City Furniture AGAIN

[pmbinnj]

A short while ago there were many posts about City Furniture and most were negative. This concerned us because as new home buyers, my husband and I were trying to select furniture in a short period of time before returning to our home up north. To speed the process along (and to get much needed guidance) we paid $400 to City Furniture for the services of a "designer". After wasted weeks trying to get assistance from this "professional", a ridiculous "layout" (with nothing more than a rectangle for a table and squares for chairs), a mere scanned copy of pages from the manufacturers furniture catalog, and unreturned emails, I finally called the Lake Sumter store. Apparently the manager could not come to the phone but I was assured that I would get a call back in a couple of minutes -- it never came. The next day I called the store in Spanish Springs at 10 am and was "PROMISED" that I would get a return call in a couple of hours -- after a full day it too never came.
It is outrageous that we can't get anyone to return our phone calls BEFORE we buy an entire house full of furniture so I can just imagine how difficult it is to deal with them after the sale.
One thing I've learned since reading Talk of the Villages is that this is a community of people who speak up -- with good things to say and with warnings when necessary. Your warnings were right on target. Not only will we not buy an entire house full of furniture from City Furniture but I will dispute their $400 charge on our charge card and I will file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau:spoken:. We'll spend our money elsewhere and I hope others do as well. How do they stay in business???

[village dreamer]

because they have so many newbies to suck in.............for now???

[Colts Fan]

Not everyone has a bad experience with them. We very much like the furniture we purchased and will be buying more of the matching pieces in the future. The experience of the OP is indeed service to be complained about. Maybe we have just been lucky. Hope our luck hold out in the future.

[mixsonci]

I have a complete bedroom set on layaway with them for my January move. I am really hoping that I am one of the lucky ones and have a positive outcome with them. But, I am worried because of the many negative reviews.

[pooh]

We have had a couple of purchases from City Furniture and all went smoothly. Bought from each store and the associates were helpful, furniture was delivered promptly.

[dodaneodwyer]

Write a review on YELP. After a negative experience, I did and received a concerned email from City Furniture with a promise to address the issue I had & promised retraining on that issue.

I still won't purchase from City Furniture, as the negative experiences seen to be wide range.

[Vladimir]

Also had a bad experience with them and will never buy there. I even took up the issue with their executive offices who also don't care and the VP of customer care would not return my calls or written complaints. Surprised they are still in business.

[Ithreeputtoo]

I have some friends who also had a very bad experience with City Furniture. They bought a leather reclining sofa for their home. The were told the item was out of stock here but that they would get it in within ten days. 3 months later they still did not have it and cancelled the order. Personally I purchased from Babette's in Leesburg and they were very good and did everything they said they would and delivered our items on time and very professional.

[Biker B]

Try buying from Babbetts Furniture in Leesburg nice selection and good service

[Indydealmaker]

Not everyone has a bad experience with them. We very much like the furniture we purchased and will be buying more of the matching pieces in the future. The experience of the OP is indeed service to be complained about. Maybe we have just been lucky. Hope our luck hold out in the future.

Don't wait too long to buy those pieces. City Furniture is the "Value City Furniture" of Florida. That matching furniture will go away. City Furniture, like most retailers of imported (China/Vietnam) furniture has no control over availability.

[NYGUY]

We have bought from City Furniture and Babbetts. Babbetts is the place to go!!!

[blueeagle65]

Based on all of the negative experiences detailed here and else where, I am shocked they are still in business. Also amazed that there are still customers willing to endure their BS. I guess there really is 'one born every day'.

[gjbl8114]

Write a review on YELP. After a negative experience, I did and received a concerned email from City Furniture with a promise to address the issue I had & promised retraining on that issue.

I still won't purchase from City Furniture, as the negative experiences seen to be wide range.

Good advice, but probably a waste of time. I too have had a really first-time horrible delivery experience with City Furniture. When reported to customer service, it was a "yeah, yeah" response. They seemingly could care less. I was even told by the delivery person that " VILLAGERS want what we have and they pretty much accept anything that happens." (imagine that...) So, my advice is if you're willing to do business with a company with such a poor customer service attitude, then go ahead and take your chances. I personally don't have to put up with wondering whether or not I am going to have a good or bad experience with them again because I will take my business elsewhere. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!! Shop at your own risk...

[Chatbrat]

I really don't understand, why people don't ask where the furniture is made? If you're moving from the northeast, stop in High Point, NC--the furniture capitol of the US. If its shipped out of state no sales tax-take a look @ Furniture Land South--the biggest furniture store in the world--if you want quality-this is the place to go

[Cedwards38]

In my limited experience, I have found that the sales consultants at City Furniture are not nearly as knowledgeable or helpful as the group that used to work for Southern Lifestyles. The previous SL group seems to have left City Furniture, but they were true design consultants with great ideas for assisting with your home, while the City Furniture group, though pleasant, seem far less trained and more focused on making a sale.

[Hankg42]

I have a complete bedroom set on layaway with them for my January move. I am really hoping that I am one of the lucky ones and have a positive outcome with them. But, I am worried because of the many negative reviews.

I am in exactly the same situation. Purchased a bedroom set and a living room wall unit in July, and we're moving in after the new year. I have my fingers crossed. If I recall correctly, I was told I could cancel my purchase and have my down payment refunded. This all makes me wonder if I should try to go that route and look for a different store.

[Bonnevie]

I really don't understand, why people don't ask where the furniture is made? If you're moving from the northeast, stop in High Point, NC--the furniture capitol of the US. If its shipped out of state no sales tax-take a look @ Furniture Land South--the biggest furniture store in the world--if you want quality-this is the place to go

Florida is being more watchful of furniture bought outside the state and shipped to Florida. I bought something that came from NC and Florida sent me a bill for the tax. Seems they review the manifests of the trucks coming into the state. Since we are supposed to voluntarily submit a form and pay sales tax, they sent me a document essentially saying if I paid it I would incur no penalty.

[DaleDivine]

I really don't understand, why people don't ask where the furniture is made? If you're moving from the northeast, stop in High Point, NC--the furniture capitol of the US. If its shipped out of state no sales tax-take a look @ Furniture Land South--the biggest furniture store in the world--if you want quality-this is the place to go

My son and daughter-in-law live in Thomasville, NC. The supposedly furniture capital of the USA. They bought a new bedroom suite in Thomasville and when it was delivered, guess where it came from? He saw on the back of the bed "Made In China". They sent it right back.

[mtdjed]

Apparently , there are a lot of furniture capitols. I always thought it was Hickory, NC.

We had one experience with this company. We ordered an end table and it was the wrong color as we picked it up (to eliminate delivery charge). Returned it and found that right color was on back order but that they were changing suppliers. Their stuff was essentially junk made by the cheapest supplier. Several other problems as I requested refund. Nothing but problems but after much effort got my refund which was more than I paid for it by 25 % because I bought it on a day that they offered a 25% discount. So then the decision, do you go back to these idiots and fight to give them back the 25%?
Not looking for an answer. I made my decision. Forgive me as I have sinned.

[mixsonci]

I am in exactly the same situation. Purchased a bedroom set and a living room wall unit in July, and we're moving in after the new year. I have my fingers crossed. If I recall correctly, I was told I could cancel my purchase and have my down payment refunded. This all makes me wonder if I should try to go that route and look for a different store.

I have been paying monthly on my bedroom set. Originally, I was going to have it delivered and set up using my management company so it would be all set up and ready for when I get there in January. However, I have read here on TOTV that you only have 3 days to find and report any problems after delivery. SO, I have decided to wait until I get there to have it delivered so I can send it back within the 3 days if necessary.

[redwitch]

I have been paying monthly on my bedroom set. Originally, I was going to have it delivered and set up using my management company so it would be all set up and ready for when I get there in January. However, I have read here on TOTV that you only have 3 days to find and report any problems after delivery. SO, I have decided to wait until I get there to have it delivered so I can send it back within the 3 days if necessary.

Talk to your sales rep. They should be able to up the return time to at least seven days -- they did for one of my clients. Just be sure to send a confirming email. That way, you can get it delivered a few days before your arrival and still have time to examine it.

[My Daily Run]

I think it's like that anywhere ... I bought a recliner from Babettes and being a large store with high ceilings it didn't look that big and it was very comfortable. They delivered it and it overwhelmed my room. I immediately asked them to take it back as I paid $1,000 for it. They took it back yet charged me $250.00 because it was considered used and they claim that they had to resell it at a reduced price. I wasn't happy but that's the way it goes...sometimes you hit it right and sometime you don't.

[marshwon1]

We are currently having a disappointing "no response" from City Furniture regarding their delivery of a new dining chair that did not match our seven other new chairs. This replacement was for a chair that "crashed into pieces" and completely fell apart as my husband was sitting on it. This set is less than two months old. After three weeks of no response we went in and spoke with a manager who assured us of a quick follow up. Now it has been two weeks and still no response. And we bought an entire house full of furniture for them as well as the extended warranty. Very sad. Don't buy at City Furniture.

[Blessed2BNTV]

Went to Hudson's in Ocala and had a wonderful experience. Was lucky to walk in and work with the general manager, John. He spent 2 hours with us making sure we got what type of furniture we wanted.

We ordered leather couch and chairs that are made in America.

And found the entertainment unit that we were told by manufacturer that it was discontinued! Another bonus by us shopping at Hudson's.

They are located in Ocala, right off Highway 200.

[pmbinnj]

Well, unfortunately it seems as many others have had a negative experience with City Furniture. After many calls to the 2 local stores (with no replies) I called the headquarters to voice my complaint. I was assured the store manager would call me back - and he did. Here's what he offered -- I could put the money paid for the designer towards a purchase -- no return of my wasted money. As for the designer's suggestions, here are the exact quotes from the expert service I paid for --- "For the Dining Room, add large candle hurricanes with a simple floral design in the middle. Could be simple twigs or a floral made up of mostly greenery"; "Add an 8 x 10 area rug under the table"; "Add an 8 x 10 area Rug to create a furniture grouping in the Living Room" and "Add decorative urns/ finals to the Coffee table with a couple of books (ex. Travel) or Magazines on Home Decorating. Three items are best. And, add a lamp with a couple of containers that are decorative or just a simple greenery to end table." But the best of all is for the counter with stools -- " Add placemats with decorative plates and napkins on the bar in front of the barstools. "
So, folks, if you were thinking of paying for City Furniture designer services I can save you money -- merely buy an area rug, put placements on the counter with plates and napkins, and don't forget greenery or 3 decorating magazines on the coffee table. Anyone want to pay me hundreds of dollars for such sophisticated advice????? If so, maybe I'll even suggest that you place the furniture on the floor with an area rug and you should put the paintings on the walls!!!! This is just unbelievable. Because of the time wasted with the City Furniture nonsense - I will NOT have furniture for the Christmas holidays when my family visits our brand new home. PLEASE DO NOT BE TAKEN FOR FOOLS THE WAY WE WERE.

[Buddelmeyer]

Just one note of concern with City Furniture. We bought the "Palm" table and are very disappointed with it. It is very unstable and can be embarassing when entertaining. If somebody bumps the table while dining - the water/wine glasses will go flying. After a lot of complaining to Customer Service, we were told that is the way the table was designed and there is nothing they can do about it.