Fabric failed. Supplier responsible?

[vu]

Customer brought back semi big order of dinning chairs (not a simple ones) done in leather looking vinyl. They were used indoors and now the vinyl peeling like crazy in the areas of use (seat, top of the back where they grab it to move it). Big question - anyone have experience getting money for fabric AND labor back from the fabric supplier, who sold the fabric for things like this? Surprisingly it is the first time I have to deal with this type of situation.  This vinyl is listed on supplier label and site as esceeds 100,000 double rubs heavy duty and stain resistant.
Let me know, like to hear what you think.

[SteveA]

How long has it been in use since you completed the work  ?
SA

[vu]

It was less then a year, I would say 11 months.

[MinUph]

Sounds like rebonded leather. Peeling is the norm for this crap. Good luck getting help. That will depend on the supplier. I've heard of labor being refunded once in 48 years. Fabric maybe but don't plan on labor. But by all means do try. Take the sample book and all rebonded leather and place it in the trash can.

[SteveA]

Bonded leather does not last - my Son bought a bonded leather sofa in Bob's $ 400.00 - great deal right Dad ?  Lasted one year and the top of every cushion shredded like a cat clawed it.  You say your fabric was vinyl that looked like leather - if it's a supplier you use all the time it's worth a try to ask for something back especially since they claim double rubs etc.
SA

[vu]

Apparently the failed part of the order was done a bit more then 3 years ago, so we are going to try to say that it was to long to claim anything. The part of the order that was done about a year ago is still good. It sucks because it is a very good high end customer.
Supplier did not respond yet to the question of how they deal with this situations.

[Mojo]

If you look at the fine print on material warranties you will see that labor is not included.

I cannot speak for the material you use but in the case of the vinyl we buy it has a steadfast 5 year warranty. On acrylic such as Sattler and Recacril it has a 10 year warranty. I have had to go back to our supplier for a warranty claim one time and it was a huge warranty claim. They stepped up and replaced the fabric and actually gave me more then I used. No questions asked.

Your warranty claim will be with your supplier. They in turn go back to the manufacturer themselves.

Chris

[baileyuph]

By now, one would think most know the processed leather or whatever is the wrong way to go.

It is hard to understand why anyone - the manufacturer, supplier, or retailer would get involved with the material.  I see it almost every day with peeling problems when less than couple months old.

I guess there is some kind of stigma to put a good grade of vinyl on furniture - or is it simply  consumers aren't informed and haven't learned?

As far as auto manufacturers using it in their interiors.........don't recall seeing any of it there.  Probably because of liability in their warranty?

There might not be much recourse if you get bit by the stuff.  Manufacturers more than likely mill based on a spec with buyers.

Technically, what permits it to peel so early or at all?

Doyle

[sofadoc]

Here is the "leather" furniture in the Texas Ranger's clubhouse.

[SteveA]

The cushion inserts and arm padding looks like it held up well - that can't be leather from Texas
SA

[baileyuph]

Looks like the back rest cushions (the distorted dark spots) are a big problem?
Replacement with the same material isn't a good solution for fear it will happen again?

Doyle

[emy]

I guess, a soft vinyl repair tape that I can use to reinforce and keep it from spreading would be fine. Else opt for a cover

[kodydog]

Are you bidding on that job Sofadoc?

[kodydog]

It sucks because it is a very good high end customer.
Supplier did not respond yet to the question of how they deal with this situations.

VU If this is a good customer like you say you may want to consider replacing the fabric for free. Its only dining chairs after all. Or you may want to suggest splitting the cost seeing the fabric is only 3 years old. Its better to make a customer happy in hopes of more work in the future then to have them spread bad words about you.

[sofadoc]

Are you bidding on that job Sofadoc?

No. I just saw it on TV, and it surprised me that a big budget sports franchise would have such crap furniture.