Willowbrook Riser Recliner Chairs

T1Bev

Oh I wish I had seen this website before I bought our reiser/reclinersfrom Willowbrook. My husband and I wanted to future proof while we had the money and so started looking for riser/recliners. I ticked a box requesting a brochure from Willowbrook and within 2 hours had a phone call offering a home visit with a sample chair. They said he would be in our area the following day, so I accepted. The guy came and brought the chair in. He put it together and we both sat in it, for about 10 minutes each. He didn't measure us, but judged what size we woud both need by how we fitted into the chair he had brought with him. I chose the material and we placed the order. I was shocked by the price. Mine was £3,600 and my husbands was £4,300. I was expecting to pay around £2,500 but really had no idea. I just thought I was out of touch with inflation. We accepted and paid a 50% deposit. The chairs arrived 2 weeks later and we were pleased with them. But after a few days my husband got up from his chair and said, 'I can't sit in this chair anymore, it's making my bum ache'. I had to agree, although mine wasn't quite as bad, but then I don't sit in mine for as long as he sits in his. We left it for a few more days and then I phoned Willowbrook. They said that we should give it at least 2 weeks and the foam should soften. We did give it a bit longer but in the end I called them back and they sent an independent upholstery firm out to check. The guy said that the chairs themselves were perfectly well made and that the foam had to be fairly firm to be able to rise us out. But if it's not comfortable then surely it's not fit for purpose. I phoned them again and was told that we had the softest foam they use and that there was nothing else they would do. Anyone know where I stand or what I might do to try and rectify this. I feel like I've been scammed.

Woodstok2000

How about getting a cushion to sit on?

TadleyBaggie

Just because the softness doesn't suit you, doesn't make the chairs "not fit for purpose". However you had 14 days to return them under the Distance Selling regulations, however I suspect you are now well past that.

GrubbyGirl_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82113070#Comment_82113070

Does this come under the distance regs as they bought it in their own home - albeit probably under pressure

Woodstok2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82113074#Comment_82113074

And also I think Willowbrook class their chairs as custom made, and so they are exempt from the 14 day rule in any case (according to them).

TadleyBaggie

Good points, missed the home visit bit.

FlorayG

I don't think you've been scammed, just unlucky and I can't offer any advice

My mother bought one and loved it. I inherited it and I love it too, I often take a nap in it.

elsien

I suspect it probably wasn’t an independent firm that they sent out to check, regardless of what they call it.

But it’s a bit like mattresses - how firm you want them comes down to personal preference, so a firmer chair is not an intrinsic fault per se. I believe Willowbrook promote themselves as an orthopaedic specialist so they do use firmer foam. Your best option might be to get a memory foam or some other cushioning to use for now because it will probably better adjust to your husband’s weight and shape as time goes on.