The following comparison helps homeowners decide between two common carpet providers by examining product quality, installation, pricing, warranties, customer service, and long-term value. This guide distills key differences to help shoppers make an informed choice.
| Category | Carpet Guys | Empire |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Independent Local Dealers | National Chain (Empire Today) |
| Typical Pricing | Competitive Local Pricing, Often Negotiable | Standardized National Pricing, Frequent Promotions |
| Installation | Local Installers, Variable Scheduling | Company-Trained Crews, Fast Scheduling |
| Warranty | Manufacturer & Dealer Warranties Vary | Manufacturer Warranties + Empire Care Options |
| Product Range | Wide, Including Specialty Options | Extensive In-Home Catalog Selections |
Overview Of Carpet Guys And Empire
Carpet Guys typically refers to local or regional independent flooring dealers operating under that trade name in various markets, offering personalized service and flexibility in pricing and installation options.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
Empire most commonly refers to Empire Today, a national flooring retailer known for rapid in-home estimates, a wide catalog of carpets and hard surfaces, and standardized service across many U.S. markets.
Business Models And Brand Structure
Local Independent Dealers (Carpet Guys) often operate with more autonomy, allowing greater flexibility in product selection, discounts, and tailored installation practices.
National Chains (Empire) maintain a centralized model with consistent policies, national advertising, and standardized processes for quoting, installation, and follow-up.
Product Selection And Quality
Carpet Guys dealers can source from multiple manufacturers, offering niche products, specialty fibers, and options geared toward specific regional preferences or budgets.
Empire provides a broad catalog that includes popular national brands and in-house selections, often focusing on mainstream fibers like nylon, polyester, and triexta for stain resistance and durability.
Pricing And Promotions
Carpet Guys Pricing tends to be competitive and negotiable; local dealers may offer price matching, bundled installation discounts, or custom quotes that reflect regional cost structures.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
Empire Pricing follows national list prices with frequent promotions, package deals, and financing offers; advertised low prices may exclude additional fees like padding or removal unless specified.
Installation Process And Timeline
Carpet Guys Installation is scheduled by local teams, which can result in more flexible timing or longer lead times depending on dealer capacity and installer availability.
Empire Installation emphasizes speed: in-home estimates and often faster scheduling with company-trained crews, although fast turnarounds can vary by market and demand.
Warranty, Return Policy, And Aftercare
Manufacturer Warranties apply to carpet materials regardless of seller; Carpet Guys and Empire both pass these warranties but warranty specifics depend on the carpet brand and model.
Dealer And Service Warranties from Carpet Guys vary by dealer—some include workmanship guarantees or touch-up services; Empire provides company-supported service policies and additional care plans for purchase.
Customer Service And Local Reputation
Carpet Guys Strengths include personalized service, direct ownership accountability, and often stronger local reputations with community-based reviews and referrals.
Empire Strengths include national customer service protocols, consistent branding, and widely available customer reviews that reflect performance across many locations.
Shopping Experience And Sales Practices
Carpet Guys Sales Approach is commonly consultative, with in-store or in-home appointments that allow negotiation and tailored solutions for complex layouts or specialty needs.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
Empire Sales Approach focuses on convenience—quick in-home measures, large mobile catalogs, and set package options designed for straightforward decisions.
Installation Quality And Workmanship Considerations
Installer Skill Variability can be wider with independent Carpet Guys installers; quality often depends on the dealer’s choice of contractors and local trade standards.
Empire Installer Training benefits from standardized training programs, which can produce consistent installations but occasionally may be constrained by scheduled procedures rather than bespoke craftsmanship.
Price Versus Value Analysis
When Price Is The Priority, Empire’s promotions can deliver lower initial out-of-pocket costs on popular carpets and packaged installation offers.
When Long-Term Value Is The Priority, local Carpet Guys may provide tailored products, higher-grade padding, or workmanship guarantees that improve longevity and homeowner satisfaction.
How To Compare Quotes Effectively
Request Detailed Line-Item Quotes that list materials, padding, labor, disposal, seam charges, and hidden fees to enable apples-to-apples comparisons.
Ask About Padding And Tack Strip Quality, as these components significantly affect carpet performance and are sometimes minimized in low-cost quotes.
Questions To Ask Both Providers
- What Is Included In The Price? Verify padding grade, removal, and transit fees are included.
- Who Performs The Installation? Check if installers are employees or subcontractors and their experience level.
- What Warranties Apply? Request written warranty details for product and workmanship.
- How Are Issues Handled Post-Installation? Understand timelines for callbacks and remedies.
Common Pros And Cons
| Provider | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet Guys | Flexible Pricing, Local Accountability, Custom Solutions | Variable Installation Quality, Less Nationwide Support |
| Empire | Fast Scheduling, Standardized Service, National Promotions | Less Price Flexibility, Potential Upsells |
Real-World Scenarios And Recommendations
For Budget-Conscious Buyers seeking quick replacement across standard rooms, Empire’s promotional packages often deliver low upfront costs and fast service.
For Homeowners With Unique Layouts Or High-End Needs, Carpet Guys’ local dealers can source specialty carpets, oversized patterns, custom transitions, and offer negotiable installation arrangements that preserve finish quality.
Red Flags And Warning Signs
Vague Written Estimates or missing line items indicate potential for unexpected charges; always insist on itemized, dated written quotes before authorizing work.
Unclear Warranty Language or “verbal-only” promises should prompt the buyer to request formal documentation and the contact details for warranty service.
Financing, Rebates, And Incentives
Empire Financing frequently includes interest-free short-term offers and standardized financing options accessible at sale; terms depend on credit approval and promotions.
Carpet Guys Financing varies by dealer; many local retailers partner with regional lenders or offer in-house promotions that can be negotiated during the sale.
How To Make The Final Decision
Compare At Least Three Quotes including one national chain and two local dealers to establish a market baseline and identify outliers in price or service.
Evaluate Total Cost, Not Just Price Per Square Foot by factoring in padding quality, seam charges, labor, and warranty coverage for a true lifecycle cost comparison.
Post-Installation Care And Maintenance
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines for cleaning frequency, recommended cleaning products, and professional deep-clean intervals to protect warranties and extend carpet life.
Document Installation Details including receipt copies, installer name, and photos of seams and transitions to support future warranty claims or service requests.
Final Notes On Local Variability And Due Diligence
Market Differences Matter: Availability, installer skill, and pricing can vary significantly by city and region; local reviews and personal referrals are valuable in assessing Carpet Guys dealers.
Use Written Contracts that spell out timelines, materials, and remedies; whether choosing Carpet Guys or Empire, clarity reduces disputes and ensures expectations align.
Resources And Further Reading
- Angie’s List — Local contractor reviews and ratings to vet installers.
- Consumer Reports — Product ratings for carpet fibers and stain resistance.
- Better Business Bureau — Business profiles and complaint histories for local dealers and national chains.