INTERIORS BY CONSIGN

This is not the first unpleasant experience with this company which is certainly not customer-friendly. I took an elderly friend in and purchased a table and two chairs, after we explained that she was moving into senior housing but not for another six weeks, and being assurred that was not a problem. We were told we could simply pay part that day and they would gladly hold the items until she moved and paid the remainder. No mention was ever made of "lay away" or any fee for holding the table and chairs, though there was discussion that there would be a fee if they delivered the furniture, of course. A credit card was used to make the first payment. When we called later to pay the balance due with the same credit card, we were told there would be a $10 charge for paying by phone, saying that the credit card companies require that! I often make payments by phone using a credit card, and have never had any other business charge such a feee. They had also added $15 for "lay away" without any mention of such a charge. We called and e-mailed on 9/6 explaining the problem, and asking for some consideration. We were told the owner would call the purchaser the following day. She did not. Five days later we called again. After yet another call the owner insisted that the "lay-away" fee is shown on the invoice so a customer does not have to be told about it any other way, and flatly refused to take the credit card payment by phone without an additional fee, causing an unnecessary trip all the way across town for an elderly lady already stressed with having to leave her home and move, and already treated poorly on a previous visit to this store. I have made numerous purchases from this business and recommended them to several potential customers, but never again. It would take so little to offer a little customer service and earn loyal customers.