THE MASONRY SHOPPE

We ordered a brick mailbox with plaques for $1,027 using their order form. Nancy, the wife of the owner filled out the form based on our agreed upon selections. We ordered a 20 x 24 brick structure and an oversized mailbox - the largest mailbox on the order form. We also contracted for removal of a crumbling brick light post for $375. When the structure and box was installed it was less than 20 x 20 in size and we immediately notified the company that it wasn't what we ordered. Steve, the owner also balked at the $375 price for removal of the brick light post. He tried to jack the price up to $500 on the spot when the mailbox was delivered. Steve also tried to verbally manipulate us into agreeing that the 4+ inch smaller size was simply a "cosmetic" difference. When we repeatedly asked for what we ordered in writing, Steve refused to acknowledge any responsibility for the error. We finally received an email from Nancy saying "I apologize for my error about the mailbox size and the grief this has caused you." But after repeated attempts we could get no response from Steve regarding delivery of the mailbox we ordered. In a voice mail from Steve, he promised return of our original mailbox (which we never received). So we have had no mailbox for 6 weeks and have ordered since ordered one from a different company. A number of unethical actions by Steve prompted me to write this critical and detailed review. First, he refused to take any ownership for the error or make any attempt to deliver the correct sized mailbox structure. Second, he stated that the oversize mailbox in the structure that was a bit less than 20 x 20 would not fit in the 20 x 24 structure. But their own form showed that that was the largest mailbox insert available and it makes no sense to say that the mailbox wouldn't fit in a structure that was 4 inches deeper. Finally, after Nancy apologized for her error (noted above), subsequently we received an email from her saying "It is my regret to inform you that as of today, 10/18/13, I am no longer employed with the Masonry Shoppe." So did her husband fire her for admitting their error? Or did he just force her to write that email? Interestingly, we learned that she was replying to other customer inquiries soon thereafter, so either she was hired back quickly - or the "I am no longer employed" statement was a lie. Now, two months after the delivery of the incorrect mailbox and then the removal, we have no mailbox and our credit card has been charged a $650 down payment. We have initiated a dispute to get our money back, but feel it is our duty to warn others of the bad business practices of The Masonry Shoppe. We have since learned their Better Business Bureau rating is F and that is the rating I am giving them here also. I wish we had checked them our more thoroughly in advance.

I had been searching for a reasonable vendor to install a brick mailbox for me without much success. Doesn't seem to be many in this area and those that were were extremely expensive - well over $1,000.. I came across The Masonry Shoppe through a sign near my house. They were very professional, offered many options, and best of all - one that I could afford. Nancy, the lady who answers the phone, was very nice and always did exactly what she promised. The guy who installed my mailbox was very professional and got the job done quickly and neatly. I'm very happy with my experience.