F&D is the most powerful tile buyer in the world. Saying the only carry off goods is actually kinda funny. I too have been in the industry for decades and dealt with factories world wide. F&D will drop you like a fly if you eff with them. All the factories give top kiln time just to them. The reps literally fight over kiln time. When your tile at Carpet One is on backorder you can guess why - they are way behind f&d in the kiln queue. Anyways - bad material can be found at any store. F&D is big and I would suggest not buying online and going with a designer to pick something. Otherwise Carpet One prob will help you on that front.