Gerdt Furniture/Cochrane

This was sent to Cochrane:

We purchased a sofa, two love seats, and ottoman in April-2005 that was

special order through Gerdt Furniture in Indianapolis, Indiana . The

furniture was delivered to us on 22 June 2005. After only one month of

delivery, we noticed the fabric was starting to fray in some locations.

In attempt to limit the fraying, we restricted wear of certain clothing

on the furniture that have rivets and buttons. In the coming months,

the fraying continued and increased not only on the seating cushions but

all over the furniture. We reported the defect in fabric to Gerdt

furniture last summer at which time cushions were brought into the Gerdt

warehouse for inspection. At that time they scheduled an appointment

to come out and take pictures of all the pieces. Within a few weeks

after taking pictures a return message was left on a voice mail stating

the decision made was "normal wear and tear" of the fabric. Now, after

another 6 months the fabric continues to fray and we are stuck with

furniture that cost over $3,000 and looks to be worn out. This is not

"normal wear and tear" from the consumer, it is an obvious defect in the

fabric. We have another sofa purchased from Martin Fine Furniture that

is nearly ten years old and the fabric is in great condition. Once

again we have been in contact with David Gerdt at Gerdt Furniture, who

directed us to contact Cochrane Furniture with a formal complaint via

email. Two cushions were left and sent to you for inspection, one with

remarkable fraying and one starting to fray. We wanted Cochrane to test

the quality of the fabric to prove the durability is lacking. Now, one

year and a half after purchase we have been told we are way beyond our

warranty period. The first attempt to have this resolved was made last

summer, which was one year and 5 days after delivery. When the cushions

were brought into Gerdit Warehouse for inspection last summer it was

obvious that the damage occurred during the warranty period. We are

displeased with our purchase due to the fabric, and we want Cochrane to

stand by its product and at the very least reupholster the furniture.

This is the respond we got:

I apologize it has taken me longer than normal to get back in touch with

you. I received photos from David Gerdt on 3/22/07 of your casings you

sent to him for testing. We were never sent these for testing.

David explained a fabric treatment by Guardsman had been applied to your

fabric when it was purchased. Our dealers are aware an after market

treatment voids our fabric warranty.

You will need to go back to Gerdt Furn. or guardsman about this fabric

problem. Our warranty in our price book states : Cochrane's warranty

does not cover fabric protectors that have not been applied by the

fabric manufacturer, sine they cause latex deterioration, seam slippage,

discoloration, and can damage filling materials. Once this is applied

to any Cochrane fabric it voids our fabric warranty.

I apologize that you are having problems with your fabric. Cochrane

does stand behind its product. However, this is in our warranty and we

do not take responsibility for any after market treatment to the fabric.

Please contact Gerdt Furn or Guardsman concerning this problem.

Gerdt Furniture or Cochrane have no interest in retaining customers.

It's never been resolved.