$199.00 "Any Window Installed"

Nothing is more frustrating for a Reputable Window Installation Company than seeing "$199.00 - Any Window Installed" ads that are common in local newspapers. 

First, let me just say that the majority of these ads are "bait and switch" / sketchy sales tactics from window companies with horrible BBB ratings and high pressure salesmen.  But lets proceed under the assumption that these are actual legitimate offers from reputable companies.  In order of importance to the window company, these are the three factors of the $199.00 price:

1. Profit (If the Company goes out of business, your workmanship warranty goes out of business) - This $66.00 ($199 divided by 3) will not budge.  The salesman earns a portion of this, so the real profit amount is certainly less...
2. Cost (Window, Caulk, Trim, Shims, Screws, etc...) - If you have never seen a $66.00 replacement window, simply walk through your nearest manufactured housing development (mobile home park).  There is NO quality $66.00 replacement window.
3. Labor (Remove and haul away old windows, Install new windows, Caulk / Finish) - You'll have to reduce this $66.00 in order to buy better windows.  Do the best installers work for less?  Or do they work for companies who pay them what they are worth?

Check with the Better Business Bureau, Angies List and your local Chamber of Commerce and refuse companies with horrible reputations.  Get at least 3 estimates to familiarize yourself with typical practices / pricing for your area.  My final tip is this: ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS!!!  Really!  Ask every question that you can think of.  Ask questions even if you don't care about the answers.  The idea is to test the knowledge of the salesman.  Would a knowledgeable / honest salesman work for such little profit when other companies would pay more?  Will your salesman take your phone call after you've paid? 

This is the simple math behind the "$199.00 Any Window Installed" ads.  These numbers can be argued and divided differently, I suppose.  But one thing is for sure... you've found the cheapest possible option for your most valuable investment, your house.  You've found "bottom of the barrel".