Black Friday originated in the United States as a major shopping event following Thanksgiving Day, marking the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Over the years, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, with retailers worldwide offering significant discounts to entice consumers. In the UK, Black Friday has become a staple in the retail calendar, with businesses across various sectors jumping on the bandwagon to boost sales.
Window and door companies are also on this bandwagon, offering Black Friday for windows and doors on social media and elsewhere.
My name is Nick Dardalis, and I’ve been working in the UK fenestration sector for nearly four decades. I’ve witnessed many trends come and go, and I know much about windows and doors. For this reason, you need a very healthy dose of scepticism to do with Black Friday for windows and doors. Here’s why:
Why Black Friday for windows and doors might not be genuine
You need to know how the UK fenestration industry works in order to quickly recognise a Black Friday for windows and doors offer from a company is not genuine. This knowledge comes from knowing the supply chain, how your new windows and doors are made and by whom. How your chosen installer works within the industry is also relevant such as whether they are the manufacturer or just the installer buying in ready-made products.
The truth is, anyone in the window and door business already knows most offers aren’t authentic or genuinely giving you money off.
The Black Friday for windows and doors deals we don’t think are genuine and prices are probably going to be the same at any time of the year. This is no different to consumer products when Which? found that a massive 98% of products on sale were cheaper or the same price at other times of the year.
Virtually all windows and doors are bespoke
Bespoke products are harder to discount than mass-produced goods such as electronics or clothing. Windows and doors are typically made to order, and each product is tailored to the specific measurements and requirements of your home. There aren’t warehouses filled with standard-sized windows waiting to be sold at a discount. The only times you might find ready-made windows are when they’ve been mismeasured or a customer cancels an order—situations that are rare but still involve bespoke items.
Pricing is personalised and software driven
Gone are the days when salespeople flipped through paper price lists in binders to price your windows and doors “within” width and height charts and window designs. They always went to the next size up for a higher price to discount if needed or if not, better profit and commission.
Today, professional window companies use sophisticated pricing software that calculates costs based on exact specifications. For manufacturing companies, this software is often linked directly to factory machinery, which creates detailed cutting lists, machining requirements and material schedules. This level of customisation doesn’t lend itself to blanket discounts.
Distrust from aggressive sales tactics
Over the years, large companies such as Anglian, Everest, and Safestyle have allegedly employed high-pressure sales tactics that have left a sour taste in many mouths. The hours a salesperson would sit in your home, the endless cycles of so-called discounts—30%, 40%, even 50% off. Combine these with gimmicks like “manager’s specials” or “discounts for leaving a company board outside” have made consumers wary. Over the years, these tactics have eroded trust. Most savvy customers now recognise that such significant “discounts” are often illusory. Even 10% is to be scoffed at. It’s derisory.
Questionable “free fitting” offers
You’ve got to know how fitters are employed and paid by the window company to know that free fitting is probably untrue. Regular uPVC windows require less technical skill than an installation for aluminium windows, hybrid windows, large sliding doors and bespoke glazing. Installers—whether self-employed or employed by the company expect to be paid for their expertise. And they’re paid a rate depending on what they’re fitting, not a day rate or salary.
The costs associated with fitting are usually built into the product’s price. If a company claims to offer free installation, they may be inflating the product price to cover these costs. Ask your installer the right questions.
Lack of tangible discounts
Any Black Friday windows and doors discount is likely superficial unless you receive a clear, tangible benefit—like an upgrade in materials or added features. The discount might be applied only to be offset elsewhere in the quote, resulting in no actual savings.
What might constitute a genuine Black Friday for windows and doors offer?
Despite the prevalence of what this website considers to be bad deals throughout, what could be a good deal on Black Friday for windows and doors?
Free upgrade from double to triple glazing
If on Black Friday for windows and doors a reputable company offers to upgrade your existing quote from double to triple glazing at no extra cost, this is a substantial and genuine benefit. Triple glazing provides better insulation and energy efficiency, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
A general upgrade to enhanced glass
An offer to upgrade from standard annealed glass to toughened or laminated safety glass throughout your home enhances security and noise reduction. This meaningful improvement adds real value to your purchase.
Free hardware upgrades.
Premium window and door systems like Origin, Reynaers, and Schüco offer various hardware options, some of which come at an additional cost. A free upgrade to higher-end handles or fittings—such as satin stainless steel or anti-bacterial finishes—is a genuine offer that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
Free survey
Every installation requires a professional survey, which is a crucial part of the installation process. The survey ensures precise measurements and identifies potential issues. Waiving the typical survey fee, which can range from £500 to £750 plus VAT, is a significant saving.
Free integral blinds with bifold doors
Free integral blinds with bifold doors or windows Integral blinds are a desirable feature that fit between the panes of glass, offering privacy without external fittings. Including these at no extra cost with your bifold doors or windows represents real value.
Colour upgrades
Special finishes, metallic colours, or dual-colour options usually come at a premium due to the additional manufacturing processes involved. An offer to upgrade your windows and doors to a non-standard colour without extra charges is a genuine deal.
Be sceptical of monetary discounts. Significant price reductions will be built in and as explained are hard to do in an industry dealing with 99% made-to-order products. There’s little room for substantial discounts, therefore this offer probably means the discount has been added on before taking off again.
Genuine upgrades and enhancements such as glazing upgrades, premium hardware, or special finishes—are more likely to be authentic and beneficial.
Please don’t listen to anyone telling you they have old stock or windows and doors on clearance. Remember that windows and doors are not off-the-shelf items. They’re crafted specifically for your home, making large-scale or overly incentivised discounting impractical.
Black Friday for windows and doors 7 expert tips and advice
Here’s what to look for on Black Friday for windows and doors. Whilst there might be some genuine offers, these are scarce and very hard to prove without knowing what the price of the product was before Black Friday. The best advice is to treat such offers as not that great, and negotiate your own discount or upgrade.
- Windows and doors are not off the shelf products. They come from a complex supply chain and are made to order.
- Don’t believe all you read and hear. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!
- A permanent offer on their website or advertising. There are many door and window websites with seemingly permanent offers. Therefore, it’s unlikely a Black Friday deal will be a deal.
- Assess the company’s market position: Professional, reputable window companies focusing on bespoke and premium products avoid gimmicky sales tactics and don’t offer Black Friday deals on windows and doors. Those companies that mass-produce or focus mainly on PVCu window replacements and ongoing offers are in a less quality part of the market.
- Compare offers year-round: In many cases, the deals available on Black Friday for windows and doors are no better than the standard prices offered at other times of the year. Don’t feel pressured to make a hasty decision based on time-limited offers.
- Verify previous quotes: If you received a quote for windows and doors before Black Friday, see if the company offers better terms during Black Friday. This will help you determine the authenticity of their discount.
- Seek independent advice: Contact us for expert help and advice. Knowledge is your best tool in making an informed decision
Let the Door and Window Experts do the hard work for you
In my 37 years in the industry, I’ve learned that transparency and quality are paramount. While the allure of a great deal is hard to resist, it’s essential to approach Black Friday for windows and doors with a critical eye and a lot of scepticism. You’ll find real value in genuine upgrades and clear, tangible benefits—not in flashy discounts that seem too good to be true.
Are you looking for the right windows and doors from the proper suppliers? Finding the best windows and doors for your project depends on several factors. We can connect you with all types of suppliers and installers around the UK to help you get the best possible windows and doors for your home. Contact us today for free expert, impartial and independent advice.
