My new home in Bremerton has 2 fireplaces with gas logs. I have been shopping for gas, furnace rated inserts.The fireplaces are quite different from each other, one being close to the floor, the other being raised. While the boxes are the same size, the surrounds are quite different and I knew this could mean that my options for each fireplace would not be the same.
I am aware that these upgrades to my fireplaces will be not only somewhat costly and labor intensive, but will also affect the ambiance of my home, so I want to make a well researched and informed decision.
I was very happy with the customer service I received from Custom Hearth in Poulsbo. They came to my home, measured both of my fireplaces and gave me several options. However I did not care for the options they had available through their suppliers (one brand the box was too shallow, the other brand I didn't care for the logs).
I also called Economy Hearth and Home, and they were happy to schedule an appointment to come out to measure my fireplaces and give me the options that I will have available through them.
When looking on Yelp, I noticed that Heritage Fireplace had high reviews (7). I decided to call them for an estimate/options. I left a message, however after a week I had not had a call back from them. This bothered me, as it indicated a lack of follow through or interest in business, but their reviews on Yelp were so good, I decided to call them again.
When I called them yesterday (unfortunately did not get the name of the man who answered the phone), I explained that I had two fireplaces with gas logs that I wanted to have furnace rated inserts installed in. He asked if I had already purchased the inserts. I stated that I had not, and the reason for my call was to get an estimate on the options available and the cost of purchase and installation. He stated that it would cost between $3,500.-$6,000. per fireplace.
I asked if I could schedule an appointment for someone to come out to measure my fireplaces and give me options and estimate based on my specific fireplaces. He told me that I should just measure the fireplaces, take pictures and come in to get an estimate. I explained that if I was going to be spending between $3,500-$6,000. per insert, I would rather have them measured by a professional to avoid the potential of ordering the wrong thing or being off 1/2 on my measurements. He stated that they were really busy. I stated that other companies offered the service of coming out, measuring and making sure I knew exactly which options would work. I asked if this was not something that Heritage did. He stated that he could send someone out, but it may be several months.
I said thank you and hung up the phone.
Really?
This man stated that I would be spending a minimum of $7,000. and up to $12,000. for what I wanted, however they did not want to come to my home to ensure what I choose and order is going to work? Maybe $7,000.-$12,000. isn't much money to the man I spoke with, however for the average consumer, no matter what your income level is, that is general a big ticket item.
The man was condescending in his conversation with me. Cleary not at all interested in business.
Possibly Hearthside is far too busy to need any more business. Possibly they are the exclusive dealer for manufacturers that are so great people will put up with poor customer service. Possibly this was an ill trained salesperson having a bad day. I hope it wasn't the owner.
I am still in the market for two furnace rated gas inserts, and am prepared to spend whatever is necessary to get what I want, but due to the horrible customer service I received, I will be shopping elsewhere. read more