This turned out to be a controversial subject. We got responses from everyone but manufacturers.

Whether you are able to measure the materials you receive or not, the problem persists. Some mentioned the specific manufacturers they have problems with and those they don’t. We heard from producers of devices which can be used by the mill, like the ETF system by Harrell Machinery Sales which virtually guarantees accurate measurements. Also from Gundlach, for its measuring wand which can be used by retailers who have neither large measuring and cutting equipment nor the room to check roll length.

The average shortage is from 3" to 1ft., with many rolls up to 3ft. short. Some complain about lack of control mills seem to employ as evidenced by shortages. Many dealers charge the factories in return. We heard from people who order rolls 3" to 1ft. longer so they don’t experience a shortage. Others commented it is natural for carpet to shrink upon roll-up because it is warm. While this situation may be true, it is still no excuse.

There was also mention that California manufacturers have much stricter tolerances than do those in Georgia. In fact, 48 states mandate floor covering materials be the sizes and weights stated on the labels, so this applies to all manufacturers.

Also, new carpet when it cools will contract, and even the most accurate measuring devices can read incorrectly under these conditions. But, there are collectors in most mills at the end of the lines that allow the carpet to cool and can even stretch the product.

Another problem is the type of measuring equipment used and the maintenance of it. Not taken care of or calibrated regularly, these devices can easily give false readings. You would think since this has gone on for so long and has such an impact, it would have been rectified. Apparently not. And, it brings up a number of other issues.

First is the integrity of the manufacturer. This has nothing to do with what one respondent suggested was my belief the mills are out to “screw” dealers. I have worked long and intimately in the industry and know what goes on. If you get less than what you asked for, you’ve been shortened. No excuses.

As a dealer, you have the responsibility to protect yourself and your customers by confirming the order and inspecting and measuring the materials. You’d have to do the same if you were selling upholstery fabric or wall coverings. It doesn’t make your life any easier, but it safeguards you.

An interesting point was made by a member of a large group, who has been getting shortened rolls for eight years. He measures all his rolls and is questioned as to the accuracy of his equipment and the people using it. He has even been told, gently, if he continues to complain, special buys may not be offered to him anymore.

Is this any way to run an industry? What’s the big deal? Is it too hard to be honest or to accommodate dealers by giving them what they ordered? If this upsets some of you, so be it. If you can’t accept the fact business should be done in an honest manner, maybe you should be doing something else, like telemarketing investments to the elderly.

Is there an answer to this issue? Yes. There is sophisticated equipment manufacturers can employ to accurately control carpet lengths. There is also hand held equipment which dealers should use to check lengths before the product is unrolled. There are even manufacturers who add to the ends of rolls, which some of you mentioned specifically, and also the widths. These are the mills you need to continue to do business with.

But, most of all, what you order is what you should get, regardless of what tension and relaxing the carpet will encounter. An inch or two won’t make much of a difference, particularly if you install the carpet using proper stretching equipment. But a few feet is a little too much to be considered reasonable. The industry has to do a better job, and it should be happening now.