[2BNTV]

I went to American Freight back in December and bought a living room, dining room, recliner, and a kitchen set with several lamps for $2400. The salesman Reynolds was a nice young man, who seemed to be very accomodating. "Made in America", was a selling point for me, and originally, I thought I got great value, for what I spent.

I assumed the furniture came assembled. I was never told, it came in a box and would be another $70 for the delivery people to assemble it. Since I had a previous bad experience with a delivery person, I decided that I would do it myself. No problem. The furniture was delivered and the two living room lamps were wrong. Still no problem for me, as I would be a nice guy and return them myself, and get the correct lamps as I would be in Ocala in a couple of days. I returned the lamps and was given two floor model lamps, by Reynolds with no problem. I looked at the lamps and couldn't see anything wrong with them. A month or so later, one lamp shade was easily throw off the lamp base. I figured the handyman could fix it with no problem which he did. I am still cool with everything. Several months later, it happens again and the handyman says the socket inside the lamp is broken. I didn't think disassembly of every part was required, by the buyer, to inspect the lamp.

I figured, since my salesman was so nice, there would be no problem, if I had explained what happened, I knew Reynolds had left American Freight but it seemed the other sales people, were ok.

I walked into the store with the broken lamp and started to explain the problem to the sales person. Without my asking to speak to anyone higher up in their organization, the V.P. comes over and flatley states he will not do anything for me, as it had been 5 months and the contract states furniture is sold "as is". I never heard of a brand new furniture store selling "as is". I expect a policy like that to be in a consigment store. He told me in an rude way and arrogant way, I should have noticed any defect, when I took the lamp from the floor. I said to him, "how was I suppose to see the socket inside the lamp was defective. He didn't respond, but gave me a lecture on his being in the furniture business for 15 years. The V.P doesn't have any customer service skills. IMHO

I certainly hope he changes his method of talking to people as I will never shop there anymore. I would like to think my opinion counts for something and anyone who knows me, thinks of me, as a reasonable person. I agree that a 5 month period to return something, is a good policy for stores, but not listening to me and cutting me off in my explanation, to shout me down is unacceptable. American Freight is not air conditioned, so if you visit, be prepared to sweat a lot.

I personally will never shop there, and would like to request everyone, to avoid this place of business, due to it's tratment of this customer. Another salesperson was smirking at me, like a wiseguy would, when I left.

I hope the $99 lamp was worth the loss of any future business!

Btw - The recliner came in two pieces, and easily cames out of it's bracket, when trying to move it. You get what you pay for!!!

Buy it nice or buy it twice. If you buy furniture at this store, you may wind up buying additional furniture for their defective pieces, as they have a "as is" policy according to their V.P. What a guy!!! Their sales contract is a "buyer beware" type of deal, that I never signed, (at least the copy I was given).

[CFrance]

Thanks for the warning, Joe. You certainly are known to be a reasonable person. I guess if they're too cheap to spend for air-conditioning, they're too cheap period!

We will be shopping for living room furniture next fall, and they will not be on our list.

[Bogie Shooter]

Visited that store about 6 months ago. A lot of junk.
Way too many cheap cardboard boxes marked CHINA.
The people working there were not very impressive........................

[boomerbaby]

I wont shop there after hearing your story. What a terrible way to treat a customer. Why dont you write to the headquarters and complain. If anything good comes out of it they will make this right, if not at least they know how their store is being run.

[Sanibel7]

never been and will not go there, sorry you had that happen to you. the word is out!

[Bogie Shooter]

I doubt they will make anything right.
Just Google "american freight complaints" and you will see why.

[zcaveman]

I went there once. After walking around and looking and inspecting the furniture, I told my wife that we should get out of here. It is all junk.

Z

[golf2140]

You get what you pay for.

[Erijo]

Dear TB, did you pay by credit card? If so call the customer service on the back of the card. Tell them what happened. Explain you did not get what you paid for with your card, perhaps they can help you get a credit on your card. It happened to me once, I called the credit card company and told me that I was entitled to a refund on my card for not receiving what I paid for. The credit card company was going after the merchant and believe me, that is not what the merchant wants. Good Luck TB. Hope this can be resolved.

[uprivergirl]

Thank you for the warning. When we get to TV the end of July we will need furniture and at least we know where not to go. Since we don't know where to shop in Florida it's nice to know ahead of time where not to go.

[mrfixit]

Originally Posted by uprivergirl

Thank you for the warning. When we get to TV the end of July we will need furniture and at least we know where not to go. Since we don't know where to shop in Florida it's nice to know ahead of time where not to go.

Welcome to The Villages.....

[Bonanza]

File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Send the same comments to their home office that you've made here on TOTV.

[jblum315]

I am sorry for your trouble, but you didn't think American Freight was a real furniture store, did you? Their web site says they are a PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION CENTER. To me that sounds like Goodwill, or Salvation Army, or communist China. not a retail furniture store. But that's just me, just saying . . .

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by jblum315

I am sorry for your trouble, but you didn't think American Freight was a real furniture store, did you? Their web site says they are a PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION CENTER. To me that sounds like Goodwill, or Salvation Army, or communist China. not a retail furniture store. But that's just me, just saying . . .

Joey shoulda known........... thanks.

Contemplating getting rid of their furniture, and buying furniture from a real store. I like Kane's, in Ocala.

Great salesman, Paul Chase, and great delivery people. 352.237.four, three, three,3. I spelled it out. as TOTV system doesn't like certain sequences, of phone numbers.

BTW - I have read the lousy reviews posted on Google, and I don't agree with the comments made. Their furniture is guaranteed for life. and we are all looking downhill.

[missypie]

This is a real bummer to read.

We are from North Carolina. I would take a wonderful trip to Hickory, NC stay at one of the local hotels and shop there. They have design services and extremely helpful and knowledgeable sales people. Bring room dimensions and photos and have a blast shopping.

After a few days of shopping, go to the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the trees and the cool air.