Large Marge...that's so funny! I love it!

I think I read somwhere that their factory is in Southern California. What would be the best way for me to get a discount? We live in Northern California, so does it make sense to order it from one of the NC discounters?

The best way to find out whether or not it makes sense to buy locally or in NC is do pricing. Call retailers in NC and locally to get pricing. Most retailers (whether locally or in NC) do not charge MSRP, so never, never, agree to pay MSRP. You need to find out the deliver charges for the pieces as well. Large Marge has some very oversized pieces, so if you are looking to buy such pieces, expect delivery to be a bit higher--both locally or out of state. (Boyles will give you an estimated delivery cost, but I have found that the estimate is usually the price. Unlike other stores in NC, the Classic delivery company is part of Boyle's business. Beware that some stores will give you an estimate, then when the delivery is ready, the delivery company (which is independent) ups the charge. I had this happen with Sun Delivery. The increase may be legit--due to weight and size)

Most NC retailers are required to collect sales tax for the state that the furniture is being delivered to, so either way, you will pay the sales tax.

If the discount is significant (remember to look at the delivery charges as well), then buying out of state might make more sense. If the amount is not significant, then buying locally makes sense.

I only deal with the Boyles in Hickory, NC as I have had very good service and very good pricing from them. Many manufacturers will not let Boyles sell out of state unless the customer has been in a Boyles store in the past year. This is verified by a simple question: "Have you been in a Boyles in the past year?" There may be a follow up phone call from a Boyles manager to confirm. In truth, there is no way for anyone to confirm whether or not a customer has been in a Boyles store in the past year. This process is simply a way for the manufacturers to appease retailers outside of NC--local retailers have been complaining for years about the thousands of customers who buy in NC. Rather than get competitive with their pricing, they are trying to block out of state sales from NC. In posing this question, they are treading on thin ice as impeding interstate commerce is a violation of federal law. That is why no manufacturer dares asks for concrete prove that you were in NC retailer in the past year.

Call and speak directly to a salesperson if you are going to check pricing at Boyles. Boyles cannot give estimates by email. Locally, I would go personally to the stores. Most stores won't give pricing over the phone. Never feel guilty. There is nothing unethical or devious about shopping around. People shop around for best pricing on small and larges purchases everyday.

Before you decide on a store, ask about return/exchange polices, polices and PRODCEDURES for damaged goods, whether the delivery company is part of the company or independent (makes a huge difference when it comes to processing claims for in-transit damage!). Remember, most every retailer in the country will repair damaged goods and redeliver it to the customer. Only in cases where the damage is severe will you get a replacement piece. This irks me to no end, but this his how the industry works. So make sure you understand the store's policies.

Thanks for all the info. Great tip on asking about the delivery company.

I agree with you that the practice of repairing vs. replacing is bothersome. I haven't had this problem yet, but I know that when/if it does happen I will be very unhappy. Is it too much to ask that a NEW purchase arrive in pristine condition?

I'd love to hear other feedback on Marge Carson. Anybody out there??? Where did you buy, what did you get, what do you like or dislike?

THANKS!!!!

I have several pieces of Marge Carson's furniture. Their prices are definitely high compared to others of the same quality. The quality is good but their customer service is not so good. I purchased a Verona headboard in Dec 2009 and finally received it today, Aug 2010. I ordered a custom headboard (added 8" in height minus footboard and side rails) and almost paid the same as if I had ordered all pieces. A great price for them since they did not have to do a lot of the carving which was included in the footboard. When they tried to deliver it over a month ago, it had to be sent back because they forgot to include the gold antiquing which is an additional charge added to their costs. Although they admitted it was their mistake, it still took them over a month to just add some gold antiquing to the piece. When I tried to inquire why it was taking them so long to make this headboard, they responded thru email that their customer was the store rep and would only respond to the store's inquires. The store rep told me that they are known not to respond quickly to their inquiries and usually have to leave numerous messages before getting an answer back. Too bad they don't recognize the value of their customers. Although I have an entire house to furnish, I am trying to look at other options!!!

If you love the look of Marge Carson, I'm selling one of her gorgeous coffee tables for just $750. I paid over $2300 for it a few years ago, and it's still in great shape. Unfortunately, the table is too large for our vacation condo in Tucson. The rectangular table has beautiful, hand-carved legs and works in either a contemporary or traditional setting. I'm happy to email photos and other details.

Marge Carson products are imported. There is a long time frame to receive Marge Carson products as they are finished when ordered. This time frame can be longer depending on if the actual frame is in stock or has to go to production. To add additional instructions as to customize the size, etc significantly adds to the time frame to receive. Then adding to it even though it was Marge Carson's mistake that they did not add the antiquing the retailer has to make the case with their customer service & get approval to return the item for repair/replacement. Then the retailer has to pick up the item from the customer; arrange for pick up by a carrier to return the item to them for repair & the time frame for the carrier to get to & from Marge Carson for the repair & after completion. Most often times you will find the the higher end the manufacturer is the stricter they are about replacements & repair & returns.

I have a beautiful Marge Burl wood coffee table and looking to replace a pull that broke. I contacted Marge Carson and the replyer was rude said it wasn’t a Marge piece. Ugh !! Need some help!! Have tried fabricators and they say too small too expensive.

vickiw1500@gmail. Com

I do not recommend Madge Carson’s upholstered pieces. We bought two huge and expensive pieces (conversation sofas) and the fabric started piling with just a few months of use. After a lot of back and forth with the retailer we finally got replacement covers for the bench seat. The new fabric piled less, but the formerly tailored bench pillow now looks frumpy and unkept (the retailer people came in and changed the cover, not us). The fabric on the arms and back pillows look awful. I regret this purchase SO MUCH. Don’t make the same mistake, don’t buy Marge Carson.
See pictures of the ugly bench seat and piled fabric attached, so you all know what I’m talking about.