Hovells - www.hovells.co.uk

Was reluctant to order from this company after reading many bad reviews. But I did and from the minute I ordered couldn't stop worrying I'd made huge mistake. However, I'm glad to say I was proved wrong and am now the proud owner of a lovely pine bed. It appears to be very good quality and was a fantastic price.

Thank you

Ordered a piece of furniture in October, which the website said was in stock. Called hovells to check the website was correct and was told it was in stock. I ordered it and paid in full. I was then told a few days later that it wasnt in stock and would be in in a few days. A few days went by and i called again, and was told a few more weeks. This went on for a total of 18 weeks when it finally came into stock. After dozens and dozens of phone calls to arrange delivery, none of which were actually answered, i gave in and collected it myself from the warehouse. I was then met by a complete jobsworth at the warehouse claiming he doesn't know what to do as the computers are down today. Eventually he realised it was actually possible to leave his chair and go and look in the warehouse for my order.

Throughout the 18 week wait, no one ever contacted me to say there were delays or why, everything was left for me to contact them, which is fine in theory, however they almost never answer the phones, and when they do a clueless member of staff exclaims 'I dont know, i'll find out and ring you back' which they subsequently never do. If you leave a message on voicemail, no one gets back to you.

All in all, they have been the worst company i have ever had the misfortune of dealing with, and certainly never will again. Alright they are cheaper than most places, but you can see why. Its worth paying a little more to buy the stuff from a retailer who actually has a clue how to run a business.

Pay peanuts, you get monkeys!

Hovells claim to pack their furniture with care. RUBBISH, it's all made in Vietnam and imported already boxed. If you want quality don't buy this rubbish. I ordered several items costing over £500 and was disgusted by the workmanship ( rough edges, nail heads cut off and showing). My wife made the comment that it looked as though a 10 year old had made it. In all honesty that was probably true. I was apprehensive as to the outcome of returning the rubbish and getting a refund. If you do decide to buy this c--- follow their terms and conditions for refunds to the letter. i.e notify them within 7 days or you won't get delivery costs back. Provide photos of damage etc. etc. When it's finally collected get the driver to sign your original order that it was collected and in good condition. Also don't damage the inside packing as you have to repack it in the same condition. As for their customer service (phoneing direct) this was ok, as I had the number of the online store manager called Gemma Eyles Tel. 01603 258605. Good luck.