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I want to find out what happened to my couch I bought from the leather factory. Went to the store and they were gone. Please help me.
Thanks,
Lori

We ordered a couch, table & two chairs from the Leather Factory in Laguna Hills which was due to be delivered 4/30/06. We paid the deposit & have no furniture. None of the branches answer their phones & the website is down. Please help!

Nancy

The Leather Factory Corporation filed for bankruptcy & has a Los Angeles attorney handling their case.

The Leather Factory still owes us delivery of one Ottoman orderred in August 2005 and a cleaning kit. We paid a deposit of $ 320.00 for that and never got any answer to our phone calls. Who is the attorney to contact????
Monika, Santa Barbara

We went to the Stevenson Ranch store today to check on the delivery of a couch which was prepaid, only to find the location vacated. Does anyone know which law firm is handling the bankruptcy?

The attorney representing the Leather Factory is J. Bennett Friedman. Frim is Hamburg,Karic, Edwards & Martin LLP.
Phone number is (310) 552-9292

I called the attorney's office twice & they won't return my phone calls.

Nancy

The Tustin store took my nearly $3000 as a deposit on an order in December. I was unaware of the company's filing, and would never have risked ordering from a company that was in failing finacial health. Knowing full well that no furniture was actually being fabricated for me, the Leather Factory stalled me with promises until the 60 days for easily recovering the charge had long passed. I am attempting to recover the funds now. If I am unable to quickly recover these funds, I will seek legal action against what appears to be unethical and possibly illegal business practices.

If anyone else feels swindled, or is interested in participating in an action to recover their their cash, please send me a note.

Ted

Sorry, email address did not come through on my posting:

For trying to recover your money from the Leather Factory:

LeatherFactoryComplaints@zandz.net

We purchased a couch and love seat from the Leather Factory in Concord 3 years ago. About 3 months ago we noticed that the frame was broken and began a very trying process to have the couch repaired under the "Lifetime Warranty". The couch was picked up by a no-name courier company and a loaner couch was dropped off. MY couch had not been returned, nor was I contacted at anytime to discuss the delay in my repair. When I began calling back the numbers that allowed for the repairs, they were no longer in service! The actual store where we purchased the set is not answering the phone and is too no longer open. I need to know where the repair factory is so I can pick up MY couch!!!! I am really disapointed with the company's treatment toward their "Valued" customers who kept them in business for sooooo many years! I chose to buy from the Leather Factory because of their long history of good customer service and warranty. BUYER BE WARE I GUESS!

Nicole

I just got off the phone with the "so called" attorneys that are representing this case, and got the same run around most of the other postings have. Just for everyone's information I will be sending a daily email to the law firm until I get some satisafaction on my particular problem. If anyone wants to join in here is the URL: http://www.hkemlaw.com/contact.php

We went to Leather Factory because we needed exact dimensions to utilize the most space without going over. Would you believe they told us they would as a courtesy, build the frame and bring it by to make sure it fits through the double door-way. Well we fell for it. Our 8 weeks delivery was 4/17-Monday. I wanted them for 4/16- Easter Sunday. No f-ing answer at any location on the invoice. I quickly called Discover to dispute the charges. They said I had a great chance for getting back our $1500 deposit. We went to Costco and sight unseen purchased a beautiful sectional plus ottoman for over $2000 less. Still waiting on that delivery. Has anyone disputed charges with credit card companies???

My husband and I put a $1500.00 deposit down on a leather sectional on 11/27/05. I didn't notice until a few weeks later that the invoice indicated a 6-8 months delivery time. I was originally told 6-8 weeks. That should have been a red flag but since it was being "custom made" I did not question it. Today I called the store to follow-up on my order and the phone number was disconnected - ALL the numbers are disconnected and the website closed. I immediately called my credit card company who is sending me the paperwork to dispute the charge. Hopefully, I can get our money back; if not, I will gladly join Ted in a legal action.

I am in the same boat. In February I placed an order and I gave a check for $1300 deposit that was promptly cashed. I was promised delivery in 60 days. When I called about the furniture I found out the company was bankrupt. According to a news story the company had several million dollars more debt than it had in assets.

Next time I make a down payment I will make sure it is with a credit card and not a check.

Just add me to the list of people screwed by the Leather Factory. Thanks also to our elected officials who took away bankruptcy as a viable option for the individual, yet allows companies like the Leather Factory to use bankruptcy protection to protect them from repaying the money owed to their customers.

How do I trust any corpration these days?

Hey Ted, I've tried to e-mail you several times. Can't seem to be connected to your "LeatherFactoryCompaints@zandz.net". Our e-mail is alfd1@charter.net We haven't had a definite response yet from our credit card company to have our $1500 deposit changed from a temporary credit to a final credit. Everyone who has written in sounds intelligent and shopper saavy. They just can't get away with this!

we were in the same boat as all of you. we bought a mission style leather sofa from the leather factory in february 2006 at their concord, ca location. put half down ($827) and was told it would take 2-3 months. the manager did the "hard sale." i'm not going to mention her name, but you concord shoppers know who she is.

anyway, same story as you guys. called after 2.5 months. no answer. called all the stores. no answer. found they were bankrupt. LUCKILY, Visa was totally awesome and refunded us the money! all i can say is never pay cash for any sort of deposit on new merchandise.

Robby

I ordered a sofa in March which had an estimated delivery for mid-May. Tried calling the store to follow up this week, but no answer, then I found this website and went to the store to see for myself that it is indeed gone. Luckily though, my credit card company let me dispute the charge and is going to reverse the charge. For those that need some info, I found the following posted at the now vacant store:

United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California, Case No. SV05-18708-GM
Name of Debtor: The Leather Factory, Inc.

There was a "Form B10 (Official form 10)" posted there, so I think one may be able to get that form the bankruptcy court and fill it out to claim your loss.

Hope this helps.

Purchased a couch in February '06 put $400 down was suppose to be delivered in May...... went to the store and saw the letter dated March 29, 2006 posted in the window. Also indicated that I should complete the bankruptcy form 810 and file with the bankruptcy court..... is chapter 11 a reorganization? Can they can keep the deposit and open somewhere else????

Well, I guess getting repairs done to the couch we got in February is not too likely . . . Damn!

Sorry to hear about all your struggles. I'm in the same boat, but I got my money back via a credit card charge-back. Bought a loveseat from the SF store in December (seeing the store was closing down should've been a red flag, I suppose), scheduled to be delivered in 6-10 weeks. Called in early February, and was told delivery would be in mid-Feb. Called in early March, and was told end of March. Called in April, intending to cancel, and found all phone numbers and the website disconnected. Found it hilarious that the company blamed competition from China instead of terrible service! Hope you all get your money back, either via bankruptcy court or credit card chargebacks. Definitely learned my lesson.

I am glad to have found a forum where others who have been cheated by the Leather Factory can post complaints. We ordered--paid in full!--for two sofas in February, waited eight weeks, and then discovered that the company had been in bankruptcy proceedings for 4 months at the time they took our money and gave us all of that same "lifetime guarantee" BS. We filed an administrative claim with the bankruptcy court for restitution of our $3000, but of course have not heard a thing as of yet.

Well, I see I am not alone. was waiting for delivery when I stopped by the store to check. Nice surprise. Actually I wish to know who the manager in the Concord is. She sold us a bill of goods and I would love to file small claims against her for the deposit. She absolutely lied to us about the financial status of the store. These people should be charged in criminal court.

I see that I too am in the same boat as others. Paid for the replacement cushions on one of two sofas that I bought from the Leather Factory in Pasadena store. They took the money knowing full well that they had no intention of sending the cushions. Attempted to reach them and experienced what everyone else did. It is outrageous and the redress seems to onerous for recovery that will be pennies on the dollar. As a loyal customer, I feel absolutely ripped off!! My bank says since it was a debit card, that the recovery is not likely.

Garry.

For those of you who feel you have been swindled by the Leather Factory, please make sure you have your receipt. Also make sure you have documentation regarding who you spoke to, when you spoke to them and what they promised you. It is time that we band together to get some action. We need to up the ante a little.
After you have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau: www.LABBB.Org,
file a complaint with the district attorney in your city.

For those of you in Orange County: http://www.orangecountyda.com/home/index.asp?page=117

Based on the consistent stories here, it seems like there could be a criminal case. If we get no reaction from the authorities, then we will band together to go to the media. Consumers should not be swindled and left to fend on their own like this. This looks like a clear case of theft just as if we were mugged on the street.

Ted

Purchased a sofa and ottoman from the Roseville
store 2/24/06, gave the salesman a $700 deposit by check.What do I do now? I have contacted their attorney but nothing yet.Please advise by
E-mail

Thanks
Ken

I bought a couch from The Leather Factory in 2003, spent $6000.00, have been very satisfied until recently when I found the stitching of several cushions coming apart. Iv'e been calling the store where I purchased my couch, Concord, CA for several weeks with no answer. Thanks to this website, I now know the company went bankrupt & I'm screwed. My couch is only a few years old & has been WELL taken care of. For over 6 grand, & a company who has a "lifetime guarantee" I thought I was in good shape. Now I'm stuck with a leather sectional which is falling apart. Does anyone know what I can do? It looks like contacting the lawyers won't help me.

We put a $ 2000 deposit down IN OCTOBER 2005, for a $ 5200 couch to be delivered BEFORE christmas. I was calling EVERYDAY to find out when it was going to deleivered. I made such a stink, that LARRY KATZ, President, called me. He delivered a "temporary replacement couch" untill our couch would be ready. It is an UGLY gray leather attrocity, and we want our "Buckskin sectional". Somebody call me..I want to get in on the class action suit. 323 651-2601

I cant believe how many people got screwed

Just thought I'd drop an anonymous piece of information for the Concord Store "Clients"

The Manager of the Concord Store was:

Sheema Shailendra

Keep us posted!

I too, lost nearly $1900 and am working on filing a claim with the bankruptcy court.

Well, it is sad to see this from teh leather factory. I went to the Concord Store myself. Bought from Sheema who said "no problem" with the lifetime guarantee. I had heard about The Leather Showroom going out of business so I went to the Leather Factory to buy my coach. I bought it in January, and received it in February 2006, so I guess I got lucky in actually receiving it! Although I am pissed off that my "lifetime guarantee" is gone . . . I found out they were out of business because I went there to buy a matching ottoman, so much for that . . .

hey a new leather store just opened in Concord same location same manager....... does that seem suspect to any one else?? I found my receipt and the form 10 to file but is there a case number for Northern California? Is it the same number as the Southern California case? I think the manager must have a lot of intestinal fortitude to open at the same location.....

Nice to know I'm not the only one that got screwed by Sheema and company in the Concord store. I received one of the two couches I ordered. It has a broken slat on it now and I put in a dispute with the financing company. They said they will pay to have that fixed. Does anyone know where to get that done. Has anyone contact the Contra Costa DA?

Sorry to see them go. It is the best leather furniture I have ever seen.

We ordered two recliners for delivery in Sept. 2005. When they were not delivered, we were promised $200 in credit if we did not cancel. Fortunately we received the recliners, although with the wrong ottoman bases. (The manufacturer corrected the error without telling TLF). With each call TLF promised to credit my MasterCard. It never happened. WE ALL SHOULD HAVE CHECKED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, at www.labbb.org. They have long given The Leather Factory an "F" rating, due to many complaints and no responses from TLF.

I purchased a great set and lucked out--got it all before they closed. Now we want to buy an identical piece. Anyone have any idea what company made their stuff? Would like to call them directly.
Glen

I'm in the same boat as Glen. Purchased a great custom sectional 4 years ago and have had no problems with it. I would like to get a matching ottoman that could be shipped to Texas where I now live. Would be very interested in getting the contact information on the fabricators.

Our company actually did the services for the Leather Factory for many years and yes we too got screwed. We still have all their connections for cushion replacements,recliner & sofa bed mechanisms.We do leather dye touch ups,stitching,cleaning and conditioning,frame repair and sell leather care products.
Although the warranty is no longer valid through The leather factory obviously, feel free to contact us.We are a mobile service and service Southern California."Superior Leather care"
1 800-940-2228 or (951)734-9540

The leather Factory (TLF) has been a shoddy outfit for many years. I bought a sofa-bed there about 10 years ago, along with a matching recliner chair. The bed collapsed the very first time it was used when my sister-in-law slept on it. I contacted TLF who told me that although the sofa was guaranteed ten years, the bed mechanism was not guaranteed at all. That cost $200 to fix. A few years later the chair mechanism broke - I sent the broken mechanism to TLF who assured me that they would send me a replacement mechanism in the mail for free, since it was covered by warranty. That was 3 years ago. From what I have read here, it doesn't sound like I'm gonna see it.....

I purchased a beautiful leather recliner - label says Leather Factory. This set me back at "half off" sale $40. at a 2nd hand store. Color is Moonlight - works great. No damage at all. Perfect condition -no complaints. Try shopping at 2nd hand stores --most antique dealers know this secret. Want Ads advertise leather also. This is advice from me -an old Macy's furniture saleswoman. I am sorry to read all your troubles, if you charged the items you have consumer protections -call CA Dept of Consumer Affairs or see www.dca.ca.gov

I too have had the wonderful privilege of being screwed by this store. Has anyone to date gotten any resolution from the Brankruptcy Court or attorneys. Bought 2 sofas in Laguna Hills.
Would love to work with Ted and a group to recoup down payments.
'This is sad!

I purchased a recliner from Leather Factory in '02. The handle broke yesterday. Does anyone know of a repair center in Northern California?

We also put a $100. deposit on a custom sectional and then $900. deposit the day after. This was November of 2005.We called and called and got the runaround for months. After letting it ride for a few weeks, my neighbor told me they were having a going-out-of-business sale!I called and no answer. My credit card refunded us the $100. back. The $900.is in investigations with our credit card co. We've been back and forth. I have to still dig up evidence that they went out of business thru County Records or newspaper. It was the Roseville Store on Douglas Blvd in the greater Sacramento area. I believe the sales and management knew what was going on. I agree that they should be held criminally responsible for the money STOLEN. If they were good people, they would have called us and alerted those who had deposits for ordered items. SLIMEBAGS is all I can say!Thank you all for posting all this info for follow up on the bankrupcy info. I wish I had seen this site sooner to make me feel better. I hope my credit card co. will reimburse us it has caused us a lot of trouble. If anyone needs support for the proceedings, I'll be happy to provide evidence that we were impacted. Hope all get money back. Let's us know.

I got screwed out of $4000.00. They put me off and put me off and when i finally got fed up and decided i wanted my money back...i went to the Stevens Ranch Location and they were gone. I made a million phone calls and got nothing in return. I have filed a claim in small claims court but without being able to locate anyone to serve, i'm looking screwed there too.

Class action suit is what we all need to do. Please let me know if anyone has started this and i'm in!!!!!!

Wendy

I need to get my Leather Factory recliner fixed in Phoenix Az. Can anyone direct me to a shop that repairs Leather Factory furniture.

Barby

I am the CEO & President of Arizona Leather Company. I feel for those who were swindled by The Leather Factory (TLF). I say swindled because the owners surley knew of the impending outcome as early as 5 months prior to their demise. TLF President Larry katz attempted in vain to locate a buyer for the ailing company. In vain, due to the asking price weighed against the actual assests of the company, which were nearly zero.

Arizona Leather Comapany reviewed the economics of the purchase of TLF. The owners of TLF were, even at that time, attempting to get in excess of 2 million dollars for a company whose assets were mearly the leases of the stores. Needless to say Arizona Leather and every other prospective buyer passed.

The entire Leather factory sales staff had been repeatedly told "everything is going to be fine" that they had hired a "turnaround specialist" and were working on returning to health.

The Leather factory customers aren't alone. Every sales person, manager, production worker and their families that had given years of their professional life to TLF lost money through unpaid wages. The staff and families are further burdened by Larry Katz to this day. Larry has refused to sign documents releasing the employee funds from the companies 401k plan. There is no reason for his refusal, the dollars in the 401k plan belong to the contributors to the plan.

We were fortunate enough to aquire TLF's Concord location as well as the crew that had worked in Concord for over a decade.

Arizona Leather Company has been in opperation since 1995 and was a direct competitor with TLF.

Arizona Leather is not affiliated with TLF in any way, other than we leased the space they occupied in Concord and retained the tenured sales staff. Sheema and Greg are true professionals, I am proud to have them represent Arizon Leather.

It is everyone's hope for The Leather Factory to be forced to repay loses to all involved.

If there is anything I can do for any of the Leather factory customers such as facilitate a repair service, locate comparable foam replacements or share information, feel free to contact me directly. The phone number is listed on our company's web site.

Sincerely,
Jim Riedl

Barby,
Contact one of my stores in the phoenix area. Scottsdale, Tempe or Glendale.

Ask them for the number to "Onsite" Mike Hartt should have the parts for your recliner.

Jim Riedl
CEO
Arizona Leather

I just discovered that the Leather Factory is out of business. I went to the Encino,Ca store on Saturday, it's now a Verizon store. When I checked their website to find another location, I saw all the numerous complaints from those who got screwed. We were lucky to have received our furniture in February of 2006, but also went through hell after numerous calls and letters to that sleazy Larry katz. I went to purchase an additional ottoman- quess I'll forget that. I'm sorry so many got cheated out of their money, including store employees.I hope that justice will reign eventually and people get their money back. What good are lifetime guarantees ?

Judi on 02/05/03

Many thanks to Debbie at
Southern California."Superior Leather care"
1 800-940-2228 or (951)734-9540
for helping me get my Leather Factory chair fixed in Arizona. She never gave up.
My recliner in now fixed and I have extra pieces for the future.
Thanks again, Debbie.
I really appreciated all your help.
Jim, Onsite would not look at the chair without me having the correct pieces to fix it. Guardsman Furniture Pro wouldn't either but they were much more helpful and affordable.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Barby