jungle.com

I first started using this site when it was first called Software-Warehouse and everything was fine and dandy. Never had any problems and I ordered all my computer products which were promptly dispatched to me and I was happy.

Then about 3 years ago they turned into Jungle.com and everything was still fine. The occasional delay in delivery and once the wrong item was dispatched but their customer service seemed to be generally helpful and things were corrected quickly.

The Web-site:
The web-site itself is easy to navigate with buttons and tabs leading you to each section. It's easy to join up and become a member, and searching for items is a piece of cake. Each item has a rating given to it by shoppers, some of which write their own reviews on the product. Which is handy to help you decide by reading accounts of first hand information. The pricing is competitive and the delivery options are handy with an evening delivery available for people who have to work. They offer all types of computer equipment but they also stock CD's, Videos, electrical equipment e.g. Camcorders, DVD players… They also offer the ability to download software for a reduced price.

The Problem:
In the last year I have rebuilt a new computer for myself and after searching all the sites on the web I found that I could buy most of my things from Jungle for a decent price. So I placed my order and sat-back to wait excitedly for all my new toys to arrive. I waited… Waited some more. Another day passed… And this was a delivery with everything in stock that was supposed to be delivered in 24 hours. My status screen had all the items allocated to me and awaiting dispatch at the end of the first day so 4 days later I was still bemused.

I decided to call them up to be told that I had gone through to the wrong number and telephone sales cannot deal with internet requests, fair I thought, so I was given another number to call. Upon calling this number I was told that this person couldn't help me, as I need to talk to the sales team. Hang on… Didn't I just speak to them, I think so. So unable to stop him rudely hanging up on me I called the sales team AGAIN. This time a helpful lady told me that half of my items were out of stock. I quoted that the web-site had plenty of stock when I ordered and still say so. Also why wasn't I informed that my items were going to be delayed? She had no idea and said that was to do with the technical team. Anyway I was told that my items would be dispatched in 2 days.

2 days later half of my items arrived. Upon checking my account I found out that all the money had been taken. I called up AGAIN to be told that the rest of the items would follow tomorrow. Tomorrow came and still all the items were not there. Another call, but this time I found out that the rest of my items were not in stock and that they would not be getting anymore in as they didn't use a certain supplier anymore. So I had to ASK for the money to be returned to my account which took 4 days.

A month after this incident I had calmed down and thought that it was probably just a one off. Nobody is perfect and I had good service from them in the past. So I ordered a new printer and scanner. Both items were available for immediate dispatch so was expecting them 2 days later. Again with no warning or e-mail the order was delayed over 1 week. Upon a call to their help line I was told that they have them in stock and don't know why they were not sent out. The woman on the end of the line was not interested and wanted to just pass me off by telling me they will be delivered. When she realised that I was not going to accept this lame story she tried to pass me onto the complaints line which kept me on hold until I got sick of waiting. I e-mailed them with the complaint and promptly was told that I would receive them in 2 days. 4 days later I finally received my good, never to use jungle again.

Don't get me wrong, this is a good site with a very good selection of goods. I have friends who have had no problems with them and still use them to this day. Me on the other hand am a bit more wary after their disastrous customer service and now use other companies that offer the same prices and have better customer service. I will probably write a review on them soon. Sorry if it seems like a rant but it brought it all back to me.