Floor market

**A: Deliberately "abbreviated" to mislead**

In May of this year, Mr. Wu Changchen spent over 20,000 yuan at a large floor store, purchasing more than 100 square meters of solid wood flooring as promised by the merchant. After sending it to the National Building Materials Testing Center for inspection, it was confirmed that the product was not real solid wood flooring but something else. However, the merchant argued, “Solid wood flooring is still solid wood.” Since the contract didn’t specify the exact material, Mr. Wu had no choice but to accept the situation.

In August, Ms. Qin spent 50,000 yuan to customize her bedroom floor at a building materials market, with the contract clearly stating it would be “oak.” But after experiencing allergic reactions from the floor, she discovered that the business had used rubber wood instead. The merchant claimed, “Oak is rubber wood.” In reality, oak comes from oak trees and is considered high-quality wood, while rubber wood is derived from rubber trees, which are not suitable for flooring.

**II: Verbal Promises Are Empty Words**

Today, in an effort to attract customers, some flooring merchants promise a 10-year warranty or replacement within five years. However, these promises are rarely fulfilled, especially when it comes to actual replacements after renovation. In April of this year, Ms. Zhou found cracks in her newly installed floor less than six months later and asked the merchant for a replacement. The merchant refused, citing that there was no written guarantee of a “10-year replacement” clause, leaving her only with the option of repairs.

To avoid being taken advantage of, consumers should always ensure that all commitments are clearly stated in a written contract. If possible, they can also consult professional agencies before signing any agreements to reduce risks. Additionally, given the unstable nature of the current market, consumers should be cautious about vague promises like “replacement within five years” or “five-year warranty,” as these may not be reliable.

**Reason: No Industry Standards Yet**

According to the head of the Consumer Association, the flooring industry is highly specialized, yet there are currently no national or industry standards in place. This lack of regulation has created opportunities for unscrupulous businesses to exploit loopholes.

The official explained that due to the wide variation in product quality in the flooring market, most consumers lack the knowledge needed to properly assess the materials. Without clear industry guidelines, many consumers remain unaware of the market’s true conditions. If they don’t have detailed agreements in their contracts regarding the size, price, and material of the flooring, they may face significant difficulties in protecting their rights once disputes arise.