Albir Colonial. Albir Altea

Albir Colonial synthetic fiber Terrace furniture, Albir, Spain

...if it looks good, it is not necessarily better and deserving a higher price...

In 2009, we bought a nice terrace set of loungechairs/sofa's and loungetable for our porch. 2010, we bought a small table and 2 chairs for one of our terraces. The quality looked attractive - synthetic fiber - and the information about the material mentioned exceptional quality, resistant to sun - which is quite extraordinary here - and the pricing seemed to match the higher quality.

Well, the set which is on the porch, not being affected by rain, sun or strong winds, looks still great. But the small set, being outside all year round, is starting to desintegrate.

So in august 2014, we went to the store. Wanted to know, how much guarantee this quality is supposed to have, because after only 4 years, this should not already starting to wear out/break up on the edges. No kids fussing around or other ''damaging items'' present; we always treat the furniture with care.
We were unpleasantly surprised when they told us, that the guarantee period - as standard in Spain - is 2 years. Two years only?
We told them about our complaint and mentioned, that given the advertisement they make for this ''high quality syntetic fibre'' the suggestion of life cycle is certainly more than just 2 years.

The products are produced in/and exported from Indonesia.

After agreeing to send some pic's, we got a reply after a couple of weeks and reminders. Nothing could be done, the guarantee is 2 years. No offer to try to repare, as initially suggested. But since they had at the moment an offer, we could buy a new table with a 5% discount.

We thanked them for their effort to make an inquiry in Indonesia. Sorry to notice that the quality is so poor, that it deteriorates like the cheaper stuff, available here too. So we kindly declined their generous offer of a 5% discount; not wanting to look for another table in a couple of years.

This company is pretending to sell higher quality. Indeed, they have a different variety of goods than many other stores. And some items are really of better quality. But this synthetic fiber terrace furniture? Beware! Only 2 years of guarantee. And excellent service? Well, we can think of some better examples. A pity.

Some friendly advice: when there is no timing for the guarantee on the label of the product, make sure to ask for it. And then decide, if the high(er) price is compatible with the guarantee.
We've learned from this mistake, assuming and mistaking ''high quality announcement'' for longer life cycle.