In May of this year I called Empire after seeing their ads on TV for years. I was ready to have new carpet installed and I thought it was great that they would come out to my home & bring samples. I am partially handicapped and cannot walk well so this was an added bonus.
The salesman came to my home (45 minutes late I might add) he only brought 1 set of samples and none of them were really to my liking. He was rather impatient and short with me after taking some very quick measurements and nearly harassing me to choose from his meager offerings, I made a decision.
He quickly wrote up a contract that had no measurement info on it and told me it would cost $4,000. I was stunned... Let me give you an idea of the area I was trying to carpet, there were 2 room 10 x 13 & 10 x 15,13 stairs and a 3 x 13 hallway! I went ahead, signed the papers, and paid the $25 refundable deposit with the promise that I could cancel at anytime.
I called some friends to get their advice, several of them really had no idea they did think the price was rather high for such a small area but had never purchased carpet. One of my friends told me in no uncertain terms to cancel the contract immediatly! He told me to call another carpet store. I did so, described the area that I was trying to carpet, explained that I did not have exact measurements; the store manager quoted me a price of $1700 over the phone but could not be exact until he had exact measurements.
I called Empire to cancel my order when asked why I was canceling, the phone rep offered to cut my price in 1/2. $2000??? Why did they charge me $4000 to begin with? Because they prey on unsuspecting trusting unknowing customers. I told the rep that I would think it over and call back. I called the manager at the other store, explained my problems to the store manager and he personally came out and took the measurements. I went to the store to pick out the carpet. Upon my arrival the manager informed me that he had calculated the exact figures. I was quoted a price of $1536.27!!! This included installation, premium padding & removal of my old carpet (empire wanted to charge me $25 to dispose of my old carpet)
I promptly called Empire back and cancelled my order again the rep asked me why I told him I found a much better price, he offered to match it, I declined. I asked to speak to a manager; I told the manager that even if they beat the price of the other store I would never do business with a company that is so blatantly dishonest. The manager offered me discounts on everything from hardwood to laminate, siding & window treatments. I kindly thanked him for is time... THANKS BUT NO THANKS!!! I do not do business with RIP OFF artists.
0 comments