A READER'S CONCERNS : PB BASIC VS EKTORP SLIPCOVER (REVISED)

Sallie contacted me about an ebay purchase she recently made. She was told she was purchasing a PB Basic slipcover. When it didn't fit - at all - she contacted the seller insisting that this was not the right cover. The seller told her that she did not own a PB basic sofa. The reader contacted me for help with identifying her slipcovers. When she described her cover my heart sank. I knew it wasn't a PB and very likely an ektorp but I requested pictures to verify. I am not an expert...but I can shout confidently and point a finger that she did not purchase a Pottery Barn Basic Slipcover. It is extremely likely an Ikea Ektorp Sofa slipcover.

Buyers Beware! There are dishonest people out there. We must remember that we get what we pay for. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. I posted about using ektorp covers on basic pieces. I still use ektorp covers for my pb basic chair. However, I purchased my pb basic sofa 12/13 years ago. When the covers and the sofa itself wore out, I also purchased a cover on EBAY. It was sold as a PB basic slipcover. When it arrived, it had to be stretched and pulled to fit on the sofa but it did fit. We moved the basic to the playroom because our Charleston had arrived. I didn't mind the ill-fitting cover on the basic but it wasn't my main seating piece. I paid $100 plus shipping. They sell new from Ikea for only $49. I was ripped off and shizzed on. So was Sallie. Years ago, my cover mostly fit. Sallie's does not.

It's happened to one of my readers. It makes me sad for her. Hear me when I say that the Ektorp covers POSSIBLY WILL NOT FIT the PB Basic pieces. They are a stand-by only. As soon as you purchase your PB pieces, start saving your change in a coffee can or under your mattress for new slipcovers. They WILL need to be replaced someday and they are expensive. I wish someone had told me that. It is a wise move. I am saving for new ones. You should too.

Sallie's words:
"Please feel free to use any of my pictures and story. I paid $169 plus $36  in shipping. I was offered a refund by the seller minus shipping and would also have to pay return shipping. So I would be out $72 which was unacceptable to me. If it fit ok I would have dealt with it. But I can't even get it on and the seller keeps insisting I have the wrong sofa. I sent the seller several pictures with measuring tape in them showing the shortfall.

I think I will end up having a slipcover made locally.  I plan to pre-wash and dry a white cotton twill and have them made without cotton cord (which will shrink). $450 in labor, 21 yards of fabric at about $12 a yard... Ouch. I have children, dogs and a cat so I really just wanted to change the look of my family room and be able to wash away any mishaps."

My reply to Sallie:

"Hey Sallie,
You should contact PB to see if they are offering any sales or deals on their slipcovers. Call them and tell them what happened to you. Speak to a manager if you have to. I saved a few hundred on the Charleston white twill just by waiting for a sale and then getting an email through PB for 15% or 20% off. I don't remember which. If you register on their website and sign in frequently, they will send you discounts to purchase their items. You can combine deals and get free shipping sometimes. If you have the PB card, you get 10% back in rewards or interest free payments for several months. I use the rewards points but the interest free payments might help you to purchase an authentic PB cover. After you pay someone else that kind of labor, pay for fabric etc, and a cover without cording (the cording really does look best) you might find yourself still not loving the cover and you've lost that much more money.
 Just some advice. Anything is worth a try.
 I hope you win your fight with that ebay seller. What a crap deal. Shame on that person. 
 Thank you for allowing me to use your info."

 

DISCLAIMER; Opinions expressed are my own. I am not compensated in any way by Pottery Barn or Ikea. Neither company knows I exist. I worked at PB for several years and use that experience to share information about the merchandise with you. I have been a PB addict for almost 20 years. I have a problem and could use therapy but that topic is for another post.