Disadvantages:
Pushy Salespeople, offer Supply and Fit only, Very Expensive, Limited range of Appliances, No breakdown of Prices offered, No printout of Kitchen given .
I am 40 years old and spend time on my PC doing surveys, entering competitions and looking for the b...
I am 40 years old and spend time on my PC doing surveys, entering competitions and looking for the best deals on the internet (which I am very good at finding!). I also love travelling, particularly staying at 4-5 star hotels at bargain prices.
Member since:07.10.2002
Reviews:19
Members who trust:1
I have been looking at getting my Kitchen fitted and had spent a lot of time researching the best place to purchase from. I saw the adverts on television and through the internet advertising "Kitchens Direct". I contacted them because I had previously had quotes from Moben, Wickes and MFI, and thought perhaps this company would be cheaper/better as they state the following:-
"Buying direct saves you pounds" "A salesperson will come round to discuss your needs" "Substantial savings on top name appliances" "No middlemen or showroom overheads, hence saving costs" "Choice of easy way to finance your kitchen"
Well, I can honestly say that I would never go to them again, or recommend them to anyone else.
Here is what happened from start to finish.....
I rung Kitchens direct on their freephone number. Tel: 0800 123 321. A very polite lady answered the phone and I said I would like an appointment as soon as possible with view to just getting a quote. She said a salesman would be out
to see me the following day at 7pm. I thought this was excellent quick service, and I asked how long he would be in my home as I knew exactly what units I wanted and had already got all the measurements. She said they only stay maximum of 2 hours.
The salesman arrived at 7pm and appeared very friendly and helpful. I was quite honest with him and said I wanted a reasonably priced Kitchen with cheaper appliances (as I do not cook much) and had got the measurements and layout already which I wanted.
He said he wasn't interested in seeing that, but would remeasure himself to ensure accuracy. That's fair enough I though, but I had also made it very clear to him that I knew what I wanted. He measured up and still wasn't interested in seeing my design, and then went about my kitchen trying to tell me what I should have where. Again I told him I wanted my units where I wanted them, and I knew it was possible, having had three previous quotes, and a fitter round before.
He then insisted on the Sales patter which involved him getting out a glossy catalogue running me through each page of how good Kitchens Direct is, exactly how the units are made, where they come from, what sort of handles/runners are used, why they are better etc. I explained again I just wanted a price please. He then continued his speel, and said I can offer you good finance too.
At this point I told him that i would be paying cash outright and wouldn't be interested in Finance.
He drew up my plan (or should I say his plan) there and then, which looked very professional I must say. I asked whether I would be getting a colour 3D printout of how it would look, to which he said no we don't need to do that, most customers prefer to see it drawn for them!
He brought in all the different woods, worktops, handles they offer and got me to choose what I liked best. Througout I kept saying to him "Which are the cheaper ranges?" and I was not looking for an expensive Kitchen, but just a usable one that would be nicer than the one I have now.
He insisted though that I narrow my choice down to exactly what I wanted, so I did. Again I also reiterated I didn't want expensive appliances.
Nearer the end, he got his calculator out and was tapping away, and said "It will be £8000, including the four appliances". I said that was very dear, as my previous quotes were between £1200 for units only and £3500 including appliances and fitting with another company. He then spent time slaggin off the other companies, saying they don't last long, they are cheap etc. This I found quite offensive, as I had explained I wanted a cheaper kithchen to tide me over for a few years. His tone of voice, and mannerism changed at this point, from being a helpful, friendly person that he had started out to be. I then asked for a breakdown of the price he had quoted, thinking maybe if I had chosen a different wood then maybe it would alter the price. He said "well you have chosen a more expensive kithcen and you have Neff appliances, which are the best". I thought, "Didn't he listen to me earlier". I do not want the best appliances, and I only wanted units that were cheaper.
He then said he could knock the price down to £6400 if I took out their finance. Again, I explained I would be paying cash outright. He spent ages trying to encourage me to take out finance over 10 years to bring the price down. I reiterated that I do not agree with buying things if you cannot pay for them there and then. He was quite aggresive in his approach by now, saying that I should save money and spread the cost, and keep my money in my bank account, and that I would be saving lots of money. I had to repeat myself on this about 10 times.
He then started to really moan about the competitors then (despite him saying at the beginning he would never put any other company down). He said if you want cheap and nasty you should go to B&Q, Wickes, MFI and the likes of them.
He still continued trying to presssurise me saying I will knock the price down if you sign now, or tomorrow morning. If not the price goes up, and you lose out. Call me odd, but I will not be dictated to when I am to order a kitchen.
I live on my own and was beginning to feel very unnerved by all this now, and the time was wait for it...............midnight!!!
So much for two hours maximum time, so much for "Buying direct saves you pounds" and so much for "they will discuss YOUR needs".........I don't think so.........I would never dream of using this company, and most certainly would not recommend it to anyone. After having spoken with other people they said they had the same pressurising experience and would not use them either.
I hope this opinion will be helpful for any of you out there who are in the process of wanting a new kitchen.
Thanks for reading this, and good luck in your kitchen Hunt.
Just to let you know I will be now buying my Kitchen from Curry's, and getting my appliances online, and having a recommended man fit my kitchen.... all for less than £3800!!!!!!!!!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
How did his quote compare to other quotes of similar quality? eg Moben? It sounds like you got a very bad salesman round and, It is obvious you had a bad experience. However, you have to consider what you are getting for your money, its ok saying 8k is expensive because its a tiny kitchen, would you say 100k is expensive for a ferrari because its a smaller car than a mondeo?
steve.haran 19.10.2004 00:35
Great review! I was reading this on my Pocket PC when the Kitchens Direct guy was sat at my table, and he said and did exactly what you said he would - in order and to the letter! When he quoted us £8000 for a TINY kitchen, we said we'd think about it. He then started the blackmail - "this price is only valid todat" - my a***e! When we again said we'd think about it he got up and legged it. wouldn't leave a card, quote, design - nothing!
And he stank - had to leave the windows open all evening. Oh - and he kept yawning uncontrollably when he was reciting his schpeel!
Left a bad taste in our mouths and we won't be going any further with Kitchens Direct.
murky5 23.07.2004 19:30
Thankfully i was able to read this review and able to cancel the appointment i made for a sales person to call.
Nov 16th, 2003
exceptional by (27%):
very helpful by (65%):
helpful by (8%):
