Let me begin by stating this is a review pertaining to an online order. I have never been to the…read moreshowroom in Yonkers, NY. Ironically, had I visited the store in person, I never would have purchased this item because I would have seen it and been able to judge in person whether or not I believed it to be authentic. Instead, I relied on the photo and description that was
provided online: "Antique Green Glaze Garden Temple Tile. Late-19th-century Chinese green
glazed ceramic garden temple tile from the Hunan province." The photo and description of the
tile for sale online do not match the tile I received. I contacted Harlan Rose, the manager of the store to explain that I thought the tile was a reproduction, he responded with, "Well this is a he said-she said situation." I tried to explain that no, it was not, since I had three original antique tiles that I had owned for many years, and I was trying to replace a fourth one that had broken, so I knew what the authentic tile would look like, and the one I received from FEA did not look like the three I had. I know they are handmade, and I know the color tones vary. But it was more than that. I told him the one I received was smaller, thinner, and heavier. It also smelled like fresh paint or lacquer. I told him that in my opinion, it seemed more like a reproduction, similar to the types that are sold online as "tiki tiles." Again he said, "Well it's a he said-she said situation." The return policy of the shop is that the customer owes shipping postage, both directions. And, once the item is received back, the store will keep a 25% "restocking" fee. I paid $75 for shipping to me, and I know it would cost at least that much for me to return it. After the 25% "restocking" fee, there would be virtually nothing left to my refund. Harlan offered me some sort of a discounted amount of a store credit if I returned the item, which I declined since I
do not live near Yonkers. His final offer was to refund my $75 shipping cost, allow me to keep the tile that does not match my other three, and be out $290. In my opinion, I had no choice but to accept. I did receive my $75 back, but I am in possession of a tile for which I paid $290 and cannot use. I personally would never buy online from this store again. I was not happy with the customer service treatment I received. I do not believe I received the item that was described online as being a
19th century antique--just my opinion, but I wish someone had warned me in a review prior to my purchase so that I would have saved $290.
