SVC Direct - www.svcdirect.co.uk

The laptop that I ordered from SVC Direct arrived one week late.

I had asked for a VAT reclaim form, since I was leaving the UK. They promptly sent me the form.

I got a stamp on this form in the airport before leaving the UK, and sent the original form back to SVC for then to credit me with the VAT money. But SVC just refused to do it. I made several international phone calls, sent several emails, and every time they said they were doing it. Finally, after 2 - 3 months, they are inaccessible, no website, nothing, They have vanished.

I have lost £155, and so much money in making those international calls.

Can somebody please tell me, how do I get my money back now? Please...

SVC Direct www.svcdirect.co.uk - When I returned a memory card ordered in error the refund was less 15% and less P&P. Both these deductions are against the Distance Selling Regulations in the UK. I had to go through Trading Standards to get my money back.

They have been breaching the regulations since at least the beginning of 2005 and I am still trying to get these unfair terms removed from their Terms and Conditions. You have been warned!

Having found SVC Direct's was the best price for a Pioneer DVD Recorder, I ordered it on-line late at night: I had an acknowledgement by e-mail by 9am, a most courteous phone call to discuss delivery mid-morning, and it arrived by courier next day, and I live several hundred miles away, in Scotland. This is unbeatable service, and I recommend them unreservedly.

I had been looking for an S7000 for some time before taking the plunge. I found this a pleasing experience from beginning to end. When they found a problem with my card they phoned me within 2 hours of ordering and sorted it out. They were very polite. The camera came the next day at 08:30 via their delivery. I would recommend SVC Direct to anybody. Better than some horror stories that I had read beforehand.

I attempted to purchase a Sony PCV V1 in Sept 04 and was told that it was 'lost' by couriers a week later. SVC offered to refund the money or provide a new model at the original cost within 2 weeks - which was an offer I could not refuse. 2.5 months later and after 100's of calls (to different sales people who did not want to be accountable), they retracted their offer and decided to source the original (out of date) model for me. If you expect integrity and honesty from your supplier, then think carefully.

Regretfully, I cannot recommend SVCDIRECT at all.

I purchased a Canon DLSR which arrived without the software CD.

I contacted Canon, who told me their policy is to not send out CDs and to contact the vendor (SVCDIRECT).

SVCDIRECT have failed to reply to numerous emails plus written correspondence on this matter.

Based on their dismal customer support I would strongly advise shopping elsewhere.

Canons software policy is to not offer for download the original applications; updates only. You cannot update unless you have the original CD. Poor show all round, really.

SVC don't answer e-mails, don't return calls and once they have your money they are simply not interested. I wouldn't buy a lollipop from this company. Fork out some extra cash and get your camera from a proper retailer.

Bought a Pioneer DVD recorder multi-region, from SVC Direct arrived next day and cheapest on the net. Unit was not multi-region despite saying this on the invoice and order. Nightmare trying to get through on the phone, but persist and I did get through. They picked the unit up within 2 hours by courier. They said the multi-region unit would be with me for an am delivery on the Monday morning, ok so I had to wait the whole weekend. By 11.30am on the Monday I started to get itchy feet and tried to contact them, just could not get through. I went on line and stumbled accross some scarey reviews about SVC and their service. By this time I tried constantly to get through by phone to SVC as they do not answer their emails. WOW I got through, they gave me a consignement number for Citylink and before I could enter it the unit arrived 12.30! The replacement unit works and I am really chuffed, for distance selling, they offered me a great after service but we all know what couriers are like. Thanks SVC, I've now calmed down!

Ordered a memory card late one thursday night from www.svcdirect.co.uk, got an email the next morning telling me there was a problem with my card details, sorted it out late friday, told to expect the card Monday or Tuesday, only to have the postie knocking me up Saturday morning with my card. Can't ask for much better than that.

Ordered a Sony camcorder at 15:40 hrs on Thursday from SVC Direct (just 20 mins before the close of next day deliveries) and it arrived at 09:15 hrs the following morning. Superb service, just as promised.