Did you or anyone else ever buy the manchester sofa from ballard designs? I'm also considering the apartment size one but am concerned about comfort and quality. i wish i could sit on it in person. thoughts, anyone? perhaps an alternative from a retailer that has stores in my area (south florida)? thanks. Here is a link that might be useful: Manchester Apartment Sofa, Ballard Designs

This has become more of an issue with so many online storefronts offering product through other resources. And we don't usually know which product is from where. Amazon has gone to so many now (along with individuals), I have become hesitant on a number of items. And try to cancel an order...they are so darn quick that once you hit order it is on it's way....in most cases. They want that sale and there is no going back, small print says too bad, it's yours. Many other known large stores we have shopped at on land are merged online too. I wonder if the outside resources are given the responsibility of the emails via the primary sellers' email and they just don't do it. This is a simple example, but ordered parts for an appliance from Sears and no confirmation emails of any type. The order did get here in 2 days with no shipping costs, but only to receive one item and the order slip inside showing the other two were no longer available, What the heck am I going to do with one part that needs 3 to work? The package showed it was shipped from an outside parts supplier I'm familiar with. After calling other places I found they are available, just not from them. A lot of the ordering is becoming less customer oriented with what they call "Lights Out" warehousing. All robotic with few humans involved. I don't think a human even reads the order from start to finish in these arenas. Have ordered from Ballard and no problems, but didn't involve furniture. It would be difficult to stick with an order that continues to be backordered once found and wanted. Disappointed to know Ballard may be using outside resources too. At least that is what it sounds like. Maybe these "stores' will find they need to rethink their strategy. Saving on warehousing may be a saving for us, definitely for them, but the service goes downhill. And if you knew the outside source, the price of the item would most likely be less.

RoseAbbey - "Its the hassle and cost of returning when the item doesn't come as envisioned is what would bother me" - I totally agree. I have bought stuff online and didn't love it, but kept it because the return process was a hassle and costly. One of my biggest purchases online was glass mosaic tile for my master bathroom remodel. I couldn't find anything local at the big box stores or specialty tile shops that fit my vision so I bought online at Overstock. Plus my dad gave me a gift card so that helped, but I was sooooo nervous buying glass tile online. It arrived quickly and nothing was broke. The tile turned out beautiful and the installer said the quality seemed great.

I mostly use Ballard for the occasional accessory (they do a great job with pillows and outdoor cushions) but I did get a Louisa chair from them a few years ago bc it was exactly the size & style of chair I needed for a corner of my great room. I have been pleasantly by the quality, durability, and comfort of this chair! The quality seems better than the quality of furniture items I purchased from Pottery Barn for my kids’ rooms and playroom. The PB stuff has been crap, pardon my language, lol!