Special order? Yeah, just pay it.

So, not having the product on the floor equals special order? And yet this is not the experience we had a few years ago when putting through an order for hardwood that also had to be shipped in. But we used a different company then. I guess the little customer is at the whim and mercy of the product gatekeeper.

We just had carpet installed in our 2 guest rooms last week.

They only required 50% down.

Since the rooms aren't that big, they had enough in stock, and there was no ordering.

Guess it depends on the vendor.

Come to think of it, I've not received the final bill yet. Guess I'd better call them tomorrow.

This is what credit cards are for. Use a major credit card. IF you should by chance have an issue--you just stop payment.

Yes, I would be unsettled by this, but since you mentioned the company is very reputable, I would worry less. I was also going to suggest you pay by credit card so that IF something does go wrong you can dispute the charge. It won't be too quick but you will have some protection. I would definitely NOT pay by check or cash.

I'm in the same area as you and several years ago we were looking for some carpeting. Found one that we liked and the sales person was really knowledgeable about the various products. We said we would come back the following weekend and asked if we could take the sample board home just to confirm colour. She did ask for some money down to hold the order and we said no we wanted to confirm colour first, Went back the following week and the store was closed with a big Out Of Business sign across the front. They had been in business several years with a pretty good reputation. We were shocked.

Thank you everyone for your input and I'm especially intrigued by the idea of a chargeback if needed. But it seems any claim with the CC needs to be made within 30 days after the statement date. How would that work when we'd have to wait 90 days or more for the product to arrive in the first place? Then a further payment before install and who knows how long before the job is done? I am not convinced a chargeback would work here.

One possible option: try to negotiate terms with the carpet company beforehand. I've noticed that the "Terms & Conditions" on the estimate contract they want us to sign mentions "...balance due 24 hours prior to the order leaving the warehouse, unless prior credit terms are established." And "If a deposit is received by credit card, balance may be processed on delivery or completion unless otherwise notified."

>> Maybe their own terms show the way, and could apply to us.

I don't care how much I love a product this would be cause for me looking for my next choice. It's one thing to do a deposit to order and pay for the full product when it comes in, but to pay for the install in advance - no way. I would even be fine with paying a small scheduling amount to be put on the schedule and deducted at install, but the install amount is not paid until it is in and installed satisfactorily.

if you go to any big box stores(home depot) and get them to install anything , you’re paying all up front. Carpet, cabinets. ive always wondered why no one questions them but questions the smaller guys. if you dont trust em go to home depot

the company can say the same about you. How do they know youre going pay the balance when work is complete