Cheating. Review on Innovations Designer Drapes, Bangalore

We needed curtains for windows in the living room of the apartment we just moved in to. Since we were new to Bangalore and passed the store daily we decided to walk in and take a look.

They have beautiful curtains with a wide range (rather expensive) and the ones we liked were at about 400rs a metre. We gave them the dimensions of the windows- a)1.7 x 1.8, b)1.2 x 2.1 & c)1.1 x 1.8 and they gave us a quote of about Rs.5280/- and Rs480 stitching/- (approx 13.2mts fabric) We paid an advance of 5000/- and asked them to send their tailor to our house to take proper measurements. This was a big mistake. The guy they sent took all kinds of extra measurements beyond the curtain rods, till floor length.. this is not really necessary. You should stop at 2 inches above the floor for full length windows and take length till exactly where the rod ends so that curtain sits nicely. Since we were first timers he took advantage of us. The dimensions he gave were a) 1.8 x 2.2, b) 1.3 x 2.2, c)1.2 x 2.2.

To be fair we had changed our minds about having half window length curtains to full length curtains for 2 of the windows. But that difference for each window (a & b windows) was an extra 10 inches each which would change the dimension from 1.8 mts length for a & b to 2.1mts. The tailor took in an extra 0.1mts for the width (4 inches) and 3 inches more for the length taking it to 2.2mts. He did not sit with us later to tell us how much this would come to in terms of cost. He told us to arrange the lining separately with him and that he would make the delivery. It looks like he cheats customer's in collusion with the store while taking the measurement and then cheats the store and the customer at a later stage. Anyway the bottom line is the customer is cheated.

Next day we get a call with a quote for approx 9000rs as we now apparently needed 20mts fabric. We were shocked. We were told that each panel is 2.4mts wide so they need extra panels etc since now the dimensions are different. Here’s their explanation for each window as per the tailor’s measurements: a) 3 panels b) 3 panels c) 2 panels. Pls note that the difference between window b and c is only 0.1 mts of width and they quoted for 3 panels for b and 2 panels for c. Also note the amount of difference in width between a and b windows – 0.5mts. How can 2 windows with over 19 inches of difference require the same no of panels? When questioned they said the pleats for window b will not sit properly etc. Plain cheating. We told them to just forget the dimensions of window b and treat it like window c. Both the curtains are looking fine on our windows with this measurement. Our total bill came to around Rs.9000 for material of 18.25mts, 20mts lining & stitching. Delivery – they did not deliver the curtains home. We went to the store and took them. When we got them home and opened the strings they were not ironed properly and were not sitting well on the windows. No guest will look and see the value and admire the look of the curtain as the ironing was not done well. We visited the store on 18th and got our delivery on 30th.This whole thing left us fed up, confused and very angry. We were cheated at every step – the initial quote, the tailor’s measurements, the final quote about how much material you need & the bad service at delivery. If you are very rich and don’t mind being cheated this is the place for you.

Trust me.. go to Chickpet.. Excellent variety, range and service. After this experiance we went to Sha Surajmull Magaraj & Co in DS Lane.. everything about that experience was wonderful.. I have written a review about that experience as well..