StrawberryNET.com

This is my first review so please be kind but comments would be appreciated for my next review!

I was recently introduced to the Dermalogica skincare range (expensive!) and spend ages on the internet searching for the cheapest prices. I stumbled across Strawberrynet and found the prices far cheaper than anything else I'd found in the UK. Postage and packaging is also free and a signature is required upon delivery.

Strawberrynet do offer a huge variety of all the "upmarket" brands of both skincare and make-up products. An added bonus is that you get a 5% off for ordering three or more products and and a further 1% off your first order increasing to 10% after your twentieth order with them. That means shop regularly with them and you can earn up to 15% off already cheap products.

Ordering is simply a case of "add to cart" and a summary of your shopping basket is on the lefthand side so you can keep an eye on your order and your discounts.

I choose my three Dermalogica products and saved roughly £30 on UK prices. Checking out was through a secure link and before comfirmation of payment a pop up screen appeared warning about the possiblity of taxes. I wasn't too worried about this as the FAQ section states that as a gesture of good will (they are not obliged to) Strawberrynet will refund any taxes.

My package arrived around ten days later after an early knock from the postman. I had to pay the £13.80 Customs charge before I could receive my parcel. I was slightly disappionted at this stage as I knew it meant a lot of hastle tying to get my money back particularly when Strawberrynet is based in Hong Kong!

My disappointment ended though when I opened the parcel to find that each item was individually expertly wrapped in shiny silver paper. This is great if you purchase anything as a present.

I went back to the website and the FAQ told me to either e-mail, fax or send the receipt back to them. I had no receipt so photocopyed the Customs sticker on the side of the parcel and sent it to them in the post. A couple of days later I received an e-mail confirming that they'd received the "receipt" and were refunding the amount to my credit card

Overall I was pleased with the service I received but have since found a UK website that will match the prices for ANY on-line seller of Dermalogica. Now I can get Strawberrynet prices without the (slight) hastle of Custom taxes.

As tax is only paid on parcels over £18, one way around it would be to make sure that your order is under this amount and seperate orders. Postage and packaging is free.