HERE WE GO AGAIN!
You’re watching the news and an all too familiar story grabs your attention. It’s about a customer who purchased furniture, made a large deposit, and 16 weeks later still has not received the furniture. Even though the retailer promised a refund, the customer has not received it yet. In desperation, as a last resort, the customer reached out to the local TV station for help.
Fortunately, the Investigative Reporter is very good at her job and eventually tracks down the elusive Retail Owner, who promises a check will be mailed the following day. Pressured by all the negative publicity his company has received, the owner keeps his promise, and a few days later the consumer does not have enough words of gratitude for the reporter’s help in getting the money returned.
MOST PEOPLE WOULD SAY THIS IS A HAPPY ENDING. IS IT FAIR THOUGH?
Absolutely not! You see, even though the customer got the money back, it was “de-valued.” In other words, even though the payment for the furniture was returned, the customer was not paid for the time wasted (waiting in vain) or the stress endured during the ordeal. During the long wait period, the price for the furniture may also have increased as well. Consequently, there is a possibility the consumer might be unable to afford the same furniture with the money received. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the customer’s money had also been returned with interest? Don’t hold your breath though: This is not going to happen any time soon, if ever.
ORDER FURNITURE AND YOU WILL EXPERIENCE DELIVERY PROBLEMS.
Do not think the above story is an isolated one by any stretch of the imagination. The problem is much more common than reported. According to reports published by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), deliveries of household goods have continuously remained on the top-ten complaint list for many years. Most of you will not know a potential delivery problem even exists until after you have already invested your time and money purchasing the furniture. Wouldn’t you prefer discussing any delivery issues before making a commitment to ordering the merchandise? This is easier said than done as:
MOST SALES ASSOCIATES ARE CLUELESS ABOUT DELIVERY SERVICES.
If you don’t believe this statement here is a very simple experiment you can do: Call random retailers and pretend you are shopping for household goods (furniture, fitness machines, recreational equipment etc.). Show some interest in the product and then ask each sales associate one simple question: “Have you ever done deliveries as a profession?” Don’t be surprised by their answers as most have not, and do not know the relevant questions to ask you, or provide suggestions regarding the delivery of your merchandise. They might also provide erroneous information as well. Yes, that’s the truth: sales associates are excellent salespeople with little or no knowledge of delivery services.
PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN RESOLUTION.
It’s always better to avoid breaking things than repairing them as there are so many negative aspects involved in the repair process. For example, a broken leg will include pain, immobilization, rehabilitation and loss of time. Similarly, avoiding delivery problems is better than trying to resolve them as you are going to waste valuable time and money contacting your retailer to resolve these issues after they manifest themselves. The best thing you can do to avoid delivery problems is obtain relevant information or education regarding delivery services.
WHEN DO YOU NEED THIS DELIVERY INFORMATION?
Obtaining furniture is usually done in three stages:
1. Shopping
2. Ordering
3. Delivery
Even though it is usually the last step in the series of activities surrounding your merchandise, delivery actually begins from the time you begin to shop for furniture. Unfortunately, most people think delivery begins after they have completed the shopping and ordering process. How you shop might determine if you have a successful delivery or not. The information you provide while ordering the product might also affect the quality of service you receive. This means you should have information about your delivery options before you even begin the shopping process.
HOW DO YOU OBTAIN THE INFORMATION?
Most of the information you’ll find will teach you about moving, buying good quality furniture, scaling furniture for spaces and measuring furniture. However, the information you really need is dedicated education for the prevention of home delivery problems. This is because there are many more factors involved in delivering merchandise than you may even realize. For example, do you know how to avoid waiting in vain all day for a delivery truck? That information (along with other related material) is not readily available.
Fortunately, a new book, The Home Furniture Delivery Guide has been written to teach you how to prevent home delivery problems. In it you will find simple ideas which anyone can learn to implement quickly and easily.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. As usual, I hope this information was helpful. For further information you may also visit us at: www.homedeliveryadvisors.com
Related articles
- Money Saving Tips for Furnishing Your New Home (epicahome.com)
Home Delivery Advisors 