Carpet Shop, East London. Recommendations?

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

As per the topic title, I need a good carpet shop in East London (E3 area but willing to travel.)

Also, am I best advised to find a place to do the whole thing, or should I find a place that simply has a lot of things to choose from, and then to buy on-line and pay an independent fitter to fit the stuff?

(Also posted in Homes, Gardens and DIY).

Thanks!


Oli.

[Daisy Duke]

zcacogp said:

As per the topic title, I need a good carpet shop in East London (E3 area but willing to travel.)

Also, am I best advised to find a place to do the whole thing, or should I find a place that simply has a lot of things to choose from, and then to buy on-line and pay an independent fitter to fit the stuff?

I've not used them for some time, but Abbotts on Roman Road always used to be good. I've also had good experiences of Roomes of Upminster (they'll deliver to the East End).

As to whether to use the shop or an independent fitter, it really depends on what you're doing - it's certainly easier logistically to have the shop do everything and sometimes (if you're buying over a certain amount) fitting is included in the price. One thing I would check though is that the fitters are actually employed by the firm, or at least their work is covered by the contract with the supplier. I've come across firms who want the customer to pay the fitters separately, which means that should something go wrong, the supplier could refuse to refund for any damage caused to the carpet - in which case you may as well use an independent fitter that you know is good.

[zcacogp]

Daisy,

Thanks. I know Abbotts well, and have had more than one bad experience with them (and know others who have had problems as well.) You're right - they used to have a good reputation but I suspect they have gone downhill a little since then.

Totally agree with your summary of whether to use an independent fitter or not. The other point to make is that if the carpet shop books you a fitter who isn't employed by them then there will be a kick-back to the carpet shop in their price. You'd do better finding and paying the fitter directly (and then there is no grey area over who they are working for.)


Oli.

[eastsider]

zcacogp said:

Daisy,

Thanks. I know Abbotts well, and have had more than one bad experience with them (and know others who have had problems as well.) You're right - they used to have a good reputation but I suspect they have gone downhill a little since then.

Totally agree with your summary of whether to use an independent fitter or not. The other point to make is that if the carpet shop books you a fitter who isn't employed by them then there will be a kick-back to the carpet shop in their price. You'd do better finding and paying the fitter directly (and then there is no grey area over who they are working for.)


Oli.

+1 this, avoid Abbotts unfortunately. Shame not to support a local independent business but I found them expensive and poor service even vs chains like carpetright.

[sc0tt]

Clarks carpet romford. Everyone i know swears by them.