Vinyl to replace mismatched carpet

By NANCY PARADIS

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 4, 2000

On May 7, 1999, we had carpeting installed by Bob's Carpet Mart in Clearwater. It was determined that the carpet was flawed, and it was replaced on Sept. 24.

When the carpet installers brought out the replacement, they unrolled it and laid it out on the pavement in bright sunlight. The pattern and weave were the same, and, although it looked brighter and lighter, I was looking for flaws. It was only after the carpet was installed and the workers gone that I opened the closet where the original carpet was and saw the difference. It was definitely several shades lighter.

My husband is 82, and I am 75, and this was the second time we had had to pack up everything. I was tired and hurting when I called Bob's Carpet Mart and advised that it was the wrong carpeting. I said we would try to live with it if the store would just fix the closet to match the rest. This was the only closet in which we kept carpeting; we had vinyl put in the other closets.

The store agreed, but we never heard from anyone again even though I have called several times since.

I hope you can help us. Mary Hise

Response: D. Rebecca Hunter, operations manager for Bob's Carpet Mart in Clearwater, said the store has contacted you and agreed to install vinyl in the closet. This was to be done Tuesday.

Refund sent

On Dec. 17, 1998, I ordered a pair of shoes from Haband. I wore the shoes off and on for about six months, and they fell apart.

I called Haband and was told to send them back insured and that they would be exchanged and I would be reimbursed for the shipping charges. I have written several letters and made several phone calls but just keep getting promises with no shoes or money returned. Thank you for any help you can give. Stanley Romanowski

Response: Irene Faber, customer service representative with Haband in Oakland, N.J., said the company has checked its records, and no return could be found. A letter was sent to you on Oct. 20 informing you of this and advising you to contact the carrier you used to file a claim for the lost package.

Since so much time has elapsed, Faber said the company is sending you a check for the amount of $24.70 as a gesture of good will. You should receive it soon.

We note from your insurance receipt that claims must be filed within 90 days. Unfortunately, that time has long passed. Even though your shoes cost $34.70, we think the company's offer of $24.70 is fair at this late date.

Refund minus charges

I have a home maintenance agreement with All American Air and Electric in Ocala. I signed up for it at the time I had a lightning resister installed on Nov. 22. My total payment to the company was $550.48, of which $79 was for the maintenance agreement.

That same day I wrote to cancel the maintenance agreement and ask for a refund. I wrote again on Jan. 24 when I didn't hear from the company and was told it would take 30 days for the refund to be processed.

In February I sent the company yet another letter. I am still waiting for a reply and my refund. Earle Lovick

Response: Kelly Buehler, bookkeeper with All American Air and Electric in Ocala, Crystal River and Lady Lake, said a refund of $35.93 has been sent to you.

She said a one-year policy is $79. She subtracted $24.95 for the tune-up you received at no cost on Nov. 22. There was also a deduction for the difference between policy and non-policy prices on the part you were charged for that day. She said she called to explain this to you.

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