Shocking Quality

We ordered several items to the tune of £2,000. We had also been over to their stores to make sure we were happy with what we ordered. We also got a free mirror. Before you order from these people, please note the points below. If you don't, it will be a big risk.

1. Don't expect any additional discounts apart from whats on-line even when ordering direct at the store.

2. If you can, do visit a store. It gives you a better idea of wood tones.

3. Only purchase if you are happy to accept goods that are not entirely perfect. We call it seconds. If you live in a cottage and are happy to accept a table that is not 100% perfect and that adds to the charatistic of the cottage then fine. Every item we had, including the mirror was damaged or not finished properly. We expected "new goods".

4. Be very vary of their £50 charge per box to return goods. The return procedure is there but it is painful. If you are working, it means having to take time off. Do not damage the boxes because returns will not be accepted otherwise.

5. The delivery people do not wait for items to be checked. Make sure you thoroughly check every item and report back very quickly otherwise you will have deemed to have accepted the goods.

6. If you do buy, pay by credit card. It gives you at least some protection. They respond better to refunds if you have paid by credit card.

7. They are always very polite but telephone numbers are 084 and cost. Sometimes, you have to wait on the lines to report issues and of course call charges mount up.

8. Be prepared for yourself to do any chasing if things go wrong. They will not follow up or call you back quickly. If you are returning goods, make sure you have read their T&Cs. They will send a repair man in the first instance and he is good but the products still are not of the quality you would expect. All this takes time.

9. The products are not polished so if all does go well and you accept the poor quality as the items were cheap, then make sure you buy some polish and keep them in good condition otherwise you will find the itmes (tables especially) will dry out and begin to warp or crack. This was evident on some items when we visited the store but we were assured the quality was very good.

10. You have been warned.