United Carpets - beware of their carpet-fitters!

HattyWood

Be very wary when using this company to buy your carpet. They don't use their own fitters but instead contract out the fitting to self-employed, and very poor quality fitters. Unfortunately, this means that there is nothing you can do if there are problems with your fitting.

The fitter we had dragged the new carpet across wet grass and soil and into the house, getting both the carpet and house filthy! He then carelessly pulled it upstairs damaging paintwork and wallpaper. We were obviously unhappy with this behaviour and asked him to leave.

The replacement fitter did such a terrible job of fitting the carpet that it came away from the gripper rods in several places. When we contacted United Carpets they told us they couldn't do anything and to contact the fitters directly. They couldn't give us a number and we discovered the fitters had been careful not to give us this information either. The result was that we had to employ another fitter elsewhere.

United carpets use very poor quality fitters which is why their carpet fitting is 'free' or very cheap. Don't be taken in by them! United carpets will just abandon you if you have any problems. Also, check with other companies that their fitters are actually enployed by them before you sign anything.

JJ_Egan

My last UC fitter was as good as you would want .

Many carpet sellers do not employ their own carpet fitters .

tasticz

I don't think what UC told you is correct.

You paid UC for carpet + fitting. Who they employ to fit the carpet is their problem. Go back and speak with a manager / create a fuss as the carpet fitting company is employed by them not you. 

You bought carpets to be fitted from UC. Take pictures of all the damagaes, etc.

Did you pay by credit card or on credit by any chance? The bank will be equally liable then.

I'd be inclined to send a LBA if they try to wash their hands off!!

parcival

Often 2 types of arrangement. Some carpet shops have retained fitters, not employees and customer pays fitter direct.

Others, like UC, you pay for carpet and fitting so your contract is with UC - they are liable.

MalMonroe

I'm agreeing with those who say that United Carpets IS responsible. They have sub-contracted fitters to fit the carpet they sold.

If they keep arguing, have a word with Citizens Advice, link here -

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/complain-about-a-service/

United Carpets are under obligation put things right for you. 

[Deleted User]

I had an issue with a carpet from a different store a few years back and they sub contracted their fitters out and I complained to the store and they sorted it for me, I think you need to push the issue more. 

CAB consumer helpline is great too, I had a refund problem once and they told me exactly what to do and that prompted the retailer to issue the refund. 

Sometimes having the knowledge scares the retailer as they know you know what you are entitled to.