Newb, Questions on Install and Sales Experience

[Newschool]

After buying a larger (1980's built) house, I decided that I wanted to replace the 1980's Thor wood insert in our masonry fireplace with a new wood insert to make it safer and more comfortable in the house. The Thor was just slammed in (as was the custom back then?). Blower is also broke on it...

I stopped by a local Stove dealer who has been around forever. I liked the Lopi Declaration they had on hand, agreed on a total price, put a deposit down and walked out. Sweet!

4 weeks later, the site inspection guy finally gets around to calling (this was 3 weeks later than I was told. I had to call them twice to get this guy to call). He's a jerk on the phone, tells me I need to pay him $75 when he comes out to do the inspection, that any install would be a month (or two!) later than I was originally told, etc. I guess this stove shop doesn't have their own installers (I did not know this) and they use this guy... I'm not used to spending this much money and having people treat me this way, so I'm starting to re-think the purchase and considering asking for my deposit back.

Does this sound normal? If you purchased your stove and install from a shop, what was the process and timing like? Anyone have a recommendation for a shop in the Lehigh Valley (PA)? Thanks for any advice

 

[HatboroPaul]

I would cancel the order myself. I am a very loyal customer when treated right, but I will cancel a transaction in a heartbeat if Im not treated right. If they are unresponsive now when there is alot of your hard earned money at stake, how do you think they will be when somethings wrong, or you need warranty service, or the install goes bad and they already have your money. There are plenty of hard working independant shop owners who would love your money in this recession. I can recommended my dealer, but Im guessing its probably a little far for you, I am in Hatboro, they are the Blazing Hearth in Bensalem. They showed up as promised, performed as promised, at a fair price. In return, I went back several times and bought a set of tools, and some other accessories. They also dont seel Lopi (Osburn) .
Lopi does have a dealer locator on their site, as do most manufacturers. Good luck.

 

[Newschool]

Thanks Paul. I'll try the dealer locator. It's a little shocking to be dropping 5G and have some one act like they are doing you a favor (and/or you are bothering them). I like the Lopi but I'm sure there are plenty of others I'd be as happy with. Looking for something close to flush that looks good and will provide a good deal of 'comfort' heating. Fuel savings aren't my main concern.

 

[jotulguy]

kc stoves and fireplace, krings hearth and home, and wood heat are all in that area as well.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Welcome to the forum Newschool. I too would find it upsetting to be treated like that. I guess it is my nature but I'd have not been very nice with either the dealer or the proposed installer. There are too many nice people in this world that we should not have to deal with jerks.

 

[Newschool]

Thanks! Been reading here for months in prep. Hoped I would have this installed shortly but looks like not. Pretty bummed but live and learn.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Newschool, please also do not forget that you need fuel for the stove. Best try to find some now but it is questionable if you can. Never forget that it takes time for wood to dry and regardless of what sellers say, wood won't dry much at all until it has been split. Most will split just before delivery. A prescription not for success but for problems.

 

[firefighterjake]

To me . . . part of the deal in buying through a shop is buying the customer experience . . . if this is how you're treated now as a customer imagine how "well" you'll be treated later if you ever need warranty work done.

Plenty of other stove manufacturers and plenty of other stove shops selling the same stove . . . you just may have to travel a bit.

Just bear in mind . . . that even with another dealer they might be backed up as this is in their "busy season" . . . but still one would hope they would treat you better and give you a better idea with the install dates.

 

[nola mike]

Did you try talking to the shop who sold you the stove? I'd definitely not use that installer, but maybe they can work something out with someone else reputable. Otherwise, get your money back.