Why We're Writing This
We're a glass supplier, and we're about to tell you what to look for when choosing one. Yes, we're biased — but we also believe that if we help you make an informed decision, you'll either choose us because we're genuinely the best fit, or you'll find someone who is. Either way, you win. That's the kind of industry we want to work in.
1. Check Where They Actually Source From
Many glass suppliers are resellers of resellers. They don't have direct relationships with manufacturers — they buy from distributors who buy from manufacturers. Every intermediary adds cost and extends lead times.
What to ask: "Which manufacturers do you buy directly from?" If they can't name specific brands and show you their trade accounts, they're probably adding unnecessary margin.
Our position
We Supply Glass has direct trade accounts with Pyroguard, Schott, AGC, Vetrotech, and leading PDLC film manufacturers. We buy at trade prices and pass those savings on. We're happy to show you our supply chain — transparency is how we operate.
2. Do They Specialise or Generalise?
A company that supplies everything from double glazing to shopfronts to fire rated screens is unlikely to have deep expertise in any of them. Specialist glass products like fire rated glazing and switchable glass require specific technical knowledge — about fire test evidence, maximum panel sizes, compatible frame systems, and regulatory compliance.
What to ask: "How many fire rated / switchable glass projects have you completed in the last 12 months?" Experience with your specific product type matters more than years in business.
3. Will They Help You Specify — or Just Quote?
The cheapest suppliers often provide a price and nothing else. If you've specified the wrong glass type, the wrong fire rating, or panels that exceed the tested dimensions, they'll supply exactly what you asked for — and leave you to deal with building control when it fails.
A good supplier reviews your specification and flags potential issues before you order. This might mean suggesting a different product, pointing out that your panels exceed the tested maximum size, or recommending a different frame system.
What to ask: "If I sent you my drawings, would you review the specification for me?" If they say no, or charge for it, think carefully about whether they'll support you when problems arise on site.
4. Ask About Lead Times — Honestly
Lead times vary enormously depending on the product. Standard fire rated glass might be 2-3 weeks. Specialist products like Fireswiss or custom switchable glass panels can be 6-8 weeks. The worst thing a supplier can do is promise a lead time they can't deliver, because late glass holds up your entire programme.
What to ask: "What's the realistic lead time for this product, and what can delay it?" Honest suppliers will give you a realistic answer, not just tell you what you want to hear.
5. Supply-Only vs Supply-and-Fit
Some suppliers only sell glass. Others only install. The best offer both options, because flexibility matters on construction projects. Sometimes your main contractor has their own glazing team. Sometimes you need a turnkey solution.
What to ask: "Can you supply only, or do you also offer installation?" And if they install: "Do you use your own team or subcontractors?"
Our approach
We offer both supply-only and supply-and-fit. Our installation teams are our own employees, not subcontractors. This means consistent quality and accountability. But if you have your own glaziers, we're equally happy to supply the materials and provide installation guidance.
6. What Happens When Things Go Wrong?
On any construction project, things occasionally don't go to plan. Glass arrives damaged. Site dimensions have changed. Building control wants different documentation. How a supplier handles problems tells you more about them than how they handle easy orders.
What to ask: "Can you give me a reference from a project where something went wrong, and how you resolved it?" Any supplier who claims nothing ever goes wrong is either lying or hasn't done enough projects.
7. The Cheapest Quote Usually Isn't the Cheapest Project
This is the thing most suppliers won't say, because low-price positioning is their only advantage. But here's the reality:
- Cheap glass with wrong specifications = failed building control = delays = re-order = double the cost
- No technical support = your architect/engineer spends more time on specification = higher professional fees
- Late delivery = programme delays = site standing time = contractor claims
- Poor packaging = breakages on delivery = replacement orders = more delays
The true cost of a glass supplier isn't the line item on the quote. It's the total impact on your project programme, compliance, and peace of mind.
Why Customers Choose We Supply Glass
We're not the cheapest on every quote. But here's what we offer that many competitors don't:
- Direct manufacturer sourcing — competitive pricing without unnecessary intermediaries
- Free specification review — we check your spec before you order, not after
- Multiple product ranges — Pyroguard, Schott, AGC, Fireswiss, and PDLC switchable glass. We recommend the best product for the job, not the only one we stock
- Supply-only or supply-and-fit — flexibility to suit your project
- Honest lead times — we'd rather give you a realistic date than a broken promise
- Nationwide coverage — specialist delivery with proper glass transport and handling
- Building control documentation — test certificates, structural calculations, and installation details included
Explore Our Product Range
Switchable Glass → Fire Rated Screens → Fire Rated Doors → Balustrades → Decorative Partitions →Ready to Talk?
Whether you're comparing suppliers or ready to order, we're happy to have an honest conversation about your project.
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