WOC

World Of Computers, Milton Cambs. Great for novices.

We have been using world of computers for several years.
Nobody in our family is particularly computer savvy.
We have always found them to be really friendly and helpful. Their prices are reasonable and while very knowledgeable they are not condescending, patronising or overly techy when talking things over with you.
Thoroughly recommended.

Beersofeurope

Great range, not particularly cheap.

I have not used the website to buy, but have used it to browse a bit. The webiste is very easy to use, although has quite a few listings for items not in stock. This may be because of ever changing stock levels.
If you visit the shop they have an awesome range of beers and other drinks from all over the world, easy to park etc.

Customriders

Great website and quick and reliable customer service.

I have used this company quite a few times.
Their communications are good, I have never had a problem getting a call answered or an e mail.
The website is really easy to use, it has a little switch to switch between bikes and skate.
They have a great stock of quality parts with a good price range.
They stock street, race freestyle bikes etc.
Well worth a look.

The Online Homebrew Company

Cheap prices, shocking customer service

I ordered from this company because their prices are competetive. While I was not in any great rush, when a website says it may take up to 28 days, I think most of us assume that this is a cautious message to cover thier butts. After 35 days my order is still not with me and my account says that only one of the 4 items that I have ordered is actually in stock.
At the start of my order one item was said to be in stock, but then became unavailable.
I accept that with a sale there may be a greater demand than had been expected. If this were the case then it would be stupid for a company to continue with further promotions, without sorting out the backlog, this company has a continual promotion on though, meaning that clawing in revenue is more important than completing orders.
I would think it logical that when orders come up to the maximum stated waiting period that these orders would be prioritised and dealt with on a more personnal basis, however this is not the case, all you get is a weekly update on delay and the only response from crustomer service is a system generated e mail saying not much at all.
It is clear from the reviews on here that 75 or 80% of customers get what they ordered in a reasonably short timescale, but that this company has serious structural issues in dealing with delays and disappointment. If you order from them then hope you are in the lucky 75% as you will be disappointed if you are in the minority who fall into their customer service desert.

Customer service is simple, make people percieve that they are important to you and your business, if people think you don't care then you lose customers.

Latest update expect to dispatch 22nd Feb. thats 42 days and counting. I might be teetotal by the time it arrives.

UPDATE:

Responded to message below.

UPDATE 2: Half of order has arrived as promised on email.

Update 3: I have changed my rating to 2 stars as they did send out part of my order, however I am still awaiting my refund, 24 days after they said they had put the refund through on my account.

Vee, James Mc, David Welch, Paul, Mr.Everready, Mr B, Dicky Mint, VK, Simon, Alexand James B found this review useful

17 February 2012

Reply from The Online Shopping Company

Dear Mr Salmon

We have investigated the issues raised in your review and must hold our hands up and say we got things wrong on this order and we apologise.

An email has been sent to the account holder and we await your response for immediate action.

Please accept our sincere apologies.

Travisperkins

Typical builders merchants, some good and some bad.

TP are the Tesco of builders merchants. Their plan, especially in London seems to be to buy up all the other builders merchants, and then they are free to charge what they want as there is no competition. If you are outside the capital the prices can be quite a lot cheaper. A few years ago we did some work in London and it was cheaper to get a mixed load delivered from Cambridge than buy in London.
I find my local branches helpful enough, but even as a trade customer with an account I find that anything we buy that we are not on specific terms for they just charge top dollar for. I have to query between 1/3rd and half of my account invoices every month so as not to be losing quite a bit of money to their overcharging.
Stock levels are usually pretty good and quality is fine.
Best to get prices before you buy.

Ridgeons

Great builders merchants.

Ridgeons have a good range of materials, tools etc and a fair few branches about.

they have quite a few really good staff and their prices are fair.

I have had an account for years and am in the trade. I have few problems with quality or prices, unlike one of their leading competitors who I am always having to query my invoices with.

Not quite as trade oriented as it used to be which is a shame as some good product lines are no longer stocked, but overall a good firm to have in your area.