DFS SCAMS

Cyril_Squirrel

Hi all.
Have seen sofa really like in DFS. But have been proper put off with all the horror stories. Have since discovered my family have some of their own regarding DFS..

Anyone know of any decent alternatives to it. Heard a few good things about furniture village but didn't like anything in there.

I am in wirral / Cheshire area if any good local retailers.

Not so keen on buying online. Want to try before I buy.

Many thanks
Cyril

Totts

I'm glad it's not just me who's been scared off! I've since spoken to DFS, as the sofa I wanted is now discontinued (the day after I paid the deposit) so as I can't see it and sit on it, there hardly seems any point in me going all the way accross London - but I have to go and fill in the paperwork for the interest free credit offer actually 'in person'.The only reason I rang the shop in the first place and was ok with going in person was to view and sit on the sofa-otherwise I could have done everything online.

They're trying to blag me into the 5 yr extra cover for the sofa in case I spill coffee on it (£65) but I told them I have AD on my insurance so I don't want it - hope this isn't going to be a problem when I refuse it, as they included it in part of my deposit without me agreeing to it!

I know of a couple of good online places that do a range of well made sofa's that friends of mine have used, but it depends if you want to sit down and test them out for comfort before buying?

bottomsup

We bought a leather 3 piece sofa and matching recliner chair from DFS about 6 years ago and it has been brilliant! - really comfy still and has not flattened out (it is used daily)
It still looks like new (apart from some cat claw marks - but that is our problem, not DFS's!) and I would happily buy from there again.

Just thought I'd post to balance up some of the horror stories!

laurax_2

Totts wrote: »

I'm glad it's not just me who's been scared off! I've since spoken to DFS, as the sofa I wanted is now discontinued (the day after I paid the deposit) so as I can't see it and sit on it, there hardly seems any point in me going all the way accross London - but I have to go and fill in the paperwork for the interest free credit offer actually 'in person'.The only reason I rang the shop in the first place and was ok with going in person was to view and sit on the sofa-otherwise I could have done everything online.

They're trying to blag me into the 5 yr extra cover for the sofa in case I spill coffee on it (£65) but I told them I have AD on my insurance so I don't want it - hope this isn't going to be a problem when I refuse it, as they included it in part of my deposit without me agreeing to it!

I know of a couple of good online places that do a range of well made sofa's that friends of mine have used, but it depends if you want to sit down and test them out for comfort before buying?

Hi Totts,

If the sofa has been discounted any time before delivery they have to honor that price. If its been delivered then obviously they cannot. - They probably havnt even put the sofa on order yet due to the pending finance agreement, as if its not passed, and you cannot afford to pay for it cash, they have to cancel the order.

The 5 year cover is an absoloubte con (I used to work for a large Sofa company, but not DFS) but its all the same stuff, and all they do is send you out something in the post, and if you make it work by using them products its your fault. They cannot force you into this, and it cannot jeprojise the sale, though they will do anything they can to get it out of you due to the hight profit margin on it.


Hope this helps

Mumto2

We bought from DFS last weekend. Had decided not to take the insurance or buy the kits etc, but boy, were we given the guilt trip for it.

As the salesman said, "I'm really surprised you aren't getting it, as we've never had anyone spend this much money and not protect their investment". That's because of their hard sell, most people cave in quicker!

trisontana

Mumto2 wrote: »

We bought from DFS last weekend. Had decided not to take the insurance or buy the kits etc, but boy, were we given the guilt trip for it.

As the salesman said, "I'm really surprised you aren't getting it, as we've never had anyone spend this much money and not protect their investment". That's because of their hard sell, most people cave in quicker!

You heartless beast! You have deprived that poor salesman of all that commission he would have earned by selling overpriced insurance and kits to you.

Totts

My order has not been processed as I had not confirmed whether I wanted the 2 seater or 3 seater. I told them I couldn't get down there just to get the 4 yrs int free cred as I had only gone through the shop to sit on it (which hadn't been an option as the floor was cleared the night the sale ended and the sofa discontinued).

I've got the £85 receipt which about £60 is the 5 yr care plan & free leather care kit (told them on my last call I didn't want it).

I am not in a position to phone the shop and deal with the pushy salesman and can't find an address to write to, to request the money refund on my card.

I thought posting here may catch the eye of ex furniture salepeople who could advise me on the best course of action. The salesman hinted at the time I paid the deposit that I couldn't change my mind and would have to buy something even if I didn't like the furniture (ie the deposit would sort of be non refundable) but I didn't take much notice as I felt that was inaccurate.

I'm a bit stuck so I am going to ask for assistance in the consumer section here (if I can find it) but really would appreciate some guidelines and support.

Many thanks.

mrcol1000

We brought our Sofa for £300 from DFS. Huge 3 seater. Its really nice and over a year later it looks brand new (depsite the best efforts of my dog). Everywhere that we saw a sofa we liked it was £800+ Plus they end up delivering it quicker than they had estimated when we ordered.
I really can't see the problem other than they make a lot of sofas and some are bound to be rubbish and its only the ones who have rubbish ones that will bother to post on a forum.
Totts if you don't contact the store that sold you the sofa how exactly do you expect to get the problem sorted??? The salesman told you that your deposit wouldn't be refunded and you didn't belive him? Just buy a sofa or let your deposit go. The whole point of a deposit is to stop people buying a sofa and then changing their mind once its been made. Its not like Tesco where you take something off a shelf and then put it back if you change your mind!
I really think you need to take a responsible adult with you next time you go shopping.

emmilee

Our DFS sofa is ancient (11 years old now). It wasn't cheap, not in the sale and cost us about £2000. I'd like to say we were conned into taking the payment protection but TBH maybe we should have been more savvy, I did try to cancel the payment protection but was told I wasn't allowed.
The fabric on the sofa was snagged when it arrived and despite complaining to the store manager we never got any joy, I dare say I should have complained in writing and made more of a fuss. Long story short, my initial experience of DFS was pretty poor and I swore I'd never buy from there again. However, the sofa 11 years on is holding up pretty well actually. The fabric has snagged but then I have 2 toddlers and a dog who clamber around on the sofa, and although it's a bit shabby now, it is still really really comfortable.
We are currently looking for a new suite, to include a leather sofa bed & will probably buy from DFS again. I'm a bit more savvy these days, in terms of fending off sales people and in terms of knowing what sort of hammer our furniture is likely to suffer. I'm hoping the next sofa will be a comfy as the one that's going.
I guess I'm trying to say that I don't thnk DFS are perfect by any long chalk BUT as a consumer I do think you have to take some responsibility, I signed the PPI agreement, I may have been given the hard sell but I still had a choice.

wheyhey_2

Hi All...
I`m an Upholsterer..and the best advice i can give you all..is... pay me to make your suite..lol..only joking, seriously though..if you have some money to spend and want a suite to last you though the years..spend some cash and have it bespoke made for you, by a local Upholsterer, to your specifications..you can choose the correct leather for you, the right density of seat interiors, and even what kind of wood you`d like in the frame if you wish..( although most decent ones are made of beechwood and are more than strong enough)..
On a side line..there really is nothing wrong with DFS furniture..it is aimed at a certain market, and mostly have a good record, but as with all large retailers..you can`t please all the people all the time, even Harrods gets complaints..! Most Dfs complaints are after 10 months when certain people have had the sofas free for a year,have wrecked them, and now have to start paying for them..(as you may have guessed i have also done service visits for various companies in the UK, and have seen some horror stories..lol)

So to sum up, dont be put off..ask loads of questions about the suite..is it right for you? what are the interiors made of..how often do i have to maintain them? is the leather/fabric easy to clean? will i be using it as a main sofa or just now and again?? do i really need extra insurance on the leather/fabric..?
Remember Lord Kirkham who owns Dfs..has his house full of Dfs sofas..so he practices what he preaches.
and if after all this you are not happy..there are plenty of other places to buy from..good luck!! :j