Complaint Review: A And B Flooring -- Carpet Zone - Houston Texas

I was considering replacing all my kitchen countertops with granite. A saleslady (Alma) with A and B Flooring, asked to come to our house to do a preliminary measure of our counter tops so they would know approximately how much slab to use. She told us to come by asap to see the samples of granite. We picked a pattern and was given a price which included installation.

A week or so later, a couple credit cards came in the mail. I called to find out how they ordered these cards because we did not give verbal or written authorization. Mohammed (the owner) said that was just procedure. I told him then that he was never to place any charges on those cards until we authorized it at time of installation, which would be 2/3 months. He said he can work it anyway to make it easier for me.

However, he bugged me constantly to have a template drawn by the installer. I said no because I did not want the granite cut before I was ready. I did not have the extra money during this time for another contractor. He relunctantly agreed--I thought. He also said that he could give me that slab pattern for $2/3 less. Both of them insisted again I allow the installer to come by the house--it would only take a few minutes. I know Alma understood, but Mohammed refused to acknowledge my pleas.

I also tried to make it clear to Mohammed, several times that I was not going to accept a one-price-covers-all-contract. I wanted it detailed, to include how many square feet with $ value; detail all that is covered under the umbrella-term of the included installation, i.e. tearouts, replacement base, adhesive, sealer, grout, etc, with the $ value; plus the financing spelled out with total contract + 7.99% fixed interest for a 48 or 60 month term. I tried to make him listen to this at least 4 times, but he was too busy trying to talk over me, change the subject, ignoring my conditions. He is a loud-mouth high-pressure salesman. He changed the price of the bid 3 times, with 3 different totals; however, the last price was approximately $500 higher. I asked him why it was higher if he gave me the $2/3 price reduction. He hemmed and hawed then said "it was the installation." I said what are you trying to say? You said earlier the installation was covered under the tile price. He went off on a tangent not related.

I had asked him earlier about extending the payment terms to 60 months. He was perturbed with my demands. He asked me for the credit cards and my signature on 2 copies of the most current bid--saying he needed it to show I was interested in the sale which may encourage the credit card company to give me 60 months. One was in my name, the other was in my son's name. I brought it to his attention and he said go ahead and sign it and to not worry about it, it is only inhouse procedure (not his exact words).

The next day I was looking for the credit cards. Mohammed must still have them. He denied to my son he had them I looked at the last bid he gave me, and he had attached 2 adding machine tapes that showed he had charged a portion of the last bid on both cards with the total shown on the last bid. I called the credit card company and told them what happened and asked if he really charged. The customer service clerk said yes. I was devastated. Why would he do something like that. He had acknowledged earlier he had no problem waiting a couple months. He didn't even have the courtesy to tell me what he was going to charge our accounts. He never said will you sign the approvals. He went behind my back.

I told my son to go back over and tell Mohammed, he wanted him to reverse the charges on both our accounts. Mohammed told him I signed the authorizations and that was all he needed. My son asked him does he ever feel any remorse when he takes advantage of a 72 year old ill woman, or did it give him pleasure to wear them down to fulfill his gread. I stupidly did sign two papers but did not know he was going to take advantage and push the sale through without providing me with a real contract that contained my requested detail. I trusted him that he was going to try to increase the payment terms. He told my son that he could reverses share, but he would add it all on my account. Also, if I wanted to cancel completely, I will have to pay a 24% restocking fee. I was so angry. He never gave me a proper contract and I have not received any merchandise or service. This man is a cold, calculating con man, a dishonest business man. He had no reason to do all this behind our back.

Vector

Houston, Texas

U.S.A.