An expert’s takeaway on common purchasing mishaps

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istakes happen to the best of us. In the interior design industry, you need to expect the unexpected: delays and defective products can happen, even if you’ve done everything perfectly. Asking for references for top-notch vendors is integral prior to ordering, and getting creative in the way we resolve deficiencies is a fundamental, too. Here are five reader-submitted mishaps, and practical insights on how to fix them.

I ordered a comfy, practical couch after years of relaxing on our lumpy sofa, and we were thrilled! Upon delivery, though, there was absolutely no way to fit it through our tight, European elevator — and we live on a high floor! —Chavie R

This is a mistake that even the most experienced designers make. When ordering large furniture, check that it will fit every doorway it passes through to get it to its designated spot. This problem can sometimes be resolved in the following ways:

> Removing the legs to fit through tight spaces.

> Having the piece arrive disassembled so that final assembly happens on site.

> When all else fails, lift the piece by crane through a window. (No joke! Although this is decidedly the least practical or economical of these solutions.)

I ordered a huge built-in unit for my family room, going over measurements and style. When it arrived, the depth was off — but the builder refused to issue a refund or fix it! —Batsheva A

Batsheva, this must have been so frustrating. Not only because the time and money you spent didn’t produce as designed, but also because the vendor didn’t deliver the customer service one would hope for.

How to fix this issue depends on what the problem is. If the shelves are too deep, try to work something out with the builder to add new backs, installed a few inches forward. If they’re too narrow, you may have to consider finding slimmer items to store there.