Before choosing a suitable retailer, one should first clarify their configuration requirements and budget, as these factors will determine the type of retailer suitable for selection.
Configuration Requirements
Window Opening Method: Cities in the south or low-rise buildings in the north may choose casement windows; otherwise, hinged windows are recommended.
Integrated Window and Mosquito Net or Individual Window + External Mosquito Net: For hinged windows, individual windows with external mosquito nets are recommended for better cost-effectiveness. For casement windows, integrated window and mosquito nets are recommended as external mosquito nets may be less aesthetically pleasing.
Profile Width: The narrower, the cheaper. Higher configuration glass or integrated window and mosquito nets require wider profiles.
Glass Configuration:
- For the north, it is recommended to have triple-pane insulating glass, and for those with high requirements for sound insulation and thermal insulation, upgrade to quadruple-pane with a laminated layer. For the south, the standard is double-pane insulating glass, upgrade to triple-pane with a laminated layer for sound insulation requirements, and for even higher requirements, choose quadruple-pane with double lamination and a cavity.
- Essential housing should use cold edge spacers. Improved housing should consider warm edge spacers and 4SG with argon gas.
- Single silver Low-E is sufficient for the north, while double silver Low-E can be considered for the south.
Hardware Configuration: Whether electric windows are needed.
Mosquito Net Material: Choose stainless steel mesh for protective needs, or high transmittance mesh if no protection is required.
Types of Retailers
When selecting a retailer, one can classify and choose based on their characteristics and personal needs. Note: The following price references are for the Chinese market in 2024.
Category One: Street shops, community stores
Characteristics: Low cost, cheap prices (500~800 RMB/square meter), may have non-transparent pricing and high profit margins.
Suitable for: Those with low configuration requirements, limited budget, and who need professional knowledge to negotiate prices.
Category Two: Local small factory stores in building materials markets, shopping malls
Characteristics: Moderate prices (800~1000 RMB/square meter), guaranteed quality of raw materials, but pay attention to the craftsmanship of spacers, Low-E, sealing, etc., and they may not have TPSS insulating glass. The professionalism and service level of the store staff are average, with a higher probability of issues.
Suitable for: Customers who have certain requirements for raw materials but are on a limited budget.
Category Three: National brand stores
Characteristics: Higher prices (above 1200 RMB/square meter), good quality control, but the service quality of franchise stores varies.
Suitable for: Customers who have higher requirements for brand and quality.