Freestart plc reviews

Excellent Service

I have been dealing with freestart for a number of years now and have been extremely impressed with the service and support I have been given.

Staff are always very helpful and polite. The products offered are constantly being updated with new features.
Any additional 'addons' which are purchased related are very competitively priced.

5* from me.

The templates provided are inappropriate for building a website for professional practices.

When complained of mis-selling, directed to clunky "premier-site" that appears to be in the development stage with impossibly awkward tools.

29 May 2013

Reply from Freestart PLC

This client has been with us since 6/2/2013, and has been offered various products above and beyond the basic system, which for the price paid has a lot of features not included in many of the other starter sites available on the internet.

We are sorry this client is unhappy with the designs, of which there are 100's to choose from, and we have enabled our latest theme designer add-on free of charge so the client can have more control.

We are of course always happy to listen to our clients feedback, and where possible and within the limits of viability offer solutions, and we are sorry in this case we have not been able to do this for this client, despite our best attempts.

With regard to the miss-selling I have no indication on our system of why we have miss-sold and I can only think they expected more for the money paid.

Alan Laithwaite
General Manager
Freestart plc

Good service, some hidden costs but generally good value

We have been using Freestart for our webiste for some time now and in that time I am very pleased with the product and service provided.

The website is designed to your specifications with custom banners and colour schemes and the customer service department are brilliant at guiding you through the setup.
The control panel is very easy to use and although would probably limit someone with in depth knowledge of web design is a very powerful tool and ideal for people who are not so experienced.

The package seems very good value when you first speak a sales advisor (and it is), but there are LOTS of extras that are offered as you build and expand your site.
Some of these small design changes I do believe should not be charged for, and this is why I have rated 4 stars rather than 5, but most of the extras offered I consider to be good value for money.
In particular I am very pleased with the SEO (search engine optimisation) provided which has made considerable improvements to our Google position for a large number of our target keywords.

Overall I am happy with Freestart and will continue to use and recommend them.

Second to none.Customer service is spot on, they go out of there way to help you.

It has been a pleasure to work with a company that really does have your best interest at heart. They want you to get maximum benefits out of your web site, and help in every way they can to you make it exactly how you want it. If your a total dummy (like me)
they talk you through step by step so you totally understand how to edit your site. And tell you what your doing wrong. Patience of saints.
Quality company without a doubt.
I thank all the staff that has and are still helping me achieve the best website i could want. Thanks Guys its a pleasure to work with you. Also the cost was such good value for money and as much back up as you need. We are totally sold

Helpful, reasonably priced, and a base for a successful website, what more do you need?

Freestart are a company I chose after not wanting to spend much to create a website, however our company has 2 both with Freestart, we find the company helpful, but if you want your website to be successful you can't be afraid to put some work and effort in yourself! They do not supply you with a million pounds earning website overnight, they supply you the foundations on which to make one, with a value for money service, I'm a happy customer

easy as 123

everything was up and running in days

Value for money but not a freestart!

We find these people give good value fior money and good technical advice

Expectations Managed

I have been a customer of Freestart for 13 years which is a recommendation in itself. The staff - both Administration and Technical Support are always on hand to give you help and advice and guide you through any problems you may encounter. Nothing is too much trouble. Customer Service is excellent A to Z from the start of the telephone call.

App along to get your business onto their mobile phone.

First approached with this idea I could send to my customers an App for their mobile phone, this came across with no pressure from the sales team which make a change, I have found Freestart hassle free easy to work with, and nothing seems to be too much trouble.
After sales was great and I found their help line very helpful, this makes an easy product too use and well recommended, it only needs me to do some more work on this idea and away we go.
Battlefield Sports NW Ltd
www.battlefieldsports.net
Duncan Bell MD

freestart is simply the best,better than all the rest

In this current econimic climate you need good advertising at affordable rates. Freestart staff tick all the boxes in guiding me to help my business appear first on all the major search engines under B&B resulting in lots of customer enquires and a busy season. If I have any issues to discuss the staff are very helpful and patient and return calls to suit my time table. I have tried a number of other marketing copanies and always return to Freestart because they put the customer first. Thanks to everyone in Freestart
regards
Bernie

Listened and Helped came up with the goods-good back up staff

my new Website www.cosmeticpoetry.com is now nearly ready the staff
have helped me and i can reccomend this company. Just hope my little venture
bears fruit, looks good so far.
Time will tell regards David Hearne

I will recommend Freestart to anyone wanting a web site.

Freestart was recommended by a friend as its a very easy process. Myself I have a very limited understanding of computers and web sites but have managed to build an e commerce site with ease. Any problems I did have were resolved with a quick call to the technical support team, who were happy to guide me through anything I wanted to do with easy understandable directions.

A VERY PROFESSIONAL AND KNOWLEGEABLE SERVICE

i've been with Freestart for a number of years now and i never have any problems with either my Website or my emails. anytime i have needed to contact them with any technical questions things like how to make alterations to my Website, add pictures etc, they have been quick to respond and given me precise and accurate information.

Perfect response

When I called I had a gentleman named Matthew Nancollas, he was so helpful and explained easily the steps I needed to take to set up my site for vouchers, and the buegle store on Facebook. At one point we got cut off but at least he took time out to call me back to make sure everything was alright.

I would like to say a big thank you to Matthew and if the rest of your staff are anything like him then you have a great team.

Very happy customer

Second review of Freestart

As stated in a previous review, which I've chosen to withdraw, I've been a customer of Freestart PLC for about 8yrs and had always been satisfied with the service until a recent problem arose. However, the complaints I had have been listened to and an agreement has been reached about the work carried out on my website.

Friendly advice and help when I need it

If you want a website that you can update yourself and make it your own goto Freestart. I got them to do my website five years ago and they have been true to their word.

Knowledgable, helpful and quick responses to my needs

I have used Freestart plc for nearly 20 years and always found them to be helpful and willing to assist with ideas relating to our websites and document hosting sites.
The response from the support and sales teams has been first rate.
Based on my experience I would highly recommend them.

Ian McCartney
Director
MCTS Ltd

Excellent service

Quick response to get my web site updated.

I've had a freestart web site for about 10 years and found it incredibly easy to manage.

For the first time I had a problem updating, so I contacted the support centre and got an email telling me 'up to 3 days'.

No sooner had I read it and I got a phone call and a talk through resolution.

The problem was to do with my system upgrades and the adviser was helpful and held on the line whilst things downloaded and installed and ensured it all worked for me.

Good service

Great Website Deals Great Staff

I'm thick when it comes to having to using new formats for building websites,
I'm a busy business woman, so really its a ball ache to have to sit there and work it out. I hate having to pay someone a arm and a leg, so I need effective, simple....and when I cant get it right, I just want to ring and speak to someone who knows and just helps me.
No big html forward // hyphen crap, just push this button touch that and bobs your uncle. I had that with Sarah from freestart, so I was soooooo grateful
She's a star!

very helpful,

easy to deal with, got results on google.

DECEITFUL LIARS

We were contacted by one of there telephone sales reps, and was told of this fantastic product and how easy it was to set-up and that they would set the first 10 pages up, which never happene? What we were not told of was the yearly subscription that we were signing up for even after asking quite clearly terms and conditions, was never directed to there terms on there website which only came with the receipt after purchase. Even more surprised to find out that this is a 2 yearly contract, which was never mentioned during the sales pitch, and that they keep your payment details to take the payments, without your permission. This companies practice is underhand and deceitful, if they are misleading people into sales, what does that say about there products?????????????????

22 March 2013

Reply from Freestart PLC

Freestart plc have reviewed the practice of the two year contract originally instituted to reflect domain registration policy by the top level domain providers, and prevent our clients domain names from lapsing and being taken by unscrupulous registration firms.

Freestart plc have now amended this policy for all new orders and renewals as of February 1st 2013 the new terms can conditions can be seen here, http://www.freestart.com/content/legal.php/terms_and_conditions/?k=:50:: section 2.

Unfortunately this client has not made the best use of the product and despite being contacted twice 06/07/2012 and 17/12/2012 to date they have never sent any content for the Facebook store. With any website on Facebook or anywhere else, without content there is going to be very little traffic or enquires and we are unable to find and provide content for business we know nothing about, this could do more harm than good.

Freestart plc have cancelled the renewal as this client was unhappy and we are willing to provide another year free of charge providing the client can let us have content to see if they can gain business from this product.

Alan Laithwaite
General Manager
Freestart plc

Underhand sales tactics, beware!

I signed up with this company after several phone calls. I asked all the information including is there a contact. Luckily I keep all conformation emails and letters so when I received a letter today telling me my rental was due I was able to look back and see what was first agreed to 10 months ago. After a call to them to say I don't want to renue I was informed of the two year contract in the T's & C's. I then asked for a copy of the original email stating this. My email from 10 months ago was identical to the one sent through today missing only one thing. The terms and conditions link was not in my original email. I called her back and also asked her to listen to the conversation as by law they must keep them. It was explained to me that if the lady selling the advertising states its for one year only we will cancel. I asked what if it wasn't mentioned at all and she said buy law we don't have to tell you it's a two year contract as its in the terms and conditions. I was soon called back to be told that they couldn't find my recorded conversation so will cancel the renual.
Sly way to do business and I have not had a bean from it as its so hard to find and all it is, is a facebook page that anyone can set up and save themselves the hassle.
Steer well clear.

22 March 2013

Reply from Freestart PLC

Freestart plc have reviewed the practice of the two year contract originally instituted to reflect domain registration policy by the top level domain providers, and prevent our clients domain names from lapsing and being taken by unscrupulous registration firms.

Freestart plc have now amended this policy for all new orders and renewals as of February 1st 2013 the new terms can conditions can be seen here, http://www.freestart.com/content/legal.php/terms_and_conditions/?k=:50:: section 2.

This client has not provided content for there Facebook store, and unfortunately we are unable to provide content for a business as we know nothing about there products, services or the company itself. We contacted the client on two occasions 06/07/2012 and 12/12/2012 but still had no content provided.

Freestart plc have cancelled the renewal as this client was unhappy and we are willing to provide another year free of charge providing the client can let us have content to see if they can gain business from this product.

Alan Laithwaite
General Manager
Freestart plc

Wish all companies would perform like Freestart.

Freestart did what they said they would do when they said they would do it at the price they quoted

Freestart is the easiest, most efficient way to build your web presence.

I have found my Freestart website to be incredibly easy to set up and update. The staff are always extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

I have to say that I thank the day that they phoned me out of the blue. I wouldn't be where I am without them. I highly recommend them!

Excellent cost effective website builder.

We first joined Freestart some years ago because of the very low start up price. As we have got more sophisticated with website building and control, we have been able to upgrade and enhance the theme and presentation of the site at a reasonable price. Recently Freestart have made their sites mobile friendly and this has worked well for us. Technical support is good, and their web developers have recently added a suggestion box,, and have taken on board lots of improvements to speed up text input, This is ongoing so all in all we are well satisfied with the web site and cost..

A very professional and helpful website provider at a fantastic cost

I have had a website hosted by Freestart for nearly 4 years and found them to be very professional to deal with. They have also frequently contacted me to make suggestions on how I could improve my site and generate more traffic. They have helped me understand the back office side of website optimisation in terms of how to give your site the best chances on google searches etc. And last but not least the price to have all this support and hosting is very reasonable.

Jonathan Adam, www.biosafesolutions.co.uk

Not a Bad enough word in the English language for this company

We were contacted about 2 years ago by this company, The lady rung us telling us how fantastic the company was. We went with this company as we were a new business and wanted to get ourselves on the web. We payed the fee, that was my first big mistake. I constantly rang Free start concerned that people were not buying from our site I was advised to up date the sight with new banners but it would cost £90+VAT I did this, 2nd big mistake. I found that this also made no difference I was advised to add a bugle store I did this at £99+vat, 3rd Big mistake. Again I contacted Freestart With the problem of nobody buying from our site The only suggestion was for me to update the site at a cost of £199+vat I did this, 4th Big mistake. I was so disgusted with it I cancelled the site When my renewal was due. I found the staff Rude, Agressive, And very unhelpfull. Even the manager was an utter disgrace I have been taking legal advice against this company. I would strongly recomend that anyone thinking on setting up a website would steer well clear of this company. I have spoken to a manager today to ask who their regulator is I was told "We dont have one and it wont do you any good to take legal advice" The general attitude with the staff at this company is that of Vicky Pollard Am I Boverd.

Jan Cummings and ElectroSpares Net found this review useful

Be in control of your own website

i have been with freestart for years and find the control of the website a must in my business with discontinued styles being able to take off and put on when i want also if there is a issue with the website the the guys deal with the problem asap which is what we expect, i have introduced a number of businesses to freestart who also are impressed with the ease of controling there own web site.

Easy to use, easy to change, a real time solution from a web site hosting company

Freestart gives me instant access to my site, I don't have to wait for a third person
to upload content . Its worked well for me over the last 10 years +
We have three site, I haven't had that many wives.

Easy Web site building & control

I have had my web site with Freestart for 4 years and it has gone from strength to strength. It is a very easy system to use even for beginners, especially with help from the helpful support staff.
You have the option to take a fairly simple web site template initally and then you can upgrade it whenever you want.
I went for a bespoke version which was set up by Freestart who built in and worked on my design ideas.
I have had many complements of the appearence and easy use of the site from customers and feel that Freestart have been a good choice to host my site.
Simon Little www.fun-decor.com

Freestart has enabled our website to stand out from our competitors.

When we call Freestart they are always willing to help and to come up with ideas to help our website thrive. Sometimes they take a couple of days to return our calls but that is because of their workload.
We recommend them

Freestart offer a great service, it's easy to use and manage your website from anywhere

I would thoroughly recommend Freestart for building your website as they are extremely helpful. The webiste setup is very user friendly and fairly simple to use. I like the various page layout options and the image uploader lets you add images very simply.
My only slight gripe is the design of the website layouts is a little old fashioned, but overall I'm very happy with the service they provide.

beware!!!

didnt mention that 2 years contract, received terms after paying!!!
did anyone get money back???

Underhanded Sales Reps, m make this one company to stay away from!

Yes, me to. Signed up for a 1 year deal for £99 and now get a call saying I gotta pay the 2nd year now after 10 months. Luckily the card I paid on first time has changed, so they are now chasing/harrasing me for the 2nd year. I wont pay and shall be telling them I will see them in court. Keep these threads going and we will have all the amunition we need to fight this!

Good Luck.

Lienite Kudina Aldermane found this review useful

Forget the good (Fake) reviews and read the others carefully

Clearly Freestart is a company who adopt underhanded selling techniques.

There are so many other companies out there who can offer similar service (even <external link removed> themselves) with great service / reviews.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - DONT GIVE THIS COMPANY THE SATISFACTION OF YOUR TIME

Please feel free to contact me at <private data removed> (ignore their stupid response below, I have receipt to prove I was a customer)

10 April 2013

Reply from Freestart PLC

Hi
With regard to the reviews, Trust Pilot themselves verify the reviews are not fake, and I can assure you these reviews are from real happy clients.

I now believe that this client may be Tools 4 Jewellery (50399), who despite a renewal notice sent 1 month prior did not contact us regarding the renewal and as such this was taken on the date as stated in the pre notification.

Freestart plc have reviewed the practice of the two year contract originally instituted to reflect domain registration policy by the top level domain providers, and prevent our clients domain names from lapsing and being taken by unscrupulous registration firms.

Freestart plc have now amended this policy for all new orders and renewals as of February 1st 2013 the new terms can conditions can be seen here, http://www.freestart.com/content/legal.php/terms_and_conditions/?k=:50:: section 2.

Alan Laithwaite
General Manager
Freestart plc

Excellent service great value for money!!!!!!!

I would defiantly recommend this business to anyone! I have recently built a website using Freestart's website builder and the result is fantastic my website is
http://www.joczar-couture.co.uk.
Although its not finished yet I am happy with the result! Its easy to add my stock on and I change the content at anytime instead of waiting for a web designer to get back to me a week later, I like the fact that I'm in control of the website just like I'm in control of my business. I love the end result and I can't speak highly enough of the great customer support they have, UK based telephone support who are always helpful and even though I've been a bit of a pest there always eager to help. What's more this telephone support is included in the cost!!!! So thanks Freestart I will definitely recommend you to everyone I can!

Very underhand - read the hidden T&C's very very carefully !!!

This is a 2 year agreement - renewed automatically ,,,,, beware ! Renewals manager is extremely unhelpful and gleefully hides behind the hidden detail in the terms. No mention whatsoever is made of a 2 year deal when they sell the product. I've been onto Citizens Advice and Trading Standards - complaints logged and I'm not alone !

Ellis J Stewart and Lienite Kudina Aldermane found this review useful

Total underhand tactic to extract money

I fell for the same scam by this company. I am kicking myself that they have taken a payment of £178.80 (close to Christmas too) or a 2nd year contract that I too knew nothing about as nowhere was this mentioned by the telesales girl or in my welcome email. It is hidden away in the terms and conditions and only sent once payment has been made. I am really annoyed. I have rasied a dispute with my credit card company to get my money back. I would happily fight this in court if I had too.

I am only leaving one star with this review because the ability to leave a zero isnt there.

Avoid at all costs.

Lienite Kudina Aldermane found this review useful

Excellent Company and REALLY Helpful with me

I am probably quite a difficult client and have been on the telephone to the technical team all the time this past year while developing my website. I have found them always really helpful and if they could not sort out my problems immediately they would always get back to me. I can't understand the above negative comments as this was definitely not the case for me. I could not have been happier with the help given. My only negative comment about this company would be that as a novice developing a website the price I was originally quoted went up considerably, I was not in a position at the time of ordering the site to know all the extra's I would need and that they would incur charges. If you are new to developing a website but want to do it yourself and have a professional and high functioning site then this is the company for you. It is very easy to use and understand and there is always someone on the end of the telephone to explain how to do things. They even wrote an extra piece onto their programmes so I could offer vouchers/% discounts on bigger orders - charged me of course! But I am very happy with their service and my new website.
Have a look at my site - www.thewashablenappy.co.uk
Juliet

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY- COMPLETE RIP OFF

Their product does not work well. The instructions they give you for their site are not even written for the software they provide you with

They signed me up for an annual service and never tell you it is a two year contract. Just read all the other reviews on them. I can only think that the couple of positive reviews are written by themselves.

As I said, I did not know it was a two year contract as they never mentioned it at all. To add insult to injury they have now charged me for the 2nd year, only 9 months in to the first year. They said they sent a letter which was a notice to charge my card 3 weeks ago but this is not true. They are in breach of contract

They would not talk to me on the phone - a lady called Lynne Fletcher who is the renewals manager: tel: 08447747777 refused to speak to me, leaving her subordinate under her direction to inform me to fill in their online complaints form (which is worrying that they would need one anyway!!!)

On the complaints form I asked her to call me but she just replied saying they were not in the wrong and just to email her if I was not happy.

I have now approached HSBC to refund my transaction. If you have had similar problems, please report them at first to Citizens Advice on +44(0)845 404 0506, it only take a few minutes and the more complaints they get, the more likely it is these guys will stop ripping people off.

Lienite Kudina Aldermane found this review useful