How many times have you bought furniture and been told, "Your furniture will arrive in 4 weeks." Eight weeks later, you're still wondering when your furniture will arrive.

"It's coming from China," "It's coming from North Carolina," "There's been a delay," says the salesman.

Isn't it interesting that the store never takes any responsibility for the delay? Don't they do this for a living? This isn't the first time customers have ordered furniture and the delivery has been delayed for weeks or months.

What is a customer to do?

This holiday season, if you are buying furniture,

(1) Make sure you ask when you will receive your furniture, if it's not in stock. Then, ask them to put it in writing. Then, ask them to waive the delivery fee if your furniture is not delivered on time. See what happens. I'd be surprised if any store does this. If they did, they'd earn my loyalty as a customer.

(2) Before making a major purchase, check out the store at the Better Business Bureau online and see if any complaints have been filed against the store.

(3) Go online and do a google search to see what other customers have said. This way you walk in knowing what type of store you're dealing with.

(4) Make sure your purchase is in writing, and actually read the papers they ask you to sign. You'd be surprised to learn about hidden fees and penalties that often appear in the fine print of a furniture sales contract.

(5) When you start making your calls to the store asking where your furniture is, keep detailed notes of who you spoke to, when you spoke to them, and the substance of your conversation.

Understanding your legal rights are crucial when dealing with furniture stores that don't honestly tell you when you'll get your furniture. Veteran New York attorney Gerry Oginski cautions buyers about large holiday purchases. "Ask lots of questions, and put all the details in your sales contract." Learn more about your legal options at www.oginski-law.com, a website devoted to helping consumers learn their rights.

Attorney Oginski has been in practice for 17 years as a trial lawyer practicing exclusively in the State of New York. Having his own law firm, he is able to provide the utmost in personalized, individualized attention to each and every client. In our office, a client is not a file number. Client's are always treated with the respect they deserve and expect from a professional. Mr. Oginski is always aware of every aspect of a client's case from start to finish.

Gerry represents injured people in injury cases and medical malpractice matters in Brooklyn, Queens, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. You can reach him at http://www.oginski-law.com, or 516-487-8207. All inquiries are free and totally confidential.