I recently purchased the Double Wall Bed Couch from Expand Furniture. While I’m very happy with the final product (see enclosed photos), there were some shipping and installation challenges. Please see below:
1. Shipping Issues:
After requesting and confirming a shipping date with Expand Furniture, I made arrangements for two professional contractors to arrive and assist with the installment of the bed and sofa. Unfortunately, once the bed and sofa reached Expand Furniture's warehouse in New Jersey, the third-party shipping company – Watkins & Shepard – was unable to confirm my pre-arranged delivery dates. As a result, I had to re-schedule delivery twice. I also had to re-schedule my contractors.
It is worth mentioning that I had a very difficult time getting in touch with Watkins & Shepard, and because I had to re-schedule my contractors several times, the installation of the bed and sofa took much longer than initially expected.
2. Installation Issues:
Per Expand Furniture’s advice, my installment crew reviewed the video provided by digital manual several times before installation. Still, some challenges were met:
- The alignment of the bed frame was a problem since one side panel was bent/damaged (see image #1 attached). As a result, final alignment of the bed frame proved to be very time consuming.
- The next issue was the installation of the four pistons. All of the pistons provided were 800n, contrary to the video provided. None of the pistons were 1000n provided. As a result, we had to replace two of the back pistons, results in additional funds and time for installation.
- Another challenge was with the screws. None of the screws were labeled, which made it difficult to determine where they were needed. What’s more, the metal screws, which are meant to attach the mattress headboard to the top of the bed frame did not fit the predrilled holes and had to be re-drilled before the screws would go in. Again, resulting in additional time for installation.
- Lastly, the pivot point bolts for the bed frame alignment on both sides were not thoroughly explained. My crew had to disassemble the front panels to allow access and relieve the piston pressure on the bolt and allow realignment.
- Overall, my team found the video instructions to be confusing and mostly unhelpful; they would have preferred a detailed written manual with a complementary verbal explanation on video more helpful.
It’s worth mentioning that my installation crew would not recommend installing this type of bed and sofa without seeking additional professional help, either from Expand Furniture or more contractors. In total, installation took over eight hours, and because of several delivery changes, resulted in unexpected, additional costs. I also had to take additional time off of work to accommodate the many changes with shipping and delivery.
Overall, I'm very happy with the final product. The bed and sofa have totally transformed my studio apartment. And, Expand Furniture representatives were receptive to my feedback after delivery and installment.