A disappointing experience, to say the least.
During the in-home consultation, the salesperson quoted the project at approximately $14,000. When I asked whether the company offered a military discount, I was told they did, and that the additional 5% concession would reduce the price into the upper-$13,000 range.
The following day, however, I received the written proposal. The pricing had changed significantly, showing a retail price of roughly $23,000, discounted through a promotional offer to approximately $16,000. The next day, I received another call from the office informing me they had "found another incentive" that was available for that day only. Then, during yet another follow-up conversation, I was told the original quote had been incorrect altogether and that the actual price was now over $20,000.
From a customer's perspective, this level of pricing inconsistency undermines confidence and creates unnecessary confusion. Whether the result of poor internal communication, inadequate training, or flawed sales processes, customers should never be left wondering which price is accurate.
I own and operate multiple businesses across different industries, and I also consult with sales organizations, from frontline sales professionals to executive leadership... On customer experience, communication, and the psychology of buying decisions. One principle remains constant regardless of industry: exceptional sales organizations do not rely on inconsistent pricing or constantly changing offers to earn business. They build trust through transparency, accuracy, and disciplined processes.
It is understandable that mistakes occur in business. Every company makes them. What separates outstanding organizations from average ones is how they respond. Simply stating that a customer was misquoted and that "there is nothing we can do" is not a customer-first approach. Accountability, ownership, and a genuine effort to make the situation right are the hallmarks of professional organizations.
I sincerely hope this experience was an exception rather than the standard. However, based on my interactions, the company would benefit from strengthening its sales training, improving internal communication, and implementing more disciplined quoting procedures. Those improvements would not only build greater trust with customers but would also elevate the professionalism of the organization as a whole.