Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, Sam Utt-Grubb Design and now.... FARMHOUSE SOUTH

UPDATE!

I want to preface this post by saying this - I had decided sometime back that I was not going to be writing a blog post with the update to the findings on the Utt-Grubbs bankruptcy.  But...I changed my mind.

The Utt-Grubbs were granted bankruptcy in November 2013.  The thousands & thousands of dollars that many customers lost is lost for good.  Unfortunately for all of us it was a pretty draining experience.

I think it says a lot about our system and how it works.  The message I got from this is entire experience... (and believe me I read/heard stories from so many different customers that would literally make your stomach turn, along with hearing from neighbors & locals that emailed me that between new cars, eating out & vacations they didn't understand how this could happen).  

Oh yes...the message I got is this - You can open up a business, run that business poorly (using the money from orders to go on vacation, buy new cars, go out to movies, etc instead of purchasing materials to build the orders that are already fully paid for), get into financial trouble for multiple reasons, and then file for bankruptcy.  So I can take in custom work, take your money, use it for myself, not have enough money to buy materials to finish or even start what you already paid for.....and then after enough time file bankruptcy and never have to pay you back!  Oh and then open the exact same type of business under a different name.

And, then change my name not once, twice but THREE times with each time using the same photos of the same furniture, using the Extreme Home Makeover and the other great media coverage that helped push their business in a manner that any of us small business owners would dream of having.

I received this screenshot from an anonymous person that knows the Utt-Grubbs

I was emailed a screenshot last night of their new business name - Farmhouse South.  It has a new logo, but it's all the same.  

The whole experience made me rethink buying local or from a small mom & pop shop.  This is sad because guess what? I am a small business owner!  I also like to cheer on small business owners & see them succeed!  In fact, I'd much rather buy & support local, and/or small businesses for many reasons!!  Bottom line is do your research, read up on not only the company, but the owners (operators/founders).  It is easy to change a logo & a name of a company, to even change the address or location.  

You as the consumer have the right to make your decision based on reviews of a business and even the ones that run it.  My reviews on any purchase I make is only to help someone else make their own decision on whether or not to spend their hard earned money.  

I have received emails from people from all different walks in life - an attorney that represented a client against the Utt-Grubbs.  A family that pretty much bought every single new piece of furniture to be put in their brand new home.  Several that had saved each & every penny (some that went without a vacation, or gave up eating out & packed lunches, going out to movies, etc) in order to be able to purchase custom furniture.  I've even recently received emails from different consumers who read reviews, found my blog, and emailed me to say thank you....thank you!!

A group of us pulled together a document that was over 100 pages with evidence of reasons as to why the Utt-Grubbs should not be allowed to own or operate another furniture business.  We sent it to the North Carolina Attorney General, the District Attorney, the bankruptcy court.   It was all comprised of factual documents sent directly from customers and taken directly from websites that were updated by one of the Utt-Grubbs.

This is why I say that I have lost faith in our system.

So...  Farmhouse South was founded by Kelly Utt-Grubb that Sam Utt-Grubb is the furniture designer (which according to their Facebook page shows started on September 2013...which means they are using the old Sam Utt-Grubb design page).  The Utt-Grubbs started Carolina Farmhouse, changed the name to Cecil Mack and then Sam Utt-Grubb design.  Kelly Utt-Grubb & Sam Utt-Grubb d/b/a Carolina Farmhouse filed bankruptcy and was granted in November 2013.

You can also read an article that ran in the January issue of Angie’s List Magazine as part of the annual “Best/Worst contractors” package. Here is a link to the online version: http://www.angieslist.com/articles/raleigh-best-worst-contractors-2013.htm#box2! 

All my best!

~Lynn

To make it easy to find additional posts -
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/09/carolina-farmhousececil-mack-co-status.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/06/did-you-know-that-carolina-farmhouse.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/06/you-had-questionsthe-answers-carolina.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/do-you-have-questions-for-carolina.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/a-little-information-carolina-farmhouse.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/carolina-farmhouse-update.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/fascinated-by-all-stories-carolina.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/another-victim-of-carolina-farmhouse.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/moving-forwardone-step-at-time.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/05/stealing-carolina-farmhouse-update.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/04/the-need-to-stand-up-for-ourselves.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/04/update-to-big-ole-let-downcarolina.html
http://www.onfernavenue.com/2013/04/a-big-ole-let-down.html

5

Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co - Utt-Grubb - BANKRUPTCY FILED

Well folks it happened as we had pretty much knew was going to happen.  The Utt-Grubbs have filed personal bankruptcy!

I have had a good 15 - 20 emails & several blog comments asking about status.  Here is the email from the FORMER attorney -

All -

 

I wanted to provide you an update as soon as possible. I understand and appreciate your frustration with the process, particularly as I have not been authorized by my clients to provide any additional information or updates recently.

 

I am now able to communicate the following:

• The Utt-Grubbs have terminated my representation of them in this matter. All future contacts regarding Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, or the Utt-Grubbs, personally, should be addressed to Stephanie Osborne-Rogers.
• Her contacting information is 

Ms Stephanie Osborne-Rogers 

Northern Blue LLP 

1414 Raleigh Rd., Suite 435

P.O. Box 2208 

Chapel Hill, NC 27515 

Phone: 919-968-4441

 Fax: 919-942-6603 - 

sor@nbfirm.com - 

http://www.northenblue.com/attorneys/stephanie-osbourne-rodgers/

On September 10, 2013, the Utt-Grubbs filed for personal bankruptcy in the Middle District of NC Federal Bankruptcy Court.

• The assigned Bankruptcy Trustee is Sara Conti
• Her contact information is:

Sara A. Conti

U.S. Bankruptcy Court

Middle District of North Carolina

Durham Division

Box 939

Carrboro, NC 27510

Phone: (919)967-3375

 

I will place this notice on my website on the Carolina Farmhouse page. I will leave the website and information in place until September 30, at which point I will remove the page from my website.

• I have been listed as a Creditor of the Utt-Grubbs' in their bankruptcy proceeding, as such I am very limited in what information I can provide at this time. Between my role as a Creditor and as a former attorney for the Utt-Grubbs, I am extremely limited in what I can share or disclose in this matter. Generally, I will direct any inquiries to Ms. Osborne-Rogers.
• I am able to advise you that, because the Utt-Grubbs have filed for Federal Bankruptcy Protection, you are very limited in your rights to collect on the debt(s) owed to you. You should consult with an attorney to understand your rights and responsibilities as a potential Creditor and/or the "priority" of your claim.

I am, on a personal level, so sorry for the way this has turned out. Best wishes and good luck to all of you.

 

John

 

I had sent an email to John letting him know that I heard about the bankruptcy.  I had also sent one the day prior letting him know I had seen their website was down along with their facebook & twitter pages for Cecil Mack.  John emailed me back letting me know he was putting the above together to send out.  He was asked by the Utt-Grubbs not to provide any updates or information for a while now.  He was their former attorney so he is prohibited from saying much other than what is in the above update.  Please know that if you have questions he's willing to answer them if he can. 

I emailed the new attorney for the bankruptcy and received an email with a letter back just a few minutes ago.  The content of the letter is -

RE: Utt-Grubb d/b/a Carolina Farmhouse Bankruptcy Case 13-81144

 On September 10,2013, Kelly and Sam Utt-Grubb, d/b/a! Carolina Farmhouse (the

"Debtors") filed a petition for relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. I represent the

Debtors in their bankruptcy case, which is pending in the Middle District of North Carolina,

Durham Division. Sara Conti has been appointed the interim trustee in the case.

As attorney for the Debtors, I am not aware of any assets in this case that will be

administered by the trustee, and believe that it is unlikely that creditors will receive any

distribution in this case. However, this determination is not mine to make. A chief role of the

Trustee in a chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding is to determine if a debtor has assets that can be

Liquidated to pay creditor claims. If the trustee concludes that there are assets that will be

available to pay claims in the Debtors' case, you will receive a notice from the Bankruptcy Court

and instructions on how to file a claim in this case.

Pursuant to §362 of the Bankruptcy Code, the automatic stay immediately went into

effect in the Debtors' case at the time the petition was filed. The automatic stay provides for an

injunction that restricts most creditor actions relative to the Debtors and their property, if such

actions are intended to collect a prepetition debt or obligation. For example, creditors may not

begin or continue judicial proceedings against the Debtors, they cannot take actions to obtain the

Debtors' property, and they cannot take actions to create, perfect or enforce a lien against the

Debtors' property. Additionally, creditors cannot contact the Debtors for the purposes of

enforcing a claim, harassing the Debtors or pressuring the Debtors to satisfy a prepetition

obligation. The Bankruptcy Court takes violations of the automatic stay by creditors very

seriously and monetary sanctions are often imposed on creditors who choose to ignore the

injunction. The protections of the automatic stay apply to the Utt-Grubbs and Carolina

Farmhouse and the property of their bankruptcy estate. I encourage you to contact a bankruptcy

attorney prior to taking any action against the Debtors.

Kelly Utt-Grubb has written a blog recently about her being an entrepreneur.  An entrepreneur (ⁱ/ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜr/, a loanword from French) is an individual who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on financial risk to do so.

She has created and opened many different business ventures - letterberry (which no longer exists), name counsel,  the creative media people, cecil mack (was under the name Carolina Farmhouse which neither no longer exists), and her newest Thanksforward. 

She & her husband Sam Utt-Grubb had every opportunity with Carolina Farmhouse.  You see they had the chance most of us would love to have had - featured on Extreme Home Makeover in less than a year of starting up their business!!  Orders pouring in...

I am beyond sorry that this is the end result.  I really wanted to see each & every customer get their money back that they were owed. 

I started writing the blog about our situation & I became vocal because I felt there were lots of people out there that just didn't know what their options were.  I then became compassionate because I heard story after story of so many that had been saving for a long time to make this kind of purchase.  It is heartbreaking to know that someone was using wedding money to purchase their first dining room table together, or someone had lost their job and had finally regained themselves, saved the money to celebrate by buying their family a new table....  We are no exception of where the money came from for our pieces...  I mean we were supposed to be getting a table given to us from the Utt-Grubbs program "Farmhouse Families" due to losing our home in a fire.

I wonder how it feels to lay your head down each night knowing that you had your hands wrapped around a successful business that was able to give back in such a big way, but instead you let it slip from your grasp for not managing your business properly....multiple vacations in a year, brand new cars, etc.

Give me one successful running business any day over starting 5 or 6 different business that never become successful enough to provide for my family...

I wholeheartedly believe this was coming down the pipeline for sometime.  I just don't think there was any other solution for the Utt-Grubbs.  I have my thoughts on what was going on over the last several months.

I wish everyone the very best of luck!  If I receive any additional information I will update you here!

~Lynn

6

Did you know that Carolina Farmhouse changed their name to Cecil Mack Company

.**Sorry to my blog readers but I need to continue to provide updates about Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co here.  I've had a few "new" customers contact me for additional information,**

Carolina Farmhouse changed the name to Cecil Mack Co. at the beginning of June.  

There are still many unanswered questions that customers have and probably will have for quite some time. 

Coming directly from Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack attorney...you can also find this on his website.  

Re: Carolina Farmhouse changes its name to Cecil Mack

It is with our sincerest apologies that we caused any concern, worry, or angst amongst previous customers of Carolina Farmhouse or those waiting for refunds with regard to the name change to "Cecil Mack." Carolina Farmhouse is working to separate themselves from what they feel to be unfair and overly damaging publicity. Regardless of the validity of the publicity, hurt feelings, or prior interactions, Carolina Farmhouse and its owners see the ability to produce quality custom furniture as the best and most promising way to address the needs of its customers past and present. Whether customers are due refunds or furniture items, custom furniture builds are the best source of revenue to meet the needs of the those that Carolina Farmhouse owes obligations to.

This name change is significant as it marks the end of the larger business presence Carolina Farmhouse once embodied, and the beginning of a new intentional direction in which Sam Utt-Grubb works alone as an individual artist as well as lends his craftsmanship to remote work on special projects. Specifically, Carolina Farmhouse once had visions of a larger workshop style venture with many craftsmen, employees, and lines of furniture. It has taken some time for everyone with Carolina
Farmhouse to internalize that that vision just is not meant to be for the foreseeable future. With the name change to Cecil Mack, Carolina Farmhouse is trying to refocus the brand and advertising of the work that Sam does. Refocusing the brand (i.e. the name) on the custom/artisanal nature of the furniture and the business, we hope, will lead to less confusion about "ready made pieces," the production shop, and the scale of the endeavor.

Carolina Farmhouse has not “declared bankruptcy,” “gone out of business,” or “disappeared.” Carolina Farmhouse is not trying to "run away" from its obligations to past and present customers. In fact, given the recent trend of order cancellations before the Carolina Farmhouse has had the time to produce the pieces (and before the expiration of the delivery date), Carolina Farmhouse is trying to protect the revenue stream that is the best chance for customers to receive their full refund. And, by no means is the name change a “magic bullet” to escape bad publicity. For example, due in large part to the negative publicity online, orders have dropped by nearly two-thirds over the last few months.

While we are sure that that was precisely the intention of many who have been posting online, contacting others, and registering complaints, it has also contributed to (and continues to
contribute to) delays in refunds. Further, we do not wish to argue right now whether those complaints, etc. were warranted or whether Carolina Farmhouse “brought this on themselves.” Our primary concern is to address the needs and demands of our customers. And future custom furniture orders are a big part of Carolina Farmhouse’s ability to do that.

We do not suggest, in any way, that everyone should "make nice" or "go tell your friends to order from Carolina Farmhouse - so you can get your refund," but we do want to make everyone aware of the adverse impact that ongoing scrutiny and complaints have. And sometimes a side effect of that is to delay refunds to people who deserve them because the cash flow is simply not there.

Please understand that, for Carolina Farmhouse, the issue is not one of willingness to pay refunds, or
understanding that refunds are due in many cases, it's simply an issue of cash-flow, assets, and ability. All of which Carolina Farmhouse, Cecil Mack, Sam, Kelly, and I are working hard to address as soon as we possibly can.

John Szymankiewicz Esq for Carolina Farmhouse

I have continued to receive emails from individuals that are greatly concerned of the name change and that Carolina Farmhouse now Cecil Mack Co. is trying to hide under a new name.  I can only go based on the information provided by the attorney. 

I know for a fact that Better Business Bureau has updated their site to show the alternate business name. 

There are also concerns with the refund process that many customers have emailed me about.  The way I understand it basically in order to receive your refund Cecil Mack Company must generate more orders.  Once a new order is in and paid for, then we get our refund. 

Not one single customer that has been in touch with me is happy with the response from the attorney and Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co.  There were/are some major concerns raised that I won't go into here...

I think for most and for myself my question is... Where did our money go the first time?  I, like many, were told that our money was used to purchase materials to build our furniture.  My furniture was never started so.... 

Based on the name change information given by the attorney and reviewed by Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co, it is because of the negative reviews/complaints/blasts, etc that the refunds are coming in at slower pace due to orders have dropped by nearly two-thirds over the past few months. 

One customer asked "how is it that they feel that they have received unfair and damaging publicity?"  Good question.  Stated above..this is why they changed their name was to work on separating themselves from that "unfair publicity".  The customer went on to say "isn't that trying to hide under a new name?".  I don't know the answers and I believe this was just a way for the customer to work out the frustration within themselves.  Is it unfair publicity?  I will let you make your own conclusion.  

We (customers) are not sitting here arguing "if they brought it on themselves"...it goes without having to say anything more. And, while I think all of us customers fully understand that posting online, contacting others, and filing registered complaints can and did have a negative impact on the business of Carolina Farmhouse and resulted in the name change to Cecil Mack Co., and maybe it was the intention of some to create the business to "slow down", it is a right to give our reviews based on what happened to us, just like someone that had a positive review can give a thumbs up. At some point you have to be held accountable for your actions....it's all about the choices we make in life.  

As I felt that we were alone when I first realized that something was up, I believe many others have felt that way as well...some have even said as much.  Even though the situation sucks, it is somewhat comforting to know you are not alone.  I am not some troll hiding or sitting behind a computer trying to stir up trouble or call people out for no reason.  So I am NOT sorry that I spoke up, and at the end of the day I feel much better when I lay my head down at night knowing that I did the right thing. 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend... It's beautiful here :)

~Lynn

2

You had questions..the answers - Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co.

I was inundated with emails on Monday going into Tuesday about the name change of Carolina Farmhouse to Cecil Mack Co.  There are some pretty angry customers out there and pretty much every single one of you that contacted me had the exact same comments - They shouldn't be able to hide under another name and run from their broken promises and making shoddy furniture. 

As of today we have answers to a some of the questions you had asked.  The attorney is still working on the other questions that were asked.  The attorney for Carolina Farmhouse/Cecil Mack Co. has answered the questions for you.  You can also find a link on their attorney's website with the information as well found HERE.  At the bottom of the questions you will find a link to take you to the answers to the questions.

 

The list of questions asked were (some may have been changed to better represent the question):

1.      If Carolina Farmhouse has no money, how are they going to provide refunds?

2.      Also, will they be issuing refunds in order of purchase dates?

3.      How long do I have to wait to receive my refund?

4.      How many customers are currently on the refund list?

5.      How many customers are on the store credit list?

6.      How many customers are still waiting for the furniture to be made, and how long have they been waiting?

7.      How many employees do they have?

8.      Is Carolina Farmhouse planning to file bankruptcy?

9.      What happens to my money if Carolina Farmhouse files bankruptcy?

10.  If Carolina Farmhouse files bankruptcy, do they plan to open another furniture making business?

11.  What legal obligations is Carolina Farmhouse under?

12.  Is Carolina Farmhouse still taking orders?  If so, what is the lead time for previously ordered furniture?  What is the lead time for newly placed orders?

13.  How is Carolina Farmhouse communicating to new customers there is a lengthy lead time?

14.  What is Carolina Farmhouse doing to become better at customer service/customer interface?

15.   Who is handling customer inquiries?

16.   What role does Kelly have in Carolina Farmhouse?

17.  What role does Dan have in Carolina Farmhouse?

18.  What role does Sam have in Carolina Farmhouse?

19.  Can Carolina Farmhouse lose any privileges of owning/operating another business in North Carolina?

20.  What type of protection does the customer have now that Carolina Farmhouse has their money?

21.   If this is the livelihood of Sam, Kelly & Dan, how is their home and cars protected from being seized as an asset should they not be able to refund the existing customers?

22.  How are they paying their bills if they have no money and no new business?

23.   It appears that Carolina Farmhouse changed their name to Cecil Mack.  Why did Carolina Farmhouse make the name change?

24.   What legal obligations is Carolina Farmhouse under now that they’ve made the name change?

25.   What legal obligations is Cecil Mack now under since it was once Carolina Farmhouse?

26.   What roles do Kelly, Sam & Dan now have in Cecil Mack?

27.   Now that they’ve made the name change to Cecil Mack, is Carolina Farmhouse filing bankruptcy?

28.   Now that Carolina Farmhouse has changed their name to Cecil Mack, how is the business formed?  Is it a sole proprietorship, LLC, S Corp, or partnership?  How was Carolina Farmhouse formed?

29.    If I ordered and received my furniture, and it is now showing poor quality such as warped boards, cracks between boards, or splinters coming through, what are my options?  Do I get a refund or will someone be fixing my furniture?  If someone is going to be fixing my furniture, what kind of a timeframe am I looking at for it to be completed?

30.   When will CF start to pay back customers?

31.   Do they have a start date?

32.    Are they going to wait until they have so much money in the bank or when they feel like they have all their needs taken care of?

33.   How do we know they are actually paying people back and will we be able to see and verify that people are indeed being refunded? And I would like some time frame.

34.   Why am I not being offered one of the ready-made tables?  I’ve offered to take one that has been posted for sale at an extreme discount and would have been happy to have it.

 

In regards to the name change from Carolina Farmhouse to Cecil Mack Co. CLICK HERE!

FAQs for Carolina Farmhouse CLICK HERE!

 

Happy weekend everyone!! 

~Lynn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

Do you have questions for Carolina Farmhouse?

Well...here's your chance to ask.  I wrote a blog a couple of days ago HERE about the attorney that is working with Carolina Farmhouse that you can reach out to.

I am working with John (the attorney) to gather your questions to be answered by him.  He has asked me to trust him (a big thing with me right now..and he realizes that's a lot to ask for)....  He said he is willing to build that trust and that is by creating open communication and willing to answer questions openly and honestly.  Keep in mind that there are some questions that may not be able to be answered, and if not I am certain John will try his best to give you a reason why. 

So...  If you have any questions (and don't be shy...ask the hard ones) you'd like to have answered, you can either email me at lfern74@gmail.com or you can leave them in the comment section.  I will compile them and send them to John. 

Once we have a good list of questions (I've sent some to him already from myself and others), I will do a FAQ blog post. 

We are hoping that this will give everyone some answers to the questions that haven't been answered.  And, a chance for you to get a better understanding. 

I look forward to hearing from you!
~Lynn

1

A little information - Carolina Farmhouse (Attorney Info)

First & foremost let me make it clear that the reason I started writing on my blog about Carolina Farmhouse was for informational & educational purposes only.  I never wanted to turn my blog into a place to rant about this mess.

As a matter of fact it took a lot for me to write about it and I tossed it around for many days before I did.  But, as time went on and we were having more & more issues I came here to write about our experiences. And, yes it happens to be a pretty big part of our journey.  So it is just that - our opinion and experience that we (The Ferns) have endured.  As time went by I started having more & more people either comment or send me an email about what they were/are going through.  I had spent a ton of my time, time that I don't get paid for nor can I get that time back, doing research on what our (meaning my husband & I) options were.  We are customers shouldn't we have some sort of protection too and a right to share our experience with others!?!  I wasn't getting any responses from Carolina Farmhouse regarding delivery.  And, it wasn't until we went to someone higher up (filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau) to get them to see we were seriously concerned.

The more of Carolina Farmhouse customers that came to me asking what were we doing, what could they do, was there anything that could be done.  Let me tell ya folks there are lots of people out there mad, angry, hurt, upset and simply devastated that they trusted Sam & Kelly Utt-Grubb with their money and to have a product delivered. 

So I put together the information I had with were to file a complaint, who to call, etc.  I also said if you are going through this situation to contact me.  The reason behind that was so I could pass along the information via email because some of the customers wanted to remain private.  I've already spent my precious time gathering so why not save someone else the time and some of the frustration.  There were many people that didn't know that they could file a complaint through the Attorney General's office. 

Am I passionate about this?  So to speak - yes!  Why?  I feel awful and sad for those that are going through this as well....  I believe in helping others and you know honestly I went to bed many nights sick to my stomach.  I have lost sleep over knowing I had been so nice, patient and cheered on this company, and to think that they have my money knowing that we had lost everything prior...many conversations was about our gratefulness that they were giving back to not only us but to others...my heart falls to the pit of my stomach.  I don't get it, I don't understand nor can I wrap my head or heart around understanding why or how.  I don't want to lose faith in people or small businesses.  And, I don't believe I am alone in feeling a range of emotions.  Not many people have the money to just go buy another table or bedroom set that they've already paid in full for.  I also believe that the tone some of us were receiving when just simply trying to get answers made us all a little more edgy about the entire ordeal.  I certainly believe in the way you treat others is the way you will be treated in return.  I am also certain that had things been more upfront & honest you'd see a lot less negativity floating around....of course this is all my opinion and how I view mine & my husbands situation.  So am I passionate about this...most definitely. 

The bottom line is we just want our money back ASAP so we can just move on.  I am tired of wasting any more of my time on Carolina Farmhouse.  It is something I want to be completely done with!

CAROLINA FARMHOUSE...Attorney Update

On a positive note they are working with an attorney that I am sincerely hoping is here to help straighten this out.  I had a lengthy conversation with him last week, and he is willing to talk to those that are going through any of this.  He gave me permission to provide his email address here.  John Szymankiewicz john@jslawcenter.com

I am no longer working with or conversing with anyone at Carolina Farmhouse.  I am directing all of my questions and inquiries directly to Mr.  Szymankiewicz.

If you feel you need to have any questions answered regarding your situation, please contact Mr. Szymankiewicz.  He was a pleasure to speak with, and he answered all of the questions I had. 

I hope this information helps.

~Lynn

3

Carolina Farmhouse - update (false advertisement?)

UPDATE:
One of the customers I've been in contact with is from Florida.  She was told back in January that the table was in production and going along well! And then the story was my piece was going on a truck coming to Florida and he needed to complete this big table they were building for a the Rum Barrel in Key West.  She contacted Rum Barrel and was told they knew nothing of it.  I emailed Rum Barrel last night (5/17/13) and was told by their General Manager that they have nothing to do with Carolina Farmhouse and they've received several calls regarding the same.

Isn't that considered false advertisement to possibly boost your business?  Kinda scary that this is who we have been dealing with!

I am trying to gather my thoughts surrounding all of the things that have been going on with Carolina Farmhouse. 

No matter how you spin things, it just ain't right folks.  I will say this...had this been a small local business that got in trouble due to things that were out of their control, been completely upfront and honest with me....I'd be working in every single way possible to see that we resolved this to help them out and peacefully.  I support small business and love to see them thrive, but these sort of actions give so many other small mom & pop shops bad names.  It makes me second guess buying from a small family owned business now.  And, that alone makes me sad.

We have had story after story told to us of people fighting to get their money refunded or furniture fixed.  We have people that have contacted us with their experiences dealing with Carolina Farmhouse -
1. can't get a response to even know what is going on,
2. someone that they tried to bribe to write a good review, and the boards on the table they purchased were warped, and the poor customer had to drive over an hour to pick up the table when they told her they'd be delivering it
3. a couple that was bullied and threatened with a libel lawsuit
4. a family that received extremely poor quality furniture that has worked for many months to get a refund.  They actually received a portion of their money back on a buffet they had purchased. It had one leg shorter than the other, the drawer panels on the inside hadn't even been stained.  Carolina Farmhouse asked for the buffet back.  After they picked it up, they fixed it within hours and posted it on Facebook for sale, along with Craigslist....for more than the original owner paid for it. 
The original owner posted this on Craigslist -

CL raleigh all for sale / wanted furniture - by dealer                

Reply to: 9nphv-3782460989@sale.craigslist.org ^[?]

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Posted: 2013-05-03, 1:53PM EDT

RE: Solid wood dining buffet with 2-drawers - $950 (Cary) - $1 (Cary)

The buffet listed by Carolina Farmhouse is used and was purchased last year for $821 after tax, they are trying to sell it for $950 before tax. It was the subject of many complaints on-line. Before doing business with this company, do your due diligence and read, read, read. BBB revoked CF's accreditation and customers are facing uphill battles getting refunds.

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Posting ID: 3782460989

Posted: 2013-05-03, 1:53PM EDT

Edited: 2013-05-03, 1:58PM EDT

      

5. someone that was told that he'd be given a refund, but then after not hearing from them for sometime, they re-engage and tell him they've changed their mind and now he can have a store credit.

6. a couple that was told they had a March 2013 completion date...they ordered the July prior for their new house.  They have nothing to date. In fact, as they have seen tables for sale that Carolina Farmhouse have posted on facebook, they have asked if they could have that one...not once or twice..multiple times.  They even asked for an unfinished table, and then Sam Utt-Grubb emailed them last week with a table, they said "yes..fine they would take it".  No response and then all of sudden yesterday he emailed them to say the table was taken.  They also paid by paypal...can't do a chargeback. I don't get why they wouldn't just let them have one of the tables that was finished.  I mentioned this in an earlier post that I had seen many tables for sale on facebook and why they didn't just offer one of those to us...now I see I wasn't the only one with that thought.
7. another one contacted me and is trying to get her money back as well.  She paid by debit so she can't do a chargeback...
8. I've had multiple people contact me that are trying to get a refund.  There has evidently been the same email sent to those seeking a refund that we received...

Hello Lynn,

After seeking guidance about this situation from our attorney and the North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Affairs Division, we have decided to provide you a Carolina Farmhouse store credit for the full amount of your purchase.  If you do not want to receive store credit, your alternative is to accept an adjusted estimated completion date of September 1, 2013 for the item(s) you originally ordered.  If we do not hear back from you with acceptance of the adjusted completion date, you will receive your certificate of store credit no later than Friday, May 17, 2013.  

Please refer back to our published no-refund or cancellation policy, and also our published explanation of the lead time uncertainty that comes with creating furniture from scratch in order to fully understand what you agreed to when you chose to purchase from Carolina Farmhouse.  Of note is that "Issuance of a refund or exchange following the 72 hour grace period is at the sole discretion of Carolina Farmhouse."  

Thank you,

Sam

 

After I specifically said we did not want store credit, I get another email -

Hello Lynn,

 

I'm sincerely sorry for the difficulty this has caused you. We have three options available: We can still complete your order and push the estimated completion range back, we can provide a store credit for the amount of your purchase to be used at a later date, re-sold or donated or we can place you on a list to receive a refund as soon as funds become available. If none of the options are agreeable, we will turn this matter over to our attorney. You are also welcome to contact our attorney directly. His name is John Szymankiewicz and can be reached at 919-792-8740

Best,

Sam

 

I mean honestly when is enough enough?  I have asked multiple times that I want a refund!  It doesn't get much more clear than that.  Also, I would never to agree to having a piece of their furniture for a few reasons...  Mainly because after having to wait for over 6 months and it hasn't been built yet.  Also because of the horror stories of poor quality furniture that I would have to end up fixing anyway.  And, not to mention I just don't want to be waiting another 3 months only to have to start this battle all over again.

 

The complaints on Better Business Bureau have risen, I am hopeful that this means that they have also risen with the Attorney General's office. 

 

When you decide to make a big purchase online, do you check out the company?  How do you do due diligence?  Do you ask others if it is a local company? 

 

This company had very little negative complaints/reviews when we started our process with them in May 2012.  I figure that sometimes no matter how hard you try you find unhappy customers.  By the time I felt something wasn't right it was too late.  Plus, honestly I was dealing with the fire and I don't think my mind was 100%...I mean they made us Farmhouse Family...it made us feel good about them.  I guess we got suckered in like so many others. 

 

I never thought for a minute we were alone in this, but boy have I been shocked/surprised that there are so many.  I will give you a bit of hope...I do know that one of the customers that very recently filed a chargeback, got it!!!  But, I will tell you that couple fought hard for it & Carolina Farmhouse didn't make it easy on them nor were they very nice about the whole situation.  I am beyond happy for them :)

 

If there is one thing I can say positive that has come out of this... I've met (virtually) some really nice people and otherwise I wouldn't have.  I've enjoyed getting to know & hope that beyond this ordeal....we will stay in touch.  I'd like to get to know them :)  So once I get my money back...I will say thank you to Carolina Farmhouse, but not until I get my money back!!

 

I will be happy when this is over so I can get on with no longer needing to update my blog with this information, but until then...

 

~Lynn

 

 

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