Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Member since:22.10.2000
Reviews:425
Members who trust:85
Think MFI! And what does your mind conjure up? Maybe it’s the old heavy flat packed cardboard packed furniture? Or maybe the fact that nearly all the flat packs were famous for missing parts? Or maybe even the quality of the furniture itself?
I think of all three immediately, when the word MFI crops up. So when we were looking for a fitted bedroom recently, I didn’t even contemplate MFI, for the reasons mentioned. However, when a friend said that they’d only ever have MFI to install their kitchens (they move every other year!), I decided to pay the Cambridge MFI a visit.
The Store had been recently renewed (moved), and when we entered the store we were amazed. It was completely different to how I remembered, it was bright, high ceilings, well laid out by departments, and best of all friendly staff.
We saw a fitted bedroom that we liked, and approached a member of staff (who happened to be some management). He informed us we needed an appointment to design our bedroom. However, he rushed around to get a member of staff to accommodate
us!
He duly did, and we were soon sat telling the assistant of our needs! She was obliging, and put all the correct information into her computer, that then drew a picture of what our bedroom would look like! And apart from the ghastly green paint on the walls, it looked good. There and then we agree a price, and placed our order, leaving a monetary deposit. [It is worth remembering to take the measurements of your bedroom/kitchen etc with you when you go, so they can place the details on the computer. They will later measure to make sure you have done the correct measurements, etc-it gives you an idea of what you room will look like when finished]
We were told that the earliest they could fit the bedroom was in about three weeks, however as we needed to redecorate the bedroom we asked if it could be deferred a little longer. Again they agreed, and we went away happy people-assured that the old MFI reputation had gone.
Sure enough MFI kept us informed every stage of the way-by phone and letter, leaving a phone number to ring in case of any query.
Finally, a fitting date was agreed. And we just needed the goods delivered. A letter confirmed a telephone conversation that it would be delivered on a Sunday, and a number was given to check whether it would be morning or afternoon delivery. The delivery did turn up on time, and the driver and his assistant had o quarrels about bringing the several hundred (well it seemed that way anyway) into our house, and putting them where we asked.
Prior to this a fitter came to confirm that all the measurements were correct, and that everything was in order (correctly placed etc). All was well, so we arrange a date for fitting there and then.
A few days before the fitting day, the fitter rang to confirm that the fitting day was still okay, and we said it was.
It was then the day of the fitting. The fitter turned up, and began work on our bedroom. In all the fitting took about 5 days, as he worked alone and took his time to make sure things were fine.
However we did have a few minor problems. The problems namely being: A few little pieces of fixing were missing (Something you couldn’t really know until everything is unpacked and fitted). When the fitter rung MFI they immediately put into place an order for the pieces missing, which were delivered within a few days.
However it was here that the only problem we had came into effect. Actually getting the fitter to come back and fit the pieces that were not completed beforehand. It took several phone calls, to MFI who eventually gave us the fitter mobile number and we contacted him directly, where we agreed a date. He’s excuse was he had been extremely busy! This did mar the illusion of a better MFI slightly, but not enough not to recommend them.
Now our bedroom is fully completed, I can honestly say, that it is perfectly fitted with no hitches or mishaps at all. The work is not the only quality thing in the work though. The cupboards and wardrobes have wood, which is a good two centimetres thick, and are solidly built! All in all MFI are worth a try, and is certainly better value than other companies around. Our bedroom was fitted for around £1-2,000 less than the best of the rest!
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Blimey!! They have improved!! We bought drawers for the boys several years ago and swore we would never shop there again, the quality was, well...crap!! Good to hear most of your experience was good! Kazzie!!
dabmim 07.05.2001 11:56
Yeah parting with that kind of money always brings tears to my eyes. As for waiting two hours, they must have been on a good day when we went then, we were done in about three quarters to one hour.
nitebabe 07.05.2001 11:49
very informative op! didn't the price bring tears to your eyes....it did to mine and that was in the cambridge! one where we sat for two hours whilst they designed it for us on computer..
Advantages: Wide selection, hygine checked, charity aid, low prices, great name clothes and friendly people. As well as the thrill of the chase! Disadvantages: As with all things, there are some good and some bad charity shops. Don't be put off by one bad one, as the majourity are excellent.
Advantages: stores all over the country, always a sale on, not too pushy, payment and delivery Disadvantages: those annoying adverts, having to pay extra for everything
May 7th, 2001
(Oct 20th, 2001)
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