Did you know?  It is important to retain records from buying carpet for at least 5 years after buying carpet.  A number of carpet warrantees extend as long as 10 years.  Make sure you maintain these records in case the local carpet retailer is no longer in business and you need to file a carpet warranty claim with the carpet manufacturer.

SIGNING THE CONTRACT

 After purchasing carpet, in many instances, signing the contract for any new carpet purchase can be the most important segment of the process of buying carpet.  Much of the dissatisfaction in the purchase of any consumer product is based on perception of how a product should perform rather than actual performance.  Several important steps during the contract phase can clear up misperceptions or streamline the correction process should a problem develop after the  carpet installation has been completed. 

The Carpet Information Packet

 Keeping Records-  Like any consumer purchase, it is a good idea to keep records of purchase for future use.  Should a problem arise, these records will prove invaluable in bringing any issue to a rapid conclusion.  To assist in keeping records together, take an envelope or file folder with you when you sign the purchase contract. 

Useful Information-   It is impossible to anticipate every bit of information that may be needed for each purchase but the following items are necessary for each purchase.  

Carpet Manufacturer Name and Phone Number-  For all questions related to your carpet, it is  important to know the manufacturer.  Some warranties may be valid for years after the original carpet purchase.  Should you encounter problems contacting your local retailer it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer directly.  Additionally, some retailers may place their own labels on some carpet styles.  Having a record of the carpet manufacturer     name may help in answering questions related to specific cleaning recommendations, warranties, and other useful information.

Carpet Style Name, Style Number, and Color Number-  It is important to know the manufacturer style name, style number, and color number for future reference. Some carpet retailers may change the style name and number for their own bookkeeping requirements.  In most cases, it is impossible for a manufacturer to identify their goods without this information.

Reference Number and Order Date-  While the manufacturer invoice number and invoice date is not always available to the consumer, it is a good idea to keep a copy of your original invoice from the carpet retailer. Make sure the invoice is dated and contains the actual style name and style number.  This invoice acts as the initiation date for many warranties.  The original manufacturer reference number and order date can be helpful if you have difficulty in contacting the original carpet retailer.  

Yardage Purchased-  Should the carpet require replacement due to unforeseen       circumstances, the yardage purchased is important for ordering replacement carpet.  

Carpet Installer Name-  Often, carpet installers who perform the carpet installation are not employees of the carpet retailer.  While the retailer is responsible for the quality of work subcontracted by him, it is suggested that the installers name is noted should you need routine repairs in the future.  

Carpet Cushion Type and Thickness-  Some performance warranties may require a specific cushion type or maximum thickness for validity.  This information should be included on the invoice for convenience.

Carpet Warranty Information- You should receive printed materials for every warranty outlined by your carpet retailer.  If printed warranty information is not available, delay the carpet installation of your new carpet for a few days until the retailer can obtain copies of these warrantees from the manufacturer.  If any promise or implied warrantee is stated by the retailer, make sure it is noted on the invoice.  For any warranty, make sure you read and understand the warranty.

Carpet Care Instructions - Some carpet manufacturers require proof of regular carpet cleaning or the use of a particular carpet cleaning method.   It is helpful to keep a copy of the carpet manufacturers carpet care guide.