On Friday, April 2nd, 2010 I went to the Jimstone Co. on Florida Blvd. in Baton Rouge, LA. I had just purchased a home, and was looking for some material to pave a patio in the back courtyard. I selected a stone that was sold by the pallet. The manager, Tony, told me that a pallet would cover 200 square feet. I explained to Tony that my patio area is about 165 square feet, so we agreed the pallet would be plenty (with waste accounted for). I purchased the stones as well as other necessary base materials which came to a grand total of $1,193.68. The next day I started work on the installation. I installed just under half of the patio, but had used 99% of the stones. I called the Jimstone Co. to find out what had gone wrong. The manager, Tony, admitted he misspoke when he gave us the coverage estimate. Tony meant to say the palate would cover 200 linear feet. Because my patio is not 4" wide and 200' long, the palate would never complete the job. Although this might be an easy mistake for Tony to make, I have now purchased half of a patio at $14.93 per square foot, a price I would have never agreed to. If the palate of stones covered the square footage I was told at the time of sale, I would be paying $5.97 per square foot. Tony told me that even though it was their mistake, they could do nothing to remedy the situation. I then called the Jimstone Co. on Jefferson St. in Lafayette, LA. The manager at that store told me he would leave a message for the owners, Jim & Donna Gibbons, to call me and discuss the situation (in all I have left 4 messages). I never received a call from Jim or Donna Gibbons. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, a consumer protection group of which the Jimstone Co. is a member. The BBB informed me that they could only seek information, and would not be able to assist me. I now own one of the most expensive half patios Baton Rouge has ever seen. This purchase has been a nightmare, I would warn against a purchase from the Jimstone Co. in any location Baton Rouge, Lafayette, or Lacombe. I believe that acceptable customer service is fading away. I maintain an expectation of acceptable customer service, and I am loyal to the businesses that provide it. I work hard to provide more than what is expected of me at my place of work. I work long hours away from my family to try and provide a good life for my wife, and save up for future additions to my family. I would encourage all who read this to have pride in your work, and be a good resource to whomever your client may be. Feel free to forward this email to consumers in the Jimstone Co.'s areas of operation (Baton Rouge, Lacombe, Lafayette) Thanks, Corey Dinkel
