HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A Houston-area woman says she paid $1,000 to have three antique chairs reupholstered, but nearly eight years later, she says she still does not have her furniture back.
The woman, Joel Newton, contacted 2 Helps You after seeing a recent report about another customer who said she had been waiting more than a year to get furniture back from the same repair company.
Newton said she paid a $1,000 deposit in October 2020 to have her three chairs reupholstered.
“I gave him a thousand dollars deposit for reupholstering these chairs,” Newton said. When asked, what she receive in return? Newton did not hesitate, “Nothing.”
Newton provided a receipt showing the payment. The receipt contains a phone number that also is connected to Rick Pearson, the person Newton says she dealt with regarding her furniture. The number is the same from the receipt in our first report.
Newton said Pearson repeatedly promised that her chairs would be finished.
“I’d get them in three weeks. I’d get them in a month,” Newton said.
According to Newton, those promises continued for months until Pearson eventually stopped responding to her calls.
“He just blocked my phone,” she said.
Newton was 82 years old when she initially paid for the work. She is now 88.
Pearson declined to discuss Newton’s furniture and said he did not know her or her three antique chairs.
Newton said she has continued trying to get answers about the furniture and her money.
“I appreciate you trying to help me,” she said.
What can you do if a business doesn’t return your property?
Consumer experts say people who believe a business has wrongfully kept their property have several options.
A report can be filed with local law enforcement. Consumers can also contact the Texas Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division to report a complaint.
Experts recommend keeping detailed records, including:
Contracts and written agreements
Receipts and proof of payment
Text messages, emails and other communications
Photos or descriptions of the property
Any promises or deadlines provided by the business
Protect yourself before paying for repairs
Consumers can also take steps to protect themselves before handing over valuable furniture or other property for repairs.
Before hiring a company, try to get recommendations from people you trust. Ask the business for references or a list of previous customers you can contact.
It’s also important to understand exactly what work will be performed, how much it will cost and when the property is expected to be returned.
When possible, paying by credit card may provide additional consumer protections depending on the purchase and circumstances.
Remember, 2 Helps You should never be your first call, but we don’t mind being your last.
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