Linen vent (long)

So, I've had my heart set on coppery brown overlays for my RH tables. I've been collecting samples from various companies and found one I like from an onilne company. I guess I jumped the gun, b/c I reserved the order with $75 deposit. They sent me the contract and I was to fax it back. I didn't think the order was official until they had a signed contract. Well, I looked at BBB (something I should've done much earlier)...it turns out they have 18 complaints in 36 months and an unsatisfactory record with the BBB so I didn't fax the contract and I called to cancel my order and of course--now they won't give me my deposit back. I looked on an email and it does say non-refundable. UGH!
Today I get an email from someone at the company saying it's unfortunate I'm putting so much weight into the BBB b/c it's not a gov't agency and they don't weight things fairly if you're not a member....and that 18 complaints in 3 years is not a lot.

In the meantime, I contacted Table WeAr'. They're sending me samples and quoted me the same price....actually cheaper b/c I'm not paying shipping and handling. Plus, they deliver/set up and break down the linens.

Should I just eat my $75? FH thinks I'm overreacting about the other company. I hate to lose money, but I just don't want to be one of those unsatisfied customers on my wedding day.

Eat the $75.
Consider it the cost of peace of mind.

(oh yeah - IMO 18 complaints in 36 months is quite a lot)

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Posted by SusiBtoM

Eat the $75.
Consider it the cost of peace of mind.

(oh yeah - IMO 18 complaints in 36 months is quite a lot)

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i agree!! and someone from the company telling you it's 'not a gov't agency' is not the way to ease your mind about doing business with them!! i hope you have a better experience with the new company.

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Posted by SusiBtoM

Eat the $75.
Consider it the cost of peace of mind.

(oh yeah - IMO 18 complaints in 36 months is quite a lot)

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I put a lot into the BBB, I always check there before I do anything big. I wanted to use a company for a party bus for my wedding but they have more than a few complaints on them in the past year. Eat the $75 and use a company that has a good rating!

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Posted by magbride

Sure, I'll FM you. But not to worry, it's not a LI company.

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oh okay...phew....

ETA: I would just eat the $75, its not worth the extra stress

I say eat the 75-only b/c it will be so much more aggravating to deal with to get it back.
18 complaints is alot BUT you are talking over 36 months-thats 3 years, 6 a year...if they do 3 weddings every weekend thats 6 out of 156-thats not that bad. You also have to take into consideration how many people had stupid complaints about them.

Sorry to be defending it-trust me I didnt use them-nor do I know anyone that works for them-but just thought it should be known

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Posted by PegaLega

I say eat the 75-only b/c it will be so much more aggravating to deal with to get it back.
18 complaints is alot BUT you are talking over 36 months-thats 3 years, 6 a year...if they do 3 weddings every weekend thats 6 out of 156-thats not that bad. You also have to take into consideration how many people had stupid complaints about them.

Sorry to be defending it-trust me I didnt use them-nor do I know anyone that works for them-but just thought it should be known

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That was their point and I do understand that--especially if they're a big outfit but it still makes me nervous.

I don't buy it. Think of how annoyed you would have to be to actually motivate yourself to complain to the BBB. It's a lot of paperwork to fill out. A customer, I would think, would have to be extremely dissatisfied to take it up with the BBB, so IMO, your linen company's point is moot about their 'only' being 18 complaints. And as far as them having an extra hard time b/c they aren't members of the BBB:
1. Why AREN'T they members? It only stands to boost business credibility.
2. That's crap. The BBB isn't out to 'get' non-members. That makes absolutely no sense.

I would use the other company. You know what? If you don't, you are going to be worrying about it until you get to the RH. Who needs the extra headache?

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Posted by thelastresort

I don't buy it. Think of how annoyed you would have to be to actually motivate yourself to complain to the BBB. It's a lot of paperwork to fill out. A customer, I would think, would have to be extremely dissatisfied to take it up with the BBB, so IMO, your linen company's point is moot about their 'only' being 18 complaints. And as far as them having an extra hard time b/c they aren't members of the BBB:
1. Why AREN'T they members? It only stands to boost business credibility.
2. That's crap. The BBB isn't out to 'get' non-members. That makes absolutely no sense.

I would use the other company. You know what? If you don't, you are going to be worrying about it until you get to the RH. Who needs the extra headache?

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Thanks for the reassurance. Awhile ago, our DOC cautioned me against using an online linen company. She said you get a great price, but they don't come to the event to set up and break down and in a lot of cases, arrive wrinkled. I should've listened, b/c now I find out the price for a local company with set up and breakdown isn't much different.

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Posted by SusiBtoM

Eat the $75.
Consider it the cost of peace of mind.

(oh yeah - IMO 18 complaints in 36 months is quite a lot)

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I agree...

18 complaints is a lot when you consider that not everyone who had a bad experience will file a complaint with the BBB. I believe it was explained to me once that only approx 1 in 5 people will go so far as to file a complaint so by those standards they could possibly have 90-100 real problems in that time period!
I think if nothing else, like others have said, $75 is a small price to pay for piece of mind. Go with your gut feeling.

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Posted by SusiBtoM

Eat the $75.
Consider it the cost of peace of mind.

(oh yeah - IMO 18 complaints in 36 months is quite a lot)

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I completely agree, $75 is small in the scheme of things