Empire Today's reply to: Empire shower installation is terrible do not recommend ever

I apologize for the frustration you experienced with your shower liner. I would like to talk with you about the problems you are having and work toward a resolution, but I am not able to locate your account based on the information in your post. Could you please contact me directly so I can help? It is very important that our customers are satisfied with the service and products that they receive. I apologize that they products that you purchased did not meet your expectations. We do offer product manufacturer warranties and we stand behind our installation with a one year warranty. I would like the opportunity to discuss your concerns with you and determine a resolution. Please feel free to give me a call at 888-588-2315, ext. 4195 or you can email me at customersupport@empiretoday.com. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager.
Anonymous
map-marker East Hampton, New York

Empire shower installation is terrible do not recommend ever

I cannot believe that a company as big as Empire would have such poor

installation for a shower stall. I have had a ceiling falling after only

2 months of the initial installation. they sent a repair man who fix

the celing by putting screws in it and reinforced the walls with caulking

so sloppy , they sent a the original installer to fix it he only put

another ceiling over the one that was falling fix the shower picket that

was also loose and couldn't fix the bad caulking job done by the previous

worker. I am at this point waiting for a top manager to call me so they

can see for themselves if this job was worth $2600.00 plus $400 for the plumbing , this job wasn't worth $260.00 let alone $2600.00 I will be

posting this complaint everywhere I can so no one will go through the

stress and disappointment using Empire as I have. I am also considering

bringing them to small claims court for this

1 comment
Guest

I am a journeyman tilesetter and remodelor. Empire is known as being bottom barrel in the industry.

I build custom built walk in and steam showers and if not done correctly, the shower and the ceiling below it has to be tore out and redone. What most don't realize about empire carpet is that the people coming to your home are not employees and are subcontractors.

So, you would have to file an insurance claim with the subcontractors insurance. Good luck.

Empire Today's reply to: Poor Carpet Seams Poor Response

I would like the opportunity to speak with you regarding the problems you have had with your carpet color and any issues you had regarding our professional installation. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us. We stand by our products and service and work with customers that experience problems to reach a resolution. If possible, could you please contact me directly and I will reach out to you? Please feel free to email me at customersupport@empiretoday.com or call 888-588-2315 x 4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Okey Diq
map-marker Madison, Wisconsin

Poor Carpet Seams Poor Response

Empire Today - Poor Carpet Seams Poor Response

I ordered Frieze carpet from Empire. The sales guy specifically mentioned that Empire takes care of their customers. "One lady didn't like her carpet so Empire replaced it all." he told me. Installers came from Chicago and I live between Madison and Milwaukee. Installers were polite, had a minor language barrier, but worked hard. The following morning, I went down to see the new carpet and I noticed there was a distinct color difference and the seam was very visible. Right down the middle of the room.

I've been getting the run around for weeks now and I am definitely not happy with my carpet. I'm about to call the CEO and ask for action.

Don't go to Empire. Its not worth the money and their policies are not fair to the consumer.

Loss:
$2
4 comments
Guest

I have the same situation. My seam runs across the middle of my living room.

The day after installation, I noticed that the carpet looked different on each side of the seam. I called my salesperson, who was kind enough to have Customer Service call me. Long story short, they replaced all the carpet in the entire condo, including the steps. Guess what, the seam looks exactly the same.

I don't know if it's the way the carpet grain runs, or if they were supposed to reverse the second piece of carpet to get the grain correct. Also, the carpet is only 5 months old, and when you vacuum, it sheds like crazy.

I have to empty the vacuum about 3 or 4 times when I vacuum, and we are only talking about approx. 1200 sq.ft of carpet.

I called Customer Service today, and they said someone will call me back within 3 days to schedule an appointment to come and see the carpet.

Guest

From the picture it looks as if the problem may be that the grain of each piece of carpet from the seams has the grain running in different directions.

(carpet has a grain and it should be installed with the grain running in the same direction for the best looking seam.)

truthaboutempire W

Well sorry to inform you buddy but those installers wont speak english either. They probably wont even call prior once this work is done dont recommend empire or ever call them back. TY

Okey Diq

As a follow up to my original post. Empire today sent someone to my house to repair the seam.

They told me to call after 9:45am the day of the appointment to find out when my repair rep was coming. We were told between 3-4. By 4:30, no call, no show. I called the company again who told me the repair group was behind and can't come till 7:00pm.

I said no thank you. I'm tired of waiting.

Rescheduled for 10/31. I hope they show up in a timely manner, and can clearly communicate in english.

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Empire Today's reply to: Lacks Customer Service

Anne I've read through your post and understand your concerns with Empire Today and the service levels that you received. Our installers are professional and experienced contractors. I do recognize based on the information that was posted there was areas where we should have communicated better with you on the installation of our product. I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused. I will also be reviewing the notes that we have in the system in regards to your order and the information you provided. In my position, I work closely with our Installation Team and will ensure that they are aware of what happened during your installation but also your suggestions on communicating during the installation process. If you would like to discuss your concerns or have any questions about your product, I can be reached at customersupport@empiretoday.com or via phone at 888-588-2315 x4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager.
nodeal
map-marker Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

Lacks Customer Service

Empire Today was having the 60% sale and I needed a carpet for the basement of my mom's house that we were putting on the real estate market. The salesperson showed up on time and understood my needs and I was basically happy with the product received. I was told that the installers are employed by Empire Today, not sub contractors. Installation would take 2 hours. I was told that I would receive a call on Thursday evening to confirm the time that the installer would be at the house on Friday. I had purchased carpet from Progressive years ago and had a bad experience with a no show on installation day and no way to contact anyone on a Saturday to resolve the issue.

I received a call on Wednesday evening (not Thursday as I was told by the salesperson) and was told that I was scheduled for installation on Friday between 8 am and 6 pm. I need to add that the woman who called had such a thick foreign accent that it was difficult to understand what was being said. I had to ask her to repeat almost everything 2 or 3 times. I asked for the time of arrival of the installer and was told that I could not be given that information until the day of the installation. This is a poor customer service policy. The customer's time is valuable.

I called Friday morning at 7:15 am (I was told the installers loaded up their trucks for the day's deliveries at 7 am). I was told that there was no way they could tell me what time or my position on the delivery list so early in the day. The information is not available until 10:30 am.

I called at 10:30, put on hold while the customer service person placed a call to get the information. The person got back on the line and said someone would call me back. I received a call by another Empire Today employee to say that they contacted the installer and he would call me with the installation time. He did call with a time range of 3:00 to 5:00. I was at the house from 3 - 5. At 5 pm, no installer arrived. I called the installer and he said he was sorry but was running behind schedule because the 2nd installation had furniture to be moved that was not planned and he only had one helper. He would arrive in around 3 hours. He should have called me at 3 pm to inform me of the delay. I really think he should have rescheduled the 2nd installation since it was not as planned. Empire Today could have sent additional personnel to the 2nd installation to keep them close to schedule.

I called the salesperson who contacted the installer and got him to commit to a time of 6;00 - 6:30 pm firm. Fifteen minutes later, the installer calls me back and adjusted the FIRM arrival time to 7:00 - 8:00pm. I called the salesperson and left a voice mail message informing the the change. I had my son with me and had to take him back home (45 minutes away) so that he could attend a 7 pm party and then I return to my mom's house.

The installer arrived at 7:30 pm. The sales person called me back at 7:45 pm. Installation took 3 hours, not 2 hours. This is important because it is a row home, so the neighbors had to endure the noise of installation after 9 pm. I liked the product. Small complaint was that they did not replace all of the trim that they took off. I had to do this.

I was ready to just put this all behind me, but I received a followup call for feedback. Once again, it was a woman with a thick foreign accent that was difficult to understand. I answered her questions and kept relaying the shortcomings of the customer service level offered by Empire Today. I got no reaction, just read the next question. After the final question, where I indicated that lack of customer service, I got, "That's all I need". I stopped her and asked what was the process of the survey I just took. She said she just submits her completed surveys. There was no comprehension on her part of the bigger picture and she had no customer relation skills. She asked if I would want someone to call me back. I said sure.

Over a week later, I received a call from Empire Today stating that I had requested a call. I had to relay the full story. He should have known the background upfront. His response was he was sorry but things happen and could do anything to make up for my inconvenience.

Moral of the story, don't expect any customer service from this company. I told Empire Today I would not consider them for the hardwood floors I am having installed in my own home ad that I would relay my experience to friends & family. Friends, go somewhere else.

2 comments
Guest

This "truthaboutempire" character can be quite anoying. Surfing all over these Empire complaints because now you're unemployed(fired from Empire) and evidently have all the time in the world to be on the internet.

Its natural you are upset at them, but take some advice. PleaseZ; STAY CLEAR from the computer,use your time wisely and LOOK FOR A JOB!

truthaboutempire W

Another one bites the dust my sole purpose of being here is to make sure other consumers to recieve the same treatment as stated above. To be honest with you, I dont think your problem will be resolved simply because nobody cares for the cust's in this company.

My suggestion dont recommend or give empire another opputunity to reck your hoome even more! TY

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Empire Today's reply to: Empire carpeting

As a member of our Customer Service Management Team, I apologize you were dissatisfied with your Empire Carpet purchase. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us and we do our best to provide a resolution to customers that experience problems. It is not uncommon for new carpet to shed for up to 120 days. The main reason for carpet shedding is due to loose fiber left from the milling process. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to locate your information in our system and I would like for a member of our team to speak with you about your concerns and also a resolution. If possible, would you be able to contact us 888-588-2315 x4195 or email us at customersupport@empiretoday.com with your contact information and we will follow back promptly. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager.
Alberto Tmv
map-marker Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Empire carpeting

i see that empire today is trying to give away 2 rooms of carpet. i wouldn't get their carpet again if they were giving me a house full of carpeting free.

it is the worst carpet ever and they are over priced. they get their money from the instulation. of course they would have to their carpets are defective. they also are suppose to come in a day.

it took them a week to get to my house, and then put in an inferior product. I was not a happy at all. and i would suggest that if you are thinking of using this company i would think twice....not a happy customer. i have had my original carpets in my house over 15 yrs i thought i would get my daugher new carpeting but i should have left the older carpeting it held up better.

the empire carpeting sheds and then when i told them they said i wasn't vaccuming the rug right. i have been vaccuming for over 40 years i don't need lessons now.

2 comments
truthaboutempire W

Whoa buddy stay clear! I dont know how many times I am going to post this: BUT STAY CLEAR OF EMPIRE TODAY!

Guest

That is so true...I had spoke to empire and they had quoted me for my whole house to be done and they said next day...I told them I ould think about it...after a couple of hours I decided it was not right for me so I called and cancelled...Wouldnt you know at 6 a.m. tthey showed up to lay my carpet even after I cancelled and had a conformation of cancelling...The guy called his boss and he preceeded to tell me I needed to go ahead and get this done because the price of carpet was going 40percent that day so I was geeting a great deal...tried to give me another discount but they had showed up with wrong carpet not even same color...so beware they are scam artists.

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Empire Today's reply to: Empire carpet

I would like the opportunity to speak with you regarding the problems with your mother’s carpet. Customer satisfaction is truly important to Empire. As a member of our customer service team, I apologize for the way your inspection was handled. What you have described is not how we typically handle servicing our customers as Empire’s goal is to provide world-class service. All of our products are backed by manufacturer and installation warranties. We are happy to work with your on identifying the concern and assisting in providing a resolution. Since we do not have your contact information, if possible, would you please contact us so we can provide you a resolution, please feel free to email us at customersupport@empiretoday.com or call 888-588-2315 x4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
samm
map-marker Madison, New York

Empire carpet

We had carpet installed in my mothers home about 6 months later it started to

bunch. A little old lady and the carpet could not handle her. They sent someone from the company to check on it. He threw a nickle in the air landed on the carpet said it was fine. I could not belive the way it was handled. After many calls they fixed it. Only to have it bunch again a few months later.

When we called them to come out again to fix the problem we were told there would be a charge of $65.oo. Would not buy from them again bad quailty and they do not stand behind their work.

Empire Today's reply to: Empiretoday does not support their products and support fraud

I’ve reviewed the information that you posted and I apologize that we didn’t meet your expectations with the installation of the flooring in your condominium. Our installers are qualified independent contractors and our focus is to ensure that you receive a professional installation that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. All of our products are backed by manufacturer product and installation warranties. We can work with you to assist in providing a resolution although we may no longer service your area.I can be reached at customersupport@empiretoday.com or via phone at 888-588-2315 x4195. I do look forward to helping you. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
layla m Syy
map-marker West Bloomfield Township, Michigan

Empiretoday does not support their products and support fraud

I called this company to replace carpets for food flooring in my condo. They sent an agent who provided me with an estimate along with a telphone numberfor a contactor who will do the job.

The job was done by the person Eric Comrie as subcontractor to empiretoday. Faults in the flooring occurred and Eric could not be reached neither by phone nor by email(tony@***.ca). When called empiretoday, they said, we have pulled out of canada and cannot help u.

I will not do any business with this company ever. I had to hire and pay for another contractor to fix their mess.

Loss:
$11
2 comments
Guest

We received the exact same response written by "Company Response" to contact them by that email address. We responded but have yet to get a response.

Good luck with these scammers. :(

Guest

OK Consumer Advocate Team. Provide me with a name and direct phone of a senior agent that I can call. preveous contact with your customer service agets and supervisor hasve lead to no resolution.

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Empire Today's reply to: Strike Back on Empire (corrupt)

I've read your comments and recent post; I would like the opportunity to speak with you regarding your concerns with the laminate. As a member of the Customer Service Management Team, it is important for me to assist in understanding your concerns and but also work with you on a resolution. If there are concerns that are brought to our attention, we sometimes will bring an outside certified inspection company in to review the area (s) in question. Once that visit and results are completed and depending on the outcome of the results, we can determine if it was a service or product related incident. If this is identified, Empire will address and fix the concern. Sometimes, however, issues arise that aren't related to our product or service. If that occurs, we will review the information with the customers and sometimes discuss options for assisting in fixing the concern. If possible, would you be able to contact me at your earliest convenience, I can be reached at customersupport@empiretoday.com or via phone at 888-588-2315 x4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager.
Evelyn G Ohw
map-marker Madison, Tennessee

Strike Back on Empire (corrupt)

In May 2008 we purchased laminate flooring from Empire. Initially, they quoted over $6600 (soemthing like $130+ a case)for about 700 sq ft.

We told them no. We got a quote from HomeDepot that was half that. When Empire called back we told them that we had found a better price. They came down to less than half.

Well *** us when ahead and had the floors in the dining, kitchen hall and living room done. It looked horrible. There was a transition board (sameIf y flooring) from kitchen to living room and dining room. I called Empire and told them I could not live with it.

ou have the same flooring, you want it to flow together and not be pieced together, it looked tacky. They said it was because, they do nor remove the exisiting flooring in the kitchen, so the floor is higher, hence the transtition boards. I insisted it did not look right and wanted another type of flooring. I told them I wanted to tile type flooring in the kitchen, so if there must be a transition board, to would not look as bad.

Well, the woman who scheduled the servicees said that they would do it, but they would not lifetime warranty the new flooring. I agreed. Not a problem. The new crew (subcontractors) was excellent, they took up the old flooring to the point that everything was even.

It looked great. Now a year later, we began to notice separation in the seams in the dining room, rised areas at the edges of seams in various places, in doorways, in front of the fireplace, etc. We call (on this lifetime warranty) they send out an "independent contractor" as he explained. He when throughout the house taking pictures and writing.

We get the report by email about two weeks later. It said the boards need to be replaced, at the customer's expense. He stated damange such as raises on both sides of the boards is due to having too much mositure on the floor, possibily by placing water glasses on the floor or letting water stand while mopping the floor. None of the boards are damaged on both sides, it's only on one side of many.

Neither do we use our floor as a table, nor do we use a sopping wet mop to clean the floors. What casued the boards to separate? That was not addressed. We use the recommended cleaning products.

This is there way of not adhearing to the lifetime warranty.

Never, would I recommend Empire to anyone. I will discourage them instead.

1 comment
Guest

To this day we have not had a resolution. We were contacted by the what I assume is the home office.

We were instructed to contact the local office that did the work. Well we did and were told that we would have to pay an engineer or someone who works for the manufacturer to look at the floors. The floors are not the quality that they are suppose to be, this is why so much is happening to them. It the old bait and switch.

Empire is a sorry excuse for a business. Please did not purchase anything from them...

Empire Today's reply to: Empire today/the truth

Thank you for your post and your experience as an Empire Sales Representative. Empire’s focus on offering outstanding level of service is a daily focus not only for our employees but also for our independent Sales Representatives and Installers. Since we don’t have retail stores, our shop-at-home service is a very important – this is the only way customers get to see our products and learn about the benefits of using Empire. Not only do we offer the same brands you find in retail stores, all our products come with manufacturer warranties plus we back our service with a service installation warranty. In addition, we offer a low price guarantee, if certain criteria are met; Empire will beat any competitive offer. Feedback is extremely important for us, after reading your post; I’ve sent a copy to our National Sales Management Team for review. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the information that you’ve mentioned with our Director of National Sales, please feel free to send me an email mmichalek@empiretoday.com. Marlo M. Michalek, Vice President of Marketing Communications.
atom n
map-marker Wallingford, Connecticut

Empire today/the truth

I worked as a sales rep for about 9 months and here is the truth about them. first realize ALL companies get complaints..no matter how good they are.

In 9 months I sold approx 320 flooring jobs and I had to my knowledge 4 un happy customers...that is about 1.5 percent...not too bad by any standards now is it. Do you think that when a grown man gets in his car and drives 45 mins on a friday night and then lugs samples into your house spends 90 mins measuring and answering questions that he wants to get back in his car and drive away with no sale? They work on 100% commission...no gas allowance..nothing unless they sell and the average commission is 4%...so a 1500.00 carpet yields the rep $60...yep thats it. Do you also think that an in home shopping experience should be cheaper than going down to a big box store and waiting to get someone to help you and then having to set up an appointment to have someone come out to measure?

Once the measure is done you will get a price in 48 hours then another week or two for an install...yes Empire might be slightly higher than the big box...but not much. Empire will also handle the financing with you in your home...all in about 60-90 mins...yea it might be 75.00 more than the big box...ya think???

Here is the down side to Empire....once the rep sells the job and gets his whopping commission we get call backs because the customer wants to rethink the color and we need to go back...or they found a lowe price and we need to match it or lose the sale..over $50..or if something does go wrong..and by wrong I mean even the slightest thing such as the installers being late or whatever... corporate issues you a discount so you dont cancel and the discount means the reps big commission turns into NO commission...yea so when you call to complain we dont get paid in many cases..not all. Out of my 320 or so jobs I have to say empire went out of their way in some cases to make people happy and provided them with superior customer service...I hated the pay structure and for the reps its a horrible job but for the customers they are great.

When I was hired I was led to believe I would be making twice what I made...and I was a top performer. facts based on 320 jobs...of course as soon as you read a bad review here its easy to assume that most of our jobs go bad but in truth its only a very very small percent...they sell thousands of jobs per week across the country expect to hear about the bad ones.

8 comments
Guest

Hjt718 response to your post: I wish they would post ur words on the front of this website, your right even when empire today knows there wrong and overpriced you they still wont admit to it.. Would you employee a company like this?

Oh and another thing I have a few post on this site in regards to empire today, and its funny that they respond to every one of my post but wont respond back to a customer.. plz stop throwing your money away on this company!

Guest

The have the ability to match any other reputable flooring company on price. BUT if the gave every customer the absolute lowest price they would be out of business quickly and the reps would make no money.

They only do it when the have to.

That's not to say that Empire does not give pricing, they do just not the super super low that you are talking about. bASICALLY TAKE 40% off the first price they give you and that would be what you should pay and they can sell it for that...just play hard ball ans say "this is what I will pay or I will buy it from xyz company" Keep in mind 40% off the 1st price..not the lower price they drop to or call back with.

Guest

Speaking of price . . . I had Empire come out and quote hardwoods just this week. As a "consumer" I'm looking for quality & price and as a "homeowner" I'm looking for piece of mind.

I have 985 square feet of carpet & tile that I'm replacing with engineered hardwood. With the 10% waste factor he figured 1,034 square feet of material. So, here's the deal:

The Empire Today engineered hand scraped hickory veneer hardwood is their "Vintage" product and the comparable product we have been looking at is Ark 7-ply Hickory hand scraped Mocha / spice engineered hardwood from Floor & Decor.

The price we got this week from Empire Today to: move furniture (medium amount / sofa, 65" LCD, small tables, Queen bed, dresser, etc.), demo carpet 80% & tile 20%, remove base boards, float floor (not much, it's a 5 year old house with a concrete slab), glue (has sealer in the glue), install floor, re-install base boards and move the furniture back in. The quote started at $16,000 and is now down to $12,000.

The price I got from Floor & Decor is: $2.65 sq. ft labor ($2,740.10) to install floor, $4.29 sq. ft Ark flooring ($4,435.86), $400 for glue (24 gallon) & $850 for concrete sealer (25 gallon).

That's $12,000 (from $16,000) vs. $8,425.96 and the only difference is the float ($40 per bag installed), moving furniture, demo of old floor and baseboard removal / re-install.

The difference is $3,574.04. Is it really worth $3,500+ to move furniture & demo the existing floor . . . I don't think so!

In addition, I spoke to a local "reputable" contractor that would do the Ark floor, seal, glue, move furniture and demo for $8000.00 which would save about $4,000.00; I would have to pay them $925.00 to re-install NEW baseboards larger 5-1/4 baseboards PAINTED. That's still a $3,000 difference and I'm getting brand new 5-1/4 base boards rather than 1/4 round added to my existing baseboards.

As a consumer, I would expect the "best" deal to come from the largest company (Empire Today) since they have the most "buying power" and most cost effective resources (sub's work for less when you give them more) rather than having to nickel and dime them down almost 50% from the original $16,000 bid.

As a homeowner, I do want piece of mind that I have one number to call for any problems that may come up rather than hunt down an installer or play the 12 month long "he said / she said" game between an installer & manufacturer.

I don't know if Empire truly does stand behind their product & installation or if problems like the "poor carpet seams poor response" are common. That issue is simple, they pulled carpet from 2 different die lots and it should have been addressed before the installer ever left the job.

So far this sucks . . . It's worse than buying a car! It's like sitting around a poker table where my opponents are different flooring companies; just give me your best deal for a quality product and "good" (doesn't have to be great, I'm a realist) craftsmanship on the installation. Let the chips fall where they may!

I hate companies that quote a price like $16,000 at 5:00 in the afternoon and by the next morning it's at $12,000 - Not much integrity in that. That's a "I'll rip you off if I get the chance", who wants to deal with that type of company?

Maybe some of you “Ex-Empire Employees” could provide some good feedback on what happens behind the blue smoke and mirrors curtain at Empire . . . Rather than the disgruntled venomous “I lost by job” feedback I’m seeing on this site.

Guest

Hit,

where did you go to work after Empire. My husband works for them and everything you said is true. he is looking now, and I was wandering if you are working for a good company now.

atom n

Agarjag, I'm not making it seem worse I'm telling the truth. In the 10 months that I worked there I saw the sales force turnover almost entirely.

I was the 3rd longest rep out of 21. They can't keep reps. To quote some $1500 is very common,a $7000 job is very rare. I think in my time there I sold 4 or 5 jobs over $6000 most are $1000-$3000.

Why would I lie I'm not working there and I have expressed my negative feelings towards the company.

Yes there are no education requirements but there are many many jobs that pay much better that require the same. I can go on and on about the pay structure and negative aspects of the job as compared to other sales jobs but when people want to bash and believe what they want to there is usually no changing their mind even with facts.

Guest

Speaking as a former sales rep that knows all the pricing. The best way to go about it is to get the independent pricing FIRST then have Empire come out and try to beat it.

They are a one appointment close business and sometimes are too busy to make a 2nd trip and give you the best price...read my original post the make 4% so coming back to the same home for $30-$60 is not worth it for most reps. I have been to many homes where the pricing that they had from an indy was higher than the price I was starting with

Guest

I doubt you would quote anybody for $1500 unless the job was extremely small. Your prices are nearly twice as high as local contractors.

I was quoted $5000 (lowest price the salesman would go) for laminate on a 700 square foot apartment. At 4%, that would have been a $200 commission if I accepted.

Not bad for 90 minutes of work on a job that requires no educational background. Give me a break, you're making it seem worse than it is.

Guest

Empire today prices are usually more than double any independant flooring store. High pressure sales.

Call them, set up a appointment. Get a quote. Do not sign any contract. Then be smart and go to a independant dealer.

Get their quote.

It will be 35 - 65% less. You, the consumer are paying for all the advertising.

View more comments (7)

Empire Today's reply to: Empire Flooring Free Home Estimate--Worst experience I have ever had.

I truly apologize for your experience with our sales representative. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us. As a member of the Customer Service Management Team for Empire, I wanted to let you know that we review each and every concern that is brought to our attention. The experience you described is not how our sales representatives are instructed to handle appointments. We do provide one fully-installed price, which includes many items such as product cost, installation, padding, moving of furniture, removal of old product, etc. We really would like to follow up with you and discuss this with the sales representative and his manager. We believe that our customers are the cornerstone of our business and want to ensure you receive world-class service. I cannot locate your account from the information in your post, so could you please contact me so we can discuss your experience? If you can, please contact me directly at customersupport@empiretoday.com or 888-588-2315 x4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Larone Cod
map-marker Norfolk, Virginia

Empire Flooring Free Home Estimate--Worst experience I have ever had.

I HAD AN EMPIRE CARPET REPRESENTATIVE COME TO MY HOME TO DO AN ESTIMATE ON WOOD FLOORING AND NEVER HAVE I BEEN MORE DISRESPECTED IN MY LIFE ONLY TO NOT EVEN RECIEVE AN ESTIMATE ON THE COSTS OF DOING MY HOME. I AM A YOUNG HOMEOWNER WHO WAS REPEATEDLY ASKED WHERE THE OWNER OF MY HOME WAS, HE REFERED TO ME AS PRETTY LADY AND TOLD ME WHAT WE WOULD BE DOING IF I WAS IN NEW ORLEANS WITH HIM, HE WASHED HIS FACE IN MY KITCHEN SINK AND USED MY BATHROOM, HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULDN'T GET WOOD FLOORING THAT IT WAS *** BECAUSE I SHOULDNT PUT ANYMORE MONEY INTO MY HOUSE BECAUSE I COULD NEVER CONVINCE HIM TO BUY IT OR ANYONE ELSE.

I SHOULD HAVE KICKED HIM OUT OF MY HOUSE LONG BEFORE BUT AFTER 2 HOURS OF THIS I JUST WANTED TO GET MY QUOTE. HE CONTINUED TO HAGGLE ME ABOUT MAKING A DECISION "TODAY" RATHER THAN DISCUSSING THEIR FLOORING,WARRANTIES AND FINANCING, ETC. WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT I WAS NOT RUSHING INTO A DECISION TODAY HE GAVE ME A BOGUS QUOTE AND WOULD NO LONGER SPEAK WITH ME. HE TOLD ME FOR MY CONDO THAT IT WOULD BE $6,000 WHEN I ASKED HIM FOR 3 DIFFERENT QUOTES 2 BEING LAMINATE THE 3RD BEING HARDWOOD (BUT FOR SOME REASON IT WAS THE SAME PRICE FOR ALL 3).

HE THEN WALKED OUT OF MY HOUSE DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTIONS WHICH I WAS ASKING HIM AS HE WAS WALKING OUT OF MY HOUSE.

I DON'T KNOW IF HE THOUGHT HE WAS WASTING HIS TIME OR IF HE WAS UPSET ABOUT THE FACT THAT I, A YOUNG FEMALE, AM SUCCESSFUL BUT HE IS AN *** BECAUSE I AM GETTING WOOD FLOORING DONE IN MY HOME, NOT TO MENTION I WORK IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AND COULD HAVE REFERRED EMPIRE OUT BUT IN NO WAY WILL I EVER REFER THEM TO ANY OF MY FRIENDS OR FAMILY. I CANNOT IMAGINE WHY ANYONE WOULD HIRE THIS MAN TO WORK AS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THEIR COMPANY.

2 comments
Guest

Arrangement were made for Empire to come out on the Saturday after Thanksgiving between ll am and 1 pm. Instructed to be prepared two hours before and two hours after scheduled appointment.

I, the decision maker, was up and ready for the estimator at 8 am.

Finally, at 4:50 pm I called Empire. They had not heard from the representative either!!!! The incident would be reported to the field manager.

Today is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving @ 4:15pm and I have not heard from anyone at Empire about no call, no show - just a waste of my day.

What a way to do business! Maybe I better be grateful I found out now that not one of them has the integrity to pick up the phone.

Guest

u know its funny, a few months back i called about setting up an appt for a free estimate, i was told that i should make sure the decision maker is present,i thought why? needless to say i never called them, thanks for the comment

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Empire Today's reply to: Empire Today is overpriced

Our in-home appointments are very important to us – it is the only way our customers can see our products and gain a better understanding of what we offer. If a customer decides to purchase or if they decide to go elsewhere, satisfaction is extremely important to us. I apologize that our Sales Representative didn’t meet your expectations and for any inconveniences that we may have caused. Feedback is extremely important for us, after reading your post; I’ve sent a copy to our National Sales Management Team for review. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the information that you’ve mentioned please feel free to send me an email customersupport@empiretoday.com. Rebekah Clerk – National Customer Service Manager.
angry Npd
map-marker Opa Locka, Florida

Empire Today is overpriced

I scheduled an appointment with Empire Today and I found that they are *** expensive. Their original price to install laminate floors on 680 square feet, was $10,000. With their "generous" 60% off sale, the price was knocked down to $7,500...but still, 7,500? calculating 10% waste, that's $10 per square foot! I could get marble installed for that price. I felt this was outrageous, I talked the salesman down to 5k, but that was as low as he would go. I thought about it for a while and agreed, based on the fact that the quality of the flooring seemed to be good and they gave a 30 year warranty. Then the salesperson encouraged me to lie about my income so that I would be eliigable for enough credit to cover the cost of the job. After that, the salesman really was rushing me to schedule the installation.

I live in an apartment and I can't make modifications to my home unless I have approval from the condominium association and I explained this to the salespreson several times, but he was insistant that I schedule the installation right then and there and did not really seem to care about this. Once the salesman left, things just did not feel right.

Thankfully, as a purchaser, you have three days to exercise your right to cancel the job. I thought about all of the red flags that seemed to pop up during this process and talked it over with my wife and we felt like the whole operation was very shady and over priced and we canceled. After reading the other comments on this thread, I am very glad that I did not go with Empire Today and will go with a local contractor.

Empire Today's reply to: Warning: Empire Carpeting

As a member of our Customer Service Management Team, I apologize that you were dissatisfied with our professional installation and your Empire Carpet purchase. This is not how we usually handle our Empire carpet installations or customer service. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us and we do our best to provide a resolution to customers that experience problems. It is not uncommon for new carpet to shed for up to 120 days. The main reason for carpet shedding is due to loose fiber left from the milling process. However, if there are any issues that arise with the quality of the product or the installation, we will work to provide a resolution. If possible, contact me directly at customersupport@empiretoday.com or via phone at 888-588-2315 x4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Anonymous
map-marker Edison, New Jersey

Warning: Empire Carpeting

Installers did not live up to promises made by salesman to do one room at a time. Tore apart my home,damaged walls & baseboard, dropped and broke a television. Rude attitude, poor or no English spoken. Certainly no relation to the warm and fuzzy gentlemen featured on thier commericials. Only after series of complaint calls did anyone return to complete installation in my closets, as originally contracted.

Carpet quality is less than promised. Fuzz continued to come up & clog my vacuum for more months than ever experienced before. I paid for extra padding, which was not worth the expense. Hard to see any difference between the standard and more costly.

Hope to discourage others from falling for their line of bull.

4 comments
Guest

I was going to call them to work in my house but now I rather go to another place

Guest

Empire Carpet is cheap .It's not worth the money they charge. In less than 1 year.

My carpet started to look like it was 10 years old.

The carpet wore out quickly. The installers diden't speak a lick of english.

Guest

The carpet layers were in such a hurry to get done that now I have speed bumps in my carpet. I tried one person that does restretching but said he couldn't do it. Over all the installation was shoddy.

Guest

I've worked for Empire as a Salesperson and there sales system is so amature. There is a series of price cuts and it starts by calling a manager to get a lower price.

They never expect to get the first price offered. They claim to save you money by skiping the middleman and bring the showroom to your house, but they are the middleman.

Their prices are as high or higher than any other carpet store. I have to say they do try to make the customer happy, but there is no savings and the quality of most of the carpet is just average.

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Empire Today's reply to: Empire carpet installed very poor quality carpet

I’ve read your information and I’d like the opportunity to speak with you regarding your concerns with your carpet. Empire’s products come with a manufacturer product warranties. As you mentioned in your post, we do utilize a qualified third-party inspection company when reviewing concerns with our products and installations. I would like to the opportunity to review, your file, the information that was provided in the report and also discuss a mutually agreed resolution. If you’re available, please feel free to send me an email customersupport@empiretoday.com or you can also reach me via phone, 888-588-2315 x4195. Customer Satisfaction is extremely important to us and I would like the opportunity to speak with you regarding this matter. Rebekah Clerk – National Customer Service Manager.
Abenezer Foe
map-marker Middletown, New York

Empire carpet installed very poor quality carpet

Just a little back round on our environment. My wife and I live alone [ with a dog who joined the family about 4 months before the reported problem in a 3000 plus square foot home. Our home is very clean with professional cleaners every week. We have lived in our home for 32 years it has be updated on numerous occasions. W have re-carpeted more times then I care to think about and never had any problems Our air conditions systems (4) are all equipped with hepa filters, we are clean freaks and our combined weight is less than 300 lbs. My wife weighs a 100 lbs and I'm about 170. I work full time. The point is that our home does not get an extraordinary amount of traffic.

I had Empire Carpet install Berber carpet install in two large rooms and in our halls and staircase. After a short period (18 months) of time the carpet showed wear on the edges of our steps (there are two stair cases) [ all the traffic is not on only one stair case] and the loops were pulling out. Some were even under the lip of the stairs.

We called Empire and they sent an "independent" inspector. (the fact that he was a sales person for their largest competitor in my mind did not make him independent). In his report he made general observations of various of the homes mechanical systems and other thing that were for the most part inaccurate. He also did not mention that at all entrances to the home(4) there were multiply industrial mats inside and outside to minimize soil coming into the home. In the winter we actually have runners by the entrance doors over the hardwood floors that collect most of the soil before you even hit the carpeted sections

He determined that the carpet was not cleaned enough and the cleaning would raise the matted pile. The very light colored carpet showed no sign of soiling. We also were not informed that the carpet should be cleaned every year when we purchased it. He also determined that my dog is having an adverse affect on the carpet. Again I was not informed that "pets" could not be in a home when this carpet is used. We also showed him other rooms that have 10 year old Berber carpet that is just as light of color and it shows no loops pulled out and no "matting". He had no comment.

I feel that the carpet is of very inferior quality and the refuse to stand behind. I asked them to revisit the issue and they refused. I was a big fan of Empire as the initial sales and installation process was very pleasant. I actually mentioned it to quit a few of my friend and associates but I now regret that.

Loss:
$3500
6 comments
Guest

Empire Today is currently researching your concerns. We always want to ensure that you have the best possible experience, and a customer care team member will contact you directly within one business day to work toward a resolution. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

Sincerely,

Consumer Advocate Team

Empire Today, LLC

Guest

Empire Today is currently researching your concerns. We always want to ensure that you have the best possible experience, and a customer care team member will contact you directly within one business day to work toward a resolution. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

Sincerely,

Consumer Advocate Team

Empire Today, LLC

Guest

does it really matter about the grammer? really?

you got the point of the complaint, right? let it go. are you the grammer police here on the internet?

find something better to, would ya. :x

Guest

nanny4106 has bto get a life

Guest

Where did you go to school??? Next time you blog, you should have someone proof your writing. Your poor spelling and grammar detract from your comments.

Guest

I'm glad I read your post, I have to have a new kitchen floor installed and Empire was reccommended to me. I am going through an ordeal with Gardner White right now and don't need anymore hassles.

Thanks for the post. I hope you get this resolved.

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Empire Today's reply to: Sorry to all and thanks in advance

I have read your comments and recent post. To clarify, Empire Today does not have retail stores and we are a shop-at-home company. It seems as though you may potentially be confusing us with another company that has brick and mortar stores. Empire Today brings samples your home so you can avoid the hassle of driving all over town shopping for area rugs. If I can be of any assistance please contact me directly at customersupport@empiretoday.com or via phone at 888-588-2315 x4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Anonymous
map-marker Charlotte, North Carolina

Sorry to all and thanks in advance

My wife and I were just going out to buy a rug from Empire when we ran across this site trying to get an address to the closest store. After reading each complaint, there is no way we're going to Empire.

Thanks to all who took the time to share their experience and warn others of the dangers ahead. I would have to say we were shocked to read the types of wrong doings that were going on and truely sorry that each of you had to suffer with an experience of a truely poor, cheap, and unprofessional company.

Empire Today's reply to: Will not give money back!!!

As a member of our customer service management team, I would like to speak with you about your recent experience. We apologize for the delay in refunding your deposit and the inconvenience this may have caused you. Since we do not have your contact information, if possible, would you please contact us so we can provide you a resolution, please feel free to email us at customersupport@empiretoday.com or call 888-588-2315 x4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Anonymous
map-marker Highland Township, Michigan

Will not give money back!!!

After giving Empire $200. deposit on a order in which the sales guy said I would have 3 days to cancel I cancled in 2 days.

When I called to cancel they said they would apply the $200. back on my charge card. A week went by no $200< I called back and they said they made a error and they would apply my $200. Another week has gone by which I have called back twice and just more run around.

I have contacted my credit card company and they said they will go after Empire for my money back.

Empire is a rip off company. I hope that old guy chokes on my $200
1 comment
Guest

This is the exact same thing they asre doing to me. They have been saying that they have mailed my $100 deposite for 2 months now.

These people are disgusting. I told them that I am going to compalin to the MD Attorney General.

Empire Today's reply to: Empire's unprofessional sales consultants

As a member of the customer service management team, I would like to talk with you to find out more information about you and your husband’s experience. I apologize that your appointment did not meet your expectations – your description of the situation is not how Empire or our sales representatives are supposed to handle in-home appointments. We would like to talk with you to find out more information and follow back with the sales representative involved. Since we do not have your contact information, would you please contact me so we can work with you to make things right? Please feel free to email me at customersupport@empiretoday.com or call me directly at 888-588-2315 x 4195. Rebekah Clerk, National Customer Service Manager
Anonymous
map-marker Bay Shore, New York

Empire's unprofessional sales consultants

I had an Empire sales consultant come to my home to give me their free in-home, no obligation estimate. The woman showed up late, she pushed me to make a decision on agreeing to sign up for the installation.

While she was figuring out the final estimate, my husband walks in the front door, and I quickly told him the estimate. He said he wanted to think about that estimate. So I said to the sales woman that my husband likes to think things over before he purchases anything. Before my husband walked in the door, I was home alone with my 4 children.

The sales woman says to me with an attitude, " I don't have that kind of a problem because I have a job!" This *** had no idea if I had a job or not. Then she failed to tell me that I had 30 days to sit on the estimate. She tried to talk me into signing up for the installation and said that I had 3 days to cancel. She left me with no quote, told me it costs Empire to send her out for additional visits and that the consultants work on commissions only!

This was the most unprofessional sales consultant I have ever dealt with! I will never deal with this sneaky company again!

6 comments
Guest

In-Home Sales Reps need to try to close the deal that day, or they are in the wrong profession...

As a consumer, you are right... You don't need to tolerate unprofessional or inexperience reps (at your expense), and you should ALWAYS get at least Three Quotes from reputable services. From what you said, I wouldn't have bought either.

Guest

After reading some of the comments and feedback that was left here, I must say that I laughed at how unrealistic everyone is. The most important thing empire needs to remember is customer service is above everything, always act professional and courteous to the consumer.

Secondly, consumers are entitlted to getting as many estimates as they feel comfortable with before making a decision, especially without there spouse. We encourage our customers to shop our price and service because no one can compete with our excellence.

Guest

Wow, in reading these comments, Americans are getting stupider and stupider by the moment.

Empire fails to abide by their offerings. People are entitled to shop around for the best price. Empire offers a free, in-home, no obligation estimate and they should stand by their promises.

Eric Gyb

Alright Cash Flow and Realistic Person, ease up! Obviously she can't make a decision without her husband. And he'll probably want to think about it for a few years while the price goes up and their current floors get worse and worse.

Guest

You said she had no idea whether you had a job or not. Well, do you?

Don't talk **** if it's a good point. She shouldn't have been a b**** but you should have bought.

It's Empire! Why not?

Guest

Well, in her defense, if it was a guaranteed price, there is nothing wrong with her asking you to move forward at that moment. Dont have someone at your house if you are not ready to make a decision.

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