My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

My previous thread was pulled, and after the explanation I received from Client Services, they gave me permission to repost with a few edits. Thank you, Kim!

I called them on Monday and they just gave me a range of prices, they have no web site that I can locate, He asks if I want our table measured and I said yes. We scheduled an appt for Wed. at 6pm.

So fast forward to Wed. - a rep shows up after 6:15pm. He comes in with a suitcase to our dining room. He opens the suitcase and shows us all the templates and measures the tables and leaf. He tells us the three differences in the table pads (and their cost) and asks us what one we're going to purchase. I look at him and tell him we're not ready to order. He tells us that we're expected to, since he drove all the way out to our house from Old Westbury, and that we owed him $35 for the visit. I told him that I was not made aware of the cost for the visit, and I wanted to speak with his supervisor.

His supervisor gets on the line and we end up in an argument. He states that his ad in the paper reads there is a fee for coming to a person's home, and that it's used towards the purchase of the item, but nonrefundable. I comment that I never saw the ad, nor was I made aware of this when I called for the estimate. He said that no company does free estimates, and he's expected to pay his employees for their time and gas to the house. He states that my referral should have informed me of this information. I stated the referral was from a friend who saw the ad in a paper, thought of me, and sent me the name of the Co. and the business phone number. I saved the message and printed it and showed the guy at the table. The manager stated that I was still expected to give the fee b/c he gave me the round about numbers for the table pad over the phone and if I didn't like the prices, then he never would have scheduled the visit. I never saw pictures of the product, so how am I supposed to know if that's a good price for the product?

So, after 10-15 min of arguing, I finally had enough and told them I'd pay the visit fee, but I wouldn't be recommending their services, or would be ordering from them at any point.

After getting off the phone, getting a receipt, the guy asks if he should still measure the table for our DR table and I said no. I'm not ordering from you. He attempted once more, and I said no, and he left.

So, my husband called his Mom to ask for her opinion on the matter. She found the ad in one of her many catalogs and stated that there was no mention of a $35 home visit fee, but there was also no mention of free estimates like some ads have.

I know $35 doesn't seem like a whole lot of $$, it's the principle in the matter that I was never informed that the house visit would cost $$ regardless of purchasing the product or not, and this information should have been shared by the manager when I called. In addition, if you give estimates, you should also provide information on the product and what you're getting for your $$, including why there are differences in price.

SO, what have I learned from this experience:
1. Everyone wants $$$ in some shape or form.
2. I should know the products well before I call a Co. to get their estimates
3. Above all......that I must ask every Co. I call now if they charge for in home estimates on anything we look into for our home.

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

Absolutely ridiculous!!!!!

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

insane! I think I read in your previous thread that you paid by check? I would put a stop payment on it immediately

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

Yes, I did pay by check. I have to call the bank when I get home.

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

Glad you're taking action. Go Betsy Go!

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

Thanks for all your help, Tricia. I'll see you later tonight.

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

I can't believe they treated you like that! Thanks for the heads up. I hope you find another company that works out for you!!

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

Hopefully you'll be able to get your money back - they should have let you know or not charged you. It's amazing what companies try to get away with.

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

Lesson learned - albeit from your bad experience! I will NEVER use them!

Re: My review of the NY Table Pad Co.

I would have called the police and gotten the salesperson arrested for trespassing. That's if he wouldn't leave. I never would have give him a dime.

Plenty of companies do free estimates. Too bad, they lost a customer. But, I guess their salespeople live on the estimate fee.