Straight From the Crate

I went to the store on Park avenue and 22nd street. The product I bought broke within one day! I would not recommend this store. more

I was promised that they will hold my items until I was ready to pick it up, but they sold it to someone else before I can pick it up. One item is now out of stock and they promised to give me the credit back to my credit card, 3 weeks later and still no credit back to my credit card. My other item is suppose to be ready for pick up now, but they still have not called. I told them I want a refund and it's going to be harder than I think. I have open a file with the BBB and my credit card company, hopefully soon, I will get my money back from these crooks. more

I made me order for a "Bellona Black Sofa" on 6/25/07 at the 23rd st store and told that I would have it in 2-4 weeks. They charged my debt card right there and then, big mistake. After 5 weeks had passed I called the store wondering where my sofa was. A salesperson told me that they had gotten the sofa but that it had to be sent back because it was damaged and that they would have it expressed mailed to be there by the next week. That week rolled around and they said they still have not gotten my sofa. Then about 2 or 3 weeks later I call back and am told that the fabric on the sofa had been changed and that I should go to the store to see if I would still like the sofa with the fabric change. I went to the store and decided that I would still take the sofa. To not make this too long, they kept promising to call, but yet I had to stay on top of them. To keep asking where my sofa was. Today is is 9/18/07 and I JUST got my sofa. I look at the tag and it says "Santiago Black" Notice anything? That is NOT the sofa I ordered! It is actually a different design. But I am keeping the sofa so that I will not have to deal with these people anymore. My only worry is that the sofa I now have is actually cheaper than what I paid for. I am looking into it. The salespeople love to try and sweet talk you, never shop with these people. more

I ordered 2 items and the salesman promised to deliver within 1-3 weeks. It has been 2 months and I still haven't seen the items. Don't buy from the company and the salesman will lie to get any business. more

This store is TERRIBLE. I will not go into all of the details of the month long debacle that I have been engaged in with them. In short, they too three weeks longer than promised to deliver one piece. The other was discontinued and no one called to tell me. When the initial piece was finally delivered, it was completely damaged. The salesman refused to give me a discount or swap it for a new piece – although he did offer to “take me out for a good time” in order to make it up to me. When I complained to the manager, he agreed to swap it for a new piece. He then “forgot” to send in the order and multiple trucks “mysteriously” broke down. Two weeks after he said it would arrive we finally scheduled a delivery time. I took off work THREE times in order to have it delivered and each time no one showed up – even though I had called to confirm the delivery earlier in the day. It was only after calling my bank and credit card company to hold payment and conduct a legal investigation that the owner finally agreed to give me my money back. Buyer beware – they charge your credit card at the time of order. If there is a problem, they will do anything in their power, including lie and avoid your phone calls in order to keep your money. Their customer service is horrendous. I strongly recommend avoiding this store. more

Honestly, no discount is worth having to deal with a cockroach like that Marty Saaben guy at the Madison Ave. showroom. He is obnoxious, rude, and unwilling to assist you if you have any sort of snag in your purchasing experience. Internet shopping was created to eradicate salespeople like him. And better quality furniture can be found at many other locations anyway. more

I went in on 6/1/05 and purchased a chair, a lamp, and 5 throw pillows. Got a good deal on them since they were the last ones left and showcase pieces. I was told they would hold the chair for me in the basement for a few days since I couldn't take it home with me that day. Upon calling to let them know I'd be picking it up I was told it had been damaged and they'd have to track down another one for me. Was told they'd call me back. Never did. Long story short, I called them about 9 times over the period of a year and was given the run-around each time. I finally I went into the showroom (261 Madison) to clear up the matter on 12/7/06. Told them I'd like a refund since I had since acquired another chair and the merchandise promised was never given me. Marty was extremely rude. Mocked the reduced price at which I had purchased the pillows and asked why I had waited this long to address the issue. Once again, said he'd call me back by the 11th. I had to call him back on the 18th since I still hadn't heard from him. His response was, "Yeah, I know who you are. I forgot." He proceeded to chide me when I was verifying the spelling of his last name and upon being asked if he had a supervisor or anyone above him he replied, "God." ps- the glass lamp shade was chipped when i unpackaged it at home. more

The furniture they offer is a good price, but their service is extremely below par. I ordered a dining table back in July. It's December now and I still have not received it. I have not received any calls from them letting me know it's been delayed either. I call every two months or so and speak to the manager Marty at 212-867-4050, but he's rude and does not offer any help. I have been more than patient with him, but he actually said to me, and I quote, "What do you want me to do about it?" more

Straight From the Crate gives you the basics to start your apartment, much like IKEA, but on a smaller scale. Consisting of largely wood furniture, there are not many bells and whistles when it comes to the design of the furnishings. That's usually reserved for their smaller offerings, such as lamps, desk accessories, mirrors, and a throw pillow here or there. Many of the pieces are multi-functional as well, making them ideal for the typically small New York City apartment. As they are very well-priced, you won't have too much guilt when you leave them behind come the time to upgrade your living space. more