Problems with Country Furniture in Wildwoood

[BA in SoMD]

My mom ordered a cradle for me from this store back in November 2002. She paid for it, and they told her it'd be here in 6-8 weeks. Well, I had my baby in February 2003, and we still don't have it! Supposedly it's done, but they have yet to produce it for us. She calls at least two times a week, and every week, it's a new story: the weather was bad, they didn't bring the right truck to transport it back, it didn't fit in the truck, etc.

Two weeks ago, they called her and told her the cradle was in! She went down to the store and saw a cradle, but it wasn't the one she ordered! It had the right finish, but it wasn't the right style. They insisted that it was, but she had the receipts to prove them wrong.

What can we do? They won't refund her money, they only offer her store credit. She doesn't want anything else from the store, just the cradle she ordered! I filed a complaint with the BBB, but is there anything else you can think of that we can do to get the cradle? I cannot believe these people can stay in business this way. Someone told her to take them to small claims court, but like I said, she only wants the cradle. She's very upset by this whole thing.

TIA!
Bridget

[Sharon (Premo)]

Did you use a credit card? Dispute it with them, since you never received the cradle, maybe they can credit your card.

[BA in SoMD]

No, unfortunately, she paid cash. =(

Good thought though... Sigh.

[Sharon (Premo)]

Take RodRugg's Grandma down there with you, maybe she can help.

[dottymae]

This happened with a cousin of mine as well. I'm not sure if she's gotten it straighten out yet or not but she ordered a dining room table and hutch back in April last year. Last I heard in February it still wasn't what she ordered, she was filing a report with the BBB. They must also have caller ID because they refused to answer her phone calls but when her sister called 5 minutes later, they answered. They may have pretty furniture but their service stinks!!! I would definitely tell people to avoid them at all cost!!!

[Pookie]

fax 'em a copy of this thread to let them know that you're spreading the word about their terrible service!

[John Z]

Yes, definitely talk to the BBB, they should be able to help!

[Pookie]

BBB Country Furniture Report

[Pookie]

Not much info on that link, but you can file a complaint online. I've done it a couple of times and so far it's been effective.

[SmallTown]

Once all the court stuff is over, i'll enlighten everyone on another business to avoid.

And as for the above post, I must say that writing to the BBB IS a great step, and should probably be the first step when dealing with a messed up business. But unfortunately, that isn't always enough. As I have mentioned before, we are a society of "I'll show you!". A responsible business owner would get a call from the BBB and move along to correct the situation. Then you have others who get completely offended that you dare report their awful business behavior to the BBB, and try anything to get back at you. Which sometimes they don't understand that this reaction will generate yet another letter to the BBB, and you can see how the cycle goes.
Under no circumstances should you let a business take advantage of you. Accountability is key. If they don't feel like they are going to be accountable, it is amazing the things they will try.