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Empire Today review: fraudulent quote! 134

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12:00 am EDT
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On 2/21/07, a sales representative from Empire came to my house to give me a quote. The representative measured the two rooms (living room and bedroom), advising me that it totaled 80 square yards. I picked out two different samples. For the less expensive sample, he advised that it cost $29 per square yard, including removal of the existing carpet, padding and installation. Including taxes, he quoted a price slightly more than $2,500. After I hesitated, he stated that the "sale" would end that day. I asked him what the "regular price" was, and he responded that it was $38 per square yard. After I hesitated further, he asked how much I would be willing to pay. I paused, then stated, "maybe $2,000." He said, "Okay, but I need to know now." I hesitated again, and then I left the room to call a contractor-contact of mine to ask if that price was reasonable. He advised me that the price was high. I told the sales representative that I had to think about it, and I would call him the following week. After he left, I had an independent carpeting contractor come to the house to give me a competitive quote. The other contractor came to my house later in the day to take measurements. He advised me that the two rooms totaled only 68 square yards. Thus, the Empire sales representative lied to me about the total yardage. I decided to drop it, and not call Empire back.

The most egregious act by Empire, however, was still to come. On 2/25/07, I received a call from an Empire telephone representative, who asked me if I was interested in purchasing the carpet. Without explanation, I said no. She responded that Empire could beat the last quote. I stated that I was still not interested. She asked me why. I then started to explain the entire story, including that Empire lied about the amount of square yards. Before I was finished explaining what had happened, but after I told her that Empire lied about the total yardage, the Empire telephone representative hung up on me. I fully expected her to apologize and tell me that Empire would undertake an investigation, but instead she did just the opposite. By hanging up on me, she exposed Empire for the fraud it really is. Obviously, this was not a situation where the sales representative who went to my home was a "bad egg." To the contrary, by hanging up on me, she proved that Empire is in on the fraud. Empire's fraudulent scheme, among other things, is to overquote the amount of square yards needed. Empire should be shut down.

Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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We’re sorry for the difficulties you had scheduling your appointment and that you weren’t kept informed throughout the installation process. We do expect our sales representatives to work with each individual customer’s budget and needs during your sales appointment and we’re disappointed to hear that your sales appointment didn’t meet your expecations. However, your feedback is very important to us and we’d like the chance to speak with you further to address your concerns and to learn more. We never want anyone to leave their experience with us unhappy and want to make things right. If you’re willing to speak with us, please email your information to customersupport@emprietoday.com or call us at 888-588-2315 x4195 and we’ll follow back with you. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Oct 10, 2011 9:44 pm EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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We’ve read your post and are truly sorry for your missed sales appointment and for the inconvenience this has caused you. We realize our customers’ time is valuable and the situation you’ve relayed is not in line with the standard of world-class service we strive to provide all of our customers. We’re disappointed that because of this, you were not able to experience our Shop-at-Home service as it is the only way customers are able to see our wide range of quality, name-brand products. We’d like the opportunity to speak with you more about this and see if you’d reconsider using us for your home improvement needs. If you’d be willing to speak further with us, could you please send your contact information to customersupport@empiretoday.com or call us at 888-588-2315 x4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Apr 30, 2012 10:57 pm EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
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333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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Jerome, we’re disappointed that you’ve experienced issues with your product post-installation, as we always want to work with our customers to ensure they have a positive experience. We understand that we’ve been in contact with you and that we’ve scheduled repairs for later this week. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please call us at 888-588-2315 x4195 or email us at customersupport@empiretoday.com. Thank you. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Jul 02, 2012 2:17 pm EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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Thomas, we regret that your product has not been meeting your expectations. We understand that we’ve been in contact with you about this issue recently and that an inspection was done. We will have a member of out customer service team follow up with you soon to discuss the results of the inspection and your concerns in more detail. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 888-588-2315 x4195 or email us at customersupport@empiretoday.com. Thank you. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Oct 08, 2012 9:53 am EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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Linduska, we regret the issues that occurred during your installation. We would like to opportunity to learn more about your situation and help make things right. Unfortunately, we cannot locate your account with the information provided here. Please call us at 888-588-2315 x4195 or email customersupport@empiretoday.com, and a member of our customer service team will reach out you. Thank you. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Jul 28, 2016 5:05 am EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. We never want our customers to be disappointed in the products or services that they receive. Although you have decided to go with another company, we would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns that you may still have. Please feel free to contact us at 888-588-2315 x4195 or customersupport@empiretoday.com.com. Thank you. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Feb 21, 2013 5:08 pm EST
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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We’re disappointed that you were not satisfied with your experience working as an independent contractor, as we always strive to create a positive work environment. We would be happy to discuss the concerns you have expressed here. Please contact our Human Resources department at 888-588-2315 ext. 3007. Thank you. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Aug 01, 2016 3:22 am EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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Thank you for making us aware of your concerns, Ralph. We regret that you did not agree with the pricing for the additional work that was required to complete your installation. We will be following up with you shortly to discuss this matter in more detail. You can also reach us at 888-588-2315 x4195 or customersupport@empiretoday.com. Thank you. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Feb 28, 2014 11:14 am EST
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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Wilbow, thank you for bringing your missed appointments to our attention. We realize that this is a frustrating situation, and we are disappointed, as this is not the level of service that we expect for our customers. We would appreciate the opportunity to make things right for you, but unfortunately, we cannot locate your account with the information posted here. Please call us at 888-588-2315 x4195 or email your information to customersupport@empiretoday.com, and we will reach out to you to discuss a resolution. Thank you. Jeanette Ramey, National Customer Service Manager
Apr 21, 2014 10:33 am EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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Thanks for sharing, Bradley! We love receiving feedback from our customers, and we’re thrilled that you enjoyed your experience with us. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope you’re enjoying the new look and feel of your home!
Jeanette Ramey, National Customer Service Manager
Oct 24, 2014 2:02 pm EDT
Empire Today customer support contacts
Address

333 Northwest Avenue, Melrose Park, IL, 60164, US

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Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We always strive to provide a positive work environment, and we would like the opportunity to discuss these issues with you in more detail. Please contact our human resources department so that we can learn more about your concerns.
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.

134 comments
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pon123
IN
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Articles and content in this section of the website are really amazing. From http://www.puneonnet.com

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annie
Glendale, US
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT

a couple of months ago i placed an order with empire the sales lady came out .who was very nice i placed an order for the next day instalation and they never showed up . i was so upset i canceled the whole order . a couple of months later i figured let me give them another chance had an appointment no show . i call they give another appointment no show .well then i called again very upset and the lady offers me 100 dollars off my order i said ok . the next day the sales man comes give's me my total 393.00 i said ok plus my 100 dollars off he said sorry i cant do that the total is only 393 its to low for me to honor that .so now im waiting for a manger to call me ...yeah right .this company suckssssssssssssss

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J. Monastra
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT

On Friday Jan 18th I entered into an agreement with Empire Today for carpet for my home. I paid a deposit and financed the remainder with GEMB. Friday was the only good day in the entire experience. On Thursday Jan 24th the installers arrived at my home. They did not have the measurements or drawing of my home; they did not have sufficient carpet and the carpet was in one large roll (per agreement the carpet was to be precut at the warehouse). The installer wanted to re-measure the house and take the carpet to a friend's storage center (not Empire property) and cut it there. He had no idea of what was stored at this location nor could he comment on the cleanliness of the facility. In addition his work order showed minimum furniture to move when in fact the specification paperwork was marked for considerable furniture including a piano. Frustrated I call the Empire facility in Baltimore and spoke to the manager Leroy. As we were trying to work through the issues with the installer Leroy's response was "quit wasting my time - we have other work to do". I immediately canceled the order. As noted by other disgruntled customers trying to get my deposit back and trying to cancel the account with GEMB is another disaster. STAY AWAY FROM EMPIRE!

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Rebekah Clerk
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT

Thank you for brining your concerns to the attention of Empire. We are dedicated to providing world-class customer service to every customer. We are currently looking into the concerns mentioned in your post. We will contact you within the next three business days. Please feel free to contact us at CustomerSupport@empiretoday.com for further assistance.

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Business Response.
Northlake, US
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT

Thank you for bringing your carpet experience to our attention. We apologize for any inconvenience, and our customer service team would like to work with you to explore a resolution. Please contact us at [protected] so we can assist you.

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Sean Murphy
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT

Had a Graden Window installed at a very premium price with the GUARANTEE that any problems would be dealt with within 24 hours. Well the window was installed on December 21, 2007. During the installation, the Empire Today installer stated that the glass shelf which is part of the Garden Window Package was too big and he would have one ordered that was the right size. 2 weeks later I called Empire Today and inquired about the replacement shelf. They stated they did not know anything about it and would reorder it. 2 weeks later I get a call that the shelf is in the warehouse and an installer would contact me to schedule an installation (which takes about one minute to put the shelf on the holders!). The installer came out a week later, and said the shelf was too small! He said he would have the warehouse order a new one and it would be two weeks (again!). Well I called Empire last week and still no shelf was ordered. It has been 2 MONTHS (today is February 28, 2008) since this Garden Window was installed, I have paid for this item IN FULL and they have not returned my calls, or messages, or emails! WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET THE RIGHT SIZE SHELF? After all this, you would expect some sort of compensation, I mean, Empire has installed ALL the carpet in my house, my wood floors, and the Garden Window. That's thousands of dollars I have paid to them, and this is the treatment I am now receiving! My wife and I were thinking about them installing a tile floor in our kitchen, had them come and measure and everything, but after this service, I don't think so...

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Lance
US
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT

I'll try to keep things short and simple... I had scheduled an installation for carpeting with Empire and they never showed up or bothered calling. My wife took an entire day off waiting for nothing. When I called to find out what was going on, the rep told me the install date was scheduled for a different date. Sad thing is, I called my sales rep 2 days prior and left him THREE voicemails to make sure someone was coming for the install. Never received a call back so I gave him the benefit of the doubt and alas - his lack of professionalism should have been the first clue. Never even called to apologize. I filed a formal complaint with a customer service rep and they never called me back to address my issue. I even sent them an email - corporate then forwarded my message to the local branch and guess what, 2 weeks later and still no call. Is this how you want to be treated after spending $3000 with them? Think about it.

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Elisabeth Blachard
Miami Beach, US
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I just paid $24, 31 for an iPad2-64GB and my girlfriend loves her Panasonic GF 1 Camera that we got for $34, 26 there arriving tomorrow by UPS. I will never pay such expensive retail prices in stores again. Especially when I also sold a 42 inch LED TV to my boss for $678 which only cost me $68, 18 to buy. Here is the website we use to get it all from, CentSpace.com

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njcustomer
US
Aug 01, 2016 3:23 am EDT

Empire is probably the most unprofessional company we have ever dealt with. The pricing is absurd but if you negotiate the sales person will say yes to get the sale. Then when they tell you that they will start work on Wednesday 9 AM that means they might start at 4PM and will most likely need 4 days to do a 2 day job. Then when you call the sales rep to ask what happened to his promises he said his job is to make the sale and hung up the phone. We ended up canceling our order because they couldnt confirm which day they would start work and if they work would be done on continuous days or if we would be stranded for days at a time. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY...dont go through the headache we went through !

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Ronda Depkin
Aug 05, 2016 2:42 am EDT

We have been trying to schedule a "free in home estimate" from Empire Today for two weeks. My husband does work odd hours so sometimes it is hard to schedule things like this. Well, fortunately, Empire today had a Sat morning appointment that we could both make (all decision makers must be present!). The window is supposed to be 9am-11am. At 11am they call and say the rep won't make it - how about 12:30pm. Well, my husband is leaving for work, so that won't work. The only day off we both have is Sunday. Of course, they don't want to work on Sunday. After much discussion, the customer service rep puts the actual person who will be sent on the phone. She agrees to come Sunday morning at 10am. She must have made a great sale on Saturday because at 9am on Sunday she calls to cancel on us because the financing department will be closed. When I express my great frustration to her, she hangs up on me! I did raise my voice, but did not curse, etc. I immediately call the customer service number and am told a manager will get back to me in 1-3 business days. I see all these other complaints about Empire Today and I 100% believe them. They are not a responsible company. After reading all these complaints, I guess I'm glad I didn't have to put up with their high pressure high dollar sales tactics.

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Rebekah Clerk
Aug 05, 2016 2:42 am EDT

Thank you for brining your concerns to the attention of Empire. We are dedicated to providing world-class customer service to every customer. We are currently looking into the concerns mentioned in your post. We will contact you within the next three business days. Please feel free to contact us at CustomerSupport@empiretoday.com for further assistance.

Valerie
Valerie
US
Aug 05, 2016 7:49 am EDT

I am very upset, I would recommend to never using them. My father is dieing and need to sell our home to move my parents in with us; they won't refund the deposit. I had put down 847.00 towards a 2500.00 order! They have no feelings are cold and calculating people. I will never, ever use them again! Empire Today has no feelings in regards to their clients. They will not return my deposit. I have gone to corp level and they are still telling me no. I wish I would have gone on line first before I placed an order. I am so very upset with the disrespect they have for people.

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what?
Aug 05, 2016 7:49 am EDT

That cannot be true, since by empire todays agreement, the salesman can only have a 200 bucks deposit when the order is placed. Anyone can call the 8 hundered number they have and ask what is the deposit amount needed to place an order, and that is 200 bucks. I justed installed a 9, 000 dollars order for carpet and I was required only 200 dollars for downpayment. truth is, no one is so green to beleive your story.

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WhitingHomeowner
Whiting, US
Aug 31, 2016 3:51 am EDT

I called for an estimate, they made an appointment for me. I waited around all day, then they called and said they couldn't make it that day. I rescheduled and then the guy NEVER showed up. I took off work to wait for this guy. I called to find out where he was, I thought maybe he was running late. They told me the guy who was supposted to do my estimate was OFF that day and I had to reschedule the estimate. I took off work! I was mad! I told them NO, I can't reschedule again! -- I wouldn't use them!

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