Truth in advertising and then some

It's been a while, but it's time once again for May's Adventures in Customer Service. My husband and I are looking for a headboard for the guestroom. We decided to look online to see what we might find in stores. One local retailer had a nice headboard that might work. Read carefully:

• Solid Pine Construction
• Iron Scroll Accents
• Wax Finish
• Guaranteed to Warp, Crack and Split
• Hand made in Mexico

After reading and then re-reading the description, I felt I had to send an email to the company. Here is the transcript of our e-conversation.

Dear Furniture Store:
My husband and I have been shopping around for a headboard. We saw one we like on your Website, and after reading the description, we would just like to clarify something.

The description for this item clearly states that this solid pine headboard is: "Guaranteed to Warp, Crack and Split" Since the piece is only wax finished, we can see that this description is certainly plausible, but we just wanted to make sure we understood this correctly. Thanks for clarifying.

Hello May,
Thank you for your inquiry, The description is true and accurate, the piece as many others we carry is of solid construction pine wood in rustic style. Once again thank you and we hope to hear from you soon.

Henry Guzman
Online Sales Manager

Mr. Guzman,
Thanks for your prompt reply. So the wood really is “guaranteed to warp, crack and split” as it says in the description? That was the part for which I needed clarification. We have other furniture that is similar, but it hasn’t self-destructed as has the furniture described in your product listing. Good for you and your company for being so honest about the furniture’s future behavior! This is helpful to know and we do appreciate the honesty.