Empire Carpet a ripoff, non english speaking installers, house theives, pigs, non professional company Norcross Georgia
This is a long story but it tells in most detail of the experience I had with Empire Carpet so please do not stop reading. It may be long winded but I am very upset.
Let me tell you about my experience with Empire Carpet. They were happy and eager to set up an appointment to give them an opportunity to provide me with a free estimate. (Somehow there is a catch in there).
Okay, I made the appointment. The sales representative came to my house. I helped him bring in the few samples that he had for what my wife wanted installed. He first measured the rooms that would be carpeted and asked a few questions.
Once he completed his measuring we sat down and I explained my situation to him. I just moved to Atlanta for a new job, I just purchased the house and my wife and kids were still up in Ohio until our other house sells so I would get her on the phone to make sure I was purchasing the carpet she wanted.
We came to somewhat of an agreement on what carpet we wanted so the representative calculated the estimate. Once he told me what it would cost and what they would do for the money I reminded him of the situation and I phoned my wife and we agreed it was too much.
I told him to give me a few days to discuss this with my wife and we would make a decision. He said that was no problem and that he would make time in a couple days to see what we decided. He than asked me to sign for the original carpet we picked and that we can pick another carpet at a later date. (My bad)
I spoke to my wife and we agreed on a different carpet type and were told that new tack strips and the upgraded padding would come with the carpet including disposal and end molding would be provided because I would eventually be installing ceramic tile in the kitchen, 3 bathrooms and the laundry room. The total was $4,800.
I then explained to him once again my situation that I did not want it installed next day and that it would be weeks later because I needed to paint every room in the house because of it condition prior to carpet being installed. So we shot for the end of the month.
I got most of my painting done and I was contacted by Empire Carpet 2 days before the installation date to confirm. I ask the person on the phone if they had received the changes so the wrong carpet would not be installed. She said no.
I contacted the representative and he said he told them about the changes and not to worry, this also included the price of the different carpet. I also told him that I could not be there for the installation but to call before they were finished and I would be there before they left. He told me that they are insured and just leave the key under the matt. (My bad again).
So then came installation day. I was given a time when they would be there and it happened to be the Friday before Labor Day and my boss just happened to let me go home early that day. Empire Carpet or the installers never called me. So I surprised them.
I was coming down my street and just happened to be following a pick-up truck that had carpeting on it. It was heading for my house. First thought was that they were just arriving when they were supposed to be there about three hours prior.
So the truck pulled in my driveway and one person got out. I than noticed others were already in the house. I walked up the driveway and entered my wide open air conditioned house. I walked in and I wasn't even greeted or asked who I was because none of them spoke English.
This should have been one of the easiest jobs because I have no furniture in the house except for one twin bed upstairs and all of my clothes in the laundry room. Tools, paint, laptop computer, printer and other possesions in the kitchen. Laundry room and kitchen I felt were safe because they had no reason to enter these rooms.
So my first trip was to my first floor bathroom where I installed a new toilet the night before because some of my family has a problem with using other people's toilets. (TMI)When I walked in the bathroom the toilet seat was down and they had urinated all over the seat as if they were hosing it down with no attempt to clean it up. (Gross)
I then proceeded to the kitchen to find a (free) sample from Gillette a razor and shaving cream that I received a few days ago in the mail and the night before it was sealed in the package. I found it on the kitchen counter, I had it on the table under a bunch of tools and misc. I found that they had opened it up and possibly used it and than used white tape to seal it up which was obvious.
Now I'm getting upset. I than looked at the table where all of my tools and personal items were and the pile seemed much lower. Than I looked under the table where I store my laptop and printer along with a cheap stereo with speakers, light fixtures etc. I found my laptop on the top of the pile and it was opened. I made sure the laptop was still in there and the printer because those were expensive items.
Okay I am walking around once again and I tried to ask them some questions about the carpet and they did not understand me. (getting frustrated) I than walked outside to look around and found my sceen from the second story window in the bushes along with an empty video case that the previous owners left on the window sill was now sitting in the back yard.
Now I am really upset and I got on the phone and made the call to Empire Carpet. I started to explain what was going on and told the representative that I was not about to have these 5 guys stop in the middle of the job because I needed it completed before my wife and kids showed up from Ohio and my in-laws from Florida. This was the first time they would see the new house.
They finished the job after my family had showed up and one of the installers came up to me and gave me the bill to sign meanwhile my mother-in-law told one of the installers to tuck some carpeting under one of the baseboards because she notice they missed it.
Now the bill was $1,000 more than quoted and I again told the installer that it was wrong and looked at me like a deer in headlights. I called my representative and I told him I would sign the paperwork and I stated on there I was only signing for $4,800.
The installers left and the first thing I noticed is that the sealed razor and shaving cream have now left my house with one of the installers. I than started to search to see what else was missing. I bought a laser lever weeks ago for installing ceramic tile that was on the table in a sealed package, that was missing. My son went to use the TV and the remote did not work and found that they had the b** (excuse my French) to take the batteries too. I found many areas where the carpet was installed properly, poor seams, cut short etc.
The house has two fireplaces and on each marble base one was cracked and the other was broken and it looks like they tried to piece it together so I wouldn't find out.
I than called Empire back and told them about everything and they said a manager would contact me in 1-3 days and she gave me three case numbers, one for improper installation, one for theft and one for damage. Day 5 came and I called them back because they never called me in the 1-3 day window and their response at this time was that I would have to file a police report for the damage and theft. At that point I knew that these guys may get fired and possibly prosecuted if I filed the police report but that means I pay for what they did and believe me there is more that I have not mentioned.
So what am I to do? I may file the police report and take the chance of the installers coming back for revenge after they serve their sentence or pay their fine. Are they really going to lose their job or is Empire going to keep them on because they are cheap labor and possibly don't have the right to work in this country. I am tempted to get a lawyer and go after Empire Carpet and call the finance company and refuse to pay.
The lawsuit looks like the option right now unless someone out there has a better option for me.
I have read some of the other complaints and rebuttals and some of the people that have responded to other peoples issues must have been lucky people other are in my boat. I have also notice that people from Empire have responded to some of these complaints and if they plan on responding to mine it better be the right solution because I will only give Empire one time to make this right or I will proceed with legal representation and go for it all. Maybe class action? Hmmm! What will hurt them more?
Little do they know this is the first place I am telling my story, next it will be other websites and fortunately I have a network of people nationwide and worldwide that I will certainly voice my opinion too. Internet and word of mouth can really hurt a company.
That is my story and I claim it to be true.
Bob
Lawrenceville, Georgia
U.S.A.
10 Updates & Rebuttals
Julie
Acworth,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Cheap labor
#11Consumer Comment
Mon, April 27, 2009
I think all Empire Today cares about is having cheap labor. I recently had carpet installed and none of the workers spoke English, except for the crew manager. After they completed the work, I found that I was missing quite alot of valuables. One of which was my grandmothers wedding band that she left to me after she died.
The instalation manager, Steve, all but told me that they hired a day laborer from the side of the street to install my carpet b/c the crew was a man short. I think that Empire should be responsible for anyone they have coming into someones house.
Bob
Lawrenceville,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Carpet reinstalled
#11Author of original report
Tue, October 31, 2006
Ok, on October 21st (Saturday) different installers came to my house to replace the carpet. The first person I spoke to spoke english. He asked what needed to be done so I explained.
He than left 4 guys at my site and once again they spoke no english. I was a little upset. But keeping a good eye on them they appeared to keep busy and were somewhat professional.
The job was completed and it was much better. The carpet matched and the seams look alot better. There are some areas I question now but I think I'd better leave well enough alone.
I am satisfied with the installation and feel they did step up and fixed their errors.
My next step will be to see if they will settle on the broken marble on bothe fireplaces. The theft issue did not amount to more than $50 so I will not pursue that issue.
When I get time to contact them about the marble damage I will update my story. So if they take care of the marble I will tell people that Empire made some mistakes but they stepped up and corrected the issues.
Bob
Lawrenceville,Georgia,
U.S.A.
In progress
#11Author of original report
Mon, October 02, 2006
Well so far things seem to be getting better. Rick the installation manager came over to my house on 9/30. I started to show him the seams and miscuts on the first floor and he said he will get one of his best crews out to take care of the issues. We went up to the second floor and I showed him some of the same issues with seams and he told me that even if they fixed the seams upstairs you will still notice them. He told me that it was an easy decision, replace all of the carpet because it appears there is a color difference.
So we decided to set the date for a reinstall for October 21 and he again commented that he would have his best installers come out to do this job.
If they come through and get the job done right I will take back the bad things I said about the installation and I will tell everyone that Empire does stand behind their work.
After reinstallation I will update.
Bob
Lawrenceville,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Response to Angela and update of case
#11Author of original report
Sat, September 23, 2006
Angela, I am glad you had a positive experience although I am not sure that you are a consumer of Empire Carpet. The only reason I suspect that is that you are Angela from two places Snellville Georgia and Houston Texas which is it? Unless you had it installed in Texas and you now reside in Georgia. If it was installed in Texas than complaints are in specific areas and the upper management should cure the problems by getting professional crews everywhere.
As per my last update I was told I would be contacted from another representative that would come to my house. Again time has expired and no phone call to set up the appointment.As days go on I am believing the other comments out there by other consumers but I guess Empire Carpet is not afraid of the legal system or bad publicity.
In addition I also looked at the bundle of carpet that was left over and no where on the carpet is a brand name or numbers which leads me to believe that it is cheap generic carpet. Another strike for Empire. I was told by the installation manager that contacted me after my complaints that Empire does not make thier own carpet but buy from the big three in carpet like Shaw, Mohawk and some other brand. Looking at the samples they had manufacturer markings on thier samples.
So as I build my case I can add misrepresentation to the list.
Angela if your story is true I apologize for jumping the gun but it just seems too good to be true.
Bob
Lawrenceville,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Response to Angela and update of case
#11Author of original report
Sat, September 23, 2006
Angela, I am glad you had a positive experience although I am not sure that you are a consumer of Empire Carpet. The only reason I suspect that is that you are Angela from two places Snellville Georgia and Houston Texas which is it? Unless you had it installed in Texas and you now reside in Georgia. If it was installed in Texas than complaints are in specific areas and the upper management should cure the problems by getting professional crews everywhere.
As per my last update I was told I would be contacted from another representative that would come to my house. Again time has expired and no phone call to set up the appointment.As days go on I am believing the other comments out there by other consumers but I guess Empire Carpet is not afraid of the legal system or bad publicity.
In addition I also looked at the bundle of carpet that was left over and no where on the carpet is a brand name or numbers which leads me to believe that it is cheap generic carpet. Another strike for Empire. I was told by the installation manager that contacted me after my complaints that Empire does not make thier own carpet but buy from the big three in carpet like Shaw, Mohawk and some other brand. Looking at the samples they had manufacturer markings on thier samples.
So as I build my case I can add misrepresentation to the list.
Angela if your story is true I apologize for jumping the gun but it just seems too good to be true.
Bob
Lawrenceville,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Response to Angela and update of case
#11Author of original report
Sat, September 23, 2006
Angela, I am glad you had a positive experience although I am not sure that you are a consumer of Empire Carpet. The only reason I suspect that is that you are Angela from two places Snellville Georgia and Houston Texas which is it? Unless you had it installed in Texas and you now reside in Georgia. If it was installed in Texas than complaints are in specific areas and the upper management should cure the problems by getting professional crews everywhere.
As per my last update I was told I would be contacted from another representative that would come to my house. Again time has expired and no phone call to set up the appointment.As days go on I am believing the other comments out there by other consumers but I guess Empire Carpet is not afraid of the legal system or bad publicity.
In addition I also looked at the bundle of carpet that was left over and no where on the carpet is a brand name or numbers which leads me to believe that it is cheap generic carpet. Another strike for Empire. I was told by the installation manager that contacted me after my complaints that Empire does not make thier own carpet but buy from the big three in carpet like Shaw, Mohawk and some other brand. Looking at the samples they had manufacturer markings on thier samples.
So as I build my case I can add misrepresentation to the list.
Angela if your story is true I apologize for jumping the gun but it just seems too good to be true.
Bob
Lawrenceville,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Response to Angela and update of case
#11Author of original report
Sat, September 23, 2006
Angela, I am glad you had a positive experience although I am not sure that you are a consumer of Empire Carpet. The only reason I suspect that is that you are Angela from two places Snellville Georgia and Houston Texas which is it? Unless you had it installed in Texas and you now reside in Georgia. If it was installed in Texas than complaints are in specific areas and the upper management should cure the problems by getting professional crews everywhere.
As per my last update I was told I would be contacted from another representative that would come to my house. Again time has expired and no phone call to set up the appointment.As days go on I am believing the other comments out there by other consumers but I guess Empire Carpet is not afraid of the legal system or bad publicity.
In addition I also looked at the bundle of carpet that was left over and no where on the carpet is a brand name or numbers which leads me to believe that it is cheap generic carpet. Another strike for Empire. I was told by the installation manager that contacted me after my complaints that Empire does not make thier own carpet but buy from the big three in carpet like Shaw, Mohawk and some other brand. Looking at the samples they had manufacturer markings on thier samples.
So as I build my case I can add misrepresentation to the list.
Angela if your story is true I apologize for jumping the gun but it just seems too good to be true.
Angela
Houston,Texas,
U.S.A.
Positive Experience with Empire Carpet
#11Consumer Comment
Sat, September 23, 2006
Bob,
It is unfortunate that your experience with Empire has not been a positive one. However, I am compelled to comment that I called Empire Carpet and the very next day the representative "Steve" came out to my residence. He brought excellent carpet samples, completed all measurements and provided excellent financing options. The carpet was indeed installed the "NEXT DAY" as advertised. The three installers were very professional and they cleaned each area thoroughly after installation. The carpet (Berber) installed was exactly the carpet that I chose during the initial consultation. The installers even moved our furniture with care and no damage was noted.
Steve, the Empire Representative, visited on installation day to ensure the progress was meeting my expectations. My home is now absolutely beautiful and I certainly appreciate the convenience, expediency and product quality afforded by Empire Carpet. I would certainly call them again for carpet and would recommend Empire Carpet to anyone.
Angela
Snellville, GA
Bob
Lawrenceville,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Contacted by an Empire Representative
#11Author of original report
Wed, September 20, 2006
I was finally contacted by an Empire Carpet Representative. He will be sending someone over to the house to access the job and schedule someone to come and fix it. He will also be talking to me about the damage and theft. They still require me to fill out a police report on the theft. I made sure I told him that I want this all resolved the first time.
If it is resolved than I take back most of the bad things I said about Empire Carpet. If not I will for sure take legal action, spread my experience around the internet and tell everyone I come in contact with around the U.S.
By the way I was contacted by a survey company about my experience and I told them that I preferred not to answer at this time because my issues have not been resolved and I would probably give them the lowest rating possible. I told them to call me back at a later date.
I will update this as thing progress.
Bob
Lawrenceville,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Improperly installed
#11Author of original report
Thu, September 14, 2006
My error. In one sentence I put properly installed. It should be improperly installed. Sorry!