Watch out for the Big Box stores and chain companies - from what our customers tell us, their prices outrageous, they charge by the square foot instead of square yard (so it sounds cheaper), and the knowledge of their sales staff and installers is questionable at best.  They also hire outside measuring companies which can mean you often have to order more carpet than needed.  Worst of all, they usually double subcontract their work out, which means they hire a company (subcontractor #1) to install your carpet, who then hires outside contract installers (subcontractor #2) to install your job.  These procedures can cause various issues to arise throughout the whole purchasing and installation process, not to mention that you pay extra for all these unnecessary services.
     You should also beware of companies that are strictly shop-at-home with no location to visit - it may at first seem convenient to have a shop-at-home company bring carpet samples to your home to choose your carpet, but don't limit yourself by looking at only a handful of very small over-priced samples from a high-pressure salesman.  Most of these types of businesses work from their homes with a P.O. box for an address, and, should there be any problem, they may simply avoid your call.  There are so many products to choose from these days!  Your new carpet will provide you with years of service, a little time investment at our modern showroom now will definitely pay off, plus we'll bring the samples you like ouot to your house during your measure so you can still see what they look like in your home.
*Beware also of fly-by-night companies who move from place to place, or that are here one year, gone the next, trying to mimic established businesses unsucessfully. They also subcontract their work out and they may not be around for you in the future!
**Beware of carpet dealers who only recommend subcontract installers to install the carpet that they sell to you.  You pay for the carpet and pad at one company, then arrange to get the carpet to your home, then arrange for another dealer-recommended company to install it, whom you have to pay separately.  As a result, you end up paying sales tax for the carpet, and if the carpet is damaged, or any problems occur during the installation, or afterward, both companies may consider servicing your carpet a hassle.  The store may blame the installer, the installer may blame the store, and you're stuck in the middl