Bed Depot/Sleep Depot

louisellouisel

Up until Monday 31st I used to work as a sales consultant for The Sleep Depot. Along with over 300 other people I was made redundant with no notice at all. Reading these forums I can see why. In a world where everyone demands compensation for the least little problem, refuse to pay delivery charges even though the cost of transport and petrol has increased dramatically and where "word of mouth" is no longer a way to gain a reputation because complaints are posted online for the entire world to see, it is no wonder companies struggle. If people have bothered to look into it, you would know that since the 2nd of March The Sleep Depot have paid all customers deposits and payments into a trust fund, ensuring them full refunds. At least they had the decency to do that, unlike several other large furniture companies which have gone bust in recent years. I have read this forum in complete horror, I worked for The Sleep Depot since day one, and at least one thing I have seen posted on here (about delivery charges being only to the door) is a complete lie, and yet it was posted anyway, for everyone to see and judge and put customers off. The store I worked for had far more happy customers than it did disgruntled ones, but obviously there are not forums for happy people! When you are making as many deliveries as The Sleep Depot were, there will be occaisional problems, as with any company. It is a shame people only see fit to draw attention to things when they are dissastisfied. Even now the company no longer exists, people are still crying out for compensation. What about the people who worked for the company who found themselves suddenly unemployed, and in some cases, as in mine, without even getting their wages? I am utterly disgusted about what this world has come to, 30 years ago the word "compensation" would barely be uttered, but it seems this is all anyone cares about anymore. Sorry you haven't got a bed, sleep on the sofa for a night until you can get a new one, but I'm more sorry for the hundreds of decent people who no longer have jobs.

louisellouisel

No, they weren't anything to do with Land of Leather, they were just concessions who rented floor space. The Administrators can take months to get things sorted, I guess you'll just have to wait, like I have to wait to get the wages I was due on monday.

Tim_Deegan

louisellouisel wrote: »

Up until Monday 31st I used to work as a sales consultant for The Sleep Depot. Along with over 300 other people I was made redundant with no notice at all. Reading these forums I can see why. In a world where everyone demands compensation for the least little problem, refuse to pay delivery charges even though the cost of transport and petrol has increased dramatically and where "word of mouth" is no longer a way to gain a reputation because complaints are posted online for the entire world to see, it is no wonder companies struggle. If people have bothered to look into it, you would know that since the 2nd of March The Sleep Depot have paid all customers deposits and payments into a trust fund, ensuring them full refunds. At least they had the decency to do that, unlike several other large furniture companies which have gone bust in recent years. I have read this forum in complete horror, I worked for The Sleep Depot since day one, and at least one thing I have seen posted on here (about delivery charges being only to the door) is a complete lie, and yet it was posted anyway, for everyone to see and judge and put customers off. The store I worked for had far more happy customers than it did disgruntled ones, but obviously there are not forums for happy people! When you are making as many deliveries as The Sleep Depot were, there will be occaisional problems, as with any company. It is a shame people only see fit to draw attention to things when they are dissastisfied. Even now the company no longer exists, people are still crying out for compensation. What about the people who worked for the company who found themselves suddenly unemployed, and in some cases, as in mine, without even getting their wages? I am utterly disgusted about what this world has come to, 30 years ago the word "compensation" would barely be uttered, but it seems this is all anyone cares about anymore. Sorry you haven't got a bed, sleep on the sofa for a night until you can get a new one, but I'm more sorry for the hundreds of decent people who no longer have jobs.

As many of you know I sell beds, and would just like to say how sorry I am for anyone who has been made redundant by Sleep Depot.

I actually speak to many of my customers personally, and have been told many horror stories about most of the large bed chain stores. Although I have heard a few bad things about Sleep Depot, they deffinately weren't the worst. However (and I'm not saying this is the case with all employees), the general consensus was that many employees of large bed chains are only interested in their commision, often pushing people towards a completely unsuitable bed just because it earns them the most commision. They also don't like to spend time sorting out peoples problems because it doesn't earn them any more commision to do so. There also seems to be a complete lack of knowledge of the products they are selling (either that, or they just tell lies to get a sale). I spend hours correcting untruths that people have been told by sales reps in bed stores.

So I ask myself the question, is the problem that the companies train people to tell people untruths just to sell as many beds as possible, or is it the fault of the sales rep for just being greedy? Personally I'm inclined to think it is the fault of the company bosses (who aren't likely to be short of money and looking for another job) rather than the workers who have lost their jobs like louisellouisel.

I know it isn't much compensation louisellouisel, but unless the laws have changed I believe that the employees have to be paid first by the administrators.

Maybe you should find a job in a smaller company where your loyalty will be appreciated, as it is difficult to find such loyalty from employees any more.

Good luck

louisellouisel

I completely agree, though I'm sure this applies to every business where the sales staff rely on commision, whether its mobile phones, second hand cars or houses. When that is a factor people should buy based on the sales person, I know that I do. It's not hard to know when you are dealing with someone who couldn't care less or makes up things to get a sale, and like you have said Tim, I seemed to spend half my time making sure the customers had their facts straight before I could sell them any thing. Before I worked for The Sleep Depot, I worked for another large bed company, I'm sure if I looked on here there are forums about them too. Horror stories exist about all companies, and maybe because I have been affected by this personally I am so passionate about it. My advice to ANY consumer, would always be to really look at the person who is selling to you, because sometimes, especially in large companies, the wrong people are employed for the job.

Tim_Deegan

louisellouisel wrote: »

I completely agree, though I'm sure this applies to every business where the sales staff rely on commision, whether its mobile phones, second hand cars or houses. When that is a factor people should buy based on the sales person, I know that I do. It's not hard to know when you are dealing with someone who couldn't care less or makes up things to get a sale, and like you have said Tim, I seemed to spend half my time making sure the customers had their facts straight before I could sell them any thing. Before I worked for The Sleep Depot, I worked for another large bed company, I'm sure if I looked on here there are forums about them too. Horror stories exist about all companies, and maybe because I have been affected by this personally I am so passionate about it. My advice to ANY consumer, would always be to really look at the person who is selling to you, because sometimes, especially in large companies, the wrong people are employed for the job.

The trouble is that some companies regard people who can fool customers into thinking they are genuine as good sales reps.

I think people like me and you are too honest to ever make a fortune in sales, but if my company ever gets big enough I'd give someone like you a job.

louisellouisel

Here's a tip for anyone who will be receiving a refund from The Sleep Depot but still left bedless. The Sleep Depot stores which were located within Paul Simons curtain stores have been taken over by Paul Simons themselves and will be trading as Paul Simons own bed department. Note that they are no longer anything to do with Sleep Depot, so no point taking your gripes to them, but they have taken ownership of any stock which was left on the shop floors, and in containers, which they will be selling off at reduced prices. Most of these stores will be open for this trade as of Monday 8th April, so could be worth popping in to see if you can get a bargain.

deb65_2

louisellouisel wrote: »

Up until Monday 31st I used to work as a sales consultant for The Sleep Depot. Along with over 300 other people I was made redundant with no notice at all. Reading these forums I can see why. In a world where everyone demands compensation for the least little problem, refuse to pay delivery charges even though the cost of transport and petrol has increased dramatically and where "word of mouth" is no longer a way to gain a reputation because complaints are posted online for the entire world to see, it is no wonder companies struggle. If people have bothered to look into it, you would know that since the 2nd of March The Sleep Depot have paid all customers deposits and payments into a trust fund, ensuring them full refunds. At least they had the decency to do that, unlike several other large furniture companies which have gone bust in recent years. I have read this forum in complete horror, I worked for The Sleep Depot since day one, and at least one thing I have seen posted on here (about delivery charges being only to the door) is a complete lie, and yet it was posted anyway, for everyone to see and judge and put customers off. The store I worked for had far more happy customers than it did disgruntled ones, but obviously there are not forums for happy people! When you are making as many deliveries as The Sleep Depot were, there will be occaisional problems, as with any company. It is a shame people only see fit to draw attention to things when they are dissastisfied. Even now the company no longer exists, people are still crying out for compensation. What about the people who worked for the company who found themselves suddenly unemployed, and in some cases, as in mine, without even getting their wages? I am utterly disgusted about what this world has come to, 30 years ago the word "compensation" would barely be uttered, but it seems this is all anyone cares about anymore. Sorry you haven't got a bed, sleep on the sofa for a night until you can get a new one, but I'm more sorry for the hundreds of decent people who no longer have jobs.

Re your comment louisellouisel , can I just point out that one of the first things I remarked on to my husband, when I found out what had happened to sleep depot, was the poor people who had lost their jobs in this scenario, and how these companies have no loyalty whatsover to their staff. The comment I have posted on here is in no way derogatory to the staff , and I am certainly not requesting compensation, I am wanting what I paid for which is a bed free of defects and safe to sleep on, or failing that a refund. Compensation is not even in the equation for me, if others wish to pursue this line then good luck to them. Similarly you are wanting the wages you have earned and quite rightly so, hopefully you will not have to wait too long and I sincerely hope you find another job without any problem. I asked about the procedure with the administrators as I have never before been in a situation of this kind. If, as you say, it takes months then so be it, I will just have to wait for them to sort things out.
Just to add another point , having spoken to a few people in the retail furniture sector , since this has happened, apparently quite a number of companies are feeling the financial impact of rising overheads and lower sales as people are not spending freely due to the rise in living costs. I will therefore be extremely wary now about where I buy from and paying in full for goods etc before delivery, I think I will be going to the likes of Ikea where you pay for it and take it away with you and I would say to anyone to research carefully the company you are buying from. Once again good luck louisellouisel in your job hunting.

louisellouisel

faye93x wrote: »

I have had a nightmare with nosleep depot.
I ordered the Maestro King Bed from them on 2nd March and paid by Credit Card. I picked up the bed from store on the 20th March and as I was going away I did not assemble it until 22nd March evening.
When the stuff was picked up none of the boxes had been opened and all looked in order. When I assembled the bed all of the side slat holders were missing which resulted in me having to tape the slats down.
I contacted them by phone on 25th March and explained what had happened and was assured that a full set would be ordered on Tuesday and I would have these by Thursday.
I went into the store on Friday as these had not been received and I was advised that there was more coming into stock on 31 March and a set would be posted and if I had not got these by Thursday (Today) then to go back into the store.
So when I got home from work today nothing had arrived so I went down to the store only to find out that they had gone into administartion on 31 March :mad:
My prediciment is that I have a bed with no Side Slat holders and looks like I have no way of getting them as I do not know who themanufacturer is to contact them as it is not on any of my paperwork.
I have contacted my Credit Card issuer and spoke to them but I am stuck with an incomplete bed. I dont know what to do. Any advice?

The manufacturers of all the bed frames from Sleep Depot was a company called Take, I believe they have offices in London and a warehouse in Cambridge. If I remember rightly the number for their parts department is 0208 205 3330. You might be well off asking around other bed companies if they are supplied by them as I know several other companies, including John Lewis used to sell Take bed frames, though I am not 100% sure they still do. Or seeing as you purchased the bed on the 2nd of March, you could still be entitled to a full refund, in which case contact the Administrators.

Mo_Money_4

I also work for a large chain of bed shops, and can understand how feelings can get personal when it comes to having your money taken and no goods received, as we often have people coming to us in that situation.
And also trying to defend the business you have built up and reputation you have with your customers, after all it's what i as a branch manager pride myself on. In the last 6 years none of my stores has failed a delivery except where there was no answer from the door or our vehicles were snowed in.
The fact is that some companies get too big too quick. When it's a small chain, probably family run with trusted employees running each branch it all runs very smoothly.
When you get to big national companies it all seems to spiral out of control, and although intentions are i'm sure all good from the company, the bigger you get the more little slips are made. Resulting in several people complaining about the same company on forums.
As mentioned before, if you are buying a bed, consider the companies that deliver same day, on all stock, from stock. Even ask to pay a deposit until delivery. If it's in stock then the company has spares should anything be wrong when you unpackage it, and if you've been to the shop and seen the display model, if you have a nut or bolt missing it can be taken from that display model for you. (It's one of the selling points for a company that has invested in floor stock, none of us has x-ray vision after all).
Tim and Louisellouisel both seem to enjoy selling to people on the level, same here i assure you. If you are buying from somewhere go on instinct about the sales team you deal with, if offers are being thrown at you, or there is desperation in the attempt then something's up isn't it?
And please ask yourself what you expect (when buying goods in general) when purchasing from any store/branch that says it's the cheapest, they'll be the cheapest for a reason, either quality, customer service or no stock.
Buying a bed should be relaxing, enjoyable, informal and easy. Apologies Tim, but i'm no fan of buying online something which needs to be felt for comfort and support even though our company does have the option to buy online too, but that's because we deliver to the entire British Isles but don't have stores everywhere yet, and of course to assist those who can not travel to a store. However i will point out that customers have some safety in the distance selling regulations so please dont fear it as an option if it's what you need to do.
I personally wouldn't buy shoes without trying them on for several minutes first and doing the silly walk thing up and down the shop. Or buy a car without scaring the salesman on a hearty test-drive. So why would i buy a bed without spending at least 15 minutes on the selected one in store before parting with my money? Please don't take you jimmy jams with you though, you may need to try the bed in the window display!
Loose clothing and slip offable shoes please are order of the day.
Also doing a search for the company on forums will often result in you finding only the bad stories, often one sided and misrepresented or interpreted. Go on instinct instinct instinct.
And Deb65 beware of Scandinavian sizes in Ikea, you may limit yourself to their mattresses as much of their range is longer than UK sizes. And although it's only 3 inches or so it can make the bed difficult to walk round in smaller bedrooms.
All the best with your earned wages louisellouisel i remember the Courts staff being in your situation looking for work and trying to get what was owed, it's very upsetting for all concerned.
Mo

claireh72_2

We bought a bed on HP in January 08. Bed was delivered 24 January. After the delivery guys went, we checked the bed and discovered that the headboard had a big dent and the footboard had the screw holes drilled on the wrong side (ie we could attach the sides of the bed but not the central support piece!). We called Sleep depot straight away and they told us that they'd had many problems with this bed and were going to order new parts. We kept chasing and chasing - we were finally given the date of 19th April for delivery at their depot. I've just tried to call both the parts department and customer services and just found out that the company has gone into administration!!

We're now left with a bed not fit for purpose - the bed is supported by several piles of books and we're still paying £40 a month. Left a message with the Administrator helpline. As the bed was ordered before 2nd March, we were not included in the letters that went out the customers explaining the situation!!

Don't know what to do next!!!