Mistake #1: Choosing a company based on low price alone.
Low price could be a problem in three ways:
1) Low price may be the bait that attracts your initial phone call, but when you arrive at the store, you find the sunroof is a "leader" – meaning it’s not the sunroof most people would want. Then you’re pressured into paying much more.
2) The price you were quoted may not include installation.
3) Low price can mean that the company will install an inferior quality sunroof. The problem is that you often won’t see the potential problems right away – problems like poor quality seals, hinges, hardware and frames.
Mistake #2: Choosing a company based on a single telephone call.
Instead, pay a visit to its store with your vehicle and ask them to recommend a sunroof for you. Most reputable shops will have several models to choose from, starting with smaller but good quality economical sunroofs, to larger and more deluxe models. Have them show you several models and even lay a few on the roof of your car so you can get a feel what each one will look like. Have them explain to you what the differences are. Then you’ll know exactly what’s right for you – and won’t be the victim of high-pressure tactics when you arrive for your installation.
Mistake #3: Choosing a company whose installers have little or no experience.
If your installer isn’t a close friend, you probably won’t know whether or not he/she has the experience to do a proper, good-looking installation giving you years of trouble free performance. If you want to be sure you’re hiring a competent professional, look for a shop where sunroofs are not a sideline. A shop that installs a large number of sunroofs (500 or more per year) will usually employ very experienced installers.
Mistake #4: Choosing a company that doesn’t include a written lifetime leak proof warranty, as well as a written lifetime warranty on the parts.
In our view, every company should be accountable for it’s work. Not all companies offer a warranty, or if they do, it’s often not in writing. Or, if they do, it may be confused with a "limited warranty" – something like: "we’ll pay for the parts for this amount of time," which means you’ll probably wind up getting stuck having to pay when something goes wrong. Ask the company you are considering working with if a written lifetime warranty is included. Ask to see a copy of it. Study it carefully, find out what’s covered, what’s not and for how long and then decide if it’s right for you.
Mistake #5: Choosing a company without getting comments or references from its past clients.
Any company can say anything it wants about it’s past jobs. Sadly, some of what is said may not be true. Make sure you ask for references or read comments from past and current customers. By doing so, you’ll get a much better feel for the integrity and honesty of the company.
Mistake #6: Choosing a company with little or no experience in the sunroof business or one where it’s done only as a sideline.
The finished result you get is only as good as the person that installs it and the company that backs it up. Some companies have stuck customers with off brand, low quality sunroofs and worthless "lifetime warranties" that aren’t worth the paper their printed on. Unfortunately, it makes us all look bad. There are also plenty of poor installations resulting from inexperienced technicians. Therefore, be sure the company has a reasonable amount of experience.
