Clients of “Stanisław Marchewka Stairs Floors Interiors” in Poland are seeking refunds after paying deposits for products never delivered, with allegations of deceptive practices.
Company Faces Customer Complaints and Employee Claims
In mid-February, Gazeta.pl began reporting on accusations against the owners of a Słubice-based company specializing in garden saunas. A group of customers alleges they paid upfront deposits but never received their orders. Former employees are also seeking unpaid wages.
Client’s Experience: Promises and Delays
Małgorzata and Norbert ordered custom-made stairs from Stanisław Marchewka in 2024, attracted by the promise of faster delivery than competitors. Initial impressions were positive, despite a rushed contract signing. They paid a total of 68,000 zł (approximately $17,000 USD) in deposits.
Despite initial communication and sample approvals, the stairs were not completed by May 2025. Their project contact, a relative of Marchewka, stopped responding, and Marchewka offered excuses of being on vacation or facing delays.
Escalating Concerns and Threats
Małgorzata expressed growing frustration, recounting a dismissive comment from Marchewka questioning her belief that he wouldn’t deliver. She also noticed negative online reviews and, when she mentioned them, Marchewka allegedly threatened to write negative reviews about *her* if she continued to complain.
A visit to the workshop in June revealed no progress. Marchewka continued to assure them the stairs would be completed.
Unfulfilled Promises and Lack of Refunds
To date, the stairs have not been delivered. Marchewka reportedly stated he had no money and would not issue a refund. Małgorzata described feeling deceived and helpless.
Pattern of Complaints: Multiple Victims Emerge
Weronika and other customers have also reported being defrauded by Marchewka. Reports indicate a pattern of activity spanning at least seven years. Piotr Miączyński of Wyborcza.biz has documented similar cases.
Previous Client’s Positive Experience Contrasts with Recent Issues
Marcin, a former client from years prior, had a positive experience with the company, praising the quality of their work. However, a recent attempt to refresh his floors resulted in further issues.
Marchewka visited to assess the floor, deemed it insufficiently clean despite thorough cleaning, and even inquired about Marcin potentially buying the company.
Further Delays and Unresponsive Communication
The floor work was repeatedly postponed, and Marchewka eventually stopped responding to Marcin’s calls. Marcin filed a police report.
Regional Reputation Tarnished by Recent Allegations
Przemysław, another former client, acknowledged Marchewka’s long-standing reputation for quality work, despite a sometimes abrasive personality. He expressed shock at the recent allegations.
Przemysław ordered a floor in May 2024, paying a 60,000 zł deposit. Despite initial progress, the project stalled when Marchewka claimed they hadn’t chosen a wood finish. Negative online reviews prompted Przemysław to closely monitor the situation, receiving repeated promises and shifting deadlines before ultimately filing a lawsuit.
Client’s Account: Rushed Contract and Unfulfilled Promises
Joanna sought a reputable staircase provider and was drawn to Marchewka’s perceived quality, despite the higher price. She signed a contract in September 2024 after viewing the workshop.
She faced dismissive behavior when inquiring about the timeline, and the project was plagued by issues, including claims of imperfections in her home’s construction. Despite resolving these issues, the stairs remain undelivered, and Marchewka is unresponsive.
Another Client’s Experience: Initial Enthusiasm Followed by Disappointment
Mikołaj Gronowski ordered stairs in 2021, but the project didn’t begin until 2025. Marchewka requested additional funds, then claimed he was selling the company and would not complete the order. Mikołaj filed a lawsuit and obtained a court order for 60,080.40 zł plus interest.
Long-Term Client Reports Initial Positive Experience, Followed by Neglect
Robert Berger initially contacted Marchewka in 2021. After a delay, he paid an additional 35,000 zł penalty for the delay, only to have Marchewka become unresponsive. He has also filed a lawsuit.
Multiple Cases and Ongoing Investigations
Several other clients, including Paweł and Dariusz, have reported similar experiences, with total alleged losses exceeding 376,000 zł. A criminal investigation is underway in Środa Śląska.
Prosecutors are gathering evidence, interviewing victims, and analyzing the company’s financial records. They are also considering consolidating cases. No charges have been filed yet.
Labor Inspections Reveal Past Violations
The State Labour Inspectorate conducted five inspections of Marchewka’s company between 2016 and 2026, uncovering violations related to wage payments, documentation, medical examinations, and safety training.
Financial Performance Declines
The company’s revenue has remained relatively stable in recent years, but profits have declined significantly, culminating in a loss of 877,000 zł in 2024.
Attempted Sale and Continued Order Taking
Documents indicate Marchewka attempted to sell the company in September 2024, but the application was rejected due to errors. Despite the financial difficulties and ongoing complaints, Marchewka reportedly continues to accept new orders.
When contacted for comment, Marchewka cited financial problems due to market conditions and the war in Ukraine, and claimed he is working to resolve the issues and contact clients.
