Empire Carpet Complaint - Empire Today Disgracefully Dishonest - Company Responds - Hardwood, Laminate, Tile, Carpet

Posted by Venice09 on 2012-01-22:

If this review isn't enough to stop people from using Empire, then I have a bridge for sale!

Posted by face it on 2012-01-24:

I fully expected such a response from Empire. I have no interest in listening to any more of your lies and BS. The action that needs to be taken has nothing to do with calling your call center, I am sure you are not ethically "big" enough to apologize and to correct your wrong doing . So yet another phone call, on your terms, is not going to fix anything. You got some nerve to ask me to call you to fix your short comings. Your form of "damage control" (companies response) is shallow at best. After the problems you have caused me and the utter lack of respect for my well being will not be swept under the rug and forgotten by simply calling your call center. You must follow the same laws and regulations that everyone else does, your policies do not exclude you from being liable for theft and purposely placing people in danger. And your confidence is blatantly misguided. It sounds as if you are saying what I said is not true. I KNOW YOU DON'T WANT TO GO THERE!!

Posted by face it on 2012-01-31:

Update: After writing this review I received a packet in the mail from Empire containing a contractor agreement. The details of which I can not disclose due to legal issues. I can say that there are several "areas" of there own outlined procedures that where not observed.
Secondly I got a letter from OSHA in regards to the complaint filed against them. Empire essentially denies that I was ever at this job site. And they admit to sending yet another crew to the site containing a known physical hazard. If this is a simple lack of professionalism (loosing the proper records) or an act of trying to cover up there activity, either way is proof proper of the inner workings of Empire.

Posted by trmn8r on 2012-01-31:

This review doesn't shock me. There are many homes with asbestos-containing tile that were installed in the 60's. Unless a worker is experienced enough to know on sight that a tile contains asbestos, if there is any question it should be tested.

In a business like this, it is probably rush-rush to get this job done and move to the next. But you can't disturb asbestos-containing tile, regardless of what the clock on the wall says.

Posted by face it on 2012-02-03:

Yes trmn8r you are correct that a business like this is all about rush-rush. Which is yet another reason for everyone to steer clear of such a place. There contractors work for pennies and there focus is quantity over quality.

Posted by Venice09 on 2012-02-03:

This is a great informative. I hope anyone considering Empire sees this before using them. Thanks for all the updates, face it.

Posted by face it on 2012-02-04:

You are most welcome Venice09. I only hope that people will see this information before spending there hard earned money with Empire. Or worst yet think about working for them. I urge you to spread this information to everyone you know. A complete boycott of these types of companies is the only way to get rid of them.

Posted by madconsumer on 2012-02-05:

there are hundreds more satisfied customers of empire for every one complaint.

thank you for your company response empire!!!

Posted by Venice09 on 2012-02-05:

How do you know that, madconsumer? Their rating here is pretty low. That indicates there are plenty of dissatisfied customers. All one has to do is read some of the reviews to know that Empire is not to be trusted.

Posted by face it on 2012-02-05:

I refuse to be drawn into a debate about opinion. I know what I know because I have seen it first hand. If you are so sold on a company with this type of reputation, go ahead call them. Then lets see what your opinion is after that. Is it possible that Empire has a satisfied customer somewhere out there? sure, like the first couple jobs I did for them. I went way above and beyond to make sure the customer was happy. But on an average you are taking a gamble dealing with a place like Empire. You may get someone skilled in your home that does a great job, but I would not count on it. Aside from the material they make/endorse/sell being the worst I have seen in my 24 years in the business, the fact that they charge as much if not more than other places and they pay there people so little is the perfect situation to have unskilled labor in your home. And all the time the customer is believing the commercials thinking they are getting top quality material and workmanship. When a simple search on google will prove that is not true.

Posted by Old Timer on 2012-02-05:

Face it, you have a valid complaint and insider knowledge about a company that has a horrible customer service record. Don't let anyone on this site try and post otherwise. Thanks for taking so much time to post the facts and not just some off the wall unsubstantiated personal opinion. I find it funny that the Whiners Board has the first dozen or so listings about this foul company. Let's see what gets copy and pasted by the Basher Queen over there on this one now? (it's really not worth any ones time with an IQ over their age)

A Google search of "empire carpet complaints" brings back over 242,000 results. Yeah, I guess those 242,000 people can't be judged as "satisfied". Sometimes I just have to roll my eyes with what's posted around here.

+100 Venice!

(seven + votes so far and counting, yep Empire feels the love)

Posted by Old Timer on 2012-02-05:

Oh yeah, GO PAT's!

Posted by face it on 2012-02-05:

For anyone reading this that knows flooring. The first job I was sent to for Empire, the tile guys (that's right they send multiple crews out to the same site) put the tile underlayment (durarock concrete board) down with a cordless finish nailer!!! There's some quality for ya!

Posted by Venice09 on 2012-02-05:

Actually, I have to thank madconsumer for posting that comment because it's helping this review get the attention it deserves and hopefully more helpful votes.

Anyone who falls for Empire's commercials... Well, I still have that bridge for sale!

Posted by Chrissiann on 2012-02-10:

Thank you. I will certainly avoid Empire!

Posted by iieee on 2012-02-10:

face it, you deserve a medal for public service! i will be sure to share this information with everyone i know!! thank you. =)

Posted by Jim on 2012-02-10:

I had the salesman here and wanted the carpet to meet tile in a curve. I got a price. I asked, "How do the curve it?" "I don't know. I'm not a carpet installer." "Then how can you give me a price if you don't know the materials etc." I also got a price on doing my stairs and hallway in rug. It turned out cheaper to do hall in ceramic tile and stairs in vinyl (last forever and no cleaning bill) laid on cement board with thin set. So, no bargains here.

Posted by face it on 2012-02-12:

Thank you iieee. I think it worth while to take any steps I can to inform people what they can expect when I have information I feel is of value to potential customers (victims if you will) of Empire (and/or any other place taking advantage of there customers/contractors)
Also what I post is of actual experience, not a "guesstimation" or "opinion". My objective is 100% to give people reliable information.
With that being said I also suffer from the "human condition" meaning I am not perfect. I have made mistakes, but never once has a customer been left "holding the bag" due to my mistake. Or a contractor. It all boils down to whats right is right.
I only wish this review , as well as the countless others out there, where available to people before they have a complaint. Which results in an internet search and leads to reviews like this and yet another comment " I wish I would have seen this before I bought from them".
With the current state of the economy, in regards to the construction industry, things are tough enough out there with out companies like this flooding people with advertising suggesting they will save the customer money. When in reality the customer is charged more then if they hired a private market contractor, which as a result helps to fuel the "local" economy. As long as they are still collecting payments and flooding the market with misleading advertising they have no need to change how they do things. The only way to get there attention and make them liable for there actions is to stop buying from them. pretty simple really, if they are not profiting there out of business.
I do appreciate the efforts of each and every person reading this to do your part and spread the word.

Posted by raven2010 on 2012-02-12:

This company runs commercials in my area as much as Ashley furniture does. I think they are both "high volume low quality" shops.

Posted by Kathy on 2012-02-14:

What a piece of crap company. The commercials are a joke to begin with but pretty much tell the truth it seems. Walk in slap down whatever over whatever. No thanks. Will continue to deal with REPUTABLE private contractors.

Posted by face it on 2012-02-20:

Update: I looked on several other sites in regards to Empire Today complaints. All of the reviews/complaints by employees/contractors that had a company response where "scripted" meaning that every single one of them said "We apologize if you felt you did not have a positive experience while working as an independent contractor. While we strive to create a positive atmosphere for all our contractors, misunderstandings can occur and we are happy to help address and resolve this issue." For Empire to have such a "scripted response" can only mean that they have such a large amount of complaints against them that they where forced to come up with an "one response fits all" script. For one or two people/customers/employees/contractors to have some sort of a complaint is to be expected from any "larger" company. But the countless amount of complaints against this company, and not to mention my first hand experience with them actually seeing how they treat there customers/contractors, has got to raise a red flag!
By no means do I mean to disrespect any customers that have given Empire a positive review, but I wonder, do these people really know what they are looking at? Of course when something goes in new there is that moment of "Oh that looks so nice" but in reality do you know the actual quality of the product installed? Myself being a hard surface installer (hardwood,tile,laminate not carpet ,vinyl, etc.) I can only speak of the products I have worked with via Empire. I can say without reserve that the product supplied by Empire is the lowest possible grade or quality. Every laminate product I came in contact with was MADE IN CHINA with EMPIRE name printed on the side of the box. To explain this in more detail, in my 23-24 years in the flooring industry I have had countless opportunities to install imported (made in china, made in mexico, etc.) products. Each and every time finding that the quality just is not there. Issues ranging from improper milling to finish issues to damaged material. To be fair I have seen made in the USA material that has also had similar issues. But the made in USA material issues are almost always due to improper handling (fork lift gouges,etc.)
I would invite any customer/contractor reading this to contact me in regards to your interest in joining a class action law suite against Empire for false advertising, unfair business practices,etc. My goal is not to profit from this action ( I do not want there dirty money) I want Empire to be made liable for there actions and for them to be forced to close there doors! I am reaching out to anyone reading this to NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM EMPIRE. There adds are purposely ment to make customers believe they are getting top quality materials at incredibly low prices. This can not be any more untrue, a simple internet search will prove customer satisfaction is staggeringly low. And in regards to pricing a few quick visits to any local retailer will prove that Empire offers no real value in terms of discounts or so called sales. They bombard people with there advertising claiming to offer such great savings. First of all those TV adds are not free, someone somewhere is paying for those. DON'T LET IT BE YOU!!!

Posted by face it on 2012-02-27:

Empire still is trying to recruit installers. Here is a link to a Craigslist add (http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/trd/2871212727.html) Notice the direct statements in this add in regards to the amount of training provided by Empire.

Posted by Queen bee on 2012-03-12:

Thanks to all of you for your comments. I was just about to pick up the phone and dial that singing phone number. Then something whispered in my ear, investigate before you invest. Next time, I will turn down the volume on that commercial.

Posted by face it on 2012-03-16:

Somewhat inline with this review: I found a very interesting review from the point of view of the sales staff of Empire. Very interesting reading: Pros
If you have connections with property managers, builders, etc, there is an opportunity to create decent income.

Could be decent for part-time second job if the local managers will give decent leads to part-timers.
Cons
The company does not care about sales contractors. It's your time and your gas, they have no problem sending you on nowhere appointments.

You must keep track of each of your orders and how much you should be paid, if you don't, there will be jobs that you will not be paid for.

Promotions are always priced based, but the quotes we provide are typically higher than the competitors. Contractors are expected to build value in the home, but people make appointments with Empire because the advertisement looks like price is the key.

Archaic paperwork, extremely behind the times in technology.

Flooring products are not very attractive. Even working for the company, I had new flooring installed by another company.

Poor compensation, no benefits. My best week was probably $900, during the honeymoon phase, and it was down hill after that. Some weeks no pay, some weeks $200. With gas being over $3.50 and with the company not providing ANY benefits whatsoever, you need to make $90,000 with Empire to be at the same level as a person with a regular sales job making $55,000 with medical benefits, 401k, gas reimbursement, etc.

Sales and office managers dishonest and disrespectful.

Extremely high turnover (higher than life insurance sales). I think the business model is to bring in people, let them have a decent month or two, knowing that it will not last, then have the next new rep waiting in the wings as you flame out.

If you question ANYTHING, your leads will be cut immediately, but the expectation is that you will still be available for Empire whenever the managers feel like tossing a lead your way.

Very long hours when you are receiving leads.
Advice to Senior Management
Senior management should do an undercover boss scenario. Give up their existing salary for two months, and work as a rep. The first month will be OK, honeymoon still. Second month will give you an opportunity to see what its really like.

Send a clear message to consumers and at the same time help the reps. If Empire advertises on price, sell on price. If value is the focus to justify a higher price, then build that value into the advertising. None of the promotions (70% off, buy 2 rooms get the rest of the house free, etc) accurately reflect what the customer thinks they will get when they set an appointment.

Posted by Empire is ripping off their sales reps ad contract on 2012-11-29:

Ok let me say this because I'm looking to speak with an attorney. I was hired as a sells independent contractor. When I first was hired on it was explained to me that it was strictly commissioned based but was told that it wouldn't matter because u make money for each sell u close.

They had training and it was an informative training for the product but also very informative on how to sell their product. They pay u 300 a week for the training which is 2 weeks and pay an additional 300 for 2 more weeks to get u started. Sounds good so far, right?

Well I was out of work prior to being contracted to work for empire. So when I started training with them I was flat broke. I had to scrap together gas money to go to training everyday which was located about an hour to a hour and a half away in traffic. Literally it cost me 20 dollars a day to get there 5 days a week. And they don't pay u the first week they wait a week before like u are an employee and pay u.

I had to sign all this paperwork to say I'm an independant contractor so they legally on their end would be covered but was never informed of all that I was signing, not to mention I had to repeat paperwork and tons of it twice.

When I finally started receiving leads I noticed that hey this is on their time and not my time. Leads are distributed in the morning and afternoon. U may get one as early as 9am and one as late as 7pm. U are made to come in the office every week twice a week and also bring paperwork from the sell in no later than 2 or 3 days after the sell.

As an independant contractor I finally have read my rights on how business is to be conducted between the 2 parties myself and Empire. Number 1 as an independant contractor I am not supposed to be trained on how they do it but to be contracted on my work capabilites. 2nd, as an independent contractor I am supposed to work my own hours at my own pace but I work Empires hours and at their pace. If u can't make appointments (mainly because of the cost of gas and u haveno money) they will cut u off not to mention tell u when u take off u need to let the whole entire management team know (sounds like a job to me). U have to request time off as well. U have to practice scripted lines and know them word for word. And 3rd the pay is not what they exceed it to be. Yeah if u worked for them for a while and have a proven track record with them u can make money (they take care of the veteran sell reps). But if u are trying to get your foot in the door then be prepared to take the left over leads that the vet sell reps don't want or won't take (which is 1 room of carpet or 1 room of flooring). U have to sell the product at a high cost just to qualify for commission on that sell and if u sell it below the 4 percent mark then u won't be paid on it even though u went to the sell and sold the sell (its hard to sell 2000 dollars to a customer that has 1 room to be done not to mention they are looking for the lowest price since they already know the Empire negotiates all prices). Lastly don't forget the times u get to a customers house and they are not there. U literally have to take a picture of their address to prove u went to the customers house. So now u have wasted gas, your time and money.

Bottom line is u really aren't an independent sells contractor. U follow their rules when working for this company. They don't live up to what u can make financially and they don't pay u for the job u sell because its under a certain percentage. They don't care if u stay with it or not because they do a new hire every month with the same admirations. My opinion is they hire new people every month to take away the little petty jobs from the vets so that they can focus on the bigger paid sells. Leaving the new hires with the smaller sometimes unpaid jobs for which they take on.

This company in my opinion is a ripp off to their independent contractors as well as their customers. Also since I am signed as an independent contractor then I should be treated as such and not penalized for me doing my job. I will be talking with an employee attorney just because I am signed on as a contractor I am still made to work under their rules and their rules only