Glidden Furniture - Get EVERYTHING in writing Internet

Back around September of 2007, we walked into Glidden Furniture of referral from my father-in-law.  There furniture was a little more expensive than the other competitors in town; however, we were told that the furniture was nicer, better quality, and that Glidden takes care of their customers.  We were told to ask for Kristy, the owner's wife. 

Upon arriving, we asked for Kristy, but she was unavailable, and we were helped by another female salesperson, who put Kristy's name down on the paperwork.  We did not get this salesperson's name. We looked a Stratford sofa and a Stratolounger (I believe) Recliner.  The recliner was an older model, clearance priced.  We were told the sofa carried an 8 year Warranty by the female salesperson.  The total of the purchases was around $1000.

We put some money down, and were told by the female salesperson (not Kristy) that we had six months to pay it off on a free layaway, and have it delivered, which was perfect, seeing as our tax return would be available in 3-4 months.  After two months, the owner called us, bullying us into coming in immediately paying the purchase off and scheduling delivery.  He denied any participation in a layaway, and sent us over to American General to get a loan, or else we would lose our cash down and the furniture.

We did so.  Upon speaking with the loan officer, we asked if we needed to know for sure whether we wanted the recliner before financing.  He said it didn't matter, we were financing the entire principal anyway, and that it was our interest, so Glidden should issue a check for the difference, if we decided not to get the recliner.  We knew no better, and the owner mentioned they did a lot of work with Glidden, so we took it for truth.  He then shoved a $110 loan insurance plan down our throat (which later refused to pay, which is another story) and sent us on our way.

After measuring the living room, we realized that recliner was pushing it, and when we went to Glidden, asked to remove it from the order.  They refused, said that we would have a 25% restocking fee on the cost of the recliner if we did so, even though it NEVER left their salesfloor/showroom.  Upon being bullied again, we just took the recliner, my wife was on the fence anyway.  No talk was made of the warranty, we continued under the assumption that the information we were given was correct.

Now, after moving the furniture in, their deliverymen broke a foot, and said they would come back through and drop off a replacement.  After no delivery of the foot, we called.  They told we had to come pick it up.  We had to drive another trip due to THEIR deliverymen breaking our furniture.  We put it off until today.

Now, after only two years, our cushions are breaking down, despite the immaculate condition of the upholstery.  A front, right side board seems to be broken or bowed, the padding is breaking down on the same arm, and there is a tear on the stitching on the back, where the cushions overlap the backboard.  We don't use our sofa that often, it AMAZES me that the filler material would be breaking down in a couple areas after just a year and a half (where we started to notice).

So, we go back into Glidden, because now we're told the Stratford carries a 1 year warranty on fabric and a three year warranty on the frame.  I have checked this information, it is accurate.  I'm not debating that.  The misinformation at the POINT OF SALE, is the problem.  Kristy's reply, "It's our word against yours", a conversation I recorded on my iPhone 3G and will continue to hold onto.

So since there is a frame issue, I may be able to get Stratford to replace the sofa or at least repair that, but Glidden wouldn't do anything for us.  I continue to fight this with the manufacturer now, I only made this report to ward anyone who would choose to do business with Glidden Furniture in Terre Haute.  I understand that the important points of this are indeed my word, and we can't prove one way or another.  However, unlike Glidden, I completely stand behind my word.  If anyone chooses to rebut, they need be ready to go to court, or not waste their time, because I would defend my word in court.

This is not libel, and under no circumstances whatsoever can anyone involved produce evidence of such.  Everything I have stated is entirely accurate.  Please, buyer beware.  Get EVERYTHING in writing.  And if they are unwilling to do so, then take that as an indicator that it's time to shop somewhere else.  We will NEVER do business with Glidden again, and I intend to raise as much awareness as possible.