The Secret Shopper: Picking Out Porch and Patio Items Jul 1, 2001 12:00 PM
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This month the Secret Shopper sought furnishings and decor for the porch and patio. Since many of the larger furniture items are drop-shipped from the manufacturer, availability — and speedy delivery — were in shorter supply than usual. Instead of sipping lemonade on the deck, the Secret Shopper may need a hot toddy by the time some of these items arrive.
Catalog
Number of rings/time on hold
Items requested/in stock
Delivery time
Charleston Gardens
2 rings
2/1
in-stock item would be drop-shipped in 4-6 weeks*
Eddie Bauer
30 seconds
2/1
in-stock item, 6 weeks; backordered item, 1 month till it was in stock, then 8 days
Frontgate
1 ring/1 minute
2/1
delivery time would have to be scheduled
Gardeners Eden
1 ring
2/2
7-10 business days
Gifts.com
1 ring/30 seconds
2/1
3-4 weeks
Harmony
1 ring/3 minutes
3/2
7-10 days
Home Decorators Collection
2 rings
2/1
in-stock item, 7-10 business days; backordered item, 3 weeks
Improvements
3 rings/20 seconds
2/1
10-14 days
L.L. Bean Home
0
3/3
5-7 days
Plow & Hearth
15 seconds
2/2
7-10 business days
Pottery Barn
4 seconds
2/2
6 business days
Smith & Hawken
2 minutes
2/2
7-10 days
Tidewater Workshop
1 ring/2-1/2 minutes
2/2
2-1/2 to 3 weeks
Wood Classics
1 ring
2/2
3-5 business days unassembled; 3-5 weeks assembled
* Rep had to check availability on item not in stock and said she would call back but never did.
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