Sofa Workshop Worries

[MARTIN3030]

Well said Arthur.

Evidently your comments are spot on.

[bond1982]

with regards to the gurantee issue I think it is the fact that people were told by store staff who were told by the powers that be so are blameless that there subsquently not enough money to sort the customers issue. So people are probably more annoyed at being told one thing only for something else to happen. My ears haven't heard about the three stores yet so I don't think its common knowledge(would like to know more though!) send me a private message if you have any please.

[patashnik]

I was told by Sofa Workshop Tottenham Court Road at the beginning of March that they had 'chased up' my order (placed 29 December last year) and that it would be delivered to the warehouse during the week beginning 23rd March. When it didn't arrive, I sent an email since I wanted contact with them to be documented rather than word of mouth assurances. I copied the email to the 'Contact Us' on the main website and received a reply from a lady saying it was now expected to be delivered to the warehouse during the week beginning 30th March, but that she would check the 'supply chain' to see if she could find any further information.

 

She said that usually the reason for non-delivery was if the delivery lorry was full, the order is postponed until the next delivery. Information about frequency of deliveries was not available! On late Thursday afternoon of that week Sofa Workshop Tottenham Court Road spoke to my flatmate while I was at work saying it would definitely be being delivered to the warehouse on Friday 10th April. Odd, I thought, that's a Bank Holiday. I emailed TCR asking them to confirm this in an email and received a reply saying the person who had phoned was off that day but would have meant delivery could be anytime during the week ending Friday 10th April and yes, indeed, the warehouse is closed on Bank Holiday Friday 10th. So here we are, more than half way through Wednesday 8th April and still no word. I have emailed the lady at 'Head Office' and copied it to Tottenham Court Road, asking what happens if (or in my opinion when) it is not delivered this week. Their ability to track or contact their 'supply chain' seems vague to say the least and I wonder if they are just stringing me along.

 

The last few postings leave me even more concerned. I held off cancelling the order (I paid the deposit by credit card) as I didn't fancy going through the process of getting a refund, going elsewhere and having to wait weeks again for delivery. In my position would you give them an ultimatum, or just go straight ahead a get the deposit refunded via the credit card company? Any advice would be welcomed.

Edited April 8, 2009 by patashnik
spelling error

[bond1982]

being honest if all of what has be previously written on this board wasn't true i would still get a refund, but make sure you get it through the credit card company because the store/company will not give you a refund! sorry wish i had more cheerful advice but that is the harsh reality.

Edited April 16, 2009 by bond1982
spelling error

[Veronica Cadora]

I've been told that Putney, Bristol and Exeter will be going

 

The Putney store was closed originally and then re-opened later, but I understand it's going again soon. The staff at this store know what's going on.

 

TCR will remain open for a while but may even be the fourth store to go. This has always been the best performing store in the group but recent problems have ruined morale. The staff at TCR also know they are on the hit list.

 

As you may know, Chester is the only franchise in the group. If sofa Workshop closes completely, Chester will also go. This will cause a legal mess. The Group are regretting allowing Chester to be a franchise. This store is a headache all round.

 

I can also confirm that the new owner has moved on.

 

As has been said here, it wouldn't be prudent to leave a deposit on furniture ordered. Pay only on delivery. Some stores are agreeing to do this, but customers need to insist. This will ensure that you either get your sofa...or not lose any money. The company is unstable, so bear this in mind.

 

The new owners should have settled the Birmingham problem but they are not doing so. They are now paying a high price for ignoring this. It won't go away.

 

I use an assumed user name here, but I'm known to everyone at the Barns (previous head office in West Sussex) and to the new owners, Erewash Upholstery. Denton Wilde Sapte, the company's previous solicitors, also know me, as do Leonard Curtis, the administrators.

[bond1982]

I can confirm that the morale in TCR is probably the lowest in the whole company! But I didn't realise that Putney was on the closure list, does anyone know when this likely to happen?

[Kilo78]

Would it interest anyone to learn that SW will shortly be OPENING 3 previously closed stores in Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

[bond1982]

There seems to be alot of conflicting information!

[bond1982]

if any one still reads this can we get some clarification on the openings and closing of stores?

[MARTIN3030]

Good idea.

Kilo78-can you please give some source as to the information you have posted ?

[Kilo78]

Good idea.

Kilo78-can you please give some source as to the information you have posted ?

 

sorry but no I can't. As you can see from the sw homepage Belfast will be opening soon though.

 

Anyone got any more news?

[bond1982]

I don't think kilo78 should give up her source but maybe if she could ask her source for clarification? i think thats what was intended. also i know that sofa workshop are desperate for some instant cash flow due to the opening of francise's, they would never have considered this unless they were desperate! it isn't looking good for sofa workshop at all and as i have said before if you are a customer please please do not leave any money as that money will be gone when they go bankrupt, remember there is no adminastration this time!

[MARTIN3030]

Sorry yes-source was probably the wrong word-I was meaning authenticity.

 

Given that even companies who have managed previously to weather wars, recession, and fierce market conditions but cannot hold on this time around,it does not take rocket science to assume a conclusion as to the future of Sofa Workshop.

Confidence in their ability to succeed has probably gone beyond redemption by customers,lenders and suppliers alike-who will always look at track records.

[bond1982]

as martin3030 says the future is not bright for sofa workshop and martin3030 is clearly someone without a vested interest! the closure of the putney store will probably happen within the next 4-6 weeks , so if you are a customer please do be carefull!

[bond1982]

it seems the death march is playing for sofa workshop as putney is going to close next week!

[bond1982]

and putney did close on friday the 31st!

[Kilo78]

Edinburgh re opening soon, probably October I would think. On the website

[MARTIN3030]

Scots obviously got more confidence than the Brits....wonder whats brought that about ?

[bond1982]

Yes but once again this is a franchise store! Seeing as they originally wanted to get rid of their only franchise store 'Chester' it seems strange how they have now opened two more!

 

Desparation anyone?

[bond1982]

Has anyone read or heard anything about the buzz on the net at the moment that sofa workshop is in trouble again?