The long winding story of a dining set
Posted by ming on April 7th, 2010This whole story starts three months back at the end of last year. After Christmas is usually a great time to buy things since most stores have clearance sales. For once we didn’t have any plans to go anywhere. Our bid for the condo has been accepted so there isn’t much we can do as far as hunting for a home goes. Time to start looking at furniture to get some idea for the new place.
Our trip took us to a kitchenware store that also sells furniture, which shall remain nameless. (let’s just say it sounds like Great and Harold). I’ve always wanted a large table, while Michelle’s only requirement is that the table do not have any seams (ie, one large table top, no leafs). This narrows down our choices considerably.
After walking around the store, we found a discounted floor display of the table we’ve always liked. There is always a larger version of the same table on display, but that one is way too big. This is the first time we have seen the smaller version and the size would work for us. The floor sample looks to be in decent shape. The sales lady said that the table was used in their window display so no one really have access to it. The discount was only okay, not in the “we must grab it now” range. We just let the idea sit in the back of our minds. If someone grabs it before we leave the store, so be it.
After wandering around the store some more, we found three floor sample chairs for the table. Each was discounted 20%, not a huge amount. But considering it is discount x 3, the total discount begins to add up.
The sales lady was eager to close the sale. Our only concern is that we have no idea when we will get our place. There is absolutely nowhere to put it in our apt. It turns out the store has a storage policy where you can buy something and they can store it for your for 3 months free of charge. Now that sealed the deal. We just bought a table and three chairs! Yes, three chairs.
Over the next few weeks we looked around for a floor sample for the bench. With no luck, we added a bench at clearance price to our order and waited for our condo to close.
About a month later, the sales lady called me to ask if I can set a delivery date, so they can move the table and chairs to their central warehouse. By then I knew we’ll close around Jan 12. I am guessing the home upgrades will take about a month, so I went ahead and booked a delivery date for Feb 22.
As we were handed the keys a week late and constructions began, it doesn’t look like we’ll make the delivery. It looks like we’ll be late a week. I called and pushed the delivery back to March 6. “No problem” she said.
On March 4, I get a frantic call from the saleslady. “We can’t find the table”. “I am sure it is somewhere, we have never lost anything before. It is probably at our main warehouse in Northern California. But we don’t be able to verify until Monday. So unless you want just your chair and bench, we have to move the delivery back”.
Okkkkaaayy. How do you lose a table that is almost 7 ft long?
On Monday I get another frantic call. “The warehouse is actually closed on Monday, I’ll update you tomorrow.”
On Tuesday the call came. “We can’t find your table. We’ll replace it with a new table. BUT”
I think to myself “But? BUT?! what now?”
“But the table is back-ordered, we won’t be able to get any stock until March 25. How about we book a delivery date for the rest of the things and then just add the table once we have it in stock.”
What else can I say? “Book the delivery for the 27th then.”
Luckily this store’s website is pretty decent and lets you check on stock situation online. On the 24th I noticed the table is in stock again. I called and have them add the table to my order. Done.
On March 25, I get a call confirming my delivery time and date. Two hours later I get another frantic call. “Bad news from the warehouse. When they went to move your chair, the warehouse people broke one. It is way beyond repair. We’ll have to order you a new one, but it won’t get in Apr 1. What do you want to do about the delivery?”
I decided to get the table, 2 chairs and bench on 27th as planned and just go pick up the chair myself.
By this time Michelle is fed up with the whole thing and wants to call the whole thing off. I had to calm her down. I like the table and I certainly don’t want to go hunting for a new table again.
On the 27th, the table, chair and bench actually showed up, ON TIME. No drama there, which I am almost surprised.
On Apr 3rd, was able pick up the last chair with no drama.
By waiting for almost a month, my table and one chair got “upgraded” to a new one. I am still deciding if it is all worth it.
Yes, we only have three chairs. Guests will have to play musical chairs. Only the strong will survive.
