I purchased this patio set at a Smith & Hawkin closeout sale.
With the new paver patio in my backyard now complete, I headed to retailer Smith & Hawken yesterday to check out their patio sets. Normally, I would consider much at that retail store somewhat pricey or out of my reach, but after visiting several major retailers in search of a patio table and chairs, I decided to give it a shot.
Majorly discounted
Once at the store, I found a set that perfectly matches the type of set I'd like. Made of aluminum (and therefore, weather resistant) the set is crafted to look like classic wrought iron. You can imagine my surprise when I found out that the set is discounted 30 percent.
So, I headed (or, should I say, ran) to the cash register to place my order and was told that the sale would be a final one, since the retailer, which has been a popular one in the Princeton, N.J., area , where I live, is going out of business. Despite my reservations, I handed over my credit card and completed the order. I've been told that my set should be available for pickup in about two weeks. I hope so.
It seems that everything hasn't been coming up roses for the luxury home and garden retailer, thanks to the ongoing recession. Sales were down 22 percent for the retailer for the first two quarters of this year, StarTribune.com reports.
Worries settle in
I am now fretting about my purchase -- that's because that now I've gone through with it, I'm anxious about the chance that perhaps my set will never show up, or that it will arrive damaged, and that I will have no recourse. So I did a little searching online, and found a "buyer beware" article from the Better Business Bureau about liquidation sales.
Liquidation sale 411
It turns out that it's a lucky thing that I used my credit card. When purchasing from a closeout sale, buyers can't expect the type of customer service they'd normally get from a retailer, the article notes. That's because a third party is usually brought in to unload the inventory, which is the case with Smith & Hawkin, according to InternetRetailer.com. The retailer plans to have all its stores shuttered by December, the website says. However, consumers may receive some protection through their credit card should a purchase go wrong in any type of sale, the BBB says.
Also good is that if all goes well and the patio set arrives and is in good shape, I know I am getting a great price -- I checked the price on that very set earlier this month. (Retailers have been known to offer "sale" prices during closeout sales that are not truly discounted, the Better Business Bureau warns.) Also, any warranty that is associated with the set will still apply, the Better Business Bureau says.
So, here's hoping that all goes well and that I have a brand-new Smith & Hawken set on my patio in about two weeks or so.
Readers: What do you think? Was my purchase from Smith & Hawken a smart purchase or a foolish one?
—Lauren Baier Kim