customer service can improve
I think they can do better with customer service, they withheld processing a £53 pounds order over 2 pounds.
I made a mistake on the form wasn't sure where to put the radius figure, I put it in the wrong place, which meant I was short 2 pounds of the actual payment (I looked at the form after and I could have avoided the mistake if I wasn't rushing for timelines, the radius is supposed to be written in a text box after, rather than on the form). I didn't realise that at the time, so I sent them an email saying, I really need this by the 15th, as mum is returning from holiday and I bought a kitchen for her, this would be the last piece I add, would be great if it can be delivered then (proposed date was 18th). They replied back saying, there is something missing from the order and before they can send it to production i need to tell them the radius for the corners of the table. I sent it to them immediately (their email was on the 9th). Then the following day 10th they said, "you're short of 2 pounds we won't send it to production until you pay the difference". I honestly don't remember the total I paid, I think I paid around 53 at that time initially? I thought, are these people kidding? I paid 53 already, you think I will back off of paying 2 extra pounds? My priority at that point was delivery on-time, I made the order on the 6th, and we're on the 10th day and still the order hasn't moved anywhere. I'd have given them 5 stars if they said "while we need the payment to be cleared, we'll send it to production but please send pay the difference by calling this number, otherwise this will delay shipping"; it would have avoided any further delays and still they're not short of money since I won't receive my order without paying. But no, their level of customer service is black and white. I get them protecting themselves from people changing their mind, and most places wouldn't process your order without full payment including adjustments, but for a custom product, the option of changing your mind shouldn't be on the table and the terms and conditions should put it in your face, once you order, you can't change your mind.
Product arrived on the 16th. Still within the timeframe their automated estimates (18th), but wasn't what I hoped for (15th). I think a good customer service could have met the 15th despite the error I made.
The product is good, it can also do better with accuracy. I asked them for 1.5cm radius, the product is 1.2cm radius.
Reply from The Plastic People