Experience with Barker Cabinets

10 years ago

Hey Friends,

I am wondering what you customer experience has been like w/ Barker Cabinets. I recently ordered cabinets. They took a couple weeks longer than longest estimate and have a myriad of somewhat minor issues -- scratches, worn edging & chips/flaking/split veneer (fairly large patches on sides, small on shelving) mostly. I am bummed about the situation, but I get that this happens (I noticed the pallet box showed some damage, and I think alot of the chipping relates to this, though I'm not sure how all the scratches happened).

I sent photos (4 emails worth!), & they have been courteous in response, saying they want me to be 100% happy, but seem to really be downplaying the damage, since much of it won't show or can be hidden if a I use certain sides of end pieces etc. I think a small refund equivalent to "as is" buy (10-20%) for the damaged boxes (that are too difficult to swap out) is in order in addition to replacing pieces (shelves mostly) that are easily swapped out.

The pallet box showed some damage, so they should be able to make a claim with shipping insurance.

Have you had a positive or negative experience in a situation like like this? Would love others' thoughts.

FWIW, the cabinets look beautiful (except for the damage, of course).

Thanks,

Gretchen

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Comments (5)

User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
You could buy much better quality, already assembled, semi custom cabinets for maybe 10-20% more than they charge. Send the whole lot back and look for Dynasty full access. Your expectations for RTA don't match the reality of RTA.
t2tot3
10 years ago
Would you mind posting some of the pictures? I have been considering using Barker Cabinets because, from what I've read online, they have excellent customer service. I would be upset if I received damaged items and they asked me to "hide" the damage. Thanks!
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Gretchen Doughty
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
There were quite a few pieces like this. It won't show, but still... And, a few scratches on insides of boxes that won't be very visible. Also, several doors w/ finish issues & scratched & several shelves w/ chipped laminate. They offered to replace problem pieces & give a small credit, but it seems a bit extensive, and I will still need to touch pieces up, so the headache right now is outweighing the small credit offered. I also just noticed that there are no holes drilled on the back panels of a corner cabinet. Only saw this when I tried to put shelves in. Waiting to hear a response on that. It will have to be fixed on site by my installer, I think, since the cabinet is in the corner between other cabinets & has trim/crown already. I will say, the walnut wood is very beautiful, especially the crown moulding. On the fence about whether this is all worth it, though. We'll see how the rest unfolds.
Gretchen Doughty
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Shelf -- about 4 are like this
Scratch -- I'll have to try to mask this w/ pencil or something, since it is visible inside the glass cabinet. Several doors & shelves had scratches. I am asking to replace those.
Several doors & drawer fronts missing finish in the stile joint corner. Only asked for the most visible ones to be replaced as I can touch up most fairly easily. But still....
t2tot3
10 years ago
Thank you for sharing these photos. It gives me a better idea of the damage. I can see why you are frustrated. It seems like a quality control issue more than damage sustained during shipping. I have read nothing but positive reviews about Barker Cabinets. I hope the quality isn't diminishing as they become more popular. Good luck! The walnut is beautiful. Thanks, again.