Problems with Purchased Quilts

[asimpson8204]

First I want to say that I tried to handle this in other ways but I do not feel that the issue was resolved and I have not received a response to my last email. So here is my story maybe someone will read it and tell me if I am being unreasonable.

This all started back in April, I found a site that another cafemom had where she sells homemade items that are very cute and punk (which I love) I ordered a few small items that were on sale and had no problems. I then saw on her site that she made custom quilts so I sent her a message asking how much this would cost and explained what I wanted. Below is the part of the message regarding the cost.

•          Custom twin size quilts are $185 plus $15 shipping each one ($400 for 2)... as noted in my store. But since you would be ordering two... I would do them for $145 each and $30 shipping... ($350)

After this there were several conversations about the fabric print and so forth. I sent the first half of the payment as a deposit and she began the quilts. The other half of the payment had been planned for when the quilts were finished. However, during that time I had given birth and had several issues including my grandmother getting very sick. Being understanding she allowed me to split the payment in two. I received a message from her on June 4th that the quilts were almost finished. My daughter was born on May 31st. And do to some problems with living arrangments I was unable to make the payment and asked if she could hold them. I was told that was no problem. Finally things sorta got back on track and I sent a payment of $75 on Aug 13th and the final payment of $80 on Oct 8th. She had taken $20 off due to the fact that I did not get the pillowcases made out of the pic fabric just solid colors. So after the final payment on the 8th it was the 31st before I actually received them which was no problem at all.

When I received them I just opened the box made sure everything was there and closed it. Then put it in my closet till Christmas. I did not inspect every detail of the quilts as I thought that they would be done right. Since she knew these were for my kids and that I had hoped that would last them a long time. This was a mistake on my part but I am getting to that. After Christmas my family was out of town for a week and a half. Since my daughter is only 8 months old her quilt has stayed in the box. My son's however was on his bed and he was using it. He really loves it. He however, had an accident one night and my mom had to wash it. It was at this time that we noticed the problems. Please see attached pictures...

There are several more pictures but I think these show the basis of the issues. There are problems with both quilts so this has nothing to do with them being washed.

We sent messages regarding the problems that we had and after several emails back and forth we were offered 3 yards of the fabric so that my mom could fix them. This was only offered after my mom asked where she could purchase the fabric. So now my mom has to take them completly apart in order to fix them which I just think is ridiculous after what I paid. Basically what we got when we contacted the seller was denial, blame, accusations, assumptions, and just acting like it shouldn't be a problem because the issues are on the back and because she gave me a discount on the cost. She did not take responsibility for the problems. Not to mention the only discount I was aware of was for buying two. The price in the beginning of the message was the price she quoted me after I had given her an idea of what I wanted.

So at this point, I want to know what everyone's thoughts on this are. Am I over-reacting? Is this what I should have expected for receiving a discount? Can anyone be trusted to produce quality items anymore? Do you think these were worth $330 dollars, considering the fact that they will fall apart unless we take them apart and fix them?

[ssilykids]

Jan. 22, 2009 at 12:18 PM

You should most definitely have received a higher quality item.  The truth is, she offered you the discount.  Discount or not, a product should not be sold that is not quality especially for that price.  I am sorry that someone is taking advantage.

[jalex]

Jan. 22, 2009 at 12:19 PM

I would never pay that much for something that I have never seen the work on.  I would have to really look and hold the product to ever do that...  I think that is the chance you take.  At least with E-bay, you can read lots of feedback and there is organized disputes and reputations at stake.

[2protectivemom]

Jan. 22, 2009 at 12:19 PM

I would like to see a photo of them laid out flat on a bed or something.  The view I am getting, I wouldn't give $30 for one !

[barrier]

Jan. 22, 2009 at 12:19 PM

im sorry that happened to you. no your not overreacting in my opinion.

[asTraySoJouRner]

Jan. 22, 2009 at 12:20 PM

$330? Uhm, no.

I don't think you can do much because it is an online transaction. Unfortunately all I can is you learn from your mistakes. I think it might cost you more money than it's worth by pursuing further. Which totally sucks!

Sorry this happened!

[asimpson8204]

Jan. 22, 2009 at 2:42 PM

Yes I agree and will move on but I needed to get some valid opinions on the situation. My mom is going to fix them and they will be right. Thanks ladies. I will post a picture of them laid out later today.

(Original Poster)