CALICO CORNERS

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A few days after our chairs were collected we were informed that the price would be adjusted upwards from $700 to $924 per chair before work could start. While we had been informed during our purchase that there may be upcharges for repair to the chairs these charges were for the upholstery. When we inquired after the new price we were told that there was a mistake in the original estimate because there was a panel they had not recognized from the photo used. We were informed by one associate that re-upholstery was like and quot;working on a carand quot; and that they could not estimate the cost until they got in there and tore it apart. Further we were informed that the estimate was based on five or six companies and this was the cheapest. We followed up again the next day with our original sales associate told us that they used two or three upholsters and the quote was from the first available. Further we were told that we could cancel our order if we wanted to do so, although we would still have to purchase all 17 square yards of the fabric. We asked if they could find a company to do the job for the original quote understanding from our conversation that we even if they did so we should be prepared to expect yet more unforeseen costs or additional upcharges under their work arrangements. However, in the meantime we researched another company in our area, who from the same photo gave us a quote of $550 per chair all inclusive and also included arm rest pads and skirting both which were considered extra charges to the $924 quote from Calico Corners. We were able to cancel our order for the re-upholstery work, but only after being given a run-around by the sales manager, who claimed that it had to be approved by corporate headquarters, which was contrary to what we had been led to believe from our original agreement and subsequent conversations. We did agree to purchase the pillows, but when we went to pick them up, we were told that there was another mistake and that the cushions were extra, but after having to listen to personal insulting and disparaging remarks by one employee who said that we should not be giving pillows to “that person”, they fulfilled our order. At the end of the job, even with the extra skirting and arm pads and extra panel, we still had at least 5 yards of $35/per yard of fabric left over, which more than offset the 25% discount we received. We were very disappointed at all the “mistakes” and inconsistent explanations of the mistakes. We were especially disappointed in the amount of extra fabric we purchased and highly recommend shopping around before agreeing to any work with Calico Corners.

They are excellent! They have lots of fabric options. Their design services are also free.

Overall, I like Calico Corners and will continue to purchase fabrics from them. However, there was a misunderstanding in the style of roman shade I wanted, that was not resolved to my full satisfaction. Lesson learned, if you have a picture of what you want make sure to give it to them.