Sunday, July 22, 2007

Raymore And Flanigan vs Ashley Furniture

While choosing a furniture store to upgrade my apartment, I have decided to check the customer reviews on two companies I had previously selected: Ashley Furniture HomeStores and Raymore & Flanigan. Raymour and Flanigan is the actual name of the store. However, many people confuse Raymore vs Raymour.

Ashley Furniture and Raymour & Flanigan are promoted as an American top furniture companies which are customer-oriented full-service stores delivering the highest quality. And then I was extremely impressed by a huge number of negative reviews. Summarizing all the troubles, which have ever happened to the customers of Ashley Furniture and Raymore and Flanigan, I have pointed out the main ones.

Poor delivery service. According to the customers’ furious comments, in most cases the companies never deliver furniture items on time. It can be three or six day delay or some items of your furniture might never be delivered: there were some cases, when the pieces of furniture were missing and not replaced in a half a year term, after which, surely, nobody wanted them. But that is half the trouble. Furniture can be delivered damaged and unfixable, and the company would not like to work the things out. The verdict: loosely organized and operated delivery system.

No honor to the warranty. Sure, selling their furniture, they persuade you that if some trouble comes around they will be with you to break it down. But after this trouble arrives, they disregard those promises as hard as they can – never answer who is going to take care of you problem, whose attention will be brought to it and they just keep shuttling you from one manager to another. They are stalling for time while you are being stressed out over it. Some managers just promise you the refund or replacement to calm you down for a while and you can wait for ever. In the Ashley Furniture the salesperson can even ask you to sign the contract, which binds you to repay 30% restocking fee if the furniture is returned. The verdict: unfair business practice.

Unsatisfactory client service. In most cases, salespersons are rather pushy and attack you instantaneously you enter the store. The companies are known for ripping off their customers selling unremarkable furniture at rather high price. The way customers are treated is usually far from forthcoming, especially when you are calling to reach the person who would solve the problems with your furniture they have provided. Representatives of the companies say they are “franchised and have little control of what each store does”. Is that an answer of a company which does everything for the customer to be happy? The verdict: management is incompetent and inept.

Resuming all written above, I should better go to some other retailers. What about you?

6 comments:

MoneyProf said...

I am sure you are well-meaning with your use of the internet in this fashion. Of course, the accuracy of making an "analysis" based on complaints posted on the internet speaks for itself. Rarely do people bother to make a case ANYWHERE when they have a good experience with a company. That is for one good reason: good service is expected. So, whether you're talking about personal thank-you notes, internet postings or word of mouth, people are not prone to praising that which is expected. The other element you are missing is accurate description about the two companies in question. Neither of the companies is a "franchise." Raymours is privately owned with many stores in its chain in the northeast part of the U.S. Ashley HomeStores are individually owned and operated by individual retailers who own licenses to operate HomeStores all over the U.S. So, you cannot speak of a generic "HomeStore" when that animal simply does not exist. You would have to give the city and location for the Ashley HomeStore to which you refer. Both of these companies, I'm sure, enjoy wonderful reputations in the areas where they operate and contribute to the local economy and charitable causes in their communities (I know they do in mine!) Most of their customers' experiences, I'm sure, are positive or they would not have remained in business all these many years--and HomeStore licenses are generally not going to be given to retailers with bad reputations, we can assume, when the Ashley brand is so coveted these days. Your "verdict" indicts your lack of accurate information, and that is understandable, given your sources. If you are interested in purchasing furniture and would like more information about where you should shop...I would suggest talking to folks you know and trust who have had experiences with their particular furniture stores from whom they purchased. That is really your best source of information--not the internet where folks are at liberty to anonymously rant (justifiably or not) when the accused retailer cannot respond to the accusations. Peace to you.

MoneyProf said...

I am sure you are well-meaning with your use of the internet in this fashion. Of course, the accuracy of making an "analysis" based on complaints posted on the internet speaks for itself. Rarely do people bother to make a case ANYWHERE when they have a good experience with a company. That is for one good reason: good service is expected. So, whether you're talking about personal thank-you notes, internet postings or word of mouth, people are not prone to praising that which is expected. The other element you are missing is accurate description about the two companies in question. Neither of the companies is a "franchise." Raymours is privately owned with many stores in its chain in the northeast part of the U.S. Ashley HomeStores are individually owned and operated by individuals who own licenses to operate HomeStores all over the U.S. So, you cannot speak of a generic "HomeStore" when that animal simply does not exist. You would have to give the city and location for the Ashley HomeStore to which you refer. Both of these companies, I'm sure, enjoy wonderful reputations in the areas where they operate and contribute to the local economy and charitable causes in their communities (I know they do in mine!) Most of their customers' experiences, I'm sure, are positive or they would not have remained in business all these many years--and HomeStore licenses are generally not going to be given to retailers with bad reputations, we can assume, when the Ashley brand is so coveted these days. Your "verdict" indicts your lack of accurate information, and that is understandable, given your sources. If you are interested in purchasing furniture and would like more information about where you should shop...I would suggest talking to folks you know and trust who have had experiences with their particular furniture stores from whom they purchased. That is really your best source of information--not the internet where folks are at liberty to anonymously rant (justifiably or not) when the accused retailer cannot respond to the accusations. Peace to you.

Fly Eagles said...

I agree with moneyprof on several points, especially the one concerning complaints vs. satisfaction. All posts on the web draw complaints like a magnet. Any car ever manufactured seems to have complaints logged against them. I can say however, that I'm in the process of buying furniture for an addition that is almoste completed and I've been checking with the Better Business Bureau for reputable stores to visit. Raymour and Flanigan received an "unsatisfactory" rating for complaints. Even though they had no complaints in the past 12 months. All of their complaints were for 36 months prior to that. I also just spoke with a colleague that has bought 2 sofas and a dining room set from them and had absolutely no issues. With R and F having so many stores, and 17 complaints logged against them, it doesn't seem to me like a concern, as long as I stay on top of anything being signed. As always, read the fine print before signing.

SnowAviation said...

The sheer number of complaints should sound a warning horn for anyone contemplating a purchase from any Ashley franchisee. Do your research, protect yourself, and keep a wary eye on Ashley Furniture. A simple Google Search for Ashley Complaints will give 71,600 results.

Anonymous said...

I find your blog very interesting. Furniture is a very important part of your home. And it is important to find not rather expensive, quality and nice items. It seems that Ashley Furniture is one of the most popular among the customers. Form a very informative site http://www.pissedconsumer.com I learned about all the advantages and disadvantages of the products and services of the company. There you can also find customer reviews on the inventory of the company.

Anonymous said...

Hello. I find your blog very interesting. I love decorating houses and I do know a lot about modern trends and furniture. I think that it is a great idea to discuss furniture fashion and quality trends. I would like to say a few words about Ashley Furniture. I think it is great. The price corresponds to the quality. From www.pissedconsumer.com I learned that some customers are disappointed with the company. Browse the site to learn about disadvantages of Ashley Furniture.