Mike
Phoenix,#2Author of original report
Sat, January 10, 2004
As the original writer of this complaint I was surprised at seeing a response nearly 4 years after the original problem. I would like to address Doug in Scottsdale, who apparently thinks he did in fact "Write the Book" on Tile. It is easy to be an armchair quarterback and second guess something that you have never seen, but the fact of the matter is, I was right in pursuing my complaint and Arizona Tile did in fact replace all of the tile due to a huge variation in dye lot and defects that were burned into the surface during firing. T heir tile does come with a sticker that says "slight" variations are possible and since you said you have never seen that before, I would be happy to mail you a label for you to look at. The tile job has been complete for a couple of years now and was done at the original cost quoted meaning that the tile layer recognized that he also failed to notice the dye and defect problem. I still wouldn't buy from Arizona Tile and recommend that the consumer watch everything about the installation. It's sad that the trade industry needs to be babysat like this but it's a fact of life when new construction and remodeling is booming. It's slap it down and go on to the next job mentality
ANTHONY
DES MOINES,#3Consumer Suggestion
Fri, January 09, 2004
I am a flooring profesional in iowa. In the past I have seen similar misunderstandings. In order to minimize these things I have developed and used specific consumer check sheets where I have specific conversation on specific areas where facts and accuracy are important. especialy where dye lots etc are concerned. I find the public lacking in knowledge on such things and in need of a good amount of time in educating. Having them read and sign stresses the importance. Further it sounds to me like the "defects" might have been an occasional part of the petina of the tile. This changes appearance and adds to the mood or feel of the product. Also I wonder if the installer was working out of 3 or more boxes at one time to even out the shading differential. I dont see a failure in service here, but a lack of understanding. I spend alot of time with my customers and am very detailed. I dont think you can give them too much information on the potential purchase.
Doug
Scottsdale,#4Consumer Comment
Mon, December 23, 2002
I am a certified tile consultant and I've "wrote the book" on ceramic tile shade variation, meaning that I developed the international guidelines for "intentional" shade variation. I was dissapointed to read this "Rip-Off Report" regarding Arizona Tile and felt that the consumer has not been completely forthcoming in their comments. Allow me to elaborate on the consumers comments. First, the consumer started off by stating that they were well aware that there are two different types of variation: 1. Die lot to die lot ("shade" variation) 2. Shade variation within the tile (piece to piece variation) Second, the customer stated that there WAS a shade variation information label on the tile. The consumer said that it indicated "slight variations is inherent...". I personally have never heard of any distributor using the word "slight" and I would love to see this label. The label that I have from Arizona Tile clearly states that "samples represent the average run of tile only and are not guaranteed to match the current shipment". Furthermore, Arizona Tile has additional labels that they put on specific tiles that make statements such as: "Piece to piece shading is inherent in this tile" and if there is a cause for concern "View multiple pieces.." Third. When the tile was being set, the consumer states that "the trim tile was different than the field tile and the field tile was different than the sample". It seems to me that this is exactly what the label stated, this is precisely what Arizona Tile was attempting to communicate, and this is what the consumer previously stated that they understood about shade variation i.e. that die lots WILL differ and there will be shading WITHIN a run of tile. Fourth. Securing samples from "Three different locations" is meaningless. Typically, tile from within a distributors system is a "hub and spoke" method, meaning that tile comes into a single source and is distributed to the branches. To collect tile from multiple branches makes no sense whatsoever, especially when the samples labelled "samples match the average run only and are not guaranteed to match the current shipment" right on the each tile. Fifth. Arizona Tile is a distributor, not a manufacturer. In regards to the "picker" not matching the trim to the tile, that is an impossibility. The trim is a different "die-lot" and is subject to the same characteristics as is outlined on the label. All trim WILL vary in color because it isn't manufactured at the same time or on the same production lines. Arizona Tile, as a distributor, does not have control over this process, but makes every attempt to communicate this shade variation characteristic to the customer. Sixth. As far as "defects" are concerned, you must be able to see the "defect" from three feet above the floor and in about six seconds per square foot. If they are truly visible defects, then the installer has the onus of responsibility to sort through the tiles and NOT install them. First quality tile is up to 5% visible defects. If there really is 10%-15% defects, then I would recommmend taking the defects back to Arizona tile for replacement. Finally, to attempt to hold Arizona Tile responsible for $600 labor on a $700 purchase sounds unreasonable. THe consumer admitted that they understood shade variation, they were not completely honest about the statements on the shade variation label, and they are asking an for an unreasonable settlement. Based on the information given by the consumer, it seems that at the most, Arizona Tile would be responsible to replace only the defective tiles and can not be held liable for labor.