Complaint Review: Ripoff Report | Future Buildings TRUSTED Business | Verified Safe™…businesses consumers can trust. Future Buildings is Canadian owned and operated with over 35 years’ experience in the design, engineering and manufacturing of prefabricated arch style steel buildings. Future Buildings are experts in providing steel building solutions for residential and commercial applications across North America and worldwide. - Markham Ontario
- Future Buildings TRUSTED Business | Verified Safe™…businesses consumers can trust. Future Buildings is Canadian owned and operated with over 35 years’ experience in the design, engineering and manufacturing of prefabricated arch style steel buildings. Future Buildings are experts in providing steel building solutions for residential and commercial applications across North America and worldwide. 1405 Denison Street Markham, Ontario U.S.A.
- Phone: 905-477-1894
- Web:
- Category: Building Products
Future Buildings TRUSTED Business REVIEW: Customer Satisfaction Commitment: Future Buildingâs commitment to absolute customer satisfaction is obvious from the first phone call. Future Buildings technical support team is on standby when you need them, to answer any questions that come up during assembly, but most clients find they never need to call once they fully read through the detailed assembly manual.
*UPDATE: Recognized by Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Program as a safe business service Future Buildings pledges to always resolve any issues: feel safe, confident & secure when doing business with Future Buildings recognized by Ripoff Report Verified⢠as a safe business service.
EDitor's UPDATE: Positive rating and recognition has been given to Future Buildings for its full commitment to quality customer service.
Ripoff Report's discussions with Future Buildings have uncovered an ongoing dedication by the company to total client satisfaction. This means that clients can expect that the company will work towards finding a mutually satisfactory resolution to any concerns. Future Buildings listens carefully to client concerns and sees them as an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and become more efficient as a company in the services offered and the support for those services.
Future Building’s dedicated customer service department has informed us that their philosophy has always been that a client has not been sufficiently serviced until they feel compelled to tell the whole world how much they love not only the product, but the people they dealt with along the way. Most Future Building clients rave to their friends about how much they love their new garage or workshop. Future Buildings has been built from the ground up over the past 30 years through the strength of client referrals and repeat customers.
One of the things Ripoff Report learned during its review is that typical customer feedback reads, "Future Buildings truly communicate all aspects of the service in a timely and effective manner. We are very pleased with the responsiveness that the employees show us. They are serious about meeting commitments and deliver on their promises."
Ripoff Report Verified™ .. part of Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program.A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business..
The information provided in this report below is based on comments made by Greg Hann during an onsite inspection held by a third-party verification company with no biases towards Future Buildings.
Future Buildings is the exclusive distributor for Future Steel Buildings in Canada. Greg Hann stated the following about his company, "we are also the authorized distributor for Future Steel Buildings across the rest of the world but have the exclusive in Canada. So essentially there is a factory that produces engineered steel buildings and we are the distributor of that product."
Leads for Future Buildings are obtained through several different avenues including their website, television, direct mail flyers, Facebook, and word of mouth. Mr. Hann went on to explain the sales and services process for his company, "we give them the option to enter their information to get either a building consultant to call them a quotation or request a printed brochure. We have a 20-page color brochure that goes out by mail. And each individual building is priced individually. So how it works in every part of the country every little town every city has what is called a snow load which is basically a measurement of how much snow falls on average and how much that snow weighs. The reason that is important because our buildings which don't have any kind of center support they have to be able to withstand the amount of snow that is going to fall on the building without any damage to the building. So then what we do once we determine what the customer's snow load is from there we design a building that is suitable for their snow, wind, seismic load, and all that stuff. And then from there, we would advise them what we would recommend for the best option for them."
CUSTOMER CARE & COMPLAINT RESOLUTION – FUTURE BUILDINGS
Mr. Hann was asked to describe a situation where a client was not satisfied with the level of service they received. Mr. Hann expressed the following, "So we have had occasions where because this is an engineered building we are pretty upfront with people to let them know that we give them certified engineer drawings that specify the type of foundation required for the building. And the foundation requirements for the building are pretty stringent because the foundation is an important part of the strength of the building. So we have had cases in the past where people have more or less ignored the drawings." Future Buildings is happy to assist their clients at all phases of the building process and will replace buildings parts that have been damaged materials during the erection process, "those are not covered by the warranty but we have done it anyway."
When asked to comment on complaints posted on Ripoff Report's website Mr. Hann stated, "the majority of them are people who made a purchase and the deposit is non-refundable. What happens when a customer gets into a contract with us to manufacture a building. What we do is the contract is sent off to engineering and do their due diligence and then do a full set of plans. IT then gets sent up to the head engineer and then a stamp is put on it. Plans typically run you up to $1200. Right up front when we sell the product we advise the engineering deposit is non-refundable. A majority of the complaints that we get come from customers who change their minds for whatever reason. People are in the habit of returning things. In our case, we are on the hook for a lot of money after doing this work. Customers come to us and say I want my money back but I say that we appreciate that but we both have an agreement that your deposit was to cover the cost of the engineering work. And then they get angry because they are used to being able to return things no questions asked. What we typically do when someone changes their mind is we offer them the opportunity to use the deposit as a credit towards something else." In order to assure future and current clients Future Buildings has a certificate of approval from the City of Houston, is registered for the CSA A860, and are accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
When asked what type of changes they have made to honor their commitment to making things right with the consumer per the request of Ripoff Report, Mr. Hann stated, "We have made changes to make sure things are more upfront. It is a pretty common way to do it because of people like the look of a wood building but the advantages of a steel building. So, for a while our order forms in regards to the end walls it used to say solid, open, or none. And we found out that there was a lot of confusion. So, we made a modification to the order form that makes it clearer. It now instead of none says no end walls included. Another one is because this is a DIY thing we had a couple of different complaints where customers were under the impression that our drivers were going to unload the building and stack it for them which is not the case. We had a couple people who went on and were upset. We have taken the step of adding another note to the order form that explicitly states that the customer is responsible for offloading building."
Future Buildings is proud to be a part of Ripoff Reports Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program, "we are taking the steps to that make sure our customers are happy and satisfied and that we are transparent. And that we keep our reputation as real as possible. The way that I see it is we are taking the initiative to keep our reputation as accurate as possible and makes it give us the incentive to make sure that every customer is as happy as can be."
FUTURE BUILDINGS – STATEMENT FROM MARCEL
" First and foremost I would like to thank you for considering Future Buildings. They offer great value for the dollar because their truss less design means you have 100% usable interior space. Our buildings are made of the finest steel available in the world. Galvalume Plus, with our industry leading 30-year perforation warranty. No matter what type of building you are looking for - large, small or anything in between, Future Buildings can offer you the most durable customizable building you will find anywhere.
Future Buildings understands that a customer's 'dream' garage or workshop is as unique as the client themselves. Our buildings are available in literally millions of combinations of width, height, length and style. A team of qualified & professional building consultants is standing by to help you determine the best configuration to suit your needs, well within your budget and on time!
Future Building’s team have expressed that they are dedicated to making sure every client is ecstatic with their metal quonset building. Future Buildings takes employee satisfaction seriously as well. Employee feedback and surveys reveal comments such as this, "Working at Future Buildings has been very rewarding. Every day I help good hardworking people design & build the garage of their dreams. I get a real kick out of having customers send photos of their completed projects."
Ripoff Report was pleased to learn that Future Building’s past and current approach to business is focused on its pledge to total commitment towards client and employee satisfaction.
STATED IMPROVEMENTS FROM FUTURE BUILDINGS
Future Buildings recognizes that complaints posted on Ripoff Report (whether true or not) are issues that need to be addressed, not ignored. If handled correctly, complaints can be valuable learning opportunities. With the feedback generated by Ripoff Report's review, Future Buildings has made organizational changes allowing its clients and employees a more streamlined approach to problem resolution and a commitment to a great client experience.
In summary, after our review, which included discussions with Greg Hann, Ripoff Report is convinced that Future Buildings is committed to quality delivery of services resulting in total client satisfaction.
How does a business get Ripoff Report Verified™
The member business allows Ripoff report to email everyone from the past. Those who respond to Ripoff report with a valid complaint must be take care of. They have made a commitment that if anyone contacts Ripoff Report in the future, they will make things right within 14 days. The member business must err on the side of their customers. Otherwise the member business is off the program.
Ripoff Report has determined that Future Buildings meets Ripoff Report Verified™ standards which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. Members of the Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction program do pay a fee for our on-site review, 24-hour monitoring and for support with customers to resolve any disagreements.
Ripoff Report sends a 3rd party service to do an onsite inspection of the new member business. The on-site inspection / review does not mean that the products or services offered by the business have been evaluated or endorsed by Ripoff Report and has not made a determination as to the business' product quality or competency in performing services. We can verify, that Ripoff Report went to the business, verified their business or “work from home business”, there for, if a customer in the future does not get treated correctly, Ripoff Report can get the problem resolved. If not, and the customers is right, the member business will be taken off the Corporate Advocacy Program. Remember, Ripoff Report emailed every customer from the past that filed a complaint to make sure the member business made things right with customers from the past. Again, to err on the side of their customer, those from the past and those in the future.
Read more about why consumers should feel confident when doing business with a member of Ripoff Report's Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program. Yes, it’s a long name for a program that does a lot for both consumers and businesses alike.
Read about Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program, a program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business. This program works.
As a matter of policy, when a business becomes a member of the Corporate Advocacy Program they agree to allow Ripoff Report to contact every client who filed a complaint, so they can make things right with them. In order to confirm that the complaints were resolved, Ripoff Report is copied on all responses, so we can insure that the member business did right by their customer.
NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future Steel Buildings Markham Ontario
ABOUT THE RIPOFF REPORT BELOW:
Ripoff Report would like to let readers know that Ripoff Report emailed this customer, so the member business could make things right with them. When a business joins the Corporate Advocacy Program, Ripoff Report emails everyone from the past so the member business can make things right with them. Of course, everything within reason. In order to confirm that the complaints were resolved, Ripoff Report is copied on all responses, so we can insure that the member business did right by their customer. The author of the Ripoff Report below never responded to our offer to help them.
NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED
---------------------------------------------------------------------
On February 10, 2009 I placed an order for a building that had already been built and was in the compnay's inventory, so the company did not start building on my order. The salesman Gary Johnston told me on the phone and in an email that if I ordered the building and changed my mind and cancelled the order that I would only be out a $350.00 charge for the drawings, and I agreed and placed the order. I called the company on 04/08/09 and tried to cancel my order and they told me that I would be out my $3000.00 deposit. They apologized that the salesman mis-spoke. I had agreed to the $350.00 charge based on my conversation and email from the salesman, not the $3000.00 charge the company wants now. I told the company that my plans had changed and I would not need the building for another 2 years. It is sad that a salesman will lie to a perspective customer and the perspective customer has it in writing from the salesman and then the company will not honor what their salesman will say. Even though the company said that this was not written on the contract, does not the salesman represent the company. In my opinion, this company is a sad excuse for a respectful place of business. Danny North Richland Hills, Texas
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 04/13/2009 08:31 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/future-buildings-trusted-business-verified-safebusinesses-consumers-can-trust-future-buildings-is-canadian-owned-and-operated-with-over-35-years-experience-in-the-design-engineering-and-manufacturing-of-prefabricated-arch-style-steel-buildings-future-buildings-are-experts-in-providing-steel-building-solutions-for-residential-and-commercial-applications-across-north-america-and-worldwide/markham-ontario-l3r-5v2/future-steel-buildings-markham-ontario-443162. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
If you would like to see more Rip-off Reports on this company/individual, search here:
#14 Consumer Comment
For all these people blaming the consumer..
AUTHOR: Dan - ( )
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Good businesses act like good businesses. They don't hide behind contracts and the letter of the law to take your money. THe customer was told that he was only responsible for the plans if he backed out, and he placed his deposit in good faith. However these plans were paid for, and no merchandise was delivered. Why would the company be entitled to the deposit without delivering any product? The contract is for services delivered and the business has provided nothing of value, outside of a fancy set of pictures which was paid for. I am starting to wonder if these defenses are from other steel building "professionals" as this seems to be the scam du jour in that industry.
Think of it this way. You go into a car dealership and discuss a custom truck. Design the truck, pickout the options, colors etc. and save it into the computer. THe salesman printos out a picture and you put down a deposit. Nothing is ordered, you jsut have a deposit at the dealer as a credit towards a future purchase. Months later, you come back and say that you don't want to order the truck anymore. Does that dealer have a right to your money? Even if you signed a contract to order it, they have not provided you a truck and thus deserve no money. Again, good businesses act like good businesses because they care about reputation and take a long term persepective. Crappy businesses try to force you into doing business with them because they cannot win the business honestly.
#13 Consumer Comment
We Need to Look at the Facts...
AUTHOR: Tiwilliam - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Monday, September 07, 2015
I noticed how many people latched onto the fact the company did not provide a refund and commented that this was so unfair. The customer states he made the order in February and attempted to cancel with refund in May. Buyer's remorse is typically considered from 72 hours to maybe even a week. Outside of this timeline, you really have to consider the impact to the supplier on refunds, returning materials, etc. It should not have taken eight weeks for this customer to realize this purchase is not a good fit for the company at this time. Even if this was the case, the consumer's responsibility would have been to accept the delivery and be accountable for the storage of this purchase until he was ready to use it in the stated two years.
I read a few of the responses stating they were glad to see this ripoff report before they ordered from this company. The problem with these comments is the lack of consideration on the company's part regarding the timeline the consumer gave us in his original complaint. How can you penalize a company for following the contract the consumer signed as in agreement? I am not privy to the contract, but it may very well state that any agreements outside the contract would not supercede the contract. You would have this same problem no matter which of their competitor you do business.
The contract agreement protects the consumer AND the supplier. When we begin a group exodus without considering both sides of the complaint we open the door for fewer choices in suppliers, higher prices, and the potential of a monopoly within the industry.
It may have been possible for the consumer to go to the supplier and negotiate applying his deposit to a future project rather than demanding a refund more than 45 days after placing the order. Becoming a good consumer takes practice.
#12 REBUTTAL Owner of company
uh, sound shaky..
AUTHOR: thirdstone - ()
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, September 03, 2014
well, actually, it sounds like a bunch of crap to me.... based on what I've seen, I am no longer considering doing beusiness with this company.
#11 General Comment
Unbelievable
AUTHOR: Bob22 - (Canada)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, December 25, 2012
I can't believe some of these comments. First I'd like to say
I've had no dealings with future buildings as of yet.I would also like to
Say i have never Commented on any forums...ever before. After reading
Some of the above people I couldn't resist. To me,
The above situation is cut and dry. The two parties
Negotiated a deal...and signed a contract. It wasn't on a
Whim...he had the plans...decided it worked for his situation and pd the
Deposit. now he wants to back out of the agreement.
The Cooling off period in Canada regarding contracts
Is only for door to door contracts I believe. how can anybody blame
A company for upholding a signed agreement.
The customer should show some integrity. If he wasn't
Sure about his purchase...don't sign the agreement! The agreement
Is in place so both parties know what is expected
From each other. It wouldn't be ok for the business
To decide after the agreement was signed to raise the
Price or change the conditions so why is it ok for the consumer??
I'm in the market this yr for a building....and I will have no problem
considering future buildings as a company that can be trusted
#10 Consumer Comment
glad i read this story..considering buying a 10k steel bldg
AUTHOR: Wood in virginia - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, November 11, 2012
Glad I had sense enough to 'Google steel building reviews' on the internet this morning.. was considering Steelmaster or some of their 'competition'. Think I won't bother to check out any Canadaian companies if this is what they do to you. What if the customer had been a victim of a medical issue, layoff or Storm. It also helps to read these contracts from these suppliers and run them by your ATTORNEY before jumping into the deal instead of after especially purchases MORE then 5k . What if their building doesn't pass your counties building requirements.. you gotta pay a down payment to just see the engineering plans and have them approved- I DON'T THINK SO.
#9 Consumer Suggestion
smalls claims for the easy win
AUTHOR: Watcher - (Canada)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, September 08, 2012
You are correct. In Ontario, where Future steel is located, there is a cooling off period on any contract of this value. You can change your mind and get your money back. Future Steel would be wise to abide by the law. If they do not, simply take them to court. For amounts up to 10,000 this is very easy to do in small claims. Its a few hundred dollars to file and you will get that money added to your judgement when you win. And you will win. The law is very clear about the cooling off period. The more documentation you have the better as small claims is not like criminal court. Its not about guilty or innocent but who is more believable. The Judge will decide who is telling the truth based on evidence presented and has the authority to decide who is telling the truth. This wont even get to court. I would bet that it will be decided in discovery. Discovery is the meeting before court where both parties meet before a court appointed mediator. The purpose of this is to avoid wasted court time. The Mediator will look at evidence and warn anyone who is ill prepared and let all know what is most likely to happen in court. This gives parties a chance to settle without future proceedings. Should the "loser" disagree and wish to go to court anyway it does not bode well for them as the judge will take their refusal into consideration. This does bode well for the victor as the judge will likely add to your judgement and wit also makes it easier to put liens on the company since they demonstrated uncooperative behaviour.
Small claims - easy win in this case so long as you have everything documented.
#8 Consumer Comment
Shame on future Steel Bldgs.
AUTHOR: Alexc - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 08, 2011
I was looking into buying a steel building and happened by your ad on TV. I immediately went to the web to look art you buildings but the first thing I saw was "Future Steel Buildings Ripoff". I red the first story how FSB was keeping the entire deposit of Mr Flemmings. I thought in large purchases like this the customer had 3 days to change his mind by law.
It doesent matter anyhow. Now that I see how FSB does business, by their own admission, they will not be considered for my business. To bad they trat their customers that way.
But in all fairness Mr Flemming should not have handed them $3000 before he was certain he was purchasing the item. Doing that you are asking disreputable companies to steal your money.
#7 Consumer Comment
RE report
AUTHOR: BRETT - (Canada)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, November 04, 2010
I purchased a future steel building. They charged me what they quoted. Delivered on time. were freindly all round good service.
That being said I have never tried to return or cancle on my contract with them so do not know if they would have kept my deposit or not. but as mine was a custom spec I guess they would have to keep some of it to cover their costs. They may or not beable to resell so they would be stuck holding my builing.
#6 General Comment
Really?!?
AUTHOR: Jim Ryan - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
So let me get this straight..... You called about the building; negotiated a price; signed a contract and then put down a $3000 deposit. You did all that and didnt think about changing your mind. Then you changed your mind and decided not to go through with the contract.....
And now you want your deposit back?!?!
Seems to me like this is your fault. 100% your fault. You are lucky they are a good enough company to give you a $3000 credit on a purchase in the future. How are they supposed to stay in business if they allow every person who changes there mind, out of the blue, and not honor the contract .... which by the way, they signed.
I'm just really surprised that you expect your money back even though it was your choice to to not uphold the agreement. It was 100% your fault.
#5 Author of original report
Response to Future Steel Buildings Deceptive Sales Tactics Rebuttal Markham Ontario
AUTHOR: Danny - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ms. Everson,
If a company will lie to you, they will cheat you and steal from you, which is what Future Steel has done to me thus far. Your employee, Mr. Johnston, a representative of your company, both told me via phone and then followed up with an e-mail to me that if I changed my mind and cancelled the order, I would only be out $350. Now Future Steel claims their representative made a mistake and that what he said was not what he meant. Any moral and decent company would stand behind what their sales representative communicates to the customer. Wal-Mart, for example, is a company that takes responsibility for their employees' actions. I went to Wal-Mart to purchase a weed-eater, which their employee had marked at a particular price although the item was not an advertised sale item. Wal-Mart took responsibility for the employee's action and sold me the product at the price for which their employee had marked it. That is a sign of a company with integrity.
With the deceitful practices I have encountered with Future Steel to date, I can only imagine the underhanded practices they use in handling their warranty claims.
As a representative of Future Steel, you sent a letter to me stating that the company is prepared to issue me a credit for the $3000 to be applied towards the purchase price of another building of equal or greater value than the building in question. However, you added that Future Steel may, at its sole discretion, rescind the credit upon providing 10 days written notice. Again, what kind of integrity is this?
#4 Author of original report
Response to Future Steel Buildings Deceptive Sales Tactics Rebuttal Markham Ontario
AUTHOR: Danny - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ms. Everson,
If a company will lie to you, they will cheat you and steal from you, which is what Future Steel has done to me thus far. Your employee, Mr. Johnston, a representative of your company, both told me via phone and then followed up with an e-mail to me that if I changed my mind and cancelled the order, I would only be out $350. Now Future Steel claims their representative made a mistake and that what he said was not what he meant. Any moral and decent company would stand behind what their sales representative communicates to the customer. Wal-Mart, for example, is a company that takes responsibility for their employees' actions. I went to Wal-Mart to purchase a weed-eater, which their employee had marked at a particular price although the item was not an advertised sale item. Wal-Mart took responsibility for the employee's action and sold me the product at the price for which their employee had marked it. That is a sign of a company with integrity.
With the deceitful practices I have encountered with Future Steel to date, I can only imagine the underhanded practices they use in handling their warranty claims.
As a representative of Future Steel, you sent a letter to me stating that the company is prepared to issue me a credit for the $3000 to be applied towards the purchase price of another building of equal or greater value than the building in question. However, you added that Future Steel may, at its sole discretion, rescind the credit upon providing 10 days written notice. Again, what kind of integrity is this?
#3 Author of original report
Response to Future Steel Buildings Deceptive Sales Tactics Rebuttal Markham Ontario
AUTHOR: Danny - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ms. Everson,
If a company will lie to you, they will cheat you and steal from you, which is what Future Steel has done to me thus far. Your employee, Mr. Johnston, a representative of your company, both told me via phone and then followed up with an e-mail to me that if I changed my mind and cancelled the order, I would only be out $350. Now Future Steel claims their representative made a mistake and that what he said was not what he meant. Any moral and decent company would stand behind what their sales representative communicates to the customer. Wal-Mart, for example, is a company that takes responsibility for their employees' actions. I went to Wal-Mart to purchase a weed-eater, which their employee had marked at a particular price although the item was not an advertised sale item. Wal-Mart took responsibility for the employee's action and sold me the product at the price for which their employee had marked it. That is a sign of a company with integrity.
With the deceitful practices I have encountered with Future Steel to date, I can only imagine the underhanded practices they use in handling their warranty claims.
As a representative of Future Steel, you sent a letter to me stating that the company is prepared to issue me a credit for the $3000 to be applied towards the purchase price of another building of equal or greater value than the building in question. However, you added that Future Steel may, at its sole discretion, rescind the credit upon providing 10 days written notice. Again, what kind of integrity is this?
#2 Author of original report
Response to Future Steel Buildings Deceptive Sales Tactics Rebuttal Markham Ontario
AUTHOR: Danny - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ms. Everson,
If a company will lie to you, they will cheat you and steal from you, which is what Future Steel has done to me thus far. Your employee, Mr. Johnston, a representative of your company, both told me via phone and then followed up with an e-mail to me that if I changed my mind and cancelled the order, I would only be out $350. Now Future Steel claims their representative made a mistake and that what he said was not what he meant. Any moral and decent company would stand behind what their sales representative communicates to the customer. Wal-Mart, for example, is a company that takes responsibility for their employees' actions. I went to Wal-Mart to purchase a weed-eater, which their employee had marked at a particular price although the item was not an advertised sale item. Wal-Mart took responsibility for the employee's action and sold me the product at the price for which their employee had marked it. That is a sign of a company with integrity.
With the deceitful practices I have encountered with Future Steel to date, I can only imagine the underhanded practices they use in handling their warranty claims.
As a representative of Future Steel, you sent a letter to me stating that the company is prepared to issue me a credit for the $3000 to be applied towards the purchase price of another building of equal or greater value than the building in question. However, you added that Future Steel may, at its sole discretion, rescind the credit upon providing 10 days written notice. Again, what kind of integrity is this?
#1 UPDATE Employee
Rebuttal to Mr. Fleming regarding Future Steel Buildings
AUTHOR: Future Steel Management - (Canada)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Dear Mr Fleming
In response to your entry of April 13 we would like to first say how disappointed we are to see here that you feel you have been somehow intentionally misled by one of our building specialists throughout your purchasing experience. Future Steel Buildings prides itself on the fact that our company operates on a level that is geared towards what works best for all of our customers including prospective ones. Our philosophy is simple, we provide straightforward, affordable steel building solutions and we bank on the fact that the testimonials and customer referrals that we get after the fact about our products, our service and our commitment to good business practices will keep us in business for another 30 years and beyond.
Therefore in addition to the communication that we have had directly with you since your post here we are also taking the time in this forum to address your complaint and provide some of the details that were omitted that we feel will immediately correct your perceived wrong concerning the contract you authorized to purchase a Future Steel Building.
The number one confusion we must clear up is with regards to your statements: out my $3,000 deposit and the $3,000 the company now wants. Each is entirely erroneous in its context. As we have clearly communicated both in writing and via telephone with you directly, the down payment you made on one of our featured sale buildings is still just that a down payment - and as such will be held as credit in your name until you are ready to complete the purchase and take possession of your new building.
The contract you received clearly states that by terminating the Purchasing Agreement you signed:
Future Sales is prepared to issue you a credit towards the purchase of another Future Steel building
The credit will be applied to the purchase price of the building at the time that the credit note is used and not on the pricing that was in place at the time of the original sales agreement
The building that you selected is, as you pointed out, one that was already manufactured and for that very reason as an inventory clearance item it was sold to you at considerable discount and the deposit you made secured that building at that price. It is standard policy in the industry to treat these clearance situations on a first-come first-served basis. We simply cannot hold the building and the price indefinitely. But what is never mentioned in your write-up is that given that you claimed that you were facing a situation where you just did not need the building right away, our customer service representative did offer you a delay until September 2009 to reinstate your original order so that you would not lose the building you wanted at the price that you paid.
The important point here is that at no time were we in default of honoring the purchase agreement you signed. Your deposit became a full credit and if anything, as is now evident, we were prepared to stretch our terms in your favour to better accommodate you, our customer.
And finally, with regards to the $350 charge for engineering drawings our building representative referred to that you could be out of pocket for, he is correct in that statement but he may not have properly explained why. So to be clear now, the only way that you would need to repay that charge, and hence be out of pocket, is if a second set of drawings needed to be engineered at a later date. This would happen in the event that the delay meant that you actually purchased a different building hence with a different set of specifications or if something changed with respect to your building permit. Either of these things would necessitate a second set of drawings and it would therefore be a second charge to you to have them engineered.
Mr. Fleming, you are welcome to contact our office directly to further clarify any of the above points.
Advertisers above have met our
strict standards for business conduct.