Now I Can See My Dirty Laundry (almost)

We finally picked a new fixture to replace the Hollywood-style vanity light. It's ordered and should be here in a few weeks. It has the same curves as the new faucet, still matches the polished brass inherent and unavoidable in a home built in the 80's, but definitely provides an undated look. Perfect compromise.

I learned something interesting during this process. I surfed the Net for weeks checking out lights and narrowing my choices as I figured out what I did and didn't like. I checked out eBay and found a wonderful fixure, but someone bought it while I was making my mind up. Craigslist had another perfect bath light (for FREE!) that I jumped on, but someone else jumped faster than I.

I eventually found this light on-line at one of those big websites that pop up when you Google "bath vanity light". It was a great site. Very easy to navigate: do you want a kitchen or a bath lights? do you want 3-light or 4-light fixtures? do you want polished brass or oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel? do you want to spend $10 or $200? do you want to order a sink or towel rack too?

Having finally found a light and received my sweetie's reassurance that I indeed had impeccible taste, I was ready to order. Cautious comsumer that I am, I read the customer feedback before placing my order. Not. Very. Reassuring.

I tried some other internet sites and they ALL had some very poor feedback. I know they serve a lot of people and you can't please everyone. Lots of folks thought they were wonderful. If an order didn't run smoothly however, they seemed...(how to word this nicely) less than helpful.

So I checked manufacturer Seagull Lighting's site for a local retailer, who turned out to be a whopping two miles from our house. We took the model number and internet price over to them hoping they would meet it. To my astonishement, they not only met the price, they beat it soundly! I enjoy shopping online, but I'll never again assume that a good online price is the best price.


I will also sleep sweetly knowing that there will be no issues with this order. If there is a problem, Statewide Lighting will provide customer service with a smile. If there is a glitch, I will have a real person to talk to, face-to-face. Sometimes old-fashioned ways are the best ways.