Industry needs common policy on soiled upholstery
Our store just handled a warranty issue with a major mattress manufacturer. The customer was not very happy when we told her the warranty was void because the mattress was stained or soiled. I can understand the factory's unwillingness to take soiled bedding because of the sanitary problems and not knowing what caused the soiling.
My question is: What about some of the soiled upholstery that comes back to the store? Customers expect us to work on it, but who knows what kind of stains or abuse it has had.
What brings this to mind is a reclining chair a customer brought in that was soiled beyond explanation on both arms. We didn't even want to touch it, and yet we did complete the repair to satisfy the customer. I think it's time the furniture industry, like the mattress industry, put some procedures in place regarding upholstery returned for warranty work that is stained or soiled.
Why not void the warranty if the upholstery has been stained, abused or has had improper care/maintenance? I can tell you that customers just don't take care for furniture today like they did 25 years ago, and yet they expect us to fix a torn, filthy upholstery piece that has been totally abused years after the original purchase.
It's time we as an industry start to set some policies on soiled upholstery.
John L. Quist, general manager, Fisher Home Furnishings, North Logan, Utah
Norman Simpson was one of the best
Today I learned of the death of a good man. The furniture industry is a relationship industry, which makes it unique in the business world. You are rewarded by retailers for showing a true desire to do business and proving you have a true desire to make them succeed. Some people epitomize this standard far more than others, and I think you should know of this individual.
Norman Simpson was a hard-working and self-motivated man. He called on retailers in North and South Carolina with a perseverance and caring that we can all learn from. He showed compassion, not only for the companies he represented but for the retailers as well. He had a genuine concern for their welfare and strived to make sure the product he offered would help them succeed.
Norman was a devoted father and husband and was as passionate about his family as he was about his business endeavors. In the scales of life, no one balanced them better than he did. When you became his friend, you were a friend for life. When he opened his bag, the retailer gained a true partner. He truly had a genuine concern for all.
In the business world, we all seem to me more concerned about the bottom line, with a blinding passion to succeed at all costs, than with the people whose devotion has carried the company they serve to greater heights. Devotion to your job, family or community should be rewarded with praise and admiration.
Norman Simpson was the true definition of loyalty in all aspects of his life. When a friend was down he did all he could to lift that individual up. During a time of career change in my life, Norman was there to offer leads, support and a kind ear when I needed it most. He had nothing to gain by helping, but he gave me so much inspiration and positive reinforcement. The world and our industry need more people like Norman. He will be missed, but never forgotten. I know he has left an indelible memory for me, one I will look back on with fondness.
Being a sales representative has its ups and downs. You spend time away from family, you have to endure the ups and downs of the retail climate. But you gain so much more because you get to know and learn about people. Norman was a people person in every respect and he loved his work. The most important thing is, the people he called on loved him back. How many of us can truly say that?
What I truly learned from Norman Simpson is that selfishness and egos will get you nowhere, but the art of listening and understanding will bring you great wealth in all aspects of your life! I think everyone should take this man's lead. What an honor it has been to learn from this wonderful individual!
Eddie Proctor, Holland House
Gautier did not suffer from anti-France sentiment
I have a concern about an article written by Brian Carroll concerning the boycotting of French products at the High Point furniture market ("Anti-France mood affects some vendors," Furniture/Today, April 14). The wording could lead one to believe that all French companies were affected ... and that some had up to a 70% drop in business. This gave the impression that many buyers were boycotting French products at High Point.... That was not the case, at least concerning Gautier.
Gautier USA is a division of a French manufacturer and has been established in the United States since 1982. We have had long and successful relationships with many top U.S. furniture retailers, and none of them have indicated that they have any reservations about purchasing French products.
During the course of the market, although overall traffic was down, we had meetings with our biggest clients and received commitments for new collections for their stores. We also opened an astonishing 63 new dealers.
Regarding the idea of boycotting French products, I do admit there are some people who are misguided and uninformed of the reality of world politics and how such rhetoric can impact not only France but also the thousands of people here in the United States that make a living working for French companies.
Jose Gosselin, Gautier USA
