Empire Window Furnishings

I cannot stress enough how awful my experience with Empire Windows has been. From the start, the curtains I ordered were too short, which they admitted, took them back to fix, and returned them looking even worse—uneven and poorly installed. The quality of both the product and service was shocking.



When I requested a refund, I was met with nothing but excuses. The most recent one was that my floor was uneven, which is completely false. An independent party confirmed that the floor is level, with only a slight 0.5cm variation—nothing that should cause any issues with installation.



The lack of accountability and the hassle I’ve had to go through is beyond frustrating. Empire Windows doesn’t seem to care about customer satisfaction or delivering a product that meets basic expectations. The customer service has been appalling, and I would advise anyone considering their services to look elsewhere. Avoid them at all costs!

In March 2024, I requested a quote for motorised blinds that could achieve complete darkness, as I am a shift worker. A representative from Empire Window Furnishing assured me that this requirement could be easily met. Based on this assurance, I proceeded with the purchase and installation, which totaled $7,000. I asked for a discount, which brought the price down to $6,500.



Three different people came to my home to take measurements. The first two individuals, after taking measurements, disappeared, and I had to contact the company after a week to find out what was going on. Two weeks later, they sent a third person who seemed professional and took good care of the matter. This technician ordered the blinds and said he would come to install them in four weeks.



After five weeks, I called the company to check in, and they asked me for more money for "extra parts," charging an additional $100 on top of the $6,500. They explained that there had been a misunderstanding with the supplier and that I would have to wait another four weeks. Finally, after another six weeks (not four), the technician came to install the blinds. On the day of installation, he brought the blinds in and said they were the wrong ones, but he would try to install them anyway. (My windows have the opening knob on the right side, which protrudes from the frame, so the blinds need to roll in front of it to avoid clashing.) He said that although the product was different, the way he would install them would avoid any issues.



After installation, the product looked great and functioned properly, but I noticed there was a lot of light coming through the sides, top, and bottom of the blinds. I asked the technician if he could fix the issue, and he said he would use a "No More Gaps" product to address it. He applied the product, but it did not solve the problem. I expressed my dissatisfaction, and he said there was nothing more he could do, stating, "This is as good as it gets."



I called and emailed the office, and after two weeks, they sent the same technician with different track fittings and a metal bar to be installed on the top, intending to make the blinds more compressed to block out the light. On the day of installation, it became obvious that this would not improve the situation at all.



From here, a four-month-long back-and-forth ensued, involving 34 emails and more than 50 phone calls to the office to resolve the issue. I was repeatedly turned away, ridiculed on the phone, laughed at, told that no one was available to look at my issue, and refused a total refund. They eventually offered me an option to pay an extra $1,700 for a better product that would achieve complete darkness, which I obviously refused. When I mentioned I would sue the company, they offered me a refund of $400.



At this point, I contacted Fair Trading and requested a 50% refund of the total amount. After Fair Trading contacted them, they again offered $1000. When I reiterated my intent to sue, they finally agreed to a 50% refund but on the condition that they would not honor the two-year warranty (which Fair Trading said they could not legally do, as the company is required by law to provide a replacement, repair, or refund if there is an issue).



Now, after another month of back and forth via phone and email, I finally received the refund. I am writing this to warn others not to be misled by the positive reviews this company has online. I fell for them, and now I am stuck with a product I did not agree to have. It's shameful, to say the least. The technician himself told me that the company makes these mistakes all the time and that many customers are angry with them. I leave the decision up to you, and I have attached the picture (i have 4 windows but they are all the same as the one showed which the more problematic, my bedroom) and emails with them so that you can make up your mind.



Shame on you, Empire Window Furnishing.

Shocking service, poor quality products, dodgy operation. I ordered full house of blinds and retractable awning. I’m in shock at the service and operations. Can not solve issues from Sept 2020??? So waste you time or money. Even damaged facade of my house with installation

Please avoid this company like the plague. If I could rate them no stars I would. My nightmare with this company started a year ago and I’m still awaiting blinds to be installed. I paid my deposit a year ago and it’s taken them since November 19 to be able to finish installing outdoor shutters. We also had zip blinds installed incorrectly and had to have two service fixes due to the incorrect installations. They promise things they can not deliver. The installers miss measure and then blame you. Please do not use these people. I tried to give my business of nearly $40k to a local company and I regret it every time I look at the blinds. Not only is the product sub standard but the communication is lacking. Apparently they guarantee their work. Oh and here’s the kicker. The installer came today and asked for me to help hold things for him. avoid avoid avoid.

Had some blinds and shutters installed in both my properties, couldnt ask for anything more, grwat work