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InDesign Furnishings

Posted by Staff / Posted on October 23, 2007

40 Comments

InDesign
InDesign, a two-storey showroom on King East, carries a mix of modern and contemporary furniture including sofas, chairs and tables.

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40 Comments

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S & N / February 13, 2008 at 08:52 pm
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" Very unkind service from Gene/the owner, 'InDesign' . . . .

When you offer a product, it's service for people, it's not all about the money you'll get from people's pockets. Good service brings more people to the shop in the end.

We are new to Toronto, I had to go to the washroom badly, even we bought a desk from Gene/the owner, he refused to let use his washroom in a shop with smile, we went to the next door furniture shop without buying anything, the lady let me use the washroom which has a sign 'employee's only'.

Couple of days later we went to the Gene's shop-InDesign to pick up the desk which has a drawer.
My husband ask help to carry, he refused to help. It was windy snowy day, the slippery draw dropped on the road, the corner has been scratched & slightly damaged.

We cannot but think Gene, the owner doesn't serve the customers well and what he wants is just money from people.

Also we think most of the Indesign's furniture are over priced.

Please go to EQ3, Liloo, Urban Mode, you will get a much better service than this.

Gene really needs to learn to be kind, needs to offer much better service to his customers. "

Sincerely, S & N
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SE / March 4, 2008 at 05:51 pm
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I would tend to agree, although the few items on sale are priced very favorably. However the customer services isn't there yet...
I've shopped only at one of the other places mentioned, and the customer service there, is always excellent in comparison.
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Narren / April 1, 2008 at 12:02 am
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I actually love this store, it?s quite refreshing to see a store where everything was not made in China and all the sofas were not covered in that hideous microfiber. The service was great. They have so many different types of sofas which I have not seen at any other stores, and they were all in stock and made in the USA. I also like the fact that the sales staff is not pushy. I purchased my entire living and dining room at this store and I was very happy.
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Cameron / April 13, 2008 at 11:18 pm
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I recently moved into my first condo and after looking at many stores, this was the only store I felt comfortable shopping at. The prices are not expensive nor are they cheap like EQ3 or Ikea. I should reiterate the comments from the previous review, that they have very nice sofas which are very well made. The stitching on the sofa and the upholstered bed I purchased had the most perfect stitching with a very nice fabric, and it was delivered in 6 days. They have some very unique pieces that were in my budget!
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Colin / June 15, 2008 at 11:48 pm
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Great store! I got all the furniture for my condo at this store, and it was all delivered within a week! Very good service, and I will definitely shop here again!
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Myron / July 3, 2008 at 05:26 pm
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Horrible customer service by Jean at InDesign Furnishings.

I purchased a set of 4 Tendy chairs, which were final sale. I checked for imperfections and there were a few and I did not mind it. However with the lighting at the store in the final sale session I could not differentiate the colour differences.

So when I brought the chairs home 1 out of the 4 chairs was a different colour. I called up immediately and asked if Jean could help me with the issue ? do an exchange or reduce the price ? something to mend this issue! He said, they looked around the store, they don't have any other floor models and it was final sale.

So here I am with 1 odd looking chair in my living area! How would you like that in your house? I will never deal with him or this company again and will ensure that this information gets circulated via other messaging sites!!!

I told him this is pathetic customer service & potential reoccurring business ? he said he was not interested in my business...

I am going to make sure the message is out there about the terrible service
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Myron / July 3, 2008 at 05:50 pm
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To my note above - I have filled a complaint with http://www.bbbmwo.ca; and his name is Gene
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Claude / August 10, 2008 at 05:25 pm
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Recently purchased my bedroom and living room furniture here two weeks ago and it was all delivered yesterday. No hassles, the sales staff was very helpful, the prices were very good, and the delivery was on time and took less that an hour. I would recommend this place.
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Dave Coleman / September 5, 2008 at 11:59 pm
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I recently bought a bed from Indesign that had a faulty design. My dr's all agreed that the design was what was giving me major back trouble. I asked Gene if there was any way to fix the issue considering the actual design is defective. He called me an f'ing idiot and hung up the phone on me. He is scum. I spent over 4k at his store and he has the nerve to insult me. I suggest that everyone stays clear of this mans store.
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George N. / October 5, 2008 at 03:48 pm
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Although the sales people are friendly, they don't seem to stay around for long - lots of staff changes. Take note that the "help wanted" sign is always on display in their front window - a sure sign that the owners may be as rotten as these posts indicate. Their furniture is of dubious quality, and when the inside of the bedroom drawer sets are examined, there are burn marks where the manufacturers names used to be, and metal plates screwed over top.

Something is fishy about this place. My guess is they are lying about the origins of their furniture. More reasons to stay away. And who only gives a one year warranty on furniture? It's usually life time on the frame and five years on the foam.

Buyers beware!
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Melissa J.A / October 7, 2008 at 12:46 am
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I actually know the two guys who own this store, since I did engineering with one of them at the University of Waterloo, and I think the other is an accountant. They are some of the most honest and hardworking guys I know! I totally admire these guys since they are like in their twenties, and have the capacity to open a business while having their own professional jobs...how many of us can do this...I am tired doing my one job! I purchased all my furniture at this store and always recommend them to all my friends. Also, I know that the owners are perfectionists when it comes to their professional careers and I am sure they are the same way when it comes to their employees. I think when anyone is shopping for furniture, they will realize that the products at this store is far superior to others.
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Denis / October 15, 2008 at 04:27 pm
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So, I called Indesign a couple of days ago and was willing to purchase a desk for $975.00, great looking desk, but when I asked about picking it up, they informed me that I would have to do so at their warehouse, which is all the way at 404 and Lawrence.

I don't own a car, and asked if they could drop the desk off at their store (I mean, EVERY other store I've ever dealt with will allow you to pick up the item from the location you've purchased it from)... they said "No" (whatever the moron's name was, I didn't bother to take the name of someone so insignificant)... instead they tried to sell me on their delivery package which is $75 (for a delivery of less than 1km!). I asked him to give me a discount to account for their bizarre business practice, but was told "no". I then asked for who the maker of the desk was, and was again told "no".

May they go bankrupt with the way they treat their customers, these "people" and their ilk don't deserve to do business in Toronto.
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Denis / October 15, 2008 at 05:03 pm
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Oh, after doing some research on this website, I found the desk, at Casalife, for $100 cheaper for the same desk.

Stuff that in your pipe and smoke it Gene.
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/ October 26, 2008 at 04:00 pm
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After shopping around the city for a couple of weeks my husband and I purchased a bedroom set from Indesign. The items were well priced, in-stock, made in Canada and delivered in about 4 days and the overall service was great. They gave us a 2 hour delivery window and everything was set up within 45 minutes. I would recommend this store, since we will be going back to get an upholstered bed for my son!
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Lily W. / December 6, 2008 at 04:13 am
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My friend's aunt, who doesn't speak much english, ordered two bar stools and the wrong ones came in. She was understandably upset, and when she can't make herself understood, has a bad habit or speaking quite loudly. Gene the owner, not only refused to give her a credit note, or correct the problem, but threatened to call the police and banned her from the store.

You'll notice that all the good reviews on this website, and on www.homestars.com are all written in the same tone of voice - and feature lots of details about the personal lives of these terrific owners - it seems lots of their fellow classmates accidentally decided to shop there? And more or less around the same time?

An obvious, and pathetic attempt to write good reviews for themselves by the owners of this company. They are greedy, deceptive, unkind human beings. Never shop here!
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Caroline Lavoie / December 14, 2008 at 12:17 am
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I recently purchased a dining room table, 6 chairs and a buffet from this store. I, too, was happy that they were made in Canada - this means a lot to me. I have been very happy with the service, especially as I have had to postpone the delivery a couple of times and they have been very helpful. Sorry to disappoint but I didn't go to school with the owners and don't know them personally. I would definitely recommend this store based on my own experience. (Btw, the quality of the table compared to a similar one at a neighbouring store was much higher although not that much more expensive - worth it!)
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replying to a comment from Lily W. / December 28, 2008 at 10:23 am
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I have never delt with such rude people in my life!!! The sales staff are excellent but the two owners have no right dealing with people. They should both work in a windowless cubby crunching numbers. They are devoide of personality and when the one owner tries to smile it is down right creepy!!!

Stay away from InDesign Furnishings!!!!
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Daniel / December 28, 2008 at 11:41 pm
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The lower store level smells of sewer gas in places. I'd bet that's why their floor models are marked down so cheap. Stinky furniture. Gross.
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replying to a comment from S & N / January 27, 2009 at 06:55 am
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Who is George Brown? Does anyone know?
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Anonymous / February 3, 2009 at 03:07 pm
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Terrible customer service.
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John replying to a comment from Cameron / March 12, 2009 at 11:23 am
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I recently bought a sofa here. Not only was I misled about the manufacure of it, a year later, it is falling apart. Not what you would expect from a $2,500 purchase. The only positive thing about this whole purchase were the delivery guys. On time, nice manners, they even took off their shoes before entering my apartment, without me having to ask. Other than that, I regret doing business with Indesign.
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Tim replying to a comment from Eva / March 26, 2009 at 10:47 am
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You can find all their beds at The Bay for a fraction of the price, plus their are more colors and styles available too. There's nothing special about this place - unless you like paying out the nose. My sister came in with her baby carriage and they yelled at her to get out. Check the better business bureau these guys are fishy.
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Gary / April 12, 2009 at 02:02 pm
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HONESTLY!! … I’d be surprise if there was an ounce of truth to many of these so called ‘complaints’. I purchased a couple of end tables amounting to about $350 and found the service very helpful and friendly.

It almost seems that someone is out to get them and that events are being severely slanting. In my own experience, I’ve seen baby carriages used to push items out of the way in retail stores where there is clearly not the room to get through (yes, this is likely the case with your sister EVA)…people ignoring clear signage on front doors (really do we want to see your bare chest? or get knocked over by your kids with roller shoes?) … people simply lying outright when they don’t get what they want…or just those arrogant & obnoxious individuals who were never taught any manners by their parents and feel that any amount of yelling or making a scene will get them exactly what they want. Who knows… it may even be another store trying to give them a bad name.

Really people … grow up!! You’re ruining the shopping experience for the rest of us.

I would recommend shopping at this place. My biggest complaint with InDesign is that they don’t have a website or catalogue.
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Lucy / May 6, 2009 at 08:03 pm
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Gene told me he was the store manager last weekend - so that means he's not even man enough to defend his own policies. He said he would get in trouble if he gave me a discount. What a lame ass.
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Anon replying to a comment from Eva / May 14, 2009 at 12:34 pm
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Many of their products are imported from China. They cut off/remove most of the tags so you can't see where they are from. They are jerks, liars and cheats.
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Anon replying to a comment from Gary / May 14, 2009 at 12:37 pm
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Hey Gary - got "children" issues? I think you need counseling. I've shopped there a few times and when I could get anyone's attention it was generally rude and unhelpful, especially Gene.
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Jeff / July 25, 2009 at 10:28 am
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What a great store with really nice products! Bought a bedroom set from these guys and it arrived three weeks early which was a pleasant surprise since I had been sleeping on the floor prior to the bed arriving.

I'd recommend this place and will definately be going back!!
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Clinton D / July 28, 2009 at 01:39 pm
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Awesome store!!!! I've been all over the city looking for furniture for my new place and this is the first store that I have found with so many nice things.
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Chuck D / July 31, 2009 at 12:01 am
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I have read all the comments and do agree with many of them, which includes the positives and negatives. They do have many nice items and quite pricey. I have to agree 100 percent that Gene who is the owner is not a very friendly person. He seems like a person who did not have a great childhood. He does have a great store and I do enjoy going there. I did buy a few items 3 years ago and some of his staff are really very nice and friendly. One of them erally despised working for him but he needed the job badly.

If Gene can only provide a better customer service/relations, I'd highly recommend this place. But unfortunately, he is a very sour person.
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Grant / September 8, 2009 at 02:25 pm
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I've made a few purchases over the past couple years for my condo and have dealt with Gene each time. He's always been very friendly, helpful and pleasant to speak with.

Though each individual can have a bad day and I can't vouch for each day he works, being in customer service myself I suspect that many of these 'irate' customers where just told no and didn't like that answer. Yes some demands made are unreasonable and people need to learn to take no for no and not get all upset and spiteful.

Take the time to see for yourself since they have great quality products & service! I'd definately recommend this place.
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Chuck / November 10, 2009 at 06:57 pm
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Fabulous Store!! An abundance of great quality items at very reasonable prices. I furnished my entire condo here. It was a nice one-stop shopping experience.

I'd definately recommend this place!
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Jenny / February 13, 2010 at 04:44 pm
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wow!! what a gem! first store i’ve seen in toronto with canadian product! (not the run of the mill china crap that is everywhere else). marvelous designs, great selection, reasonable prices. well worth a visit.
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Hmmm replying to a comment from Jenny / May 28, 2010 at 08:52 pm
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Do you REALLY think this stuff is "made in Canada"? Here's a hint - 你好
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Alison / January 25, 2011 at 01:06 pm
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After reading many of these comments I wanted to share my experience in the store. We needed furniture for our new condo and were looking for something very specific. We chose an extension table and a couch... the couch was reasonably priced, the table (with a 20% promotion) was about 150$ more than Structube for a very similar table. Some of the futniture was overpriced but there were some great deals on floor models. We went back to the store several times before making a decision. Gene helped us each time and we never felt like he was trying to 'sell' us stuff. He gave us honest opinions and was knowledgable about every item. He even discussed interior design so we knew we were making the right decision. I'm surprised by the comments that he was mean or harsh to anyone. He seems very mild tempered. I didn't even know he was the store owner until I read this. I hope the comments were untrue but if they are true, I guess we got him on a good day.
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Sue / May 13, 2011 at 02:29 am
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We have previously done business with this store and have recently returned to buy other pieces of furniture. Reading the comments above there appear to be two themes; one for and the other against the store and it's owners. Even the wording of the tirade on both sides has similar patterns and phraseology which make it look a little suspect. I suggest that you try to establish a reasonable rapport with the person with whom you are doing business, and if that is possible, and that they have the goods for sale at a price you think to be fair, then go ahead and buy the things.
Relationship-based purchasing as well as relationship-shaped business - even relationship-based education and politics- is the way forward for us all. Without a human connection we cannot make good decisions; within these connections people are more likely to be fair and honourable on both sides. Happy Shopping.
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MA / July 14, 2011 at 01:49 pm
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Sorry to say but a majority of the stuff they carry now is made in china but they ask for premium $ as if it was made in Canada or USA or Europe! This was not the case when we shopped there several years ago! You better off at EQ3! Where you pay Asian prices for stuff made in Asia!
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Karl Raloff / October 13, 2011 at 04:09 pm
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I was in the store earlier this week . Saw a sofa I liked. Went back today and noticed the sofa had some side to side movement when I sat in it. I pointed this out to the salesman( who was of little help on both visits) and was told that sofas were not meant to be moved from side to side. I merely sat in it. I wanted to know if it was a frame issue. No answer. Rude, rude , rude ! I wish I had checked out this blog before my visit after seeing these many negative postings. I told the salesman (probably Gene) that as I came in to buy this sofa he jiust lost a sale and he told me he could care less. Some people do not deserve to be in business and I'm sure this one will be short lived. Being in the interior business I will spread the word.
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Quentin Thorne / May 22, 2012 at 04:57 pm
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I haven't shopped at this particular InDesign but I find it amazing how some employees continue to have work. Most of the people that I have dealt with at other stores weren't too bad. They could be more knowledgeable though. I'm looking for roofing barrie work if anyone knows anyone?
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jeffrey jenkins / February 10, 2013 at 07:09 pm
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Huge showroom. Large selection of nice trendy furniture. Everything is reasonably priced. GREAT place to find your next sofa. Most sofa models can be custom ordered with seemingly limitless choices of fabrics and there are some fabulously priced floor models at this time.

Most importantly , the staff is SUPER helpful. They're there and very attentive when you need them, but leave you alone when you don't want to be bothered.

Great for those who graduated from IKEA, EQ3, and West Elm furniture and want to move into something of higher quality.

Found a great compact sofa for my condo today. Definitely recommend this store.
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pH replying to a comment from Karl Raloff / February 17, 2013 at 10:50 pm
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you bitch..
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214 King Street East (Get Directions)
416.365.7700
King East
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