ELZ in Hamilton

Over the years, I have purchased a set of five etchings, a Victorian card table, four balloon-back chairs, and a mid-sized mahogany bookcase. The stock Julian carries is clearly miles above any other antique shop I have seen, and the prices he charges are very reasonable for what you are getting. My four balloon-back chairs with cabriolet front legs, and some decorative carving at the top of the back, cost $600 and they are solid walnut. My bookcase is solid mahogany with a beautiful dark red, almost purple finish, glazed doors and a carved freize, and cost $750. As they are all over 100 years old, they do have some signs of wear, but that's to be expected, and gives these pieces character. The workmanship of these pieces make them beatiful to look at as objects in their own right, as well as being functional. Julian is always courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. They also deliver on request, and are always timely. An excellent experience all-around.

I purchased the table on January 6, 2009, and was told 4-6 weeks to delivery. After 8 weeks I called, and was told another two weeks. After 12 weeks, I called to cancel the order and was told that it had arrived. When I got it, the base was damaged (exterior packaging was pristine, so it happened in manufacture or in packaging at the plant). I was given an 800 number by the store, and was told to send pictures and proof of purchase to prove my case - despite the fact the movers which EQ3 hired witnessed a document stating the material was damaged. After another couple of weeks, the replacement arrived, damaged more badly than the original, and in the same way - again with perfect exterior packaging, so I sent it back. I called customer service many times during this ordeal, and the rep was clueless - *refused* to let me speak to a manager. My complaint e-mails were deleted without being read (Outlook notice), and were never answered. Finally I contacted the BBB with a complaint and Palliser (EQ3's parent company), and FINALLY started to get some replies. Eventually, I did get an undamaged table (after yet another damaged replacement), but it took until mid-July. Love the look, liked the price, liked the movers (the firm EQ3 uses is actually very good), really like the table, but would absolutely NEVER shop there again. Without question, the worst customer service I've ever had.