Williams-Sonoma has tightened up their return policy recently, so I'm not sure how much satisfaction you will get by trying to return or exchange the tablecloth in a store. I know you are frustrated with the performance of the cloth, so you might take it into a store and see if they will help you. Just be prepared for disappointment. Take a napkin with you to demonstrate how much the color changed.

If I had initially washed the tablecloth and it bled, it would have been covered under the W-S warranty. But because I babied it (and myself) and had it dry cleaned, the defect didn't show up until it was out of the warranty period. There is the rub!

I asked the supervisor who offered me 15% to take it to the next level and she told me there was no next level. So, I need to figure out a way to get better attention. There is an email address that is referenced on the W-S Twitter feed. Perhaps I could make an appeal that way.

I don't have the matching napkins. My napkins are W-S solid gold napkins that used to match the leaves in the border. Thank goodness I didn't wash them when I washed the cloth. However, I did have a brand new tea towel in the washer with the table cloth. It was a cream background with autumn leaves. Now it is a very unattractive peachy background.

btw, it would cost me more to drive to the closest W-S than it would cost to buy a new one.

WS once took back an expensive 12" skillet that I had used for almost a year but the finish wore off.

I say take it back into the store (with the receipt). As long as the tag says machine washable -- they should refund your money.

You have to be so wary of products. I'm surprised they didn't replace or refund regardless of the longer time period. What were the washing instructions?

I don't have the receipt. Apparently the issue is I am outside the warranty period, which from their website seems to be 30 days.

The washing instructions were something along the lines of "machine wash in warm water." I washed it in cool water. Ordinarily, I had the cloth dry cleaned because it is a pain to iron.

I rarely use a tablecloth. This one was only used in the autumn. I'm doubtful that I used it more than twice a year.

I could understand W-S not wanting to do anything about it if it weren't currently stock. But they still carry the same cloth and could easily exchange the defective one I have for a new one. I think if they had even offered to split the cost with me (50% off a new one), I wouldn't be so annoyed.

I bought a navy and red tablecloth from WS several years ago that was of similar design, which was supposed to be machine washable. It bled like crazy the very first time I laundered it, even though it was a cold water wash. I didn’t try to return it, however, just figured they would all be the same. Good luck to you. Even if you can get a new one, I guess dry cleaning is the only way to launder that type of cloth, and that makes it completely impractical for me.

I have this red and blue:

For some reason (don't ask why - I can't explain), I've always washed the red and blue. I haven't had any trouble with it bleeding or fading, although it is a total pain to iron!

90 inch round tablecloths are not easy to come by, but I probably won't be buying them from Williams Sonoma again.

well, you could order a new one and then return the old one as if it were the new one, ruined by washing, still under warranty. You'd have a defect free tablecloth but apparently would have to have it dry cleaned always.

How LONG have you had it? And did you mention that in your comment when you called? Did you give them too much information? Like the true whole story? Like you were being honest? Perhaps if you "play politician" and say you bought it, it says you can wash and you did and it bled omitting every other detail. And when they ask when you bought it, say "not that long ago -- I can't really remember the date. I shop a lot at WS". Hopefully, you will get another customer service representative and even if you get the same one, unless you made a scene or something that she would remember you by, you can see what they do.

That is just really disappointing that they don't stand by their products. You would think a store like WS would be interested in keeping the customer happy. 15% off is frankly insulting....I am always getting emails for codes for that much off!! If I were you, I'd send one more letter, then I'd be done with WS.

I agree with Nini. I just went to their site to look at the reviews and a 15% coupon popped up. They are basically telling you, "So sad, too bad.".

I would post a picture of the ruined tablecloth to their twitter feed and Facebook account. Make sure you include @williamssonomoa #fail.

I had a problem with Keurig and get the run around for months. When I posted about it on a twitter I got a response within a few hours and it was resolved the next day.

Most retailers are very consignant of social media these days and the way news travels. I once told Moen that I belonged to a very large forum platform for baths and kitchens and was going to advise the "thousands and thousands" of people about the issue of my faucet and the response I received from Moen. The next day, I received a call from someone in upper management who apologized and had a completely new faucet sent to me within days.

Last resort, it can't hurt to try the same tactic on S & W. Their product was faulty, they know it and are basically lying about it. I would threaten bad reviews everywhere.

I'm a believer in the Karma factor so I would continue to be honest about the situation. (Plus it's the right thing to do.)

How long have you had the tablecloth? Is it still available at WS?

If you've had it for less then 6 months, I would telephone the closest store, not the online Customer Service number, and speak to the store manager. See what the manager suggests.

if it's over 6 months old, I'd take the loss and consider it a learning experience.

Your options seem to be 1. eat it 2. post all over social media and to sites like Pi$$ed Off Consumer 3. Buy a new one, then return the one that bled with the new receipt. If possible, I would go with option 3. It will get the results quicker and with less hassle.

Although, I will say I got results with option 2 because I did not have an option 3 since mine was an online order and there was no brick and mortar. I did tell the company I was going to pursue it through all social media outlets, on FB, Twitter, Blog, BBB, Forums, etc. They decided that it might be best to do the right thing.

I do think it is a shame that sometimes a customer has to rely on "deceit" to get a company to do the right thing!

I have to say I'm surprised how many say to just lie to resolve the problem. I agree with Maddielee. I certainly would not compromise my principles for a $60 tablecloth, particularly one that is at least 2 years old. If it's important to you, try one more time to get it escalated, and, if you get an unsuccessful outcome, just vow not to give WS any more of your business.

I was asked how long I had owned the cloth. Quite frankly, I didn't remember. I told the customer service rep that I didn't remember but I thought it was a couple of years. They asked for my phone number and I gave it to them. Turned out I bought the tablecloth 4 years ago. That surprised me, I'm certain I've not used it more than 6 or 7 times. Nevertheless, this is the FIRST time it has been washed.

I'm not going to lie to W-S to get them to do what is right. Until I washed the tablecloth, it looked brand new. The first time I washed it according to the care instructions, it bled. It is still functional (will lay on the table and protect the surface) but it isn't attractive.

I just looked at the reviews for this product. It has 17 reviews with 11 out of 17 recommending it. The first positive review is for a step-stool! There are several reviews that say it doesn't need ironing. Those people either got a totally different tablecloth or have a much lower tolerance for wrinkles than I have.

Discussing the issue here has been cathartic. I think I'll give Twitter a shot. If it doesn't work, I'll write it off and move on (after giving it lousy reviews everywhere I can find!)

If the tablecloth is still available, why not write an online review on the W-S website? I would think that would get their attention.

How much did you pay for it? Sometimes I get all caught up in the principle of something and need to consider the price tag for all my stress.

Last year I was having delivery issues with Sears. Phone calls were going nowhere and making me irate. I took to Twitter. In minutes I had someone bending over backwards to fulfill my needs. :)

Does the care label on the tablecloth say you can dry clean it? If not, the dry cleaning solvents may have made the dye unstable in water.

"I'm surprised how many say to just lie to resolve the problem. I agree with Maddielee. I certainly would not compromise my principles for a $60 tablecloth..."

I wonder if that is what some of these stores are counting on, with their more and more frequent total disregard for good customer service and lack of regard in standing behind the products they sell. I had an issue with my first purchase with one retailer whose products I often hear referenced on this forum. I was deeply disappointed in their attitude and policy of making it impossible to speak with a supervisor and disinterest in correcting a problem they created. Out of curiosity I checked complaints online and there were a staggering number of complaints from consumers who received the "So sad, too bad" treatment.

Guess I'll be the odd man out, but after 4 years you may not get anything better than 15% off a new one. I'd take the discount and ask for free shipping on top of it.

Annztoo, I'm with you on this.

I worked at WS for a couple of years a while back before the policy change. It doesn't surprise me in the bit that so many people are willing to lie. People would return dirty roasting pans the day after Thanksgiving saying they didn't use it after al and had no need for itl. Return over half used soap bottles. Return books that had food spots in them and they would say they'd never ever use that cookbook. I could go on and on. Not everyone was trying to take advantage of the old policy of course, but I guess it was enough to make them reconsider.

Send a letter to the overall CEO, Laura Alber and to Janet Hayes (President, Williams-Sonoma)

3250 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, California 94109

Phone: 415-421-7900

My (educated) guess is that email addresses are:
lalber@wsgc.com

JHayes@wsgc.com

http://www.williams-sonomainc.com/company-overview/executive-biographies.html

"Does the care label on the tablecloth say you can dry clean it? If not, the dry cleaning solvents may have made the dye unstable in water."

Exactly! And since the care label said to wash in warm water, I'd give that a try. Maybe the warmer water will rinse out some of the discoloration.

Gmarows, I don't allow another's behavior to alter my principles, so if WS, or any retailer, refuses to stand "behind their product", I don't justify my lying to get a better outcome. I speak with my wallet. Also, they did offer a 6 month warranty. Most consumers would have washed it within that timeframe (not to say the OP should have). How long is "standing behind" your product extended after purchase? Four years? Ten years? Forever?

if it is cotton, don't you think the cleaners washed it too?? they usually won't 'dry clean' washable items- they will wash and iron them, just like shirts- at least from my experience.....

I personally would probably let this go since it isn't a new cloth... certain cottons really bleed a lot... I'm surprised it's care label says 'warm' water because so often they specify 'cold', but if it does say 'warm' I would bring it to the store and show them... if you've removed the care label and to the best of your recollection it said 'warm' I would just happily accept their 15% offer...

My vote is to take a deep breath, order a new one with the 15% discount, get them to waive the shipping and enjoy the new table cloth.

When you are ready, wash it as per instructions, and then bring to the cleaners for pressing.

Sometimes it is hard to find things that you really like. It sounds like this is the case with this tablecloth.

Side story: Talk about returning! Years ago I knew someone who returned things to Lands' End on a regular basis. Comforters, bath mats, towels etc. All used for at least a year or so. He was perfectly fine doing so and telling me about it.

I am not sure what their return policy is now.

I just returned a pair of Sporto duck booties to Macy's. I used them to run out in the morning to the backyard with my dog. I decided to wear them for an actual walk and found that although comfortable, the left shoe irritated just under my ankle bone and when I got home I had a cut. I called first to speak to a manager. He told me to come in, no problem! When you compared the two shoes, one's stitching was off and maybe this is why that shoe had a problem.

Even though I consider myself a scrupulous person, I have NO problem stretching the truth (or outright lying) if I feel corporate America is refusing to do the right thing. I'll live with the karmic consequences of that and have no worries about it at all.

If the tag says Do not Dry Clean, then I would just let it go and wouldn't even take the 15% off, because I'd not followed their instructions.

The tag does not mention dry cleaning, pro or con. I have no idea if the cleaners washed it or dry cleaned it. I frequently have dark cottons dry cleaned to preserve their color, if it is an item I really like. I tell the cleaners to dry clean not wash.

The customer service supervisor I spoke to didn't mention that my dry cleaning it had anything to do with the stability of the dye.

I live too far from a W-S store to go there in person.

I can understand retailers trying to protect themselves from people who behave as ceezceez noted, but I think this is a different situation. This cloth has been used infrequently and looked like new until I washed it. So, if I had used it and washed it every day and on the 29th day it failed, they'd take it back. However, I've used it infrequently and taken excellent care of it. To my mind, my use is the equivalent of it failing on the 6th day.

I will post a negative review of the tablecloth on W-S, but not until it is dead certain that they are not going to make this right. If they make it right, I will stay silent on the issue.

Land's End return story: My BIL can be quirky (trying to find a nicer word than "jerk") sometimes. He once returned a pair of old, worn out shorts to Land's End just to test their return policy, fully expecting them to decline replacement. They sent him a new pair. He was chagrined.

" If they make it right, I will stay silent on the issue." If they make it right, I'd praise their customer service.

Excellent point, Oly! Thanks for the reminder to praise when retailers do right.

I'm kind of surprised at some of the responses. I agree that it's wrong to be dishonest and certainly not worth bringing yourself down to that level but in regards to the length of time since it was purchased, I don't understand why that matters? Irregardless as to whether it's six months or four years, the table cloth is labeled as washable and it's not. If she washes it and it bleeds, the store should be willing to compensate her with a replacement or refund. Also by offering a 15% discount, it seems they are admitting there is a flaw in the product. Obviously, the store is assuming that you will accept their offer and be done with it because it's a hassle to pursue it. If it were me, I'd consider copying the link to this thread and telling them this is the first of many avenues I will be discussing Williams Sonoma on; that it's just the beginning.

After reading about your table cloth, I might have a problem trusting S&W products in the future...not sure I'll go back there to shop.

A tablecloth one can't wash? Hm,

Send a friendly letter to the CEO and president and ask them to stand behind their product.

I agree that is ridiculous. Don't know if dry cleaning would have had an effect.

I think it is reasonable to review the product and take it to store management then headquarters. I find the idea of going after them on every social media site one can a bit much and a troubling use of the internet.

In my experience with Indian cottons, they will always fade and bleed, especially the first time. They're just not colorfast. I set them the first time with a vinegar rinse, which helps.

lukkirish, I think you distilled my argument nicely: whether it's six months or four years, the table cloth is labeled as washable and it's not.

violetwest, I appreciate you tip, but the care instructions should include instructions for setting the color if that is necessary.

I've spent the day cooking and freezing dinners for a friend who is ill. I'm beat. Tomorrow, I'll give some effort to writing a coherent email to the CEO and brand President as suggested by NSM. And I'll probably post on Twitter too.

Not only is it marked washable when it's not, it's something they are obviously aware of and haven't changed. I hope you have better results than I recently had with Etsy and one of their shops.

I don't know how you can say that it isn't washable. Out of 16 reviews, only two mentioned slight fading after washing. As someone else said, maybe the prior dry cleaning has something to do with this person's experience. After four years, several uses, several drycleanings and a wash, I would call it a day and move on.

The fact that some people didn't encounter this problem, including OP with another table cloth, may indicate that it's a bad lot. See link here

it shouldn't matter how a different tablecloth washed--- that's irrelevant unless the table cloth was exactly the same. some cottons require cold water washes to minimize bleeding... you say that the care label on the one that bled says 'something along the lines of machine wash in warm water'... maybe it was mislabeled...

but since you can't go to a store and show them the product and the incorrect label, you don't have a receipt, and that the tablecloth is a few years old already, i think a 15% off coupon is a nice gesture...

there is SO much fraud and theft, etc that goes on in retail that I'm sure that it is diifficult for many stores!!

i recently had an issue where a glass in a set from ws (on line) arrived broken... they sent ups to pick it up and sent another set-- again, there was an issue with another glass and i contacted them, the set was again picked up and they set a 3rd set- finally i got an undamaged set! even tho it was a pain, i was pleased with their prompt pick up and sending of new sets-- and it was a small pain compared to having to pack up and bring something back to the store!

That's a beautiful tablecloth bbstx, must have put a great big smile on your face when she gave it to you. :)

Isn't it lovely when the generosity of another comes at just the right moment?

My sister is THE BEST!!!!