Smart Metal Building Buyer’s Checklist

The bare-bones building scam is a deceptive sales tactic where metal building companies advertise an attractively low price for a basic structure, but the quoted price excludes essential components like doors, windows, insulation, gutters, and framed openings. Customers are told these “accessories” can be added later at a discounted rate through a project coordinator. However, when the coordinator contacts them after the deposit is paid, the accessory prices are often inflated—sometimes exceeding the cost of the building itself. This bait-and-switch tactic traps buyers who have already committed with non-refundable deposits.

Companies use this strategy because once a customer has paid a non-refundable deposit, they have limited leverage to negotiate or walk away. The customer is essentially locked in and faces losing their deposit if they refuse the inflated accessory prices. These companies know that most buyers lack the expertise and industry connections to source critical components independently. They exploit this position of power by charging 2-3 times the fair market value for essential items that should have been included in the original quote.

Your initial contract should include ALL components needed for a functional building: the steel structure, framed openings for all doors and windows, actual doors (both walk doors and overhead doors), windows, insulation with specified R-values, gutters and downspouts, closures (base and eave), trim packages, and any other accessories you’ll need. The contract should also clearly state building specifications including gauge of steel, wind and snow load ratings, and coating warranties. Never sign a contract that defers “accessories” to a later purchase order—this is a major red flag for the bait-and-switch scam.

To avoid overpaying, always get a complete, itemized quote that includes all components before signing anything. Compare multiple quotes on an apples-to-apples basis—ensuring each quote includes the same specifications and accessories. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, especially if they’re significantly lower than competitors. Ask specifically what is NOT included in the quoted price. Request transparency about markup and profit margins. Consider working with companies that offer cost-plus pricing models where you can see the actual wholesale cost. Finally, never pay a deposit until you have a complete contract with all accessories listed.

Major red flags include: pressure to sign immediately or lose a “special deal,” claims about canceled orders from other customers, quotes that exclude standard components like doors and windows, promises that accessories will be “cheaper later,” non-refundable deposits required before seeing complete specifications, reluctance to provide itemized quotes, vague terms like “project coordinator will contact you,” significant price differences between the initial quote and final cost, and contracts that don’t clearly specify all components and their costs. If a salesperson discourages you from getting competing quotes or rushes you through the paperwork, these are serious warning signs of predatory sales tactics.