All non clearance area rugs are guaranteed by Walter E. Smithe to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for one full year.
- Shedding and Fluffing, shading, variances in surface texture, yarn appearance, and other variations occur normally and are not a defect.
- Due to slight variation from dye lot to dye lot, color matches may vary within acceptable industry tolerance.
PERIODS OF COVERAGE
The LIFETIME ends when the fabric wears out, as determined solely by Smithe based on industry norms.
WARRANTY PERIOD starts on the day of delivery.
NO SERVICE AFTER WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRES but repair service may be available at a modest fee.
WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS
PROPER CARE & MAINTENANCE REQUIRED
Failure to properly care for and maintain furniture voids all warranty coverage. Abuse determinations will be made solely by Smithe, based on industry norms. Alterations to furniture by the client will void all warranties. Smithe is not liable for problems resulting from professional upholstery cleaning.
PROOF OF PURCHASE REQUIRED
COVERAGE FOR RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY
VALID TO ORIGINAL PURCHASER ONLY. NOT TRANSFERRABLE.
FLOOR SAMPLES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE.
CLIENT COOPERATION REQUIRED
Client is required to reasonably cooperate with all requests to address warranty concerns.
TRANSPORTATION COSTS
Client liable for all transport costs outside normal delivery area. Client may obtain local service for which Smithe will reimburse client if approved in advance.
NO COVERAGE FOR MOVING DAMAGE.
NO COVERAGE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE
Of any kind for any reason, including but not limited to lost time, economic damages, loss of use of items & mismatches.
SELECTION OF REPLACEMENT ITEMS
Must take place at original showroom with original designer or manager.
USE OF NON SMITHE REPAIR TECHS
Smithe must approve client use of techs other than those provided by Smithe and is not liable for payment to or issues caused by non approved techs.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS
NORMAL AGING
After delivery, expect some loosening of threads, welts and seams. Wavy Welt cords, cushion casing stretching, softening of cushion inserts, warping or loosening of frames, drawers and doors can also occur and are not covered under any warranty.
FADING
Fading of fabrics, wood and leather occurs naturally and is never covered including extreme or early cases.
MISCELLANEOUS EXCLUSIONS
This warranty provides no coverage for furniture exposed to fire, flood, fraudulent damage, war, intentional damage to furniture and acts of God
ABUSE & INTENTIONAL DAMAGE
Damage that appears to have been caused by abuse or intentional acts or by items or materials not normally found in residences.
USE FEE AFTER 14 DAYS
A use fee will be charged when furniture returned for refund or exchange is not in brand new condition.
SELECTION OF REMEDY
Smithe reserves the sole right to determine the specific remedy in each case under this warranty.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, and no one is authorized to assume for Walter E. Smithe Furniture any other liability in connection with the sale of the covered product.
EXPOSURE TO ELEMENTS
Damage caused by direct or indirect exposure are never covered.
TRANSIT OR STORAGE DAMAGE
DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER CLEANING OR MAINTENANCE.
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY.
Walter E. Smithe Furniture, Inc. is the entity legally and financially obligated to perform the services provided by this warranty. Please call us if you have any questions.
Optional Smithe-Kote®
Stain Protection for Upholstered Furniture
COVERAGE
Smithe Kote is carefully applied prior to delivery. Dupont Teflon in a water base is applied to fabrics using a fine mist pressurized spray. A leather protection cream is hand applied to all leather. Both create an invisible, breathable barrier that helps resist catastrophic stains like red wine or pet accidents.
Smithe guarantees against the following stains on fabric or leather for 5 years from the date of delivery:
- Food
- Beverage
- Pet bodily fluids
- Human Bodily fluids
SERVICE PROCEDURES
- Treat stains immediately with the care kit provided at the time of purchase.
- If the stain persists, contact us within 2 days to arrange for a free in-home cleaning.
- If the stain cannot be removed, Smithe will replace the stained upholstered panel.
- If the fabric or leather is unavailable, Smithe will reupholster the entire piece in a comparable grade at no additional charge.
Smithe will make up to 5 service calls. Additional calls available at a discounted rate. Reupholstery is made at Smithe’s sole discretion and ends all coverage. Reupholstered items are not eligible for new coverage. Substitutions will be made if the original cover is not available. No adjustments made for dye lot variations resulting from panel replacements or for resulting mismatches to other pieces or decorating in the room. The value of the reupholstery is limited to the original purchase price.
EXCLUSIONS
This protection plan protects against occasional accidental catastrophic stains such as a red wine stain on a white sofa. Coverage is not provided for every day soiling from normal use, multiple stains, repetitive soiling, or stains not attended to properly. Up to 5 total service calls.
SMITHE KOTE does not prevent the effects of aging such as fading or general soiling over time. Overall cleaning is not provided as part of the coverage.
No coverage for stains not listed above or stains not reported within 2 days; stains resulting from abuse (repetitive or excessive soiling); wear and tear; body oil; a household move; commercial use; unauthorized maintenance or repair; dyes; caustic solutions; bleach; odors, fire, flood, rust, water stains other than beverage spills; failure to follow care instructions; stains of unknown origin. No coverage for clearance items sold as is, rugs, carpets, suede, silk or other delicate fabrics. No coverage is provided for loss of use during repair. Smithe Kote® protection is valid to original purchaser only.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Clients living over 150 miles from a Smithe showroom area are responsible for all service transport costs. Repair and replacement are limited to the damaged item only. Substitutions may need to be made if original item is no longer available. At Smithe’s discretion, a percentage refund of the Protection Plan fee may be available in lieu of replacement. Such payments end plan coverage. This plan is non- renewable. Smithe reserves the right to deny the sale of Smithe Kote or cancel coverage and refund the purchase price. Coverage is limited to items listed on the sales order
Walter E. Smithe Furniture Service Policies
I. UPHOLSTERY
COMFORT
- Furniture considered uncomfortable by its owner is not normally defective.
- If new furniture is deemed un comfortable by the client:
- It can be exchanged within 14 days of delivery for a comparable item that better suits the client’s needs after a 10% restocking fee is paid.
- Replacement cushions of a different firmness may be available for a nominal fee.
- Cushioning softens with use, becoming more comfortable.
- Removing foam from cushions to improve comfort is not recommended due to the negative effect on the appearance of the upholstery.
CUSHION INSERTS
- Cushion inserts are not guaranteed to maintain their original shape.
- Softening and Flattening occur normally with use.
- Routine Hand fluffing to maintain plump appearance is necessary.
- Cushions will not be replaced due to normal wear and tear.
- Cushions are replaced only in case of substantial breakdown.
- Cushion replacements are limited to one set every two years.
A number of installation options are available:
- PICK UP: Cores can be picked up at our Itasca warehouse 7 days a week at no charge.
- DELIVERY: $59.99 fee covers drop off at your home.
- INSTALLATION: $79 covers delivery and installation by a service tech, as well as removal of the original cores.
FABRICS
- Some fabric patterns cannot be perfectly matched due to application limitations.
- While possible in theory, some matches are cost prohibitive due to the large amount of fabric required.
- Random floral patterns do not repeat exactly the same and may not appear in the same place on each cushion.
- All fabrics & leathers wear out with use. Fabric lifetimes vary substantially depending on the type of fabric and the use it gets. Adjustments and service will not be made for normal fabric wear. Smithe offers reasonably priced complete Reupholstery services when the natural lifetime of a fabric is over
- Slub knots occur in a variety of fabrics and are considered a mark of authenticity & originality. They are not a defect and no adjustments will be made for them.
- Pilling occurs in a variety of fabrics. It is not a defect and will not affect the long term durability of the fabric. No adjustments will be made when a fabric pills.
FADING
- Fading occurs normally. There is no warranty against fading. No service will be provided.
- Fading sometimes starts immediately after delivery.
- Exposure to heat and sunlight can accelerate fading.
WRINKLES
- Upholstered furniture is made of soft, flexible materials designed for comfort.
- Wrinkles cannot always be avoided.
- Smithe removes shipping wrinkles before delivery.
- Wrinkles that remain after this deluxing process are considered a normal characteristic that cannot be eliminated.
TYPES OF FABRICS
- BRUSHED COTTONS normally stretch and fade with use. The long term durability of this tough fabric is not affected by these changes. Cottons are absorbent and are sometimes less stain resistant than other fabrics. Unbleached cottons contain small dark cottonseed particles.
- COTTON CHINTZES pucker. The initial sheen will soften with time.
- DENIMS, like blue jeans, will stretch & fade within the first few months. Fine crease lines and ridges are common and cannot be removed.
- LOOSE WEAVES tend to wrinkle and pill with use due to their relaxed design.
- OLEFIN. Durable, but loosely woven, it may stretch and pill.
- SILK & SATIN FABRICS pucker, show seam lines, can be partially see through, and often contain irregular weaves and slub knots, none of which can be eliminated. Smithe Kote use is limited.
- VELVETS & CORDUROYS will pucker and show crush marks. Differences in sheen from panel to panel will be visible.
SPECIAL QUALITIES OF LEATHER
- VARIATIONS in color & texture are common because leather is a natural product. This explains why an arm and cushion may look different. Such variations cannot be corrected.
- NORMAL WEAR & TEAR: Leather will stretch, become softer, and fade. Slight cracks, wrinkles and a shine called the patina will often develop.
TYPES OF LEATHERS
- CORRECTED GRAIN leathers are uniform in color and appearance. A natural texture is embossed into the hide for a uniform appearance. A finish coat on top makes them the most stain resistant and durable
- NATURALLY DYED LEATHERS show each marking that occurred during the cow’s lifetime; including scratches, scars, bug bites, wrinkle lines and other markings. These marks are considered valued indicators of the authenticity of the hide. Because they occur randomly and naturally, they cannot be removed or adjusted. Unlike corrected grain leathers, Dyed Leathers are not top coated so they tend to feel softer and more pliable
- ANTIQUED leathers have a shiny appearance and often show off natural markings as described above.
- SUEDE leather is the softest leather. Consequently, it is also the most absorbent. Suede is best used in places where it is least likely to be stained DAMAGED LEATHER can sometimes be repaired. Contact us for a referral to a leather repair contractor.
II. WOOD PRODUCTS
VARIATIONS
- VARIATIONS IN COLOR, TEXTURE AND GRAIN occur in all wood furniture, including variations from piece to piece within a set. Variations in grain, color, & texture are not defects and cannot be changed or adjusted.
- NEW ITEMS WILL NEVER MATCH ITEMS ARLEADY IN HOME. Because of natural variations, fading of existing pieces in the home, and the lack of uniform finish codes among suppliers, Smithe can never match wood finishes already in the home, including items ordered within the same group from a certain vendor.
- KNOTS, VEINS, AND MISMATCH FROM PANEL TO PANEL are all normal. Certain finishes enhance such variations.
DISTRESSING
DISTRESSING consists of random man made dents, scratching and pumice intended to create a desirable aged appearance. The type of distressing is designed by the manufacturer and cannot be customized or eliminated by special request
HOUSEHOLD ENVIRONMENTS
- WARPING & CRACKS will naturally result from changes in temperature and humidity. No adjustments can be made for such changes.
- UNEVEN FLOORS can create difficulty in closing cabinet doors or uneven appearances. No adjustments or service will be provided in such cases.
AGING
- Flat finishes will develop a sheen.
- Shiny finishes will loose their sheen.
- Light woods become darker
- Dark woods fade to a lighter appearance.
- White finishes can take on a yellow patina.
- Joints loosen
- No service or adjustments are available for normal aging issues.
DINING ROOM TABLES
- TABLE TOPS MUST BE PROTECTED FROM HEAT AND LIQUID. Dishes and perspiring glasses will damage wood and stone table tops. Table tops must be protected from all heat and moisture sources because no guarantee covers this damage.
- Protective table pads are available for a reasonable fee at our showrooms.
- No service will be provided for damage caused by heat or moisture sources.
- Rubber and Vinyl mats or legs may create marks on the table top and should not be used.
- Leaves are intended for temporary use and will not match the table perfectly. A 1/8th to 1/16th” gap between leaves is considered normal. Leaves should be stored flat to avoid warping.
OTHER MATERIALS
- GLASS. Surface scratches, small air bubbles and pitting are normal and cannot be eliminated.
- BRASS. Surface scratches, pitting and variations in surface and finish are normal and cannot be eliminated.
- STONE/MARBLE. Protect from staining and scratching. Variations in color, texture and finish are normal and cannot be eliminated.
III. GENERAL SERVICE POLICIES
VARIATIONS FROM FLOOR SAMPLE
- Factors including showroom lighting, the age of the floor sample, the passage of time between order placement and delivery sometimes result in a perceived difference when a special order is delivered.
- Perceived differences in the shape, color, size, comfort or any other characteristic of the special order piece from the floor sample are not considered defects, and no accommodations will be made.
- Each example of a certain model is built to the same specifications, subject to natural variations in materials and to variations due to hand crafting by individual craftspeople.
FLAMMABILITY
Our upholstered furniture is made in accordance with the Upholstered Furniture Action Council Guidelines, certifying that the fabric and cushioning are engineered to reduce, but not eliminate, ignition from a burning cigarette.
Client assumes responsibility to keep ignition sources like cigarettes away from furniture.
SOUNDS FROM FRAMES & SPRINGS
Frames and component parts do not always operate silently. Some sounds such as crinkling or creaking are normal. No adjustments or service can be provided in such cases.
OPERATING RECLINER & SLEEPER MECHANISMS
- Different levels of effort & leverage are required to operate different mechanisms.
- Some Clients may be required to invest some time practicing use of the mechanism in order to operate it smoothly.
- Children should be supervised when using mechanisms such as recliner leg rests.
CLEANING & REPAIR COMPANIES
Outside companies are 100% responsible for any damage or problems resulting from their work. Such work may void the warranty. Consult Smithe before hiring an outside repair or cleaning company.
IV. MAINTENANCE AND CARE REQUIREMENTS
CARING FOR FABRICS
- BRUSH OR VACUME monthly to avoid soiling build up. No adjustments or service are provided for overall soiling.
- FABRIC CLEANING CODES. A system of codes has been developed by the fabric manufacturing industry to help consumers decide how best to remove spots from fabrics. While some stains are too stubborn to remove, this system can be a useful guide to spot removal.
- S: NO WATER BASED CLEANERS. Professional cleaning strongly recommended. Use dry cleaning solvents only.
- SW: PROFESSIONAL CLEANING RECOMMENDED. Use dry cleaning solvents only.
- W: Water based cleaning solutions such as that in the Smithe Kote cleaning kit can be used sparingly. Use caution not to over saturate the fabric because doing so often results in circles that cannot be removed.
- WS: Use a water based cleaner for water based stains and a pure solvent for oil based stains.
- X: PROFESSIONAL CLEANING ONLY.
- NO MACHINE WASHING. Upholstered cushion casings, pillows and arm caps can never be laundered.
- SPOT CLEANING. Blot or scrape off as much as possible as soon as possible. Then contact Us for cleaning information.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
- BRUSH OR VACUME 1 time per month to avoid soiling build up. No adjustments or service are provided for overall soiling.
- WIPE DOWN SMOOTH LEATHERS 1 time per month.
- FLIP & ROTATE seat cushions weekly to maintain even wear.
- AVOID SUNLIGHT. Even indirect exposure to sunlight accelerates fading. Place upholstery out of sunlight.
- AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO HVAC VENTS.
- VOID WARRANTY. All warranties will be voided if these requirements are not met.
WOOD MAINTENANCE
- WIPE DOWN with a damp cloth to remove dust. Dry with a soft towel like an old bath towel.
- USE A NON SILICONE POLISH like Weinman’s Furniture Cream to bring up the shine when desired.
- MINOR TOUCH UPS can be performed in the home by the client. Please contact us for a complimentary marker.
- WAX can sometimes be removed if ice is applied to it. Wrap ice in a zip lock bag and apply to wax.
RUG CARE AND CLEANING
Vacuum
- Avoid over use of power brush vacuums. If you must, use only occasionally and at the highest setting.
- For day to day cleaning, canister style vacuums without a power brush nozzle are best.
- Over use of power brush vacuums could result in damage to the carpet not covered by the warranty.
Cleaning
- Rugs are not warranted to be suitable for professional cleaning.
- Only a qualified rug cleaner can determine suitability for cleaning.
- Rug cleaners are fully responsible for any damage to rugs they clean.
REPAIR AFTER WARRANTY
Our own in home service staff are available at modest rates. We also have an extensive list of outside repair companies in the area.
CONTACT US ANYTIME:
1-800-WITH-AN-E
service@smithe.com
www.smithe.com
