Kitchens Direct

I have found web reviews so useful in the past, I feel compelled to help others, through good experiences and bad. I booked a 'design appointment' with both Moben and Kitchens Direct, not realising that they were the same company.

My KD appointment was for 2pm Monday. I was stood up. When I phoned in 45 minutes later, I was told that due to the icy conditions, she'd been involved in a minor car accident (sympathy vote).

It was rearranged for the following day at 7pm. When I got home that evening, there was a note to say someone had been around at 2pm. So I'd been stood up again.

Third time lucky? I reluctantly agreed to rearrange for a day later, again at 7pm. Result! A lovely young gentleman arrived, on time!

It was kind of interesting having had both a Moben and KD design visit. They're identical!

- "I'm a designer, not a salesmen", will be within the first three sentences they say to you.
- They will slate B&Q, Wickes, MFI etc. for poor quality. If you are interested, there is even a presentation pack they will show you, with photos of poor workmanship.
- They will try and push the finance, even if you have cash, saying that you can pay it off straight away, and imply that your bonkers if you don't sign up.
- They stay for about 4 hours, even though I said the appointment couldn't last past 2 hours.
- They will phone their boss at least twice to get 'special' deals for you, such as free appliances, better sales discounts and the such.
- They will pursuade you not to have at least two things, on the basis of cost, so they reinforce the 'I'm a designer, not a salesman'. I got told not to buy tiles or flooring from KD as they're cheaper elsewhere, and to buy a fridge elsewhere. But the other appliances have great deals. (really!).
- My KD designer tried to sell me a Neff hob with a Technik built-under oven. They didn't even match vaguely! Designer, my foot!
- They will ask what you do, and say it sounds great/interesting.
- They will love the cat. Or the dog. They love animals! They will pet the aforementioned kitty once after two hours (both Moben and KD did it like this, really). It is all to build a rapport, so they feel like your best friend, and that they wouldn't let you down.

I also got a 'there are only two of those appliances (oven) left in the country. We can get it from the Manchester depot, but once they run out, that's it. But don't worry, if you sign up tonight, I can make a quick phone call and secure it for you". Aww, thank you!

On his way out the door (well past midnight), I mentioned missed appointment the day before (Tuesday, mind), and he apologised, saying that due to the icy conditions, he'd been involved in a minor car accident. Does that sound familiar to you...?

Initially, I was sorely tempted to sign up straight away. But I phoned my brother who'd had his kitchen done last year, and he said steer clear (they'd had a dodgy deign visit from KD), but to never make such a decision without sleeping on it. If he'd quoted a price for tonight only, then it would still be available in a week, despite what they say. They want the sale. Thanks bro'.

But wow! Luckily for me, he had a late appointment the next day, so he didn't have to phone the office. That super-great-reduced-sale price would be open if I phoned him back before noon the following morning.

And therein lies the end of my tale. I have glanced through all of the reviews, and read some more in-depth when they caught my eye. I cannot conceivable pay someone £10k for a product or service when there are 55 reviews on a reputable review website, only a handful are positive. Thank you for those who have taken the time to share your story - I suspect you have saved me from heartbreak and financial-ache.

... I also think, judging by another reviewer, that KD won't let this little fish exscape from the net so easily. We'll see.