Budget Blinds of the Sierra Foothills

After having samples in their home for several days the customers made their selection of a fabricThe fabric that they received was the exact fabric that they selected, as was specified on their contract, and as can be clearly seen on their order confirmation (India Silk in Kashmir w/ Whisper Sheer in White Organdy)Please see the line by line comparison of the sales contract with the manufacturer’s order confirmationAs can be seen on the customer’s email authorization on 11/13/15, upon reviewing the contract, her only question was when she could expect installationNo instructions were given to make changes of any kind; not to the lifting systems or to the fabricFurther, no verbal instructions were given to make changes to the orderThis is simply informationBy California state law we have to give our customers a three day cooling off periodFrom the date of authorization, they have until midnight of the third business day to make any changes or cancel their purchaseMrs [redacted] would have had until 11/19/to make any changes or cancellationsAs you can see from the order date on the manufacturer’s order confirmation, we did not submit the customer’s order until 11/24/If after 11/13, the customer had made any indication of wanting to make changes we would have had plenty of time to make them, and would have happily done soRegarding returns of products, we are not an inventory retailer, but rather a dealer of custom-made products We sell window coverings that are custom-sized for each customer’s windows with fabrics, colors and lifting systems that are all hand selected by the customerFor this reason, all sales are final and the customer is responsible for choice of product, style, color and controlsThis is clearly stated on all of our sales contracts, and it was clearly stated on Mrs [redacted] ’s contractOnce we have paid the manufacturer for an order we are unable to receive a refund, and due to the custom nature of each order, we are unable to resell these itemsFor all of the reasons outlined above, we are not able to accept returns or authorize refunds unless there is a manufacturing defect, but certainly not because a customer simply decided that they did not like what they chose The customers attempted to return their products without authorizationTo reiterate, they came into our office and told our receptionist that they had been advised by the owner to bring their shades inThis was completely information, or put simply, a lieThis lie aided them in receiving a signature from our receptionist, who was unaware of what was going on, which was, quite frankly, attempted fraud and breach of contract Upon learning of the situation, we instructed our installation technician to transport the shades to the [redacted] store and have them shipped them back to the customer via ***We received confirmation on 5/that the delivery was successful (Please see attached delivery confirmationTracking number can be verified on ***.com) It should be noted again, that after all of this, we still attempted to work with the customer and offer them a partial refund as outlined below: Originally agreed upon contract price: $($after $discount) Total payments received: $Less cost of goods/sales tax: $Total refund: $ Rather than accepting our refund offer, the customer filed a dispute with her credit card company, for which the funds have already been removed from our account, pending resolution of the dispute processWe have had no choice but to withdraw our offer for a partial refund, and file all documentation for a counter-disputeTell us why here

I am rejecting this response because:There was ongoing communication after 11/13/via phone and email finalizing blind specifications What we had agreed on was NOT what we received We tried to be patient and work with Budget Blinds and returned the blinds on 5/7/ [redacted] , an employee of Budget Blinds, signed a return receipt and excepted the return We want a refund

The above referenced customer purchased window coverings to be made custom for her homeThey would be manufactured according to her own selections of product brand, style, color, and lifting systemWe wrote out a contract specifying exactly what would be orderedThe customer authorized the
contract via emailWe delivered and installed the product in her home, exactly as it was specified on the contract, with the exception of one lifting system (the lift cord option) which had to be different due to size limitationsWe gave the customer a $discount for this, although the lifting systems are only valued at $The *** *** window coverings were brand new, beautifully made and in perfect working conditionThere was no defect in her productsUltimately, the customer decided that she did not like what she selectedOur products are custom-made according to what each customer selects, and for this reason, we are unable to return them to the manufacturer or resell them to a another customerTherefore, we advised the customer that we could not offer a return or refund, but explained that if she was unsatisfied with her products, she could file a complaint with the manufacturerShe did so, and the manufacturer determined that she received exactly what was on her contract (what she personally selected), and that there was no defect with her products, therefore, they also could not authorize a return or refundWe tried to work the manufacturer on the issue as well, but due to the lack of defect with the product, they were unable to do anything for usThere was nothing more we could do for the customer at this pointShe did have a small remaining balance due with us, which we were willing to waive as a courtesyThe customer then threatened to dispute her credit card charge, and later came into our front office, advising our receptionist that the owner had authorized her to return her window coveringsUnbeknownst to our receptionist, this was a fabricated statementWe redelivered the customer's products to her home, and advised that we would be willing to refund everything she paid that was over and above what we paid to the manufacturer for her productsWe would take a loss on all administrative and labor costs for her jobWe provided the manufacturer's invoice so she could verify the accuracy of our costWe have received no response from the customer

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in
reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to meBusiness owner *** *** contacted me and explained the delay in my orderHe has agreed to resolve the complaint and has scheduled an appointment next week for the installation of my shutters/blindsI am satisfied with the resolution in this matter and request the Revdex.com complaint be closedThank you for your time and consideration in this matter

I am rejecting this response because:We purchased *** *** blinds on November 20, from *** *** at Budget Blinds We never signed the invoice because we had gone back and forth via phone conversations confirming our purchase. We gave him a $4,deposit and the remainder was to be paid after installThe blinds were installed in December. Upon having the blinds installed we were shocked to find that the blinds in our master room and nursery both had dual cords, the fabric was not the fabric we selected, the blinds did not hang evenlyImmediately after the blinds were installed we called *** to express our frustrations. He pushed us back and rescheduled a number of times over the next month continuously delaying the process and reassuring us that he would make things right and he would correct the situation. He finally came to our house on 1/28/(a month and a half after install) and we reviewed the issues we had. He stated that in order to correct the situation we would need to put in writing all the issues we had and we agreed to pay him another $in good faith that he would make the situation right and provide the correct blinds we had originally discussed. Since then we have had nothing but delays, push back and difficulty getting *** to commit to getting us our correct blinds. Last month he pushed us back onto *** *** who we contacted and they told us there was nothing they could do as we purchased their product through a 3rd party vendor *** *** specifically said that unless we had a warranty issue they would not be able to help us Budget Blinds claimed they had tried to work with *** *** prior to me reaching out to them but after speaking with a representative I quickly learned they had no record of my issueSince our meeting with *** at the end of January he goes back and forth between stating he is willing to help to being aggressive and offensive. The last phone conversation I had with him he used profanity and was extremely offensive. After that we sent *** an email on 4/14/offering a resolution in that if he refunded our $4,and we would walk away from the $in order to put this situation to rest. He responded with a typical delay on 4/15/asking for more time to respond and then we never heard from him again. We gave him weeks to respond then returned the blinds to his show room and *** *** signed a return receipt on 5/7/ We did not fabricate any statements to his employee After the return we again received aggressive and threatening voice mails from *** We had to send him an email not to set foot on our property as he was threatening to come to our home Budget blinds then shipped the blinds to us via UPS shippers release declaring the value for $so the blinds were left on our door step with no way to return back to sender We would be happy to give the blinds back to Budget Blinds as we have already returned them once We were never told about a $discount and regardless of the discount we wanted a cordless blind, not a dual cord blind, and would rather have what we had ordered and not a discount We did not receive the blinds we had agreed to purchase We have tried for months to work with Budget Blinds to get this situation corrected and at this point just want our money back.We continue to stand by our original offer that if they refund the $4,then we will take the $loss

After having samples in their home for several days the customers made their selection of a fabric. The fabric that they received was the exact fabric that they selected, as was specified on their contract, and as can be clearly seen on their order confirmation (India Silk in Kashmir w/ Whisper Sheer in White Organdy). Please see the line by line comparison of the sales contract with the manufacturer’s order confirmation. As can be seen on the customer’s email authorization on 11/13/15, upon reviewing the contract, her only question was when she could expect installation. No instructions were given to make changes of any kind; not to the lifting systems or to the fabric. Further, no verbal instructions were given to make changes to the order. This is simply false information. By California state law we have to give our customers a three day cooling off period. From the date of authorization, they have until midnight of the third business day to make any changes or cancel their purchase. Mrs. [redacted] would have had until 11/19/15 to make any changes or cancellations. As you can see from the order date on the manufacturer’s order confirmation, we did not submit the customer’s order until 11/24/15. If after 11/13, the customer had made any indication of wanting to make changes we would have had plenty of time to make them, and would have happily done so. Regarding returns of products, we are not an inventory retailer, but rather a dealer of custom-made products.  We sell window coverings that are custom-sized for each customer’s windows with fabrics, colors and lifting systems that are all hand selected by the customer. For this reason, all sales are final and the customer is responsible for choice of product, style, color and controls. This is clearly stated on all of our sales contracts, and it was clearly stated on Mrs. [redacted]’s contract. Once we have paid the manufacturer for an order we are unable to receive a refund, and due to the custom nature of each order, we are unable to resell these items. For all of the reasons outlined above, we are not able to accept returns or authorize refunds unless there is a manufacturing defect, but certainly not because a customer simply decided that they did not like what they chose.   The customers attempted to return their products without authorization. To reiterate, they came into our office and told our receptionist that they had been advised by the owner to bring their shades in. This was completely false information, or put simply, a lie. This lie aided them in receiving a signature from our receptionist, who was unaware of what was going on, which was, quite frankly, attempted fraud and breach of contract.   Upon learning of the situation, we instructed our installation technician to transport the shades to the [redacted] store and have them shipped them back to the customer via [redacted]. We received confirmation on 5/13 that the delivery was successful (Please see attached delivery confirmation. Tracking number can be verified on [redacted].com).   It should be noted again, that after all of this, we still attempted to work with the customer and offer them a partial refund as outlined below:   Originally agreed upon contract price: $5535 ($5235 after $300 discount) Total payments received: $4900 Less cost of goods/sales tax: $3513.63 Total refund: $1386.37   Rather than accepting our refund offer, the customer filed a dispute with her credit card company, for which the funds have already been removed from our account, pending resolution of the dispute process. We have had no choice but to withdraw our offer for a partial refund, and file all documentation for a counter-dispute. Tell us why here...

We have already solved the issue with Mr. [redacted] He is scheduled for indtallation. I will have some time to respond officially on the Revdex.com site a little later, tomorrow at the latest.Thank you sincerely.[redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:There was ongoing communication after 11/13/15 via phone and email finalizing blind specifications.  What we had agreed on was NOT what we received.  We tried to be patient and work with Budget Blinds and returned the blinds on 5/7/16.  [redacted], an employee of Budget Blinds, signed a return receipt and excepted the return.  We want a refund.

Review: We purchased 6 blinds from [redacted] in November of 2015. The blinds that were delivered were not the blinds that we had discussed. After working with [redacted] for 6 months trying to resolve the situation we finally had to take the blinds down ourselves and return them to his showroom. He did not provide the product we had agreed upon, refused to give us a refund or help correct the situation. He was offensive and terrible to work with.Desired Settlement: As we returned the blinds, got a recipe confirming the return, we would like a full refund.

Business

Response:

The above referenced customer purchased window coverings to be made custom for her home. They would be manufactured according to her own selections of product brand, style, color, and lifting system. We wrote out a contract specifying exactly what would be ordered. The customer authorized the contract via email. We delivered and installed the product in her home, exactly as it was specified on the contract, with the exception of one lifting system (the lift cord option) which had to be different due to size limitations. We gave the customer a $300 discount for this, although the lifting systems are only valued at $99. The [redacted] window coverings were brand new, beautifully made and in perfect working condition. There was no defect in her products. Ultimately, the customer decided that she did not like what she selected. Our products are custom-made according to what each customer selects, and for this reason, we are unable to return them to the manufacturer or resell them to a another customer. Therefore, we advised the customer that we could not offer a return or refund, but explained that if she was unsatisfied with her products, she could file a complaint with the manufacturer. She did so, and the manufacturer determined that she received exactly what was on her contract (what she personally selected), and that there was no defect with her products, therefore, they also could not authorize a return or refund. We tried to work the manufacturer on the issue as well, but due to the lack of defect with the product, they were unable to do anything for us. There was nothing more we could do for the customer at this point. She did have a small remaining balance due with us, which we were willing to waive as a courtesy. The customer then threatened to dispute her credit card charge, and later came into our front office, advising our receptionist that the owner had authorized her to return her window coverings. Unbeknownst to our receptionist, this was a fabricated statement. We redelivered the customer's products to her home, and advised that we would be willing to refund everything she paid that was over and above what we paid to the manufacturer for her products. We would take a loss on all administrative and labor costs for her job. We provided the manufacturer's invoice so she could verify the accuracy of our cost. We have received no response from the customer.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because:We purchased 6 [redacted] blinds on November 20, 2015 from [redacted] at Budget Blinds. We never signed the invoice because we had gone back and forth via phone conversations confirming our purchase. We gave him a $4,000 deposit and the remainder was to be paid after install. The blinds were installed in December. Upon having the blinds installed we were shocked to find that the blinds in our master room and nursery both had dual cords, the fabric was not the fabric we selected, the blinds did not hang evenly. Immediately after the blinds were installed we called [redacted] to express our frustrations. He pushed us back and rescheduled a number of times over the next month continuously delaying the process and reassuring us that he would make things right and he would correct the situation. He finally came to our house on 1/28/16 (a month and a half after install) and we reviewed the issues we had. He stated that in order to correct the situation we would need to put in writing all the issues we had and we agreed to pay him another $900 in good faith that he would make the situation right and provide the correct blinds we had originally discussed. Since then we have had nothing but delays, push back and difficulty getting [redacted] to commit to getting us our correct blinds. Last month he pushed us back onto [redacted] who we contacted and they told us there was nothing they could do as we purchased their product through a 3rd party vendor. [redacted] specifically said that unless we had a warranty issue they would not be able to help us. Budget Blinds claimed they had tried to work with [redacted] prior to me reaching out to them but after speaking with a representative I quickly learned they had no record of my issue. Since our meeting with [redacted] at the end of January he goes back and forth between stating he is willing to help to being aggressive and offensive. The last phone conversation I had with him he used profanity and was extremely offensive. After that we sent [redacted] an email on 4/14/16 offering a resolution in that if he refunded our $4,000 and we would walk away from the $900 in order to put this situation to rest. He responded with a typical delay on 4/15/16 asking for more time to respond and then we never heard from him again. We gave him 3 weeks to respond then returned the blinds to his show room and [redacted] signed a return receipt on 5/7/16. We did not fabricate any statements to his employee. After the return we again received aggressive and threatening voice mails from [redacted]. We had to send him an email not to set foot on our property as he was threatening to come to our home. Budget blinds then shipped the blinds to us via UPS shippers release declaring the value for $800 so the blinds were left on our door step with no way to return back to sender. We would be happy to give the blinds back to Budget Blinds as we have already returned them once. We were never told about a $300 discount and regardless of the discount we wanted a cordless blind, not a dual cord blind, and would rather have what we had ordered and not a discount. We did not receive the blinds we had agreed to purchase. We have tried for 6 months to work with Budget Blinds to get this situation corrected and at this point just want our money back.We continue to stand by our original offer that if they refund the $4,000 then we will take the $900 loss.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because:There was ongoing communication after 11/13/15 via phone and email finalizing blind specifications. What we had agreed on was NOT what we received. We tried to be patient and work with Budget Blinds and returned the blinds on 5/7/16. [redacted], an employee of Budget Blinds, signed a return receipt and excepted the return. We want a refund.

Business

Response:

After having samples in their home for several days the customers made their selection of a fabric. The fabric that they received was the exact fabric that they selected, as was specified on their contract, and as can be clearly seen on their order confirmation (India Silk in Kashmir w/ Whisper Sheer in White Organdy). Please see the line by line comparison of the sales contract with the manufacturer’s order confirmation. As can be seen on the customer’s email authorization on 11/13/15, upon reviewing the contract, her only question was when she could expect installation. No instructions were given to make changes of any kind; not to the lifting systems or to the fabric. Further, no verbal instructions were given to make changes to the order. This is simply false information. By California state law we have to give our customers a three day cooling off period. From the date of authorization, they have until midnight of the third business day to make any changes or cancel their purchase. Mrs. [redacted] would have had until 11/19/15 to make any changes or cancellations. As you can see from the order date on the manufacturer’s order confirmation, we did not submit the customer’s order until 11/24/15. If after 11/13, the customer had made any indication of wanting to make changes we would have had plenty of time to make them, and would have happily done so. Regarding returns of products, we are not an inventory retailer, but rather a dealer of custom-made products. We sell window coverings that are custom-sized for each customer’s windows with fabrics, colors and lifting systems that are all hand selected by the customer. For this reason, all sales are final and the customer is responsible for choice of product, style, color and controls. This is clearly stated on all of our sales contracts, and it was clearly stated on Mrs. [redacted]’s contract. Once we have paid the manufacturer for an order we are unable to receive a refund, and due to the custom nature of each order, we are unable to resell these items. For all of the reasons outlined above, we are not able to accept returns or authorize refunds unless there is a manufacturing defect, but certainly not because a customer simply decided that they did not like what they chose. The customers attempted to return their products without authorization. To reiterate, they came into our office and told our receptionist that they had been advised by the owner to bring their shades in. This was completely false information, or put simply, a lie. This lie aided them in receiving a signature from our receptionist, who was unaware of what was going on, which was, quite frankly, attempted fraud and breach of contract. Upon learning of the situation, we instructed our installation technician to transport the shades to the [redacted] store and have them shipped them back to the customer via [redacted]. We received confirmation on 5/13 that the delivery was successful (Please see attached delivery confirmation. Tracking number can be verified on [redacted].com). It should be noted again, that after all of this, we still attempted to work with the customer and offer them a partial refund as outlined below: Originally agreed upon contract price: $5535 ($5235 after $300 discount) Total payments received: $4900 Less cost of goods/sales tax: $3513.63 Total refund: $1386.37 Rather than accepting our refund offer, the customer filed a dispute with her credit card company, for which the funds have already been removed from our account, pending resolution of the dispute process. We have had no choice but to withdraw our offer for a partial refund, and file all documentation for a counter-dispute. Tell us why here...

Review: We called "Budget Blinds". They sent us [redacted]. [redacted] told us that he needed a check for the entire amount $6500. Two months+ delays and promises

8/21/2013 [redacted] gave us an estimate for $1122. for Norman wood louvered shutters and Hunter Douglas blinds.

8/22/2013 [redacted] gave us a new estimate for$5211. including the louvered shutters and blinds but adding a sheer blind.

8/27/2013 [redacted] gave us yet another estimate for $6500. including all the above plus a vertical glide blind with a sheer backing.

This all included install to be done within six to eight weeks.

[redacted] insisted on payment in full and held the check at my request for a two weeks. When I asked for an update I was told that everything was on schedule and should be installed by the beginning of November. After that time frame came and went, I tried calling all three phone numbers at their office but got no answer. I left several messages and [redacted] finally returned my call and said that all was well. That my order was partially in and can be installed or we could wait for the rest of the order. I said wait and do it all at once. I was told that the rest of my order was to be in within two weeks. That didn't happen and again I could not reach anyone on their office phone. I finally reach [redacted] on his cell phone and he said that although he was driving that he remembered seeing my order in om his invoice. We set up a time for the following friday to install. That date of November eighth was moved to Saturday the ninth. My conversation with [redacted] took place on Tuesday November the fifth in the evening. Friday [redacted] says that he needs to reschedule due to a family emergency. He said that he had to attend a funeral of his wife's best friends father. That he could come by after the funeral and bring documentation of the funeral then install what he had.

At this point I realized that he did not have my entire order as I was previously told so I asked for my money back in full. I was tired of waiting and playing games at my expense. I wanted to go to someone that I had some trust in. [redacted] told me that I didn't need trust that he simply needed to do the install and be done. I told him that the install was not necessarily the end of the interactions between us. I again asked for a full refund and was told by [redacted] that he was able to refund the part of the order that has not yet been ordered. He would not say how much that was. Later [redacted] told me that he was "able to stop production" on the vertical glider. All of these kept adding up to my being lied to about what was ready to be installed when clearly some haven't even been ordered.Desired Settlement: A FULL REFUND $6500.00

If this goes to court, which I suspect that it will, I will be seeking damages right around the $10,000.00 plus atty's and court fees.

Business

Response:

Contact Name and Title: [redacted]

Contact Phone: 916/764/0953

Contact Email: [email protected]

This complaint has been settled between Budget Blinds and Mr. [redacted]. Please remove complaint, Mr. [redacted] has agreed to remove complaint as well.

Review: On 03/16/2016, Budget Blinds franchise owner [redacted] met with me at my home for an in home consultation. I placed an order with [redacted] for my entire home to be furnished with shutters/blinds. [redacted] estimated my order would be roughly 5 weeks for delivery. I provided [redacted] with a deposit in the form of a check for $3,000. On 04/02/2016, I made a slight change to my order (blinds to shutters) and provided an additional $514 deposit by check. The total estimated cost of my order is $6,434. I have patiently waited for my order to be fulfilled since 03/16/2016 and understand manufacture delays or issues may occur. I received a telephone call from a Budget Blinds employee ([redacted]) sometime in early April stating there were manufacture delays. However, since this last telephone call, I have not received any further updates or the status of my order. I have since placed eight phone calls to [redacted] Black/Budget Blinds Sierra Foothills with no response. I emailed [redacted] on 07/06/2016 and again I have not received any email response from him. On 07/14/2016, I emailed Budget Blinds Corporate to assist me in this matter. I received an immediate response from Heather Sheets with Budget Blinds Customer Relations. Heather informed she has also emailed [redacted] with no response either. Being a former Budget Blinds I did not expect to receive this type of treatment/poor customer service. I also do not know at this point if my order has been placed as promised by [redacted] or if he plans to fulfill my order as agreed upon.Desired Settlement: I made a deposit by check in the amount of $3,514.00 and request the immediate return of my full deposit if my order will not be completed as agreed in our contact.

Business

Response:

We have already solved the issue with Mr. [redacted] He is scheduled for indtallation. I will have some time to respond officially on the Revdex.com site a little later, tomorrow at the latest.Thank you sincerely.[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my concern, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. Business owner [redacted] contacted me and explained the delay in my order. He has agreed to resolve the complaint and has scheduled an appointment next week for the installation of my shutters/blinds. I am satisfied with the resolution in this matter and request the Revdex.com complaint be closed. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.