GOOD REVIEWS seem to be vastly outnumbered by bad ones from disgruntled, frustrated or angry consumers. So we did our research carefully for a new mattress – not relying on reviews, but making the rounds with an open mind and spending a lot of analytical time on every type of mattress we thought might be right for us – then going back and trying it again… and again.
You pretty much get to know the salespeople on a first name basis when you do that, and in the process, you learn a lot about sales people too! Some good – and some, so predictably scripted that it’s tedious to engage with them on any level, let alone actually purchase something from them.
In all of that weeks-long exercise, two things we’ve accomplished stand above the others:
We are convinced about the qualities and benefits of pure latex for us. I say “for us,” because I truly believe there are a lot of excellent mattresses available. But they have to be excellent for YOU to be any good at all. To me, it’s just like sneakers. Good, bad or in between, they either fit, or they don’t!
And after all the rounds, despite having found only one review on them (and an unhappy one at that), the dealer we have opted to purchase from has been everything a buyer could ask for – informed, experienced, pleasant, accommodating and not on salesman auto pilot. In fact, we’ve steered clear of the big names and chosen to support a local small business. We feel good about that and I believe the owner does too. He truly values our business.
So here’s how it’s all come together… We have ordered a Pure Latex Bliss, Eco Queen mattress from someone who has helped guide us through a very difficult process. We’ve already taken possession of two other types of mattresses on a return basis and been forced to return both of them, despite how good they felt in the store. So we walked in his door a tiny bit wary. But he’s been understanding and helpful. I want to mention his name here, but feel it may not be the appropriate place. But be sure, at this rate, he will be garnering a good review somewhere we can place it meaningfully.
HERE’S THE DISAPPOINTMENT PART…
We committed to order the mattress over two weeks ago and, speaking with the owner today, he told me that we will have to wait another two weeks for our new mattress! We’re so unhappy – and so looking forward to a good night’s sleep!
The problem, he tells me, is with Pure Latex Bliss – they apparently cannot get the mattress covers needed to ship an actual mattress – at least not an Eco Mattress. So our wonderful dealer can’t even get floor samples to offer to other customers and we’re still sleeping on a medieval rack while we anxiously wait for a substantial company to get it’s supply chain worked out. We’re right in Atlanta, where the company is based, and that isn’t going to help.
My message here is fairly straight forward:
Do your research thoughtfully – mattress selection is something for which the consumer is so totally responsible.
Don’t be too swayed by reviews, because a LOT of them are some form of vindictive garbage.
And, having found a dealer who’s willing to work with you, don’t be too quick to judge him for every skipped step in the process. It may not be his fault. He’s selling you something you may want very badly, but he’s not responsible for your selection or how late in your game you started to look for your mattress. He’s still just the messenger for a good portion of what your purchasing experience will be.
