Empire Carpet?????

[isaku5]

We are doing some re-decorating and need carpet (berber) installed. Has anyone used Empire Carpet?

I''d really appreciate hearing about your experience(s) before I go ahead with them.

 

[isaku5]

I would appreciate both good and bad reviews about Empire Carpet. I did google them and saw a few negatives from some unhappy consumers, but then, I suppose every large company is bound to get a few.

I just wondered how valid the complaints were. Somebody? Anybody? Your help would be appreciated.

 

[Skippy123]

Is it a brand or Carpet company? I never heard of it. I wish I could help you.

If it is a company you can check out the better business bureau in your area for customer complaints.

 

[isaku5]

Date: 10/20/2007 3:57:34 PM
Author: Skippy123
Is it a brand or Carpet company? I never heard of it. I wish I could help you.

If it is a company you can check out the better business bureau in your area for customer complaints.

Hi Skippy!!! Empire Carpet is a flooring company that apparently has been in the US for years and in Canada for 2 years. They do quite a bit of TV advertising up here, and I thought maybe they advertised on TV in the States too.

They offer next day installation so we asked for a rep to visit us. I just wanted to be prepared when/if he arrives.

Thanks for trying to help.

 

[monarch64]

Sorry Isaku, I saw your post a couple days ago but didn''t respond because although I''ve heard of them I haven''t used them.

Here in chicagoland, the commercial plays on the radio and tv about 100 times a day it seems! "Empire...todaaaaaaaayyyy." LOL.

My DH''s best friend is a firefighter who has a side business of carpet installation and cleaning, so we have always used him as our carpet company. I have never heard anything bad about Empire, but I don''t know anyone who has used that company either. I would imagine the negatives you''re seeing on the internet are the usual complainers and some schills from other carpet companies who plant bad info on websites. If you''re really interested in using Empire, I would ask to visit some of their work if possible and if you have time to do so. They seem to be one of the larger companies in the industry and spend a lot of money on advertising (I hope we are thinking of the same company, lol) so figure in that you are paying for their advertising as far as cost in the end...other than that, I have no other advice to offer as I have not used their services.

Hope everything works out for you! If you have additional q''s maybe I can ask my DH''s bf re. prices? Let me know and I will try to help you!

 

[isaku5]

Thanks, Monarch. I appreciate your reponse.

The Empire rep has been here and given us a price, but we''ve asked another local business to price the job as well. If the local guy gives us a reasonable price for a comparable berber carpet, I think we''ll stay local.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

I used Empire to carpet my previous townhome, back in '03.

I was in a desperate situation as I was a day or two from closing escrow, and REALLY wanted to get the old carpet out as it was stinky from cat pee (yuk!), before I moved in. I liked that they were able to come out IMMEDIATELY with a slew of samples and guaranteed next day installation (the day I closed!).

It was kinda pricey, but like I said, I was desperate, and couldn't wait 2-3 weeks for Home Depot or Lowes to install carpet (they were about $1k cheaper). Apart from the price, everything else was OK!

 

[crystalheart1]

Hi

I believe you are going to be quoted a higher price for the job. They usually cater to homeowners who need carpets right away.

I would think a local, indendent would be more reasonable
Also - the consumer is paying for their advertising budget

 

[isaku5]

Thanks, Chargergrrl and Crystalheart. The price Empire gave us seemed high, but then again we haven''t replaced carpet in 10 years

so didn''t really know what to expect. The local guy came this morning, measured everything and told us that he would have the quote ready either today or tomorrow. He also added that he couldn''t do the job for 2 - 3 weeks which is okay with us as we''re not in a huge rush. I''ll be interested to see how his quote compares.

Thanks for your input; you''re probably right when you say that Empire''s price will be higher because of the timeline.

 

[isaku5]

Thanks for the input, SDL. The Empire sales guy was just a little "slick" for my liking so we went to a local company to get a price. The quality of berber is better, the price is about 1/3 less than Empire so we ordered. No deposit? No pay up front before they install?? Gotta love that. The only drawback is that we have to wait a couple of weeks for the installation. For almost $900. I can wait longer than that.

As always, the proof will be in the installation so I''ll keep you posted.

Btw, SDL, while I loved your kitty avatar, every picture you post of yourself makes you look younger and even better

.Keep doing what you''re doing; you look gorgeous!

 

[crystalheart1]

Did you find out who does the installation? The last time I had carpet installed - two boys who looked like they were still in HS showed up at my door.

Now I "discuss"my concern about the installation part of the job.

Just as important as picking out the carpet itself. Let them know you want experienced, quality workmanship...

 

[isaku5]

Good point, Crystalheart. Yes, I did ask the Empire rep whether the installers speak English well, and he replied that he couldn''t guarantee it. I''m sure they would have understood the "picking up the cheque part", but maybe nothing else????

I''ve met a couple of the Celtic Carpet installers ( but no guarantee they''ll be the ones to do the work) and while they didn''t look like Brad Pitt

, they were appropriately dressed for work and they were adults. When the owner calls to confirm the arrival of the carpet, I will definitely make it clear that I''m willing to wait for his most experienced installers.

 

[isaku5]

Update on the carpet installation: It was laid last Wednesday, a little earlier than the promised 2.5 - 3 weeks. The owner and the installer (definitely not a teenager

) arrived about 10 am, and moved out all the furniture. The owner then left the installer to lay it with instructions to call if he needed help. At about 3pm the owner came back, and asked me to inspect the job with him. After I told him it looked great, the furniture was put back in place carefully. Job well done!

The only glitch was pointed out by the owner (I don''t think I would have noticed): The newly painted hallway had two scuff marks caused by taking the large roll up the stairs. He told me to get my painter back to re-paint the wall at his expense

I would definitely recommend them to anyone who lives in the area.

Thanks to everyone for their input in steering me in the right direction.