My opinion on this is that what you as a consumer should look for are primarily damages from handling, specifically broken components, soiled or ripped upholstery, chipped legs and the like. By signing off one the delivery you are basically saying the items were delivered in good condition. Always refuse any major damage that cannot be touched up by a repairman doing touch ups in your home.
Variances in manufacturing quality are not the responsibility of the shipping company and are warranty issues. Obviously something such as a piece coming in a cover that was not ordered is a major fault, but something like aligned welt trim or cushion fullness can be splitting hairs and you may find yourself paying a return delivery fee if you refuse it. On most any piece from any maker you can find a small 'defect' if you search for it hard enough. Generally that's not a good basis to refuse an item on, as the manufacturer has the final say if a piece meets their quality production standards.
If you refuse an item, its also going to be about a month before you see it again, at the earliest. That means you've paid for a piece you are not having use of while its out for inspection. Some very minor flaws that can be fixed in less than five minutes in your home get refused and that's not something you want to do.
If you're thinking of refusing an item, consider having your digital camera handy as well as the phone number of your salesperson. Hold the delivery team for five minutes, while you call the store and discuss the issue, and send a digital photo to them while on the phone if you can. They can advise you quickly if the piece needs to be returned, can be repaired on site, or meets production standards.
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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