Can't work with a company with such outdated and s...

Can't work with a company with such outdated and sexist policies.
(I only gave one star because Google does not allow a rating with no stars.)

I just had my first experience with Power Home Remodeling Group. One of their representatives stopped by our home last night and asked if they could give us an estimate for new windows. He was excellent and I agreed and set up the appointment with them.

Today I received a call from them to confirm my appointment. When I indicated that my husband would not be present, their rep said they would need to cancel. The only way they would come out for the estimate would be if my husband were also present. I explained that I would be the decision maker. Again I was told they would not be able to come out if he was not there.

I called back in to complain to management that I felt this policy was both dated and sexist. I was told that this policy was an efficiency for them to ensure they did not have to come out twice. However in the next breath they said of course they were always happy to come out again to answer questions. They also indicated that the other reason they do it is so that they are protected in the quote they provide - since it is good for a year. They don't want there to be misunderstandings as to what was covered. However, since all the specs are listed in the quote, they are protected. Any change requested later as a result of the spouse not being present at the initial meeting would naturally require a new quote. So that does not hold water.

That only leaves sexism.

My suggestion to the manager at the Confirmation Center was that their script be changed so that they explain their reasoning AND if the person confirming the appointment feels that is not an issue and wants to continue with booking the appointment - they should book the appointment.

The manager also said that my experience was an anomaly and the person handling my call just needed additional training. However, when I called to complain, the person who answered my call asked if this was about the "spouse" requirement. The manager later told me she would have known that based on my phone number that I dialed in on. But I did not call from a phone number they had. Therefore I am not the only person who has complained of this and this is not just a "training" issue.

Interestingly - at no point in my discussion with the manager did he say -- "I'm so sorry. Of course we will meet with you. Our scheduler just did not understand." Instead, he kept trying to justify the policy and explain why it was not sexist.

We have invested a lot in major renovations on our home in the past 2 years including a new roof, siding, skylights, bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel, driveway and stone work, and additional buildout/remodel within our home. I have never had a company refuse to provide an estimate or work with me without my husband present.

I hope this post will encourage this group to rethink their policies. I'll definitely be encouraging my colleagues, neighbors and friends to take this into consideration before scheduling any quotes or work with this company.