lws@hou2d.UUCP (lwsamocha) (02/26/86)
Distribution:usa Keywords: Bargains! * Here is an update on my previous postings on purchasing furniture from dealer/jobber outlets located in High Point, North Carolina. Our furniture arrived, about 42 days from the day we ordered. We decided upon bedroom furniture manufactured by American Drew. We had looked at the set at a local store and had obtained piece numbers and prices. Most local stores don't mind you writing these items down. They figure you are comparison shopping and will even give you a better price. However, prices obtained from High Point averaged 33 to 40% below various local store SALE prices. It's a good idea to have at least one alternative selection. Most furniture is cut every 90 days or so, so if the manufacture does not have the pieces you desire in stock at the time, you will have to wait for the next cutting- unless you don't mind the wait. The outfit I chose to do business with was chosen not so much for price, because prices are competitive, but they gave me local references, they used their own trucks for delivery, and were able to provide information on the availability of specific pieces and the ETA. Besides, the guy I dealt with was a real southern gentleman! They went out of their way to provide assurance about any fears or apprehensions about "telephone ordering". They represent about all major manufactures of furniture, lamps, accessories, rugs, and what-not. This includes juvenile and baby furniture. If anyone wants to do business with them, I'll act as a reference. We had not intended to buy all we did, but for the dollar savings by purchasing in High Point, we upgraded and added pieces. For the same dollars, we bought more quality and quantity. We received a call a week ago giving us the day of delivery and that the delivery men would call with a specific time. Since my hours don't allow me to be there for delivery, I left it up to my spouse to handle inspections and acceptance. We were still skeptical about doing business this way. Spouse got called early in the morning to expect the truck at 2PM or so. At 2PM the truck arrived and the men checked out the logistics necessary to negotiate stairways and right turns, and found that the bannister caused a tight fit, so they removed and replaced it afterward. The items were unpacked in our driveway so my spouse could inspect for any shipping damage. If there was damage, the men explained, we would not be charged. They would take the pieces and arrange replacement without any further delivery charges as soon as possible. Everything checked out and was carried upstairs and maneuvered around the staircase and into the room. The furniture was assembled (hardware and mirrors and such), the bed was put together, and everything wiped down, cleaned and dusted by the delivery men. They helped vacuumed up the floor, also. We have to dispose of the packing boxes, but the men put them out front. Now, what stores provide THAT kind of service anymore? The delivery truck was packed with about five delivery stops in the northeastern area- including two local furniture DEALERS. The driver said that they get to this region about every other week or so. This outlet delivers up and down the east coast from New England- NY state area to Miss-Fla. They provide their own truck service to the midwest as far as western KY, but after that it is usually private carriers so shipping charges are somewhat more. The shipping charges for a 17 piece bedroom set including set-up were $155! Of course, no NJ sales tax was paid with our personal check, but I will have to declare the 6% on next years tax return- gee, hope I remember! ;-) Overall, We a very pleased. If anyone desires more info- use email or call. LWS hou2d!lws 201-949-9121 *