[jl6z]

Ack. Okay, we are just into the process but there are two things I've learned so far from ordering:

1. Ask for the draft order BEFORE the Ikean inputs all the items, otherwise they may not be too thrilled with you. I thought I could just ask them to print it out after the fact, but alas, he had to enter some other info to pull up a draft order. Luckily, the Ikean had a trainee and was willing to go through the annoyance in order to show the trainee what the draft order is and how to enter it. But he was not happy that I asked for that at the end. I don't like p*ssing off my Ikean.

2. GET REFRIGERATOR COVER PANELS, not tall cabinet cover panels! I'm super annoyed that I got the tall cabinet cover panels instead of the 3' x 8's, which is apparently what I should have ordered. Why aren't these panels in the Ikea Planner?? Or are they and I missed them?

We actually already have some things to return/exchange, but we rented a UHaul to pick up the original order, and I have no idea if the 3' x 8' panels will fit in our CR-V. Has anyone else fit these in their midsize SUVs? I am a little peeved actually that our Ikean didn't catch this one -- I think he was just anxious to show his trainee how to input the order. But yes, I should I have known better and it's really my fault.

Ah well... We're starting on installation today. I'm sure I'll be back with more mistakes!

Ikeafans ROCKS!

[dalbrough]

Woo hoo - good luck with the installation today!!

Are you going to keep a progress blog???

Can't wait to follow your progress!!!

Deb

[jl6z]

Hmmm... maybe if I can pull myself together tonight I will try and get pictures and commentary up!

Any advice on the large 3 x 8s fitting in our car? My husband will throttle me if we need to rent a Uhaul again! Help my marriage!

[DulcineaK]

3x8s fit in my Odyssey, i don't see it happening in the CR-V (odyssey sits on an accord chassis, crv on the civic). but you could tie it down to the top. you'll have some drag, but you should be able to (how far is the trip?)

you might be able to call the store and talk to a manager about the fact that the ikean was distracted due to their trainee and would they consider shipping these since you rented a uHaul and you live far away (if you live too far to tie down)

just my 2c

[DulcineaK]

btw, in most stores the draft order is a standard part of the order process, you shouldn't have to know to ask for it (most folks don't have the benefit of coming here first, sadly). and the ikean also should have noticed you made a mistake of picking otf cab and cover panels. it's a normal mistake that they clear up often and this one was too distracted to do so. they are there for a reason greater than just typing crap in.

i love your attitude and can't wait to see more!

[jl6z]

Just an update... (Thanks DulcineaK for the advice)

I called (several times, actually) and left many messages. I wanted to make sure I got my 'complaint' in before the five day limit for reporting damaged/missing/etc items.

Long story short, they won't deliver. So somehow we are going to have to get these panels back to IKEA and pick up even larger panels. My husband might strap me to the roof with the panels. (I'm just kidding, he's really a great guy.)

I don't understand why they don't have these in the planner...? *sigh*

Also, on a random note, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the back of the island. I read somewhere that people used doors. I would love something less plain than the cover panel, but don't want to have to paint beadboard... does anyone have pictures of the door panels on the back of their island?

(Not sure if I should put a new post up about this somewhere else, but I feel like I'm clogging up the forums with all my questions!)