Buyer Beware
There are some shady marketing techniques out there. For your protection, please be aware of these advertising practices and what they really mean for you and your home:
Whole house install for less than $100???
Really!! Do you really think that’s going to happen?
Don’t be fooled, there is no free lunch in the flooring industry! A store advertises that they will install your carpet for one low price, ex: $79 or $99. Let’s be logical here! Do you really think that a trained and talented carpet installer would work for free? The store will up charge you on the cost of the pad and carpet to cover the cost of installation. Some of there special pads may exceed $8.00 per yard. You must also read the fine print for all the extra charges that are not included. Items like individual pieces of tack strip that are normally included. They may also advertise whole house carpet, pad, and install for $999.00. You get to the store and the product advertised is something you would not put in your dog’s house. They will attempt to switch you to a higher priced carpet and install.
Did you really get what you went into their store for?
The Private Label Ploy
If you wanted to buy a car you go after the brand name like Chevy, Ford, etc., and the model you want. What if the car dealers removed the labels and the manufactures produced cars that appeared the same? You would not be able to distinguish what you are buying. Welcome to the carpet world! This makes it very difficult to comparison shop apples to apples. Thus when a store guaranties the lowest price by 5 or 10 percent you can’t find the same product somewhere else. This makes it really tough to deal with. We recommend buying brand name mills.
Fiber Knowledge
Please do your homework! We have a lot of information and videos on types of fibers and how they perform. If you walk into a carpet store and the sales person does not explain the differences, please RUN! You get what you pay for!! Please see Carpet Construction 101 tab on web site and dictionary of terms for more information.
Quality Discrepancies
Many carpet samples have 2 to 3 grades on each carpet sample board. Make sure you know which style you are selecting and the same style name is reflected on your invoice. It should also be on the wrapper from the mill when it arrives for install.
Internet Purchases
Today more than ever you can find a product on the internet at the cheapest price. With flooring take caution! The problems that can arise from this type of carpet purchase are many. Who is going to install your flooring and are they a talented installer? Who is going to help you if you incur a defect in the carpet? Will they have someone locally to inspect for manufacturer defects or installation issues? Who will be responsible for returning the carpet to the transport company for return to the mill wrapped properly for shipment? Will the original installer pick up the new carpet at no additional expense?
How much support or service will you receive after they have your money? This is a costly investment for your home. Choose a dealer that can give you the service locally you need especially if a problem does happen.