Sunday, February 19, 2012

Buyer’s Remorse

I have a story to share.   I wouldn’t tell it to just anyone, just my friends!—because it isn’t too flattering (of me).  And there aren’t a lot of pictures, because at the time I was WAY too upset to think about getting the camera out.

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Meet my kitchen table.

P1030131

I think it was the first major new furniture purchase of our marriage!  We had been using a circa-1960s metal-and-formica table set inherited from my husband’s parents.  So I bought this table about 13 years ago, I think.  I chose upper-end chairs that are actually comfortable to sit in, and although the table is mainly solid oak, I purposefully chose a laminate top because I knew I had many years of small children ahead of me.

It has been a very good table.

But here we are, 13 years later, and I am so over the medium-oak finish and the laminate top.  And it is showing some scratches, chips, and other wear.

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For no good reason other than that, I have been drooling over a gorgeous table at Down East Home for over a month.  Picture, if you will, a rustic wood top and chunky turned legs in a creamy color…  And with two leaves, this table could be big…which is generally a good thing for my family.

It spoke to me.  Honest it did.  “Take me home, Korrie!” it cried on each and every one of my weekly visits….

And I wanted to.  But first—I had to measure it.

Uh-oh.  The table, without any leaves, was just a little smaller than my table with one leaf.  And those big chunky legs made it so three chairs couldn’t fit on each side (a necessity for my family).  With a leaf in, it was VERY large (with two, you could almost land airplanes on it).  So I told myself it wasn’t meant to be.

But I foolishly kept on visiting it.

Yesterday, it was on sale!  I thought to myself, “I can get new (smaller) chairs!”  Or “I can live with it with a leaf in it!  It’s not that big!” Famous last words.

And so…I bought it.

My dear husband (who hates to move furniture) and I hauled our table out to the garage (it's heavy), went back to pick up the new table, brought it in the house (it's REALLY heavy), and got it in the kitchen.  My husband, sensing impending disaster, I'm sure, escaped downstairs.  My older boys and I added the leaf to the table, and I stepped back to look…. 

The thing is GIGANTIC! 

Suddenly the enormity (pun intended) of my stupidity comes crashing down on me, and I seriously thought I was going to pass out.  I got nauseous and had to sit down on the floor. 

You see—this store does NOT return your money; it will only give store credit. 

I was seriously sick.  I went downstairs and cried and apologized to my husband.  He rose to the occasion magnificently and assured me everything was going to be all right (not that I believed him at that point).  He didn't get impatient or upset with me.  He called the store and talked to the manager, asking if they would make an exception (I was curled up in a fetal position on the floor, sobbing)...the manager was not encouraging, but said he would "e-mail corporate" and see what they said; we should hear back Tuesday because of the long weekend

I'm guessing this is all code for, "I don't want to be the bad guy, so I'll pass the buck up the line." 

One of my friends used to manage for that store, and she says it's not likely. 

So...for the next several years, everyone in my family may be getting gifts from Down East Home!  Isn't that exciting?? 

And I told my extended family to “Please see me for all your future furniture purchases.”

Anyway, I couldn't stand to look at the thing.  Dear husband patiently helped me haul the MASSIVE BEAST back out of the house and take it back to the store. I'm guessing it was gone from the store for about an hour and a half, tops.  Then he helped me haul the "old" table back inside.  And he fed me chocolate.

I am much less of a basket-case now.  Money-wise--it came out of my furniture earnings, so it's not like it was grocery money or something.  But still, it was a DUMB DUMB thing to do.  I, who am well-known to have buyer's remorse in spades, bought a very expensive item from a place that didn't accept returns!  An item that I had measured and KNEW was too big!  But I bought it anyway! 

Gah, I'm getting nauseous again just thinking about it.

The moral of the story is, “Don’t let your heart overrule the tape measure.”

 

So how was your weekend??

52 comments:

Homeroad said...

Korrie, I like the table you have in your kitchen.... You could certainly paint the bottom white and distress the top and the leaves your talented self.... That being said.... I REALLY need a huge dining room table and I REALLY wish you lived closer!
Susan

Full Circle Creations said...

Oh you poor thing. You must have really loved it to not listen to your head. I can imagine how awful you felt. I sure hope that they give you your money back or at least half of your money and the rest in store credit. Have another piece of chocolate! At least they did take it back.

Holly

Anonymous said...

Oh, so sorry to hear! Of course we've all been there for one purchase or another! It is sickening at first, but maybe, just maybe, they'll get another table in stock that will work that you can love just as much. And, as you said, you can always make lots of gift purchases for friends and family! :) cheer up, lessons always hurt!

Ali Richardson said...

Oh Korrie, I totally feel your pain! It sucks when our heart wants what our brain knows just isn't right. Glad you have a sweet husband and I'm sure you will not make this mistake twice :)

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

ohhh sooo sorry Korrie! Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. I do hope that you get a phone call Tuesday with good news from Corporate. (esp since it was back in the store so quickly)
Keep us posted, and oh--why no picture? :)
gail

Rachel said...

Oh Korrie! I hate that sick to my stomach feeling! I know what you are feeling and it is terrible!! And to have your heart set on something and wishing and willing it to somehow work even though you know it won't but we all believe in miracles right? We can be pleasantly surprised when things work out even thought the tape measure says no........

You've got a good man there Korrie! A good man who feeds you chocolate. :)

foreverdecorating said...

A hard lesson to learn. Just paint the legs and chairs that you have and you won't believe the change you will have with what you already own. Then forgive yourself. Your hubby did.

Sherri said...

Oh Korrie, I think we have all been there! You poor thing! I hope everything works out for you. HUGS!!

Anonymous said...

Korrie, we must be related! I did the exact thing. After putting my table together not only was it too big % I didn't like it so much, it turned out to be the floor model! Back it went, but I did get a refund because of the floor model mixup.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Oh, Korrie, I'm so sorry you had to go through that horrible feeling and the fact that it didn't fit. I think it's ridiculous that you can't get a refund for that short period of time that you had it home.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Oh my heck. I'm sick to my stomach for you!!!
What the heck? A furniture store that doesn't take returns after less than a half day? Store credit? Really?

I hope it goes well for you.

Unknown said...

You are too funny, you poor thing! At least you have a patient and sweet husband to help you through your 'remorse'!

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

I just knew I would scroll down and see the big table photo, but you must have really been unhappy to not even take a pic. I think you will find something at that store you love if you don't get a refund. I am with the others about trying to paint the one you have because you are so awesome at redos.

The Painted Parlor said...

oh no Korrie!! i'm so sorry! that just sucks. i have been known to make those same 'mistakes'....for instance i really wanted to get the kids a ping pong table for christmas. my husband told me it would be WAY to big for our downstairs, but of course i didn't listen. you probably know the end of this story! SORRY!!

SheilaG @ Plum Doodles said...

Oh, no, that's awful!!! I'm so sorry for you- I know how you feel. I often have buyers remorse, not because I buy something I love, but because I settle, then regret settling. I hope it works out for you. (((hugs!)))

Twice Nice said...

Ah, you are not alone in this, trust me! I just think it is a stinky ole policy that allows for no returns ever. Hang in there!

Karina Russell said...

We've all been through things like this. You have a wonderful husband that didn't make you feel worse, moved things back and forth, and offered you chocolate because he knew it would make you feel better.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Oh Korrie, I'm so sorry! Sometimes we just can't help it, even when that little voice inside is saying STOP. I think you just had to see it in your space to know for sure. Thank goodness your husband was so understanding. ... But seriously, no picture?

Bliss said...

I don't want to talk about your table, (what table) purchase either. Too upsetting to think you would be so stu....... So how's the weather? What kind of chocolate did your sweet husband give you? It was to alleviate pain right, he didn't try to choke you with it? Then again... what a way to go choking on chocolate. There, did that take your mind off that what ever it was that isn't there anymore? And did I mention how much I love your old table?

~Bliss~

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

Well, on a purely selfish note, your post makes me feel much, much better about a purchase I made recently. I bought software that does NOT do what I thought it would.
But back to you. I'm so sorry! Love makes us do funny things. But-maybe they'll give you a refund. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Loribeth said...

It happens, Korrie. The heart over-rules the head, and we make mistakes. It's not the end of the world. Here's an idea...you could get gift cards and use them for wedding presents.

alltheseboys said...

OHhh Korrie...I could hug you. Just cuz you need it. I know EXACTLY how you feel. Only I was stuck with the huge ugly furniture I hated every time I walked into the room. Because I wanted to be the partner that "gave" 50/50. See I'd never been in a relationship where the man cared about how I decorated. In fact my two previous..they loved it. This guy was different. I ended up with huge brown ugly microfiber furniture that I hated...hated...hated..hated! Every time I walked in the room..UGLY. In fact...not only did I have ugly livingroom furniture...but he also bought the bedroom set...BIG and UGLY..and he bought the diningroom set..UGLY...lol..There was not a piece of furniture in that entire house I even liked..a little. I tried to add my prims..but they just looked out of place. UGH...ohhh how I know how you feel!!! Ssshhh...I got rid of the man so finally got rid of the furniture!!! Katie

Kimberly T. said...

I'm sorry! :(

From G2B said...

You are so cute and your husband is the biggest sweetheart. He even fed you chocolate! That's an eternal marriage if I ever heard of one! ;)

I've been eying one of their tables as well as a sideboard. If we decide to move on it I'll let you know- maybe we can use some of that store credit and give you some real money back!
{and if we don't, maybe someone else will?...}
Hugs, Becca

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I am so sorry. I know how heart breaking it is when things just don't work out. Hopefully they will make an exception. Hugs, marty

Holly said...

I probably shouldn't laugh but I am...we've all done that. Mine was an enormous sectional for the playroom upstairs....didn't fit up stairs - so the ugly thing is in our family room. Ha! I love Down East though.

Laura S Reading said...

Now you are still one step ahead of me. I would be the one who waits for it to be on sale, measures the space at home, buys it and then finds out I can not fit it into my van to GET it home.
of course since I live in the middle of nowhere the store won't deliver and I need to hire a truck that costs more than I saved on the purchase.

At least they did not charge you a return fee!

Unknown said...

Couldn't your hubby make the dining room bigger? (just kidding) My hubby would have killed me, then laid me out on the table to have an old fashioned wake! But, I think we all have one of those moments! Things will work out. Maybe another table similar to that one, only smaller, will come out. I loved your story, though! Couldn't help a chuckle or two! 8^)

Brooke said...

So sorry. But it's nice to know that your husband was there for you and didn't freak out!

Venus Blues Hideaway said...

oh no!!! What a tragic story! I know how that is. So many times we know that we just "have to have" something and then find out that we really didn't want/need it. Your husband is Awesome!! Chocolate ALWAYS works.

Hope to get to know you better. I have become a follower so that I can pop in from time to time.

Great site.

Faye

Unknown said...

You sweet thing...so sorry it didn't work out. I hate lessons learned the hard way!!!

At least, your hubby knew what to do...chocolate....and more chocolate!

Tina said...

Okay Korrie! You just made my day!! We have just spent the last several weeks trying to make a wonderful old clawfoot tub that I fell in love with fit in our bathroom, even though its 7" longer than the bathroom! It turns out that 7" is a REALLY BIG problem! Talk about that sick feeling! I am right there with ya! If you want to see my HUGE mistake, look over at http://littleyellowcottageindustries.blogspot.com/
and know you are not alone!!
Tina

Charlotte Wilson said...

I don't think that i would ever buy from that store again. That is a pretty rigid policy. I mean, it wasn't damaged or anything.
You do have a pretty kitchen and table anyway.

♥charlotte

SImple and Serene Living said...

I think we have all been there, Korrie. I hate that sick feeling when you know you have made a big old mistake. I think that store is using very poor business practices, especially in this economy. Eat more chocolate. It always helps.
Hugs,
Laura

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Oh Korrie...I don't even know what to say except you have to LOVE a man who tells you "Everything will be ok" and then feeds you chocolate.

I'm hoping for the best news on Tuesday!

~Janet xox
The Empty Nest

tinab158 said...

Oh, Korrie....I think we've all been in your shoes. I've been guilty of not listening to that little, teensy, tiny voice screaming, "Don't do it, girl...it ain't right!" Ugh! And that pit 'o your stomach ache...ya, felt that, too.

Thank goodness your man knows how to handle these types of situations...no "I told you so's"...just a never-ending supply of chocolates.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a happy phone call on Tuesday...

pasqueflower said...

Bummer:-(!

Anonymous said...

I LUV a man who understands the chocolate-thing!
Korrie--did you check to see if the manufacturer makes a smaller version or anything else in the line that you might also love? They never make just one thing--there's always a series! Look them up on line to see--the store can order it for you!
Catherine

Rhissanna said...

It will be ok. But I understand the grief. However, if you have a hunk of credit at this place, maybe they could redeem themselves by actually, someday, having the right table? Maybe it's just a way of keeping the money ready, in the right place?

Not that it's much consolation right now. I admire your courage, telling us all this cautionary tale.

Eclectically Vintage said...

That's horrible!! Your hubs sounds fabulous - mine would have been none too pleased but probably would have been nice when I started blubbering like a fool (which I would indeed have done)! New GFC & Linky follower.
Kelly

Ann said...

Thanks for sharing your compelling story. We've all been there at some time or another. I have an expensive sofa in my living room that I couldn't live without and hated from the moment we brought it home and saw it in the room. Thank heaven for slipcovers. Perhaps the store will eventually stock a table that you can love and will fit in your space. By the way, I'm a long-time GFC follower and am now following via Linky.

Rona Gregory said...

Aww Sweet Bean never mind! The table you have would look stunning painted white down under and the top re-finished with a nice wood stain! And I'm sure when the chocolate takes effect and you regain your poise you'll soon find things you like at the store to spend your credit on!

xxx

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Been there done that too! I'd paint the table legs too, I don't know about the top though.
I'm now following you on Linky Follower!

Rondell

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Oh hugs Korrie. Haven't we all bought something that we loved but kinda knew might not work? I can't throw stones here!! The part about your husband disappearing was pretty funny. It reminds me of how animals can sometimes sense an impending earthquake. So sorry about the no returns thing, and I am praying they will let you return it. We could start a write in campaign, "Free Korrie!!"

Unknown said...

No returns?!!!!!!!!!! WHAT? That is just strange. Ugg. I am in pain for you. It's Tuesday....so I am hopeful you will get good news. Don't beat yourself up. We ALL do this type of stuff.

Shelly @Crafty Creative Studio said...

O.K, so it is Tuesday... fingers crossed!! Your husband can definitely hold his head up high, what a Star!! Chocolate too? If you get to trade... how about a new couch? Definitely have Buyers Remorse for ours --didn't like it 5 minutes after we got it home. That was about 8 years ago... I really wish it would wear out! :)

Amy Kinser said...

Ok, I hate this happened and I am sorry, but I have to say that I can just imagine you sitting there on the floor, sick to your stomach, curled up, regretting... I am not saying it's funny, but it sounds like something a lot of us so easily could do. I am so bad about thinking I can make something work. I am so quick to run to my husband to "fix" whatever I did wrong. Sorry again but glad you shared so others of us won't feel alone in our mistakes.

Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G said...

Awe, so sorry!!! I've suffered from buyer's remorse too, and it isn't a pleasant thing! :( But I'm so glad you're husband was understanding and tried to make the situation better with chocolate! Gotta love a man like that! :)

Hoping you will be blessed with a much better, huge bargain of a table next go-around!!!

Stephanie said...

We've all been there - it's really bad when you make this mistake with shoes - no matter how much you love them that size 5 is not going to work on your size 8 foot -darn it!

Callie said...

Oh no, so sorry!! We've all done this at some level or another - but that probably doesn't make it feel any better :) I had a tip for you - if they will give you the store credit on a gift card, or have them split the store credit onto multiple gift cards, you could probably resell the gift cards online and make back about 85% of your original cost. You could sell the card(s) on ebay, or a gift card site like plastic jungle or giftcardrescue.

When I did this (on a smaller scale admittedly :) ) I had the store put the amount on smaller gift cards (you could do some $50 and some $100 increments) because smaller increment cards are easier to sell and you'll make more profit margin ;) and then looked around online to see where I could get the most money back for my gift cards.

Just if you do it on ebay, make it 'buy it now' or put a reserve price on it so no one can buy them for less than 80% of what you paid. :)

It might be too much bother for you but thought I'd mention it! :)

bj said...

OOO, sweetie girl...I hope you don't think, for a minute, that you are the only one that has ever done this. I, for one, am at the HEAD OF THE PARADE. I did the same thing, years ago, but it all worked out. I just had to sell it, take a loss, chalk it up to experience and MOVE ON. I, like you, lay in a fetal position for a few weeks and then...all was well.
Same for you....I just know it.
xoxo, bj

KimMalk said...

Hey, Korrie, by now you must not be feeling overly bad about the table. I know what you mean--we've all been there. I know you could do something wonderful with your table. Hugs, Kim