed. So the SUBS do have a incentives to get the project completed and get onto there next project. Your husband is just a independent sales contactor as well.

2." These are not chain stores that managers buy in to, but wholly owned by the company"
Your so wrong again. The Champion business model is that each GM owns a part of each store and his pay is directly connected to its profit. If they have to go back on a JOB then that cost that store money and time.

3. Champion also offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY on their windows in case of seal failure, breakage, etc.
That a lot HOG WASH and just a lot smoke and mirrors...If Champion doesn't stand behind that warrenty its not worth the paper its written on is it.

Wake up and small the coffee..., I'm sure your husband works hard and one of these days he will burn out from working thoses 12-14 hrs in a day then Champion will just another runner to do his JOB. Champion does put up a lot of smoke and mirrors with its customers. Why do they start out by asking a way over inflated high book price then apply huge discounts up to 50%...wow... Champions whole business model is flawed as they do reward short term gains instead of long term performances. The Saleman and its Managers are rewarded for getting the most it can out of every one its customers. Maybe Nigel's Mom needs to see the big picture before posting pro-Champion BS complaint wed site.
I hope this helps... Thanks

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nigel's mom
Greensboro, US
Sep 11, 2009 9:37 am EDT

My husband works for Champion Windows, Siding, and Patio Rooms as a sales representative in North Carolina. Thanks to "rmcs" above for pointing out that there are numerous home improvement companies across the country that try to make a buck off the ORIGINAL Champion name. The Champion that I'm referring to is based out of Cincinnati, OH and has been in business since the 1953 - if a company had such shoddy products as some of you are claiming do you honestly think that they could have stayed in business for that long?! If you did purchase from the original Champion and are having problems with your local office I can honestly say that if you are getting nowhere with your local office, all you need to do is call the main office in Cincinnati and upper management will take make sure that your complaints is taken care of. There is no way that they are going to risk their good name and what they worked so hard to build. These are not chain stores that managers buy in to, but wholly owned by the company.

Regarding the complaint from "casey" above, yes, the salesmen do work on commission but their cut is nowhere near as high as what he's claiming. And what kind of person publicly bashes a previous employer like this? I'll bet you weren't complaining about the commission when you were collecting your paycheck, unless of course you weren't that great of a salesman and couldn't make the cut. You needed a job and they gave you one - the end. Last time I checked, MILLIONS of salesmen across the country work on commission, that is how they choose to support their families - car salesmen, appliance salemen, etc.; heck, even clothing dept. store employees work for commission!

My huusband works 10-14 hours days, 6-7 days a week driving all over within an 85-mile radius to visit cutomers in their homes. And when he's at our home he is constantly on the phone with his previous and future customers to make sure that he is meeting their every need. Just because he has a signed contract and deposit in his hand doesn't mean that he's washed his hands of that customer...he continues to answer their questions and take the steps to make sure their product is installed when and how he quoted, and that there is nothing standing in the way of their satisfaction.

And now on to the quality of the products that Champion offers...these are quality products installed by thoroughly trained installers who have clean criminal records, and they are not subcontracted out. We have a Champion front and back door, storm doors, and a Champion awning over our driveway, and I WISH we had the Champion windows because our windows came from another company a few years before my husband started working for Champion and now our windows have developed the "milky fog" between the panes (this is caused from seal failure). Champion also offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY on their windows in case of seal failure, breakage, etc. Your salesman should be explaining all of this to you along with bringing the actual product into your home for full demonstrations.

And lastly, thanks to those of you who have praised your Champion products and your local home office!
And those of you that have had issues with your windows, siding, or patio room, I do sympathize with you - I know I wouldn't be very happy to have spent such a large sum of money and feel like you've been ripped off, but for future reference it would be helpful if you would specify which "champion" window company you are referring to and also which city/state your complaint resides. Have a great day!

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Oprah
Hartford, US
Aug 22, 2009 8:27 am EDT

The only people who go to a complaint site to brag about how great a company, is most likely the salesman or manager of said company. It's pathetic and ridiculous.

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letsfish
Milwaukee, US
Jun 08, 2009 2:17 pm EDT

I had champion windows installed in my house and i just love them. Everyone from the sales staff to the measure tech, to the installers were very professional. We learned that Champion is the largest home remodeler in the entire nation. Bottom line is that you can't please everyone all of the time. So out of the 70 some stores nation wide and a few complaints on this website, I think that they are doing alright and have a great window along with service. If you are all so unhappy contact the BBB and let them handle it. If you win then i think you have a leg to stand on, if you loose then you are probably the type of person that nothing would ever make you happy. And complain just to complain. I would recondmend Champion Windows to anybody.

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Paul Martin
, US
Apr 13, 2009 3:04 pm EDT

i have been TRYING to get Champion Windows to either replace the JUNK that they installed in my home since Nov 2001 and all that I have gotten is lines of BS and the run around. I had them replace 7 old wood windows with the "best" (per Brian Brookhurst) and the "best" windows lek more air then the old single pane ones did.If you were smart you would get in touch with someone who will back up their product and not feed you a line of BS

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rmcs
Ossining, US
Feb 25, 2009 9:59 am EST

please note the product you are commenting on carefully- as an earlier poster had mentioned, there are several out there. i am an operation manager for a mid-sized glazing construction firm (in NY), the company listed at the site: http://championwindows.com, is a commercial grade window and is excellent; i highly doubt this is the window you all are refrencing as it is unlikly this would be used residentially- with that said, if you had- this is not typical use for this product and would not be recommended by a professional.

it sounds as if most of you are referring to a vinyl product, which of course, isnt the greatest- but of course, a suitable option for the budget minded ( I have them in my home)- but I will say that the customer service, installation experiences and even responses from the president of the Champion company you are referring to is horrifying! If my firm had run an operation like you all have described, we would be out of business- and very quickly at that. I dont know if the company you are referring to manufacturers their window? or are they strictly a company that installs another manufacturer's window? generally most manufacturer's do not install their product, but rather have distributors and/or firms who are not affiliated that do the installation. I would find out if the name champion referrs to the brand of the window or is just the company installing. if they are just installing, i would contact the manufacturer and make them aware of the people who are representing their product line- manufacturers do not like irreputable companies performing installation of their product. To find out the manufacturer's name, you can try one of the following: a)note window hardware (i.e. locks), often this will brand the manufacturer name, (b) refrence any warranty info given stating details of the mechanical operation of the window (not just labor warranty), (c) refrence your contract - I know in NYS you are required by business law to indicate the names of manufacturers in all contracts, if name isnt present a client is able to go to the department of consumer affairs regarding the issue. Again, I am not sure what the laws are in your state, but on average, there are laws in place for situations like this. If this champion company is the manufacturer *and* the installer, i would contact the American Architectural Manufacturers association http://www.aamanet.org/general.asp?sect=2&id=227, and see if this company is listed with this agency. from that point i would contact the following local/state agencies (which again, may go by different names in your particular juristiction): building inspector, department of consumer affairs and licencing department (if applicable). If this company wishes to stay in business, they are not going to want any trouble with any type of governmental agency and chances are you will be compensated asap. avoid contacting agencies such as the BBB (Better Business Bureau) as they are not affiliated with any governmental agency, but rather are privatly owned/operated and cannot take any other action other than mediate an issue- and only if the company is registered with that BBB.

Hopefully this helps.

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Stephen Mandeville
,
Nov 22, 2008 7:55 am EST

We bought a home a year ago. We had noticed it had Champion windows and thought that WOW! those are good windows. But unfortunately we found out just the contrary. We found that they are very cloudy.
They also are very drafty in the winter which is not very good with todays heating costs, not to mention
all the condensation we get on the inside of the windows. We realize that the warranty is good only to the original purchaser but I thought that I would put my own two cents worth in. I will replace them with
another reputable brand as soon as I am able.

Sorry,

Thanks for listening; Steve Mandeville

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Casey
,
Sep 16, 2008 11:54 am EDT

Comment by JoeThomas is dead on.

Unfortunately sold for this company for a brief period. Always running a large percent off every month along with an end of the month sale which always advertises a discount for the sale that you can get everyday. The intention is obviously to make a dramatic effect and get people into the showroom for a hard sale. They can put the list price at whatever they want if they are going to discount dramatically for effect. They can list them for 10, 000 a window if they are going to offer an all great one day sale of 95% off. Complete Crap. If you want to stump one of the sales people ask them for a price list not only to show you one but leave you one. And don't be confused, they offer some type of bogus discount on everything they do and sale. Not a bad product but the same as most others with low E 2 glass but cost twice as much. The company is the problem. Sales people are trained to be deceptive when presenting price. The higher the oversale the greater the commission for the rep. to the tune of 30% over what is considered par which is basically half of the list price on windows. when you look at 20-30 thousand dollar sunrooms it is not hard at all to be over a couple of thousand dollars. Which would mean in addition to the 5% commision paid on the job the rep also gets another $600. That brings the commision to around $2100 for a 30K jobs which the rep. is over $2000. That is the allure for the reps and that is why they are pushy and hard closing. The sales reps are taught that basically 50% is what you can go down on most products, 25% on others, during slow times even lower. Also don't be fooled all divisions of this company are under the same roof and practice the same desceptive business tactics.

Stay Away from this bunch. Much better products out there for much less money and no games.

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kenney beard
,
Jul 01, 2008 8:35 pm EDT

I myself have just had all my windows and 1 of my sliding glass doors installed.The subcontractor that came out had only 1 experienced installer. After showing the other 2 how to put 1 window in.He turned them loose.The few the experienced installer did were great. But all the other 2 installed, had places where the trim did not match up nor did they know how to calk nor seal very well. After spending such money with a company of this size an age.I feel I
WAS BAITED AN SWICHED. NOT AGAIN Aan anyone who will listen I WILL TELL AN SHOW THEM THE SHODDY WORK. NEVER EVER LET INEXPERIANCED INSTALLERS TOUCH YOU DWELLING.

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MARSHALL
,
Jun 20, 2008 2:33 pm EDT

FIRST THE SALESMAN PROMISED WE WOULD NEVER RECEIVE SOLICIATIONS FROM CHAMPION. HE LIED AND NOW I CANNOT GET ANYONE'S ATTETION TO REMOVE IT FROM THEIR LIST(S). THEY DID SHODDY WORK, SCRATCHED MY DECK, AND CHIPPED MY STUCCO. I'LL NEVER GIVE THEM MY BUSINESS AGAIN.

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Keith Wright
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May 12, 2008 5:23 pm EDT

I had champion out Jan30, 2008. It is now May 12, 2008 still work has not been done, started, or completed. The manager never even came out to do a final measure for my house and when i called them down on this, they said they could start on my house in 2 days. I said how, you havent even done a final measurement. This all took place at the Fort Worth office, when i asked him about how it says on the contract work will be finished with in 4-6 weeks from the contract date he said well if you will also read it says we are not responsible for weather conditions. I said so you are saying we have had 4 months of bad weather? Total run around from this company and iam planning to sue to get my deposit back.

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Joe Thomas
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Apr 23, 2008 9:10 pm EDT

Watch out for Champion, not worth the money, they are equal to a $300 window. They have a sale every month that is 40% off and an early bird special of another 10% off on top of that, give me a break! I can't believe people fall for that. You can get this price any time you want by just saying no to their first offer. They even have inflated price lists that the reps use so they can give you even more discounts. Their service department can't keep up with all the service calls because of the amount of problems they have with the windows. The Comfort 365 glass is no better than anybody that offers Low-e glass. Even Window World has better glass. They also say they make their siding, but it is made by Crane and is much higher than any other Crane distributor. I recommend to stay away.

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christy
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Apr 22, 2008 11:20 am EDT

everyone has good and bad things to say about champion! I love them & they are always there to help!

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dagricola
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Apr 11, 2008 7:01 am EDT

Wish I had never used Champion Windows-Cincinnati Ohio.
Employees who came to install arrived late EVERY SINGLE TIME, garbage, including, pizza boxes, pop cans etc. were left in my yard, gardens and cigarrette butts all over the driveway. My husband was asked to help carry up some of the new windows. Newly remodeled bathroom was damaged by the intallation of a new window. Costumer service was non-existent. Total price 10, 000 dollars. Buyer beware!

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alan leslie
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Feb 03, 2008 3:22 pm EST

The contract I had with Champion specifically stated "replace all rotten wood" instead they covered it up with metal trim. When I approached them they initially said they would pay me to have the rotten wood replaced. However, when I asked for the money here is how the president Michael Duncan replied:

"There is no way that you can place the blame for your rotten house on Champion. What I witnessed at your home was a rotten house that had not been up kept for years. What I offered to you was my help in replacing the windows. I demonstrated that the installer went by protocol. I have no idea how you could say that I offered to give you money, I did no such thing and proved that champion did the correct thing. You need to take responsibility for this matter; please do not try to involve Champion."

I have the eamil if anyone wants to see it. All he was interested in was selling me more windows! I had the rotten wood replaced by another company.

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Kristine Ganes
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Feb 02, 2008 1:20 pm EST

Do not rec. this company at all! Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy...wish I had listened to all of the complaints lodged against them before I entered into contract.

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jodi thayer
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Jan 27, 2008 3:01 pm EST

We ordered champion windows in Sept.2007 it is now Jan. 26th 2008. We were promised completion within 6 to 9 weeks its 4 months the job is still not done properly. Service and communication is absolutly the worst I've ever seen in a company!They came out to complete the job and the man had no tools! We have lost several days of work and the the sales man told us it would take one day. Customer service does not exist with Champion windows the customer is always wrong. This goes from the installation manager to the sales person to the president of the district in Kent Ohio. If you want your windows you have to continually call them because no one ever returns a call. We were not used to begging for a product we order. Very unhappy and will not recommend these windows.

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Dorothy Kloos
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Jan 21, 2008 9:15 am EST

Just the facts, Ma'am...

We had windows installed July 2007. The job finally got finished in November 2007. Champion didn't even try to put a sign in our yard. I told them I'd yank it if they did. The last installer (we had different ones through time) "finished" the job. I bulked at signing the completion agreement and he got rather belligerent. Oh, how I wish I had not signed it.

This is January 2008. We are still waiting for a replacement for a cracked window and the frosted windows we ordered for the bathroom (they installed clear). Now I see condensations forming on the inside corners of most of the windows, especially the cracked window. It is 10 F. outside.

THE CHAMPION WARRANTY states that condensation forms inside due to excessive moisture in the house, not due to failure of the window. The Sears vinyl windows do not have condensation on them. The Sears are in the same rooms, but different sun exposure as the Champion windows. "This Old House" states condensation is due to air leakage.

ALSO. What sold me on the windows is how they keep the heat out. They do that. But the cold is a different thing. I can feel the cold radiating off the Champion windows sitting near them. That is why they use the heat lamp display to sell the product.
In conclusion:

I would not recommend Champion. Poor service, and the Warranty covers the company for a crappy product.

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cmoore
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Dec 06, 2007 4:57 pm EST

i have had nothing but bad luck with champion windows. Pure JUNK! There installers are the most unskilled uneducated i have ever seen. I wasted 9000.00 of my money on windows that just plain suck. The installers left a mess in the yard, broke existing siding and refused to replace it (said they didnt do it) They didnt trime the windows outside they way the salesman promised. The sales man was so pushy i cantg believe i fell for it. They just screwed windows into rotted wood, they didnt even offer to replace they rot for an additional cost which i would have gladly paid for. All the windows build condensation and they are blaming it on the house. i have had 3 engineers look a the house and all 3 say they windows are leeking. Staff is rude, install manager is rude and the owner is rude. STAY AWAY FROM CHAMPION WINDOWS IN COVENTRY RI.

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Spanky Dude
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Oct 08, 2007 7:36 am EDT

Not sure which Champion Window company you are talking about , there are 3 that I can see. Check them out! - championwindow.com - championwindows.com - and championwidows.net . I believe championwindow.com is the best one of the three companies.

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Daniel R Stepnick
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Sep 19, 2007 5:51 pm EDT

Never in my life have I got as much of a run around and BS as I have from your dealer in Pittsburgh. I called them in the second week of July, Lady told me they are out, took my phone number. No one called back, three days later called again, and was told thatone of the people that I need to talk to was off for a Death in the family or some thing. When my porch was enclosed, shortly after one of the vertical blind sets would no work properly. A man came out, and fixed it, something bent in the sliding mechanism. Afew weeks later the blinds would not close right, and again they said they were fixed. We don't close them all the way for privacy, but they started to act up again, and I seen a thin piece of metal bent. After several weeks I talked to a man, and told him the problem, I told him I needed a new rail and six blinds that were warped. I told him I would pick them up, asked the cost, was told $52.00. Now at this time it is six weeks later. Got a call from them when I was on vacation. Called them and was told they were in. I asked them were the blinds in also. Dan called back today, and said it will cost I believe $102.00. This is what he told my wife, I got on the phone and told him I would pick them up, but at the price I was quoted. Told me something about the rail has to be order as it is the old style. I asked him what is it going to cost, he gave a price of over $100.00. I told him to forget it. Champion got three jobs with my good word, and a lot of people can see my enclosed porch, as I live on a corner lot, and it is seen by a lot of people and I always say good things about it, but after them playing games for over two months with me and BS, you will never hear a good word about Champion again. I don't think one hand knows what the other is doing here in Pittsburgh. I know the porch has been enclosed a long time, but I was willing to pay and put them up my self, not get a run around, lied to and BS.