I'm trying to purchase two Purple Leaf pergolas to cover my L-shaped patio, but I'm really struggling with the process. Prices vary a lot depending on the retailer (Amazon, Home Depot, and directly from Purple Leaf), and I spoke with Purple Leaf customer service. They mentioned that the price differences arise because some sellers 'subsidize the cost,' which just confuses me further. Additionally, I'm concerned about matching styles and sizes since I've noticed discrepancies; for instance, the Home Depot pergola is about an inch different from the Amazon one, which doesn't match Purple Leaf's offerings. There are also different colors and some models that don't come with the attached roller shade, making me hesitant to buy anything. Has anyone faced similar issues? How can I ensure I'm making the right choice with so many variations? I thought there was just one 12x24 size, but now I see multiple options, possibly older models? Plus, the pricing is wild—$5,300 on Purple Leaf's site for a 12x24 model, but only $3,299 at Home Depot. What's going on?
3 Answers
Honestly, with everything you've described, I’d suggest looking for a handyman or a local contractor to build you something custom! It could save you the hassle of matching sizes and styles across different stores. Plus, you'd get exactly what you want without the headache.
It sounds like you're dealing with a classic case of price variability. Retailers like Home Depot can afford to sell at lower prices since they buy in bulk and can operate with smaller profit margins. It's odd that Purple Leaf's own website would list prices so high, but it might be tied to their brand positioning or manufacturing costs. I recommend going through the same retailer to keep models and sizing consistent. This way, you won't run into mismatches. Just double-check the exact specifications on what you're ordering!
Totally get your frustration! To avoid confusion, it's best to stick with one retailer and buy the exact same model. That way, all the features and dimensions will match up perfectly, and you won't have to deal with any surprises.
That's a good point, but it still seems sketchy that they would offer such a price difference on their own site.