We visited The Ideal Home Show in March 2001 with a view to
purchasing a patio set. After extensive browsing we chose
to purchase a 10 seater patio table with combined lazy susan from
Richard Swift Retailing.
We were incouraged by the way the salesman reassured us of the
quality of the product. He stated that the set could be left out
in all seasons and required only limited maintenance. He had explained
to us that the table was constructed of the finest materials available
with all stainless steel fixings. The table was very resilient
against general wear and tear and would be a focale point on our
patio for years to come. Guarantees of 25 years were quoted although
we never got sight of these.
Although the table was not within our initial budget we accepted
the advice from the salesman that "you get what you pay for"
in regard to quality and agreed to purchase.
We were informed that if we paid a small deposit by card and
the rest in cash on delivery we could save the vat as a discount.
This we did. On our purchase we were given a delivery date and
waited with anticipation, and waited, and waited. To be exact
the table arrived some 3 months later that the delivery date.
Missing most of the decent weather we rarely get. None the less
we were delighted with the product although weary of the customer
service skills of the company. I was concerned about leaving the
set out in the elements and therefore contatced the product manufacturer
in Australia for advice. They informed me that to increase the
furniture's life I should cover the set when not in use allowing
adequate ventilation in all seasons. We had a cover especially
made for this at a cost of £420.00. On advise from the manufacturer
this cover had a frame and no part touched the table.
We noticed through the summer that various small cracks and swellings
started to appear but were informed in September 2001 that this
was only natural and a liberal coating of linseed oil would cure
this.
After coming back from our holiday in February this year we decided
to tidy up the patio and uncovered the table. To our horror the
table had developed a massive curvature over the entire surface
amounting to nearly 3 inches. The lazy susan no longer turned
because this had also distorted. The chairs had become very unstable.
When we lifted one the entire handle section became detached from
the chair. The table joints had opened up enough to get two pound
coins side by side in the gaps.
With a great deal of concern we contacted Richard Swift Retailing
and spoke to the MD Richard Swift in March 2002. He was very
reasurring and advised us to send him digital images of the table
which we did. We were told that they had the same comlpaints
from all the customers who had bought the table at the show and
that the manufacturer had agreed to change the sets. We could
expect delivery in mid April. This came and went. We then complained
and received an email saying there had been a delay and we would
get the replacement set in mid May......then June...........then
July. Mid July has now come and gone and we have received no further
contact from the company.
We have issued a summons in the county court under The Sale of
Goods Act and hope that this will bring the required results.
Richard Swift exibit their products at shows all over the country.
Even in such prestigeous events as The Chelsea Flower Show. However
in our experience the quality of the product falls far short of
the expectations we had come to expect when we were informed "You
get what you pay for" or " Best available" I can
only recomend that this company is given a wide berth should you
be looking to purchase a product that will last more than 6 months
