Straightforward to use on line
Straightforward to use on line, good rates, FSCS protected.
United Kingdom
Review of Paragon Bank
Straightforward to use on line, good rates, FSCS protected.
Review of Merlin Archery
What a fantastic experience and service we had from Merlin Archery when we visited the store in Burton on Trent.
We made appointments in advance, and my husband and I were assisted by Tom and Ethan. After 4 hours of focused support, we came away with perfectly tuned bows and equipment for recurve archery. Both of us have made tremendous progress with our archery since our visit just a couple of weeks ago!
There was no ‘hard selling’. Time was taken to ensure the bows and the rest of the equipment are perfect for us, and our budget was respected throughout. We were able to try out our bows on the indoor range (we also received great coaching advice from Tom that has really helped, thank you!).
In short, these guys are brilliant, and I would definitely recommend paying a visit to Merlin, but do book first and allow plenty of time for diversions etc en route.
Review of Dpd Local
Some DPD delivery drivers are good, but the company needs to sort out it's problem delivery drivers, especially since we are close to Christmas.
Not for the first time, yesterday a driver simply posted a card through the letter box and drove off. Both my husband and I were at home, have good hearing, the doorbell works fine and is loud.
At the time when the driver had posted the card through the letter box, I actually heard it and thought it was the postman delivering a letter, so I ignored it and thought 'I'll pick it up later'.
The driver, submitted a photograph carefully taken to ensure our car was not showing on the photograph. Why on earth did he not simply ring the bell? Why?
The management needs to understand and identify the reasons for this and devise an appropriate way to resolve it. Are there too few drivers under too much pressure?
And this is not the first time we have had scenarios like this with DPD.
This time I complained on chat, and through persistence, the AI chat recognised that I needed to chat with an actual human. I did so, and he arranged for the local depo to call me.
The end result was that I still have to wait in for another day.
However, because this has happened before, I am going to complain to Elaine Kerr, CEO of DPD (her email can be found online). This is not on. I am also going to send companies I buy from that are using this service, a link to this TrustPilot thread, as I see I am not alone in my experience, far from it.
I do feel sad for those drivers doing a really good job, and with families to feed, but people who buy goods may really need them and may also be strapped financially. The CEO needs to get to the bottom of the problem and find a way to stop this awful behaviour - and I note some experiences on here are worse than mine. Weed out poor drivers, properly pay the others, be fair with employment terms and work load and pressure (taking account of local traffic and parking conditions too), including those drivers who are self employed.
Review of Handmade Naturals
So impressed!
I have become concerned, especially following my own research, about the amount of horrible chemicals in my hair products. We should all be aware that these chemicals are more than likely absorbed, just as medicated skin ointments are! I have also found that even some other artisan type products still have these awful chemicals in them. But that is not the case with this company!
I ordered shampoo and conditioner as well as their lavender oil. I was impressed with everything I purchased, which I might add, arrived very quickly.
The shampoo and conditioner are just gorgeous. My hair feels clean and soft. They have unscented products, but those with fragrance seem to use natural herbs and flowers, and they are just fresh and lovely, without being overpowering. No more chemicals. My husband has actually started using my shampoo! It also suits him as well.
I also purchased their mini lavender roll on’, which I love, and their beautiful hand cream is definitely worth a mention!
I can’t wait to try more of their products. I am currently working my way through my supply, but in my next order I shall be trying out their body lotion and other personal care products.
I highly recommend this lovely company!
Review of Freemans
Order number: IOC-42758175
I ordered several tops from Freeman’s for the first time ever. I placed the order at about 9.00 pm and was amazed when it was delivered by around 9am the following day!
All but one item arrived, but it was clear at the time of placing the order that the item was not available immediately, (I could have removed it from my order, but nevertheless I decided to wait).
I kept all of the items except one, which I returned and was pleased to see a very speedy refund!
All in all, my experience was extremely positive so I would definitely be prepared to order from them again.
Review of Waterstones
Usually, I prefer to buy directly from my nearest Waterstones store because these days I like to support bricks and mortar shops if it’s possible, and I like to browse. But I had no plans to visit the store for some time, and having checked online, my local store did not have the books I wanted anyway, so I decided to order online.
The books arrived quickly, nicely packed, and in perfect condition.
Reply from Waterstones
Review of Molton Brown
Divine fragrance!
I really no longer like the widely available, commercial 'Big Brands' that smell of chemicals and often don't last.
I am so glad I tried Molton Brown. My favourites are Fiery Pink Pepper and Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel.
We don't have a local stockist, so my husband ordered a bottle of Eau de Parfum for me for Christmas.
We have never had a problem with the online service before, but with the postal strikes, he was concerned about the parcel getting lost, being late or stolen, especially as it's expensive.
Fortunately, the package arrived in time for Christmas and was absolutely fine.
However, I think it is worth Molton Brown as a company, investigating the postal issue that others describe. I cannot help but wonder if the selected delivery company was to blame, because I have literally heard of stolen parcels thanks to dishonest delivery men (not Royal Mail). I heard of one case (not Molton Brown or Royal Mail) in which half the contents of the parcel were stolen because it wasn't taped up properly, but the parcel was officially delivered.
If I cannot find a local stockist, I may make enquiries with the company before ordering again, as to which delivery service they are using and whether the parcel will be tracked. They should also make sure that the chosen delivery company do not leave these parcels outside the door if nobody is at home to accept it, because if they fail to deliver it on the arranged date, this is what sometimes happens in my experience.
I wish Molton Brown continued success, however, because I love their products. I don't think they would have such terrible reviews if it had not been for postal strikes and the delivery situation.
Review of Geo F Trumper
I have been purchasing the colognes and shaving products for my husband for some years now, and he also buys them for himself.
We first purchased a set of samples, believe it or not, having seen the London salon mentioned in an episode of Poirot. We were interested to see the salon is still active, and continues to sell fine fragrances for men.
Both of us had been looking for quality fine fragrances for a couple of years, having grown tired of widely available commercial offerings that smell of chemicals and/or don't last.
That small pack of samples introduced my husband to some truly gorgeous fragrances. He continues to use GFT - a fresh yet warm and sensual, clean masculine fragrance (my favourite) and Sandalwood (his favourite, but I love it too) - warm, exotic, woody and masculine. These fragrances really last!
Sometimes he uses Carribean Limes (very, very mild for day wear, not quite so long lasting).
The company offers other divine fragrances. San Remo for example, perfect for wearing on a sunny day, or taking on holiday, although hubby sticks with his 3 favourites.
We have found delivery to be fast, and the products are well-packaged.
My only concern is that they have reduced the number of lines since Covid. I so hope they are able to reintroduce the 100ml GFT in future.
I am not sure whether or not they have plans to sell the samples again, but I hope they do, it's a great way to try the fragrances when you don't have a stockist nearby. Very often with fragrance, if you can't try, you won't buy.
Also, the website changed, and I find it a little less user-friendly than before - I really had to look for the large gift set, and thought they had discontinued it.
Review of Daniel Field
Products: Fabulous
Customer care and service: Amazing
Products - Fabulous:
I have been using Daniel Field Watercolours for several years now.
I am in my fifties, have a lot of grey and have needed to use a hair colour for some years.
I have found Daniel Field Watercolours to be so much better than the major commercial brands, which seem harsh and left my hair looking dull and dry after several washes.
Daniel Field Watercolours are available in gorgeous shades. I have found them gentle on my hair (so that I don't worry about regular use), and the shine remains. I highly recommend them.
Customer care and service - Amazing!
To cut a long story short:
I usually use dark blondes, but tried a brown which ended up far to dark for me! It was completely my own fault.
In desperation, very late that evening (it was 2nd Jan) I sent an email to customer service, and was amazed the next day to receive a reply from Daniel Field himself (3rd Jan), inviting me to call him. I had been out all day, and it was evening by the time I picked up my emails so by the time I called him it was about 4.30pm.
We quickly connected with Zoom so that he could see my hair. Daniel was so incredibly kind and helpful!
Daniel not only gave me excellent personalised advice for colouring my hair and dealing with the roots, he promised to send me a gentle correcting product the very next morning. He also explained how to use the corrector to get the best and natural 'salon look' - no doubt achieving such an effect would have cost me a fortune if I paid for it!
It was nearly 5pm when the chat ended, and as promised, he had the product posted the next day (4th Jan) and it arrived the following morning (5th Jan).
Despite it being all my own fault, I was not charged a penny for either the advice, nor the product - not even postage!
I cannot get over the extraordinary level of service and care - just wonderful!
Here's a customer for life!
Update: The correcting product worked a treat, and hair looks lovely now! Very natural!
Review of Epidemic Sound
I was about to sign up with Epidemic Sounds to add music to my videos. I read negative reviews by people who used music on their videos, and later cancelled their subscriptions. Copyright claims then began to flood in.
So I decided to dig deeper.
It states on their website (page covering 'our-licence-model, in Frequently Asked Questions section, 'What Is A Claim?):
"If you upload content that uses our music to YouTube without having an active subscription, we’ll reach out to you with a claim. This is because we own the rights to our music, giving us the right to claim any ad revenue that is generated by content featuring our music".
Okay, so what would be the point of paying them any money at all to add their music to my videos?
I only looked more closely at this company after reviewing the negative comments on here. I suggest others do the same before signing up!
I also read an article called:
"HAVING TURNED OVER $27M IN 2018, EPIDEMIC SOUND IS ROASTED BY SONGWRITER GROUP FOR BUY-OUT DEALS".
For UK customers (there may be equivalents in other areas of the world, such as Better Business Bureau for US, Canada):
This is from a UK government website page on 'Guidance - Cancelling goods or services' and charging cancellation fees:
"The business can only do this if the contract term is fair.
A cancellation charge is not fair just because it’s in the contract you signed – it needs to be reasonable.....
If you cancel the contract, the business is generally only entitled to keep or receive an amount sufficient to cover their actual losses that directly result from your cancellation....
Businesses must take reasonable steps to reduce their losses (eg by re-selling the goods or services)....
Cancellation charges must be a genuine estimate of the business’ direct loss."
Might be worth asking your bank for a chargeback, the website 'ukfinance.org' has advice on this, and try the Financial Services Ombudsman if the bank won't help.
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Review of Sellmycartridge
I sold my used cartridges. I was amazed at the immediate payment. I found they offered the best prices for my cartridge type.
I shall definitely sell my next lot of cartridges to this company.
I think it would benefit the company to send an email to sellers to let them know once they have been paid, as they would surely attract more great reviews. I didn't find out until I logged into my bank account and saw I had been paid super fast!
To be paid quickly, I think it's important to take the time to identify the cartridges correctly, not always easy if the numbers on the cartridge are very small.
Review of Tile Giant
We purchased porcelain tiles from the store on Sealand Road, Chester.
The staff in store were friendly and helpful. The tiles arrived on time, the quality is lovely and we are very pleased with the result since they were fitted.
We were able to get a full refund for returned full boxes.
Reply from Tile Giant
Review of We Buy Books
Packaged up some books we no longer needed, and sent them off to WeBuyBooks. The process was easy, especially since they provide a free postage label.
Personally I prefer to drop off the parcel at a listed collection point rather than wait for Evri to collect them from my house. I find this works well and helps things to go smoothly. WBB had a good list of possible places for me to take the parcel.
I received payment for the full amount within a couple of days.
I notice some people are unhappy about not being able to sell some books. I found that I couldn’t sell all my books, but there is no reason why they should want to buy them all if they have stock of those titles already.
All in all I was pleased.
I will happily sell them my books again in future.
Reply from We Buy Books
Review of Cosy Owl
Purchased fragrance and wicks. Fast delivery and fragrance is divine! Lovely.
Review of Just Doors UK Limited
We purchased a composite back door with frame in July, and we are extremely pleased with it. The door is very solid, the glass feature is double glazed, and the whole door and frame feel very sturdy and strong. I so wish I had discovered this company before I ordered my new patio doors 3 years ago! My composite patio doors feel spongey in comparison and nowhere near the quality.
I am pleased that I conducted thorough research before buying a door, and that I read the small print, plus reviews of other companies. You really have to be careful with what you are buying! Our back door is in an exposed location and really needs to be strong and resistant to the elements. Some doors are not suitable for exposed locations (direct sun, heavy rain) and this information is easy to miss! The door we have purchased from this company will certainly withstand the elements, and is very well insulated. All in all, a perfect door! I shall use this company again when we eventually replace the front door and our windows.
A tradesman (tiler) came to our house just the other day, and even he remarked on the door!
Tip: follow exactly their instructions for measuring the door and frame. We did this and the joiner stated that our door and frame were a perfect fit.
We were very pleased with delivery, which was earlier than expected.
Update: Excellent insulation! In these cold weather temperatures, I can report that not one bit of draft is felt through this door, in huge contrast to our front door, which requires a heavy door curtain. Hope to get a front door next year.
Review of Inky Little Fingers
Fantastic! Had one hard back book printed. It has now been delivered, and looks brilliant, I am so pleased! I would upload a photo if I could.
I tried other companies, but found this one to be:
- most efficient, delivering exactly the service they describe.
- great quality item! So pleased with it, including added details such as foil lettering and a satin gold ribbon.
- responsive on the phone, helpful.
- the most straight forward with regard to artwork - just follow the instructions, and use their template. I used their template in conjunction with Firealpaca and powerpoint to ensure my artwork was correct.
I would recommend them and definitely would use them again. I wish them continued success and prosperity.
Review of Blinds 2go
Several years ago, I ordered blinds for our home office, the utility room, cloakroom and ensuite. All of the blinds were of excellent quality, including the fittings.
Time to order blinds again, and I am pleased to say we are just as delighted as the first time. We purchased a large blind for our kitchen following renovation - lovely design, and again, superb quality. We also purchased a small blind in a quirky little design we liked. Again, super.
Will happily use this company for any other blinds we might want in the future, and would have no hesitation recommending.
Review of my-picture.co.uk
I would describe this as slow, and a bit shoddy. It may be slow, because despite having a UK web address, this company is overseas.
A Bit Shoddy:
The image is not quite properly aligned on the frame.
This means one edge of the image has black where it should not have been, and the 'stretch' which should be on the edge of the frame only, is visible on the actual print. There is also a dent in the canvas.
Delivery:
Delivery costs £6.00, and it has taken 10 days to receive the item. (Snapfish is a UK company - for a delivery period of 4-7 days, it costs £1.49, for £5.99 I would have had express delivery, tracked! I did not order from Snapfish, because I did not scroll down the search results far enough. Lesson learned!).
Also, only after you have placed the order do you see that :
"In exceptional cases delays in production or with external shipping providers may occur. We thank you for your patience." So they have a get out clause for even later delivery.
This is a gift - I won't order from this company again - but because it was a small order, I'll accept it this time.
Update: I should also mention the order additionally included a smaller picture (for myself) that came out not so great, but in that case the original image perhaps was not sufficiently high resolution. The image used for the gift canvas was a quality image.
Reply from my-picture.co.uk
Review of Hodmedod's Great British Beans and Peas
Brilliant! My favourites are the green lentils and chickpeas. Also enjoy the Carlin peas. In the tins I have only had the Carlin peas and haricot beans, and they were great, and very useful to have in. Hubby likes the chia seeds in his porridge.
Review of Booja-Booja
Discovered these chocolates several years ago when I was seeking dairy free due to husband's allergy. Delicious chocolates - special mention for the champagne truffles and hazelnut crunch.