Has anyone ever purchased any of Ballards office units? Do their drawers open nice, how are the gliders on their file cabinates?

I know the quality of PotternBarn, but because of the molding on the small pieces, they have large gaps between them when you stack them next to each other and I don't want to lose that space.

What to do?....

I'm also considering the Ballard Designs Office Designs furniture. Any experience with the company and that particular office furniture is appreciated.

Also, how does the quality compare with that of Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel?

Does the furniture last?

I purchased the Newport Demilune table from Ballard Design and was very pleased with the quality for the price. It was also packed extremely well for shipping. Unfortunately the color did not match my LR but Ballard Design customer service was EXCELLENT in expediting a return. I would purchase from them again.

This was by far the worst online shopping experience I have ever had. I recommend never orderning from Ballard Designs. Nothing they have is worth the hassle I went through. I was shipped the wrong order twice by the vendor and weeks later I still do not have a comforter for my bed. One of the customer service reps I talked to was extremely rude and I still have the wrong comforter in my closet as I am waiting for the vendor to issue a UPS label so I can drive it across town to be returned yet again. I finally cancelled my order because Ballard Designs was not able to confirm an item # with their vendor one week later after I received the wrong item for the second time. Even if they were able to confirm the item # today, which they could not guarantee, I would still have to wait a potential 4 - 6 weeks LONGER to get the correct comforter. The price may be right but you are better off looking elsewhere.

I have ordered from Ballard Designs several times and had favorable experience with them.

After going to Pottery Barn to look at their modular furniture and assess how the pieces would work in my space, I ordered the Ballard office furniture: a 2 cabinet credenza and top, a corner desk unit, a 2 cabinet desk unit with top, and a 4 drawer tall file cabinet. All pieces are the distressed pine wood. All came in beautiful shape. Delivered by UPS to my door. I put the desk tops together by myself (50 year-old female with a power screwdriver!). The layout offered by the Ballard units compared to Pottery Barn was much more flexible. Cabinet sizes are a bit smaller than Pottery Barn also which adds to the flexibility. The best part is that their prices are much much better than Pottery Barn modular and quality is equal or better than PB in this line of cabinet. A comparable layout from PB would have cost me at least $1800 more.
I even changed my order with Ballard after placing the original order online. This required calling Ballard and working with a rep. The rep canceled a portion of the order and had to reset a portion of the order. I was a bit afraid that havoc would ensue. But the order came without a hitch exactly as ordered.
Just today, Hanover Modular Bookcases ordred through Ballard were delivered with the white glove delivery service. Delivery guys unpacked the units and carried them up 2 flights of our Pennsylvania rowhouse narrow staircases. Beautiful units, great service. Again, pricing through Ballard was much more reasonable than any others I had seen online or in brick and mortar stores. These are solid units with sliding glass doors. We couldn't be more pleased!
I will not hesitate to order other items from Ballard Designs as needed.
Just a note - for those with order problems - there are solutions. I order extensively online and have run into unscrupulous vendors (especially work-out video companies). Pay with credit card, stop payment on the order with the Credit Card Company as soon as you experience a problem, document all conversations and the names of those you speak with. Follow-up with a detailed certified letter. Yes - it takes a bit more time up front. But it saves you in the long run. I've never had a problem go past the certified letter phase. You have their hands tied once you've sent that letter.

I cannot recommend Ballard Designs enough. I also had to change my order that I placed online and their customer service was fantastic. A

The unfortunate experiences some of you have are not common. Ballard Designs strives for great quality control and customer service. We do investigate all negative experiences that we are made aware of. If you ever have concerns regarding an item or experience, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service at 800.367.2810 or our public relations department at publicrelations@ballarddesigns.net. Thank you and we look forward to helping you decorate and furnish your home!

I have the same question as Casey had some time ago. Considering ordering a Ballard custom upholstered Graham sofa in my own material but nervous about the quality of cushions and upholstering. If I send them my fabric and I don't like the result I'm out of luck. Does anyone have experience with these pieces from Ballard to comment on quality, "cushiness" etc? Any info on the manufacturer or comparison to another brand?

I have been extremely happy with all of the indoor/outdoor rugs I've ordered from Ballard (I currently have four). Great colors and designs, great quality. Of course these are specifically hard-wearing easy to clean rugs -- not plush cushy rugs.

I'm looking for a good quality leather club chair + ottoman and have found 2 possibilites: Pottery Barn's "Manhattan" $1745 (seen in the store) or Ballard Design's "Paris", $879, (seen online). I have bought a lot of stuff from PB and are very happy with them, but is this chair+ottoman combo worth around $900 more? Any feedback in regards to Ballard's leather armchairs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Susanne

Susanne,
My husband and I had the exact same question. It was a toss up between PB's Manhattan or Ballard's Paris. We went with Ballard's Paris because it was 1000 cheaper. We actually recieved it today. It is not as comfortable as PB Manhattan. The Manhattan chair has a lower profile and seat. The Paris has a higher profile and and sits too high. It is also stiff and just too upright. We are going to replace the seat cushion with down filling and hope that will lower the seat and make it more cozy. Sounds crazy, but we are also going to shave an inch or two off the back legs to make it sit more like PB Manhattan. If you have sat in the Manhattan you probably can understand what we are trying to accomplish. Also, if you give Ballard your e-mail address on their webpage they will give you 10% off your first purchase. Other than the aboved mentioned, we are pleased with the purchase and are glad we saved 1000 bucks by going with the Paris. Hope this helps...
Mary-Anne

Purchased an IN STOCK sofa (my receipt is proof) and after no word for over 2 weeks I called for delivery confirmation. I opened the door to 60 days of misinformation, mishandling, and customer abuse that ended ONLY after threatening a LAWSUIT. 32 phone calls, countless HOURS on hold while waiting for one more "supervisor" who provides only a first name (try making a follow up call and asking for the supervisor named Susan you spoke to 2 days ago who told you she'd call you back and have them tell you "Which Susan - we have 12?") That abuse went on for 60 days with 8 "supervisors" promising to "handle it" and then dropping the ball. I spent over $2,000 on my order and had Ballard been honest from the beginning and told me the item was NOT IN STOCK and the vendor was flakey with delivery I could have had the option to purchase somewhere else. Instead they strung me along for 2 months so by the time I made threats it was too late to order from someone else. DO NOT RISK ordering through this company. Their inept and indifferent customer service dept. IS NOT WORTH the HOURS it will take out of your life. Oh - and once they finally delivered? No follow up - no apology - NOTHING!! I've read review after review that supports my story of abuse from other Ballard customers. BEWARE!

I noticed a lot of questions about the Office Designs collection. I myself had them, but I took a gamble without hearing anyone's reviews. I purchased the partner desk, corner insert, and a set of 4 file cabinets in tuscon brown and love it. The desk is made of solid hard wood and a great quality. The assembly was easy anyone with a screw driver could attach the pieces together. I would definately recommend this product.

I didn't try to order furniture but have ordered many things in the past. Their customer service has gone way down in my opinion. I ordered a gift card online (Saturday) and was told it would be shipped out the next business day (Monday) I got an e-mail confirmation on Monday saying it would not be shipped out until that Wednesday (which was recipient's Birthday). I called customer service and explained that their website states that it would be shipped out the next day so she said she would express mail it and it would get to recipient overnight Tuesday or Wednesday. Problem solved, or so I thought. Checked my bank account online and see that I was being charged for the express mail and it was STILL being shipped out on Wednesday. All I got was sorry, nothing they could do. I have cancelled my catalogue and will not be purchasing anything from them in the future.

I bought the Paris chair and ottoman 9 years ago and we are still thrilled with them. While I agree about the PB one sitting deeper, this one has held up to three kids and countless military moves. We got the discontinued saddle color a medium brown which shows wear unlike the more polished leather, but any marks my kids have rubbed out to a great looking patina. One arm on the chair has broke down a bit with the stuffing, but it actually seems to add to the look. Hope this helps.