Bond Dinettes In Newington Has Weak Record With Consumers

For a small-business man, Stephen Pawlak Jr. is unaware of several crucial facts about his Newington store, Bond Dinettes of Fairfield.

[Disappointed Customer]

Sally Welensky's story sounds exactly like my experience with Bond Dinettes. They finally got around to delivering part of my order, but I have no idea when the rest will arrive. In retrospect I should have just called the credit card company, had them rescind payment, and shopped at a more reputable company.

[Happened 10 Years Ago]

About 10 years ago my Mom bought a kitchen set from Bond. They delivered, but within 1 month, the legs loosened and were wobbly. Called them, they sent someone out to and they tightened. Within days, loose again, called. No return calls. Went down there and the manager was very intimidating and said they would not be coming out again.
Would never buy another item from them after my Mom's experience. And I tell everyone I know who is shopping for dining furniture the story and to stay AWAY.

[NewingtonParent]

I have had no problems with Bond Dinettes, on the other hand, Bob's Furniture just falls apart after two-three years of wear.

[George G is reaching now]

I've been a customer of Bond Dinette for many years; everything from purchasing for my own home to gift certificates and furniture for others. I have had no issues whatsoever including custom ordered items. To compare Bob's Discount Furniture to Bond Dinette's is like comparing apples to oranges. I think George is running out of things to write about, maybe he should join the ranks of the unemployed.

[Captain Obvious]

George G is reaching now wrote:

I've been a customer of Bond Dinette for many years; everything from purchasing for my own home to gift certificates and furniture for others. I have had no issues whatsoever including custom ordered items. To compare Bob's Discount Furniture to Bond Dinette's is like comparing apples to oranges. I think George is running out of things to write about, maybe he should join the ranks of the unemployed.

I agree, comparing Bob's to Bond Dinette is like comparing Chili's to fine dining. Bob's stuff falls apart after a few years, especially if you have young kids. I've never shopped at Bond but I'll never shop @ Bobs again. This also sounds like the BBB received complaints but never contacted Bond Dinette to get their side of the story and then gave them a rating w/o being able to challenge the customer's complaints

[Bobs Discount]

Bought a dining room hutch(very large) and dining room table and chairs. Very low price and very happy. Had for 5 years now.

Not cheap material at all. Not engraved with gold either.

I bought the set in the Southington Bob's Store.

Got delivery in 3 days.

Bond Who?

[John B]

Thanks for your recent column on Bond Dinnettes in Newington. My girlfriend had a similar experience with them 3-4 years ago, so the problem you reported isn’t a new one.

My girlfriend order a dinette set and was given a timeframe for it to be received in something like 8 weeks. After 8 weeks came and went, my girlfriend called numerous times and didn’t hear back from them. When they did finally call back they couldn’t provide an ETA on the delivery. After another week or two and no ETA, she asked for her money back. Eventually we had to go to the store and make a scene in order to get her money back. She then went to Filene’s ordered the same dinette set and had it delivered a week later. I believe a compliant was filed with the BBB at the time.

Thanks for bringing this issue some publicity – it’s a shame Bond has such poor customer service/management.

[Steve]

I have purchased form Bond Dinette in the past without incident. However I ordered 2 bar stools in 3/09 and after 20 weeks I still have not recieved them. Although they did offer me loaner stools but c'mon 20 weeks. When I call I rarely can get somone on the phone and never the manager. When you do get someone on the phone they seem as if they could care less. Very frustrating and I will never purchase there again.

[Gerard]

DO NOT SPECIAL ORDER STUFF FROM THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!

If you are going to buy something in the store that is fine - they seem to have well built stuff at decent prices. However if you order an item they will tell you 6 to 8 weeks and you will never hear from them again. After several failed attempts to reach them I call up my credit card company.

Shame on you Bond Dinette!!!!

[Linda from Burlington]

I ordered two stools in July....still nothing. The purchase order says 8 to 10 weeks or more. But how much is more? I will never recommend these people to anyone.

[Disappointed Customer]

I ordered a table and chairs from Bond in early July and was told 6-8 weeks, it's now November and still no order and they can't tell me when. BBB complaints haven't helped so let's hope Consumer protection can do something. NEVER buy from them. Worst yet you can't call because they don't answer the phone nor return phone calls.

[Related to Sally]

I'm amazed that Attny Richard Blumenthal doesn't get involved with all the dissatisfied customers, bad ratings. I wrote several letters to him on behalf of Sally, and never got a response. Working with the BBB and having George do this article, where the best things for getting Bond Dinnets to finally refund her money!!!!

Good Luck to all of you having trouble with them - I certainly sympathize with all of you and hope you get a resolution to your problem with them.

[Linda from Burlington]

Linda from Burlington wrote:

I ordered two stools in July....still nothing. The purchase order says 8 to 10 weeks or more. But how much is more? I will never recommend these people to anyone.

Well, I ordered the stools on July 5 and on November 11, they are in. But, they are the wrong stools! I will tell anyone who will listen that this is the worst company to deal with. Never again will they get my business.

[Lori from Farmington]

I have had a similar experience and they are refusing to 1. Tell me when I can expect my order and 2. Refund my money.

I was originally told the stools were in stock! It is now 6 weeks later, and no stools, and no answer as to when I can expect them. I went to the store and insisted on a refund but they refused, and were really rude. Note: tried to call countless times, they rarely answer the phone and when they do, they act like they don't care. I have never been treated so poorly and will never go back there again. I just wish I could get my deposit back.