Everyone makes mistakes. But mis-ordering windows is a mistake that can be costly.
As we outline in detail in this article, windows are generally made to order. For this reason, manufacturers don’t typically accept returns on windows.
That applies even to us dealers; just ask us about the time we accidentally ordered a whole houseful of 30+ windows…twice. Ouch.
Luckily, we’re here to teach you from our mistakes. While you may not be able to return your windows, it is reselling windows online is usually possible. These are the top tips we have for reselling windows online.
Note that what follows is general advice based on our experiences only. This is not legal advice, and we make no guarantees that this advice will be applicable or helpful to you.
1. Use Facebook Marketplace
We have tried reselling windows online through a variety of platforms: Craigslist, local construction groups, etc. In our experience, the most hassle free and reliable way to sell windows online is through the Facebook Marketplace. Pic of listing.
This will allow you to specify details about the window you’re selling. Here’s our suggestion for a template to use:
Template for Posting Window for Sale Online
- Manufacturer, Series (if applicable), window type, material
- Unit Size
- Operation notes, if any
- Glazing (glass) information
- Exterior and Interior Color
- Condition
- Local Pick Up Only
- Warranty information (if warranty is still in effect)
Sample Ad Description for Posting a Window for Sale Online
- Andersen 100 Series Gliding Window Fibrex – Non-Rot Fiberglass Composite window
- Unit Size 47 ½” X 29 ½”
- OPERATES LEFT Panels glides to the right (viewed from exterior) Right Panel is Stationary
- Double Pane Low E
- White Interior – Black Exterior
- Brand New Never Installed – Just unboxed for Pictures
- Originally $450 each $250
- Local Pick-up Cary, NC only
- Warranty still in effect
2. Take Great Pictures
We recommend taking pictures showing both interior and exterior sides of the window (especially if they are different colors). If the window is new and still has stickers/tags on it, detailed pictures of these are good to include as well.
Finally, if your window has an etching in the glass to indicate the manufacturer, we recommend taking a close-up photo of this as well.
3. Expect Scammers
It’s not a question of if you will be contacted by scammers when you try to resell windows online; it’s a question of when.
Facebook maintains information about common scam tactics, and this can be a helpful resource to check to confirm that you’re doing communicating with someone who legitimately wants to buy your window.
The most common scam we’ve seen is people offering to wire transfer money in exchange for us shipping windows.
Consider that the cost of shipping a window is quite high, and would cancel out any savings the buyer might gain from buying a second-hand window.
This is your first clue that the person is not a genuine potential buyer.
This is also why we recommend you limit your sale to local pick up only.
4. Anticipate the Top 3 Questions People Will Ask if You’re Reselling Windows Online
These have been the Top 3 questions that potential buyers ask us:
- What else do you have for sale? Oftentimes people looking to DIY home projects are hopeful to collect lots of materials at once. This is not necessarily a sign of a scammer.
- What size are the windows, what color are they, which way do they open? We know that if you’ve followed our template, you’ve already provided all of this information. But it never fails that potential buyers will want to double check certain details.
- Will You Deliver? Again, even if you’ve specified local pick up, it’s common for folks to ask if you’ll deliver. This is obviously up to you, just keep in mind that windows can be very difficult to load and transport. Be sure that the window/s is/are well protected, and don’t be shy about asking for an additional delivery fee. We know firsthand that moving windows is tough business!
5. Know That Bigger or More Custom Windows Can be Harder to Sell
There are usually plenty of folks looking for white-white double hung windows 2 ft x 4ft.
But if you’re trying to unload a bronze exterior 4 ft X 5ft picture window? You may have a wait a bit to find someone who’s interested.
This doesn’t mean your window won’t ever sell. It just may mean that you’ll need to renew your listing periodically until you find someone who is looking for this exact window.
In listings like these, it can help to add a few adjectives. So, instead of just listing the unit size, include a word like “Big”, “Large”, or “Oversize”. This may help people find your window when they are searching marketplace.
Likewise, include both the shape name (“Trapezoid”) and a descriptor such as “Unique shape” if you have a window that’s not a rectangle or square shape.
Write both a general color description (“black”) and the manufacturer’s color name “Cocoa Bean” instead of simply describing the window as black.
6. Store Windows Properly While Waiting for a Sale
Keep windows out of the elements while waiting for them to sell.
While installed windows are certainly weatherproof, windows with exposed sides will be damaged if left in the elements. Keep them safe indoors or in a watertight garage or shed.
7. When it’s Time to Sell Your Windows, Think Safety
Again, Facebook shares some tips related to safety when meeting someone from Facebook Marketplace.
Unless you have agreed to deliver windows, it’s likely that the person buying your window/s will be coming to your home. If possible, have multiple people at home and meet where a security doorbell can record the meeting.
8. How to Set A Price When You’re Reselling Windows Online
As a general rule, we recommend listing a window you’re reselling online for 70% of the value of a window.
You should be ready to negotiate, and willing to accept as low as 50% of the value of the window.
9. Seek Legal Advice if Relevant
Unfortunately, we often share this advice with homeowners whose construction projects have not gone to plan.
This may be because of a dispute with the contractor who was hired to install windows.
If you have any ongoing legal claims that involve the windows in question, seek legal advice to confirm that it is OK for you to sell the windows prior to the dispute being resolved.
Summary
Of course, the best advice we have for not having to resell windows online is to make sure that your window order is correct in the first place. When it’s time to replace your home’s windows, you want to work with professionals who can help you avoid costly mistakes.
At Window Works Co., we’ve helped thousands of homeowners find the windows they’ve loved.
We’d be happy to help you, too!
Use the calendar below to set up a free, no-obligation Window and Door Consultation Call. We can’t wait to learn about your project!
