Backyard Creations

First I went in looking for BBQ equipment and an island and met Arnie. During our conversation, Arnie would excused himself to take some calls. The calls seemed to be contentious, quite apparently there was a problem about something with either a customer or supplier. After he returned, the phone would ring and he would not answer. As we continued our conversation, at one point he asked me if I was recording our conversation. I said no, was a bit puzzled, but didn't give it any thought. A few minutes later, after a little chit-chat, he asked to see my smart phone. I thought he was interested in looking at the phone. Instead, he punched a few buttons and handed it back to me. I realize now that he was checking to see for certain that he wasn't being recorded. He gave his pitch. I didn't order from him, as I wanted to check a few things. Later, I went in specifically to order a Milano 130 Pro, which is a lighted 13' offset umbrella. I should have had a clue there could be a problem, because as we entered, I noticed someone had vandalized furniture and accessories. Another thing I noticed was that nobody else was in this store. This store has a lot of nice merchandise. It should be a real going concern. Another store directly across the street, selling fewer, but the same items (not the item I bought), is often bustling with customers. But, Backyard Creations is not. Why? I really should have given that more thought. Arnie had a 13' offset umbrella on the floor, but wouldn't sell it to me. He insisted I order one. He said the one on the floor was 11.5' (it wasn't... clearly it was much larger). I told him the company that made the umbrella was just up the road in Irvine. He claimed that ordering from him was the same as ordering from the company. (Later I discovered he wasn't an authorized dealer.) Then, when it looked like I still might call the company in Irvine, he claimed all their umbrellas came from China. As I filled out the contract, he stood looking over my shoulder. He seemed surprised and somewhat alarmed that I was going to add the specific item's name and number. As I started to add the specific item number of the umbrella, Arnie said, "No, it no longer is the 130, it's the 115." I asked him, "Are you sure? It's the exact same thing?" He said, "yes, only the number has changed." Later I found out it wasn't the same. It was 11.5', not 13'. How dishonest is that? And no, it wasn't a misunderstanding, given my memory and confusion problems. I had been very clear what I wanted to order and have witnesses. (I learned one thing... when ordering, write on the contract the item number and exact description of the thing you want. If the salesman says it changed, add a note saying the salesman said the number changed and have him initial or sign at the end of the note.) He said he would come in a few weeks, no more than six. Time passed. No umbrella. The lady fielding the phones was nice and apologetic, but time dragged on. Finally, Arnie said an umbrella came in, but it wasn't what I had ordered. (Thank goodness, as it turned out.) The one that came in, according to Arnie's description, was cheap and small compared to what I had wanted and negotiated for, nor was it even what was ordered. They didn't ship it, because I said I didn't want it, as it wasn't what I wanted or ordered. I asked for a refund. No calls back to me to confirm they got my refund request. More calls. No response. Luckily I had charged the item. I called the credit card company and filed a dispute, because I wasn't sure how to handle the situation. He had charged my card, but I got nothing. Did he refund as a reputable company would do? No. But, the credit card company reassured me and gave me a credit. There are more negative comments I could make about this company, but why beat a dead horse? I would never recommend this business to anyone. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER!!!