Complaint Review: Uniway - Ashley Furniture - Rock Hill South Carolina

Ok, this is how things went down: 1. I was contacted by an unsolicited phone call from some telemarketter on behalf of Uniway. They told me I was a "finalist" in some give away contest. I would recieve an "key" in the mail I could use to "unlock" a prize of some large amount of money (either 10K or 25K). I didn't realize that the odds were 1:25000 at the time because that was never disclosed. 2. I got the key in the mail and called the number about trying out the key. Ok, so I called the folks on the card to setup the appointment. They did not have a live person to answer the phone -- instead I was given the "choice" of various times and days to come in -- I left a message explaining that Saturday around 10am worked best for me. 3. I got a phone call from Uniway confirming my appointment and sold me on the idea of comming in on Friday night -- so that is what I did. 4. Ok, I get there, and everyone was nice and friendly. They only requested that I allow them 45 minutes to show me around the place and give the pitch. I was already there so I allowed them to proceed. 5. About 30 minutes into it, they give me the news about the membership fee. YIKES! I've seen some folks say $1800 + 75/year --- my membership fee was SEVERAL hundred more and almost $100 per month -- and I had to commit to this that night. I could not wak out the door, think about it for a day, then come back and signup. They gave me some pitch about agreements with vendors -- but I know this is BS. My father is an MBA in Marketting and he told me this is a very common marketting/sales technique and the "contract agreement" is bogus. What got me was the "immediate" nature of it all is what really sends up the red flags. At least at an autodealer -- I can refuse the deal and accept it tomorrow if the vehical is still there. The other thing is the showcase is mostly high end furnature items which do have high markups -- but I'm not an Ethan Allen kind of guy -- I would never spend THAT kind of money on furnature. They had a few other smaller items that faired well also in their comparison. I'm also currently renting and *might* buy/build in the next year or so -- but I'm not sure. Also, they are in the Southeast so if I move outside of the southeast, I have to pay double shipping (from vendor to them, them to me). I could pay the membership fee over time, but the finance company they use charges 24% APR (which is very high in my opinion). If you do something like that, at least pay with money you have. Also, I asked about all the "non-finalists" in the competition. Basically, they admitted that the "folks that didn't return/accept our calls" are the non-finalists. The prizes -- great stuff -- free prizes you have to pay hefty shipping and handling charges on. Where is the FREE in that? And the Vacation -- you pay travel, meals, and nearly everything except some dirt cheap hotel room. Did someone actually win the TV? I'd sure like to know the person that actually gets the money! Anyways, they are great sales persons (from a technical, not ethical, standpoint). I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. I'm going to terminate the contract tomorrow. There are the MAIN problems I have: I cannot think about it -- I MUST signup during the tour/sales pitch; deceptive/false advertising was used to lure me into the showroom (I would have strongly considered going if they were honest about their services), and the freaking crazy membership fee. I would have gladly paid $900 to even $1200 one time membership fee but not over double that. The $99 yearly fee isn't too bad. ClarkHoward's website warns of discount buying clubs and suggests a reasonable fee of $900 to $1500 to sign up. I have decided that I really cannot afford it anyways since I just moved to Charlotte to start a new job and I still have a lot of credit card debt from being jobless for 3 months -- not exactly a smart move right now. Buying clubs like these can help save folks money -- especially if they are about to build a new house or doing a lot of remodeling. I cannot justify the expense right now and I know for a fact there are SEVERAL discount buying companies out there for when I need them -- Uniway isn't the only one doing this. It is also worth noting that each Uniway is independently owned and operated and they license the franchise rights from the headquarters in Forest Park, GA (Atlanta). With that, each Uniway is free to operate as they so desire. BTW, the 3 business days they give you to back out of the contract is a legal requirement most states have (Georgia and South Carolina included) and not some grace given to you by them. For backing out of contracts, I recommend certified mail in addition to written in-person notice (and return of membership pack).

I said in my very first post that I was stupid for allowing myself to get sucked in. The point of this is to warn OTHER people not to get sucked into this. I got duped. Anyway, Aaron's carries MUCH better furniture than Ashley furniture. As for RAC, as an ex employee, I wouldnt recommend them to anyone.

My experiences have taught me to do my own homework and having done so I am confident readers can reproduce the following findings about merchandise mark-ups. Furniture has an extremely high retail mark-up. Not only did I work on a regular basis with manufacturers and distributors on a wholesale level, I'm also acquainted with two former furniture store owners of two different market areas. Often a $300 item ordered, shipped and displayed on a retail floor will have a 2.5 multiplier. In some cases a 3x markup. What this means to you is a $300 item may be listed as a $900.00 product on sale for $699.95 during President's Day. For example, the queen sleeper and dual reclining loveseat in my house is from a known manufacturer. I spent $700.00 at Uniway after a 10% handling fee and freight charges of $150.00. This same Catnapper set was on sale for $2200 in my area. A modest $1500 savings and no high-interest retail financing worked well for my young family. The author of theis report writes that the cost of a membership is around $1800. Purchasing our sofa set, a futon set and then a King-size mattress set, exceedded my ROI almost entirely after my first purchases. Paying the membership in full or a big down payment will give you the most bang for your buck. As for other typically mark-ups: Jewelry is at least a 3x markup: (I purchased wedding bands and engagement ring, watches and other jewelry for my wife at a significant savings:) Appliances are hit or miss. Best to shop around. Most savings are with the very high end appliances. Electronics are same as above. But, it's best to at least see if you can utilize your membership - try again. Automobiles: hit or miss but I remember about a dozen members that saved anywhere from 1500 to 3000 on mid to high-end vehicles. For those of us going to buy high-cost merchandise in the near future, the buying plan can really work well for you and your family. If you are just looking for a cheap price on cheap department store items and mainly interested in electronics for your car or home, then reevaluate your decision to fit with your current situation. A select few are well-qualified for the program and it is our human nature to imagine ourselves as well-qualified for any oppportunity we encounter. Thus, do your best to make decisions based on your Current Situation, Current Income and Current Lifestyle. If you already have a membership, try to use it each time you might buy a mid-large ticket item. Call your member store and have them do the pricing work for you, and then make an educated buying decision.

Hey Bill, Did you get a contract? Did you read it? It says you have 3 DAYS to cancel your membership. You can fax, Hand deliver or send it by certitfied mail. So what happened?? You only hurt yourself. Uniway didnt. And does this Aarons place sale top quality name brands? I'snt that the little place in Lancster. I went there and I can tell you. YOU ARE WRONGE!!!! The same Living room group was $400.00 cheaper at Unwiay. And as far as Rent A Center. I have done that also. That great place tried to sale me A $500.00 TV For $1500.00. Why? Because the retail world can and will make a profit off of you.

Today, I got a phone call from these people, and as of yet, they still havent reported me to Equifax. The genius...and I use this term loosely...that I spoke with told me that I had to write a written request to opt out of the contract. No one told me this. If they had, I would have hand delivered it to them. I asked them what I had in my place that belonged to them, and if I ever used the service, and he replied that it didnt matter. All they wanted was my money. I think I'll write a letter to the editor, call Action 9, Clark Howard, Neal Boortz, etc. use every resource at my disposal to warn people not to get sucked in by this scam. I'd question the morality of any of these salespeople. As for an alternative, there is Aaron's Sales and Lease...They will beat anyone's price, or give you $100.