Smith Brothers of Berne - experience with?
marys1000
15 years ago
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jan1012
15 years agomarys1000
15 years agoRelated Discussions
Smith Brothers vs. Sherill furniture comparison
Comments (3)After spending over 30 years in the furniture industry working with high, medium and low priced furniture, my view of the 8 way hand-tied vs.other spring constructions is somewhat different from the opinions most frequently expressed in home furnishings forums. There is no doubt that genuine 8 way hand-tied coils are considerably more expensive than other alternatives. From a durability standpoint, however, I have never seen any evidence that the expensive 8 way hand-tied will outlast a cheap sinuous wire (no-sag) foundation or a moderately priced drop-in coil unit. The other argument is that 8 way hand-tied coils provide a more comfortable seat. My experience is that if you have an excellent quality cushion with a proper seat depth and back pitch, the type of foundation used is imperceptible, even to the experts. Although I have never sat on a Smith Brothers sofa, the general tone of the comments I have read over several years seems to indicate that it is an excellent product even without an 8 way hand-tied foundation....See MoreSmith Brothers of Berne - am I being unreasonable?
Comments (4)This line is well regarded, a google search should confirm that. Why aren't you getting anywhere? You have real questions about the sofa but used most of this post to complain about the dealer and factory. What did you really want to know? OK, I'll respond to the questions you did pose. Do they want to sell furniture? Yes, through a network of retail dealers. This is different than buying a car, however, if you went to Macy's and wanted information about a name brand leather coat you were thinking of purchasing you'd probably have the same experience. Does this seem a bit over the top? On your end, yes. And what possible connection can there be between warranty service and responding to your questions? Really, there is no basis for that. If they staffed a help desk like Butterball does for turkey questions it would make their sofas even more expensive. They don't sell millions of units each year, they sell hundreds per month, and its just not in the budget. Regarding the last question, followup questions are good if you know where you're going with them. Where you're going with this isn't clear. If you want an ironclad 10 year guarantee on the fabric, well, buy HP Ultrasuede fabric or Herculon. Both look like crap (except for Ultrasuede on modern sofas styles.) If you're going to put the sofas through really heavy use (abuse) maybe you should buy the cheaper stuff and replace it as needed. Customers who ask for rub figures, compression ratios, spring gauge and other unpublished tech specs usually don't buy anyways. So maybe be surprised that you're getting treated with respect. And being treated with respect doesn't mean you'll get all your questions answered. A store that carries Smith of Berne IS a better furniture store. Use your better judgment and you'll be fine....See MoreSmith Brothers of Berne - Chicago area dealer
Comments (9)Revisit the website and choose, I already have a dealer, but I would like to find another one. I am looking for a dealer because: I have heard of Smith Brothers and would like to know more. I already have a dealer, but I would like to find another one....See MoreSmith Bros. of Berne sofa fabric that doesn't pill
Comments (3)Thanks. I have noticed; however, that the degree and duration of pilling with some Smith Bros. fabrics has been unsatisfactory to buyers. I'd like to avoid that so I'm hoping to hear from some folks who've not had the issue....See Morebriant73
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