Problems with sofa don't sit well

By NANCY PARADIS

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 21, 2000

I purchased a leather sectional from the Leather Collection in Tampa on Nov. 9 for $4,922. The butternut-color sectional was delivered on Dec. 15. The wedge piece did not fit flush with the other two pieces, and the stuffing was uneven. Also, the ottoman was delivered without wheels. I called the Tampa store and was told the wheels would be sent immediately and the other pieces picked up and repaired after Christmas.

On Jan. 3, I called and was told the pieces would be picked up that week. After more calls, the pieces were finally picked up on Jan. 20. Since then, I have made numerous calls, most of which were never returned. On March 29, I was contacted by the manufacturer of the sofa and told that a cushion and a leather panel that had been damaged in shipping were replaced and that I would have the pieces by April 4. I expressed concern that the colors would not match and said I would send the whole thing back if that were the case.

The day before delivery, I left a message for the manufacturer. No reply. This started another round of phone calls to the manufacturer and the store. I finally reached the manufacturer on April 13 and was promised an April 18 delivery. I said that if I did not have the wedge by April 19, they could come pick up the sectional and credit my Visa. The wedge did not arrive April 19. Joann Davis

Response: Thanks for letting us know that you got your credit on May 30.

Wild goose chase

I responded to an ad in your paper by Land & Sea Recruiters in Clearwater for a captain's job. I met with Jeff on Sept. 9 and agreed to pay $140 to secure a job. I was explicit about a local job. I was given four or five leads, none of which led to a job. In fact, three leads given to me were not even hiring. I made repeated phone calls to Land & Sea, which were not returned. I even drove to its offices several times to find no one there. I left messages requesting my money back. At one point, I was told that I had to put my request in writing so it could be sent to Atlanta for a refund to be issued. I then wrote asking for my money back on two occasions. I still have not had my money refunded. Please help me get my money returned. Marshall Zepp

Response: We have not been able to resolve your problem. The company's phone has been disconnected, and the mail is returned as undeliverable.

Employment agencies are not regulated by the state, so caution is urged. We also note from the contract you signed that only $20 of the $140 fee you paid is refundable, regardless of the outcome of your job search.

Cable overcharge

I ordered service with Time Warner Communications to supply cable hookup on Oct. 23. I paid $15.95 extra for the "extreme value package" on a trial basis. The package was disconnected on Nov. 22 by Time Warner without notice, but I was charged for it until I questioned the charge on Feb. 22. I have not received reimbursement for the overcharge of $70.96, although I have made repeated attempts. Time Warner has never answered my calls or my letter. George Hudnet

Response: Kevin Hayman, general manager of the office that covers Pasco, Polk, Citrus and Hernando counties, will see that you get an immediate credit, and, if you are still a customer, an extra free month.

Service delay

I have to wear sunglasses all the time, so I purchased the best ones available. They came with a lifetime warranty. On driving to Florida from Canada, the frames got broken. On arrival here, I obtained the information that I should send the glasses to Ray Ban Sun Optic in Roslyn, N.Y., along with a check for $10, and I would receive prompt and reliable service. This was done, and my check cleared in February.

I waited until March and started calling. Between then and mid-April, I must have made 20 calls, always speaking with nice young ladies who said my request was being looked after. This started in mid-March. Any help you can give me on this would be greatly appreciated. Edward Tombs

Response: Luisa Vivar, customer service supervisor with Ray-Ban, said your glasses have been on back order. Once the shipment is received from Italy, your glasses will be sent by Airborne Express to Canada, to which you have now returned. To tide you over, a free pair has been sent to you.

Action solves problems and gets answers for you. If you have a question, or your own attempts to resolve a consumer complaint have failed, write Times Action, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or call your Action number, 893-8171, or, outside of Pinellas, (800) 333-7505, ext. 8171, to leave a recorded request.

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