Troubleshooter: Customers say Raleigh furniture store cheated buyers, refused refunds
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- When you pay in full for a purchase, you expect to get what you ordered. For one local man, paying in full left him with an empty wallet and empty-handed.
For the past several months, The Furniture Spot, at 5301 Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, had been advertising a 'closing' sale-a sale customers said left them with no furniture or the wrong furniture despite paying in full.
The signs are big and bold, reading 'Distress Sale,' 'Hurry Time is Short,' and 'Store Closing.'
"I was looking for a table and a chest and it seemed like a good time to stop," customer Jason Amen Hetep said.
"They said they didn't have it in the store but could get it," Amen Hetep said.
Amen Hetep paid, in full, more than $1,300 for the furniture. He said the furniture was supposed to be delivered in two weeks.
"It was now five to six weeks since I ordered the furniture and haven't gotten anything," he said.
In two months, the furniture was finally delivered.
"When they started unpacking and took the boxes off, it wasn't the chest or the table I had ordered," Amen Hetep said.
Amen Hetep sent the furniture back and said he called The Furniture Spot and demanded a refund.
"He said, 'well you can't have your money back' and hung up the phone," Amen Hetep said.
Lisa Gomez is also looking for her money back. In February, she paid the furniture spot $3,200 for a sectional, recliner, table and chairs, and a bedroom set.
"I wanted to make the house a little better," she said.
A single mom of eight said she was told it would be delivered in two to three weeks. Two months later, no furniture.
"I kept calling and he said one piece is in and the other two pieces they are waiting for," Gomez said. "I can't believe he did this to me."
Gomez managed to contact the owner and he claimed to have issued her a full refund on April 7th, but more than a week later, her bank hasn't shown the refund.
"It's just horrible," Gomez said.
We went to the store but doors were locked. Business owners nearby said customers have been showing up daily looking for their furniture.
We contacted the owner, but were only able to speak to him via text.
He promised Gomez would get a refund, but claimed he didn't have Amen Hetep's credit card on file. He said Amen Hetep should dispute the charge with the credit card company instead.
We have also heard from several other customers who all claim they paid in full, and they all say they didn't receive any furniture.
The North Carolina Attorney General's Office says they have nine written complaints just since April 1.
The best advice, never pay cash unless the purchase is readily available; always pay with a credit card for delivery, in case you have to dispute the charge.
