Empire’s $50 Room Sale: The Hidden Truth Behind the Deal
The television commercial is instantly recognizable. That catchy jingle, the promise of beautiful new floors, and an incredible offer: the Empire $50 Room Sale. It sounds almost too good to be true, sparking immediate interest for any homeowner considering a flooring upgrade. The idea of transforming an entire room for just fifty dollars is a powerful marketing hook that has captured attention for years.
However, with such a bold promotion comes natural skepticism. Homeowners are left wondering what the catch is, trying to decipher if this is a genuine bargain or a classic bait-and-switch tactic. This article delves deep into the Empire $50 Room Sale, exposing the fine print, uncovering potential hidden costs, and providing a clear guide to understanding the true price of your flooring project before you ever pick up the phone.
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What Exactly is the Empire $50 Room Sale?
The promotion, in its various forms over the years, presents an alluringly simple premise. Typically, the deal requires a customer to purchase flooring for one room at the regular price. Once that condition is met, subsequent rooms of equal or lesser value can have their flooring material cost reduced to just $50.
On the surface, this seems like a massive saving, especially for homeowners looking to refloor multiple areas or an entire house. The advertisement effectively frames it as getting whole rooms of flooring for a fraction of the cost. This strategy is designed to overcome initial price hesitation and encourage customers to schedule the all-important in-home estimate, where the sales process truly begins.
The Power of In-Home Sales and Immediate Decisions
Understanding Empire Today’s business model is crucial to understanding their promotions. The company pioneered the “shop-at-home” experience, sending a sales representative directly to your house with samples. This creates a powerful sales environment. Seeing samples in your own home, under your own lighting, is a significant advantage over a traditional showroom.
However, this model also relies on securing a decision during that single visit. Sales promotions like the “$50 Room Sale” are often contingent on signing a contract on the spot. This can create a high-pressure situation where homeowners feel rushed to decide, fearing they will lose out on the special offer if they take time to consider it or get competing quotes.
Deconstructing the Deal: Uncovering the Hidden Costs
The central issue with the “$50 Room Sale” is not that the discount on the material is fake, but that the material itself is only one component of the total flooring cost. The “catch” lies in the numerous additional charges and fees that are not included in the promotional price. Many customers report that the final bill is significantly higher than they anticipated based on the advertised deal.
These extra costs are often for essential services and materials required for any professional flooring installation. While Empire’s official stance is that they provide an all-inclusive price estimate upfront, the sticker shock can be real when the initial expectation is set by a “$50 room” advertisement. Let’s break down the most common additional charges.
The Real Price of Padding and Underlayment
Whether you are installing carpet, laminate, or vinyl plank, a layer of padding or underlayment is almost always required. This material provides cushioning, sound absorption, and a moisture barrier, and is critical for the longevity and feel of your new floor. The cost of this essential padding is not included in the $50 promotional price for the room’s flooring material.
Padding quality varies, and higher-quality options, which offer better comfort and durability, come at a higher price. The cost of padding is calculated per square foot and can add a substantial amount to the total cost of each “fifty-dollar” room.
Labor and Installation: The Biggest Variable
The most significant cost in any flooring project is almost always the professional installation. The “$50 Room Sale” explicitly applies only to the flooring material. You must still pay for the full cost of installation in every single room, including the ones where the material was discounted. Labor costs are not standardized and can fluctuate based on your geographic location, the complexity of the job, and the type of flooring being installed.
Intricate layouts, rooms with many angles, and special requirements will increase the labor charges. Understanding that installation is a separate, full-price charge for every room is the most important factor in managing cost expectations.
Preparing the Space: More Potential Charges
A new floor can only be installed on a clean, flat, and stable subfloor. The process of getting your room ready for the new flooring can incur several additional fees that are rarely part of promotional pricing.
- Old Flooring Removal: The existing carpet, tile, or vinyl needs to be torn out and disposed of. This is a labor-intensive job that comes with a separate fee, often charged per square foot.
- Furniture Moving: While sales representatives may promise to handle everything, moving heavy furniture is often listed as an additional service charge. Some homeowners are surprised to learn they are expected to clear the rooms themselves or pay extra.
– Subfloor Preparation: If the subfloor is damaged, uneven, or requires repairs, this work must be completed before the new flooring can be laid. These necessary repairs are an additional, and often unexpected, expense.
– Stairs: Installing flooring on stairs is a highly detailed and time-consuming task. It always incurs a significant extra charge that is completely separate from any room-based pricing or promotion.
The True Cost: A Sample Calculation
To illustrate how costs can escalate, it is helpful to look at a hypothetical scenario. The table below breaks down the advertised deal versus the potential reality for a multi-room project. It’s crucial to remember that these promotions often function by loading the costs onto the first, full-price room.
| Cost Component | Advertised Expectation (Simplified) | Potential Realistic Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Room 1 (12’x12′ Living Room) | Full Price | Material: $900 Padding: $250 Installation: $400 Floor Removal: $150 |
| Room 2 (10’x10′ Bedroom) | $50 | Material: $50 (Promotional) Padding: $175 Installation: $280 Floor Removal: $100 |
| Room 3 (10’x10′ Office) | $50 | Material: $50 (Promotional) Padding: $175 Installation: $280 Floor Removal: $100 |
| Additional Fees | None Expected | Furniture Moving: $200 Thresholds/Trim: $120 |
| Estimated Total | ~$1000 + Full Price Room | ~$3230 |
This example demonstrates how a deal that sounds like “buy one room, get two for $100” can quickly evolve into a project costing several thousand dollars. The final price is not inherently deceptive, as the costs are for legitimate services, but it is far from the simple picture painted by the marketing.
Is the Empire $50 Room Sale Ever a Good Deal?
Despite the complexities, the promotion can still offer value in specific situations. The key is to go into the process with a full understanding of the pricing structure. The deal is most advantageous for homeowners who are already planning a large, multi-room flooring project.
For someone reflooring an entire house, the discount on the material, even with all the other costs, can result in a lower overall price compared to paying the full material and installation costs for every room from a competitor. The convenience of the shop-at-home service is also a significant benefit for many busy homeowners who value the streamlined process.
How to Navigate the In-Home Estimate
The in-home consultation is where you will get the real numbers for your project. To ensure you get the best possible outcome, it is essential to be prepared. This is your opportunity to take control of the sales process and gather the information you need to make an informed decision.
First, insist on a detailed, itemized quote. Do not accept a single lump-sum price. Ask the representative to break down the cost of materials, padding, installation, removal, and any other fees for each room separately. This level of detail is standard for most home improvement projects, and understanding every line item is crucial, much like when assessing a Lowe’s vanity installation cost; transparency is non-negotiable.
Furthermore, do not be afraid to question every charge. If a fee for “subfloor preparation” appears, ask exactly what work that entails. When the final price is presented, remember that there may be room for discussion. Exploring whether you can you negotiate flooring prices is a valid step; sales representatives often have the authority to offer additional discounts to close a deal on the spot.
Alternatives for Saving on Flooring
If the high-pressure, “buy now” sales model does not appeal to you, there are several other excellent strategies for saving money on new flooring. These methods may require more personal involvement but often lead to greater control over the final cost and product selection.
One of the most effective strategies is to time your purchase around major retail sales events. For instance, understanding the best time to buy flooring at Lowe’s or other big-box stores, such as during holiday weekends or end-of-season clearance, can yield significant savings on materials. This allows you to purchase high-quality flooring at a discount and then hire a local, independent installer.
Finding a Reputable Local Installer
Separating the material purchase from the installation gives you the freedom to shop around for the best prices on both. You can find highly-rated local flooring installers through community recommendation platforms, contractor-matching services, or by asking for referrals from local flooring supply stores. Always get at least three competing quotes for the installation work.
This approach requires more coordination on your part, as you will be managing two separate transactions. However, the potential for savings and the ability to choose from an unlimited selection of flooring brands, not just what one company offers, is a major advantage for discerning homeowners.
Conclusion: A Deal That Demands Due Diligence
The Empire $50 Room Sale is a masterclass in marketing—a powerful offer designed to get a salesperson through your door. While not a scam, the promotion is structured in a way that the final price is often a surprise to those who take the advertisement at face value. The true cost is buried in the necessary extras: padding, full-price installation for every room, floor removal, and various other service fees.
The best way for a homeowner to approach this deal is with a healthy dose of skepticism and a commitment to due diligence. By understanding the complete pricing structure, demanding an itemized quote, and being prepared for a final figure that is much higher than the promotion suggests, you can accurately assess whether the offer provides genuine value for your specific project. For large, multi-room installations, it can indeed represent a saving, but only for the well-informed consumer who knows exactly what they are paying for.
