[Paba]

I ordered my Marantz SR7005 Amplifier on Monday February 6 and paid with my credit card via PayPal. When I received an e-mail the following day requesting some additional documentation (a utility bill) for security purposes, I got a little nervous and ran a check on the credentials of Simply Electronics on AV Forums and Google. I really got nervous when I saw all of the negative comments, interspersed with some positive ones. I decided to contact my credit card company who advised that, as payment had gone through, I should await delivery and if that didn't happen within seven or eight days, I should then open a claim with them. Lo and behold, I got further e-mails from Simply Electronics over the following days advising that the order had been cleared by security and another that it was being prepared for packing. A further e-mail, received yesterday, advised that it had been despatched and should be delivered within 24 hours (to the Republic of Ireland). Lo and behold the amplifier was delivered today - even with a note on the box advising that Airplay was already installed. I must say I have been very impressed with the quality of service, the thorough on-going communication and most importantly, the value I secured in ordering from Simply Electronics. Now comes the hard bit - installing and setting up the Amp.

[Aussie3000]

I ordered a Samsung galaxy tab 10.1 after 3 weeks waiting they said he their stock was damaged. Still waiting for refund have iniated a pay pay dispute
Would not recommend this company to anyone.

[raija]

I wish I had seen this forum before I placed my order

Tried to order a Nikon V1, since it showed like they had it in stock. Well, they didn't, and within a month I heard all the excuses. Then I decided not to see this through but to cancel my order. That was fine, and they promised to make a refund the soonest.

I've been asking and asking for my refund, it's been a month now, and nothing's happening. I would never ever order anything from Simplyelectronics again, and would advice all people the same. The only way they are still in business is that they are holding the money ad not deliver the good or refund.

[Podizoid]

Simply Electronics is the worst company I have ever dealt with!!!! Do not buy anything from them even though they may be cheap you will end up angry and frustrated just like me.
I originally bought a Samsung galaxy tab from them for my wife's birthday.
I had a buffer of 10 days in which to receive the product. After eight days it still hadn't arrived, so began the painful proceedure of trying to extract what I had paid for from them. To cut a long story short, after many hours on hold on the phone and many many emails..... I still don't have the tablet and they still have my money. Over 1 month has passed I have bought the tablet elsewhere(way overdue for the birthday present) I am currently £370 out of pocket and have no idea if that money will ever be refunded to me.DO NOT BY FROM SIMPLY ELECTRONICS They are based in Taiwan and therefore you are not protected by UK LAW!!!!

[shirt44]

Oh dear looks like I'm one of the unlucky ones to order from this company. I ordered a Sony Cyber-Shot HX9 today, but then saw the reviews for Simply Electronics and my heart sank. I immediately cancelled my order, and have received an email stating that one of their representatives will contact me in the next twenty four hours. The problem is I've paid by Visa Debit, is there anything I can do to ensure I get refunded, apart from praying.

[dc8900]

You can do chargebacks with Visa Debit, do a google

[shirt44]

Thanks, I'll be sorting it out today. Hopefully my bank will deal with it asap.

[shirt44]

Looks like it's not as clear cut as I first thought, the bank says that due to me cancelling the order I'm not protected. Looks like I would have been better off waiting too see if they posted the camera first, then I would have been covered. Goodbye £202!

[Podizoid]

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab on the 26th of Jan for my wife's 40th.
It never arrived despite me allowing two weeks lead time. I bought it elsewhere; Play.com and received it in 3 days!

It is now the 13th of May over 1 and a half Months and I still have not received my refund. This is despite an email chain back and forth of over 20 emails with reference numbers to make me feel special. Despite keeping my cool and being ever so polite I am still without my purchase or refund.
It is quite clear that Simply Electronics is using the money they hold from customers for as long as possible for their own gain.
As I bought this on my Debit card I am now at the mercy of Natwest who will try to extract the money, but I hold no hope. I am extremely worried that I will never get my money back!
Companies without some kind of Legal responsibility to honor the purchase agreement or refund within an acceptable time frame should not be banned from trading in the UK . How can I stop this company from taking advantage of unsuspecting customers in the future? Don't buy from Simply Electronics!

[zenith1111]

Bought a Canon 550d from them to save around 100eur.

They assured me I was eligible for a 40GBP cashback, then they took 2 weeks to send the package instead of the promised 2 days, then Canon said I was not eligible to the cashback. After I contacted them to see if it was possible to get a discount in a future purchase, here is their response:

Thank you for your email.

Regarding your request, Although we do not have any discount coucher available at the moment, please kindly log on to our account and see the "My Subscription" link at your My Account column to review wether you are currently subscribed to receive emails and the best offers from carefully selected partners.

We highly appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this matter.



Best Regards,
Emma Gowan
Customer Service Executive

Not an apology, not a justification, they suggested I should solve my problem by receiving spam...

End result: The camera works as expected but I didn't get the 50eur back. If I had spent 60eur more I would have got the same camera the next day with 2 years of proper manufacturer warranty, instead of their 1 year warranty (grey market).

Lesson learned.

[Mumble27]

If only I was aware of this forum before I ordered from this site!!!!

Ordered a Nikon Coolpix P500 for my partners birthday. I specifically ordered from this site as they offered 1-3 days despatch if in stock and price was good. (but not too good to be true). Camera showing as in stock so ordered on 24th March. Received no despatch email after 3 days so chased up with their customer service (play on name there I feel!!) I was advised everything was ok with my order and camera was about to be despatched and hopefully would arrive in time for partners birthday. Friday 30th March received email from Simply Electronics so advise stock was actually damaged and they could not supply !! Now trying to obtain refund. From comments I have read on this forum, I think I could be in for a wait.
How can they still trade, it's false advertising. Has anyone reported them to trading standards?

[slith]

I ordered a m4/3 camera from SE last Saturday, then the day after I realized that SE were HK-based, which would mean a fairly good chance of incurring an import duty, etc. Not to mention difficulties with replacement in case of receiving faulty goods. Don't even get me started about warranty.

So I cancelled my order on Monday and checked with my CCC. Seems like the transaction had not been fully posted yet, so I thought I was lucky, they'd cancel the order, and the funds would not move.

Of course, this being SE, the transaction was finally posted today.

After another phone call to SE and a bit of pushing they've moved my order to 'Refund is currently in progress'. But after reading this thread (and this one, and this one), I guess it won't be before May that I'll be seeing my money back.

[dc8900]

Originally Posted by Mumble27

How can they still trade, it's false advertising. Has anyone reported them to trading standards?

Due to the fact they are not based in the United Kingdom, they are pretty much of the jurisdiction of British authorities and thus it is pretty easy for someone/an organisation to set up a web-store and trade.

[sharland]

There are many mixed reviews for simplyelectonics however such is my disgust with simplyelectronics I have joined AV Forums simply to write this review.

We ordered a HD Hero 2 camera for £267 in December on the basis of a short delivery time. After a few chase emails simplyelectronics admitted that they did not know when the item could be delivered. That in itself could be construed as false marketing but ultimately is not the end of the world and not the reason for me writing this review.

I requested on the 4th January 2012 that my order be cancelled and a refund given. I receved an email confirming that my order was indeed cancelled and a refund would be paid shortly thereafter on the 6th January 2012.

Despite many chase calls and contact from my bank directly we are now OVER 4 MONTHS later and I still am no closer to receiving my refund.

This company has effectively defrauded me out of £267 and it would appear given they are actually Hong Kong based that I have very few options for recourse other than to continually contact them by phone and email.

There are many many warnings about this on other sites. Don't make the same mistake I did.


You have been warned.

[JackN]

These threads go back to 2008 and STILL this company takes money without supplying goods; sadly I only researched after they failed delivery......DO NOT USE THIS FIRM - as the user below said there is something seriously dodgy about them. I will speak with Trading Standards and report back but I bet their is a long history of TS complaints................

[slith]

Well, I must say I'm gladly surprised. I've just got my money back, credit card fully re-funded by simplyelectronics. Took them two full weeks but I didn't have to threaten through my credit card company. I'm still happy I cancelled the order because judging from what I've read here and elsewhere, the most likely scenario would be that the camera would have not been in warranty with the manufacturer.

Considering how many reputable online traders there are out there, traders who have very good track records when it comes to refunding and fulfilling orders, I don't think I'd ever use this company, too many bad stories on their back, even if mine was ok, I feel I've just dodged a nasty one.

[belle007]

I called the Serious Fraud Office and reported SE. I then emailed Venessa Carroll with the reference number given to me by SFO. My refund was subsequently issued the next day. It arrived in my bank a week later (due to Easter hols).

Before doing this I had sent a good number of emails and had been fobbed off several times. So it works!!

Thanks stitchedup for posting

Originally Posted by stitchedup

I did get my money back eventually, after 51 days!

Here's how I did it. I sent them a nasty email (including a carbon copy to vanessa@simplyelectronics.net as I think she is the Customer Sevice Manager) which prompted an immediate response that my refund was being processed. If anyone wants to use any of these ideas feel free, although obviously it's better if you actually go through with some of these actions, rather than using them as empty threats. I have already drawn up an outline for my report to the Serious Fraud Office so I may still go ahead with that, after all, I'll only be even with SE once I have caused them 51 days of stress and inconvenience...

In the email I threatened to report Simply Electronics to the following organisations:

The Serious Fraud Office Serious Fraud Office (SFO) (they have international powers)

BBC Watchdog (many others have written to BBC Watchdog in the past few months)

UK Trading Standards

All major UK credit card companies (to blacklist SE from ALL attempted transactions by their customers)

Google (recommending that they not longer associate themselves with such a disreputable company - applies to Google Checkout and AdWords)

RBS Worldpay (as above)

PayPal (as above)

moneybookers.com (as above)

[belle007]

I ordered the Apple Ipad 2 on the 23rd of March because SE was cheaper than Apple (should have looked at forums first: now I've learnt my lesson). I received an email from Leslie Grant on the 26th saying that my order had been flagged and because of credit card fraud, I should send a utility bill.

I replied advising her that I did not pay using a credit card but had used the service provided by moneybookers.com which SE provide on their website. Anyone who has used moneybookers knows that their paying system is pretty much like logging into your account and setting up a one-off payment. I got out my security pin fob to do this. All these I explained to Leslie. The reply I got seemed to me like she had either not read my email or she just decided to ignore what I'd said. I called their customer service and I advised the agent I spoke to that I do not have a utility bill as I am renting with all bills inclusive. He then asked me to send my bank statement which I declined. He then went on to say that I should send my tax form. This sounded like a tricky way to steal my identity so I asked him to cancel my order. He couldn't do that so I emailed Leslie to cancel my order and issue a refund on the 29th of March.

I needed the ipad 2 to revise for my exams as I did not want to print all my notes (a lot I'd say) and my laptop is too bulky to carry around.

My order was cancelled but I wasn't given timescales as to when my refund would be with me. This was what prompted me to google reviews of SE and I was astonished as to the amount of bad blood they have with British Customers. With people having to wait for so long to receive their refunds I was worried. I came across a post by 'stitchedup' and followed his advice. And as I'd said in my earlier post. I got my money back. They are a very dubious company and I hope that the Serious Fraud Office can work with the police to shut down their site. I'd like to add that the more people who report them, the quicker it'd be for this to happen.

Although there is so much bad publicity on forums about SE. They have only responded by upping their adverts online.

BEWARE is all I'd SAY!!!

[HeadBanger]

Originally Posted by sharland

There are many mixed reviews for simplyelectonics however such is my disgust with simplyelectronics I have joined AV Forums simply to write this review.

We ordered a HD Hero 2 camera for £267 in December on the basis of a short delivery time. After a few chase emails simplyelectronics admitted that they did not know when the item could be delivered. That in itself could be construed as false marketing but ultimately is not the end of the world and not the reason for me writing this review.

I requested on the 4th January 2012 that my order be cancelled and a refund given. I receved an email confirming that my order was indeed cancelled and a refund would be paid shortly thereafter on the 6th January 2012.

Despite many chase calls and contact from my bank directly we are now OVER 4 MONTHS later and I still am no closer to receiving my refund.

This company has effectively defrauded me out of £267 and it would appear given they are actually Hong Kong based that I have very few options for recourse other than to continually contact them by phone and email.

There are many many warnings about this on other sites. Don't make the same mistake I did.

You have been warned.

Have you informed your bank of the situation? I am embarrassed to admit that I made the mistake of ordering from this 'company' last year. Whilst I received my order it clearly wasn't brand new and I began a battle to return it. I informed my bank and sent all correspondence to them.

Once I made SE aware of this I finally got the item returned and got refunded in full.

I wish you the very best of luck as I know how totally frustrated I was at the time.

For anyone else who hasn't used SE yet - don't!

[tetra123]

Hi

I have emailed Quidco and asked why they have this company on their site. They are looking into it.

[tetra123]

Top Cashback response

Hi there,

Thanks for your patience.

Having looked into this further we do have mixed reviews for this merchant. I can understand your frustration that you had a bad experienced - however, I can also see reviews of member's that transactions have progressed smoothly.

Having checked this merchant's activity cashback is tracking and progressing successfully for this merchant, as we would expect.

We would not remove this merchant, as I understand that you have had a bad experience, many of our members have not.

I hope that this helps to clarify this more and that your future transactions progress smoothly.

[dunkley201]

So I ordered a new smartphone online from Simply Electronics on 17 April. Their price looked good and their ads are carried on Amazon, Towsure sites, etc. A Google search for the phone I want revealed them to offer the best deal. Their estimates were: dispatch 2 to 4 working days; receipt 4 to 8 working days. Their site says "dispatched from London". OK I thought, so I ordered on line by credit card. Then, after 4 days I see my purchase is still registered as "New". ie, not addressed or dispatched. I tried calling them (0844 number) - "you are in a queue" etc. Sent email. Called again. Eventually spoke to "Donald" (in Hong Kong!). He advises "supply difficulty" but expect dispatch by 8 working days. (Meanwhile I see their site says they have 6 in stock) With the experience so far I did Google and Facebook searches for SE. (and now AV Forums) Very alarmed by the results - non deliveries, late deliveries, poor communications etc, etc. I then spoke to my Credit Card customer services who advised NOT to cancel the purchase but if not received within 30 days to put in a claim. It is now 28th April & over 8 working days since order (and taking my money). Still no new phone. Still their site says my order is "New" and yet they presently say they have 5 in stock! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! I will advise progress.

[joeeire]

I have only one experience with Simply Electronics. On Mar 12 this year I contacted them to check stock on a camcorder (new model). I was told they have 4 available for immediate dispatch.
Ordered one, and my card was charged. Interesting policy, but I went along with it. Up to 8 days was the delivery promise, so I emailed to get confirmation that my order was on their system. I was assured that it was, though the stock remained at 4 available for immediate delivery. Many, many and I really mean many emails later, with assurances that the warehouse is very busy, my camcorder was still not dispatched. Eventually, almost two months later, I cancelled my order.
And so now I wait. I have confirmation from Simply Electronics that my order is cancelled, and that my refund will happen without delay.
So far, and this is just my experience, the only thing which has happened without delay is the charge to my credit card. I have not been able to talk to anyone at Simply Electronics. Maybe its just me? Bad luck ? Maybe ..

Following the advice above, I contacted my bank today. They tell me that if SE offered a refund (they did and I have the email), then if I don't get it after 30 days, they will open a case on my behalf to settle the disputed credit. The refund offer is dated 4th May. I'll keep you posted, but it looks like the banks are good for something after all !:happy:

Final update, and apologies for taking so long posting it...
I finally did get a full refund for Simply Electronics after about a month. To be fair, I have been treated ok, except for letting me know what was going on. In the end, I bought the camera elsewhere, and had it delivered within a few days. So I guess unless Simply Electronics change their policy of pretending everything is in stock and available for immediate despatch, I will give them a miss..

[dunkley201]

An update to my post of 28th April: SE emailed me on 4th May: "Apologies for the delay in shipping your goods.
Having double checked with our relevant team, your order has unfortunately not been dispatched yet. Due to the high volume of orders at this time we have been slightly held back on our deliveries. We have upgraded your order to expedited delivery service at no extra cost to you as a gesture on our part to ensure minimal delays moving forward.
A dispatch confirmation email with the tracking details can be expected as soon as the order is dispatched. We do thank you in advance for your extended patience thus far." On 8th May I noted on their website my order changed from "new" to "packing". Later that day I received 2 duplicate emails advising my order had been dispatched and could be expected "next working day" ie, 9th May. There were no tracking details as had been promised. No delivery 9th May (what a surprise!). 10th May, about 11 am, DHL delivered. The package indicated it had come direct from Hong Kong to East Midlands via DHL. The smartphone received was exactly as ordered, thankfully, although the box it came in had CE markings but was marked for the French market. The phone works fine, so no complaints there. Throughout this saga the SE website showed stock of my phone in varying numbers. Clearly the published stock bears no relation to what they tell their customers. Also, although the SE website says "dispatched from London" the order came from HK. It really pixxed me off that my payment was taken immediately the order was placed and delivery took 23 days! I am unlikely to use them again.

[joeeire]

Originally Posted by dunkley201

An update to my post of 28th April: SE emailed me on 4th May: "Apologies for the delay in shipping your goods.
Having double checked with our relevant team, your order has unfortunately not been dispatched yet. Due to the high volume of orders at this time we have been slightly held back on our deliveries. We have upgraded your order to expedited delivery service at no extra cost to you as a gesture on our part to ensure minimal delays moving forward.
A dispatch confirmation email with the tracking details can be expected as soon as the order is dispatched. We do thank you in advance for your extended patience thus far." On 8th May I noted on their website my order changed from "new" to "packing". Later that day I received 2 duplicate emails advising my order had been dispatched and could be expected "next working day" ie, 9th May. There were no tracking details as had been promised. No delivery 9th May. 10th May, about 11 am, DHL delivered. The package indicated it had come direct from Hong Kong to East Midlands via DHL. The smartphone received was exactly as ordered, thankfully, although the box it came in had CE markings but was marked for the French market. The phone works fine, so no complaints there. Throughout this saga the SE website showed stock of my phone in varying numbers. Clearly the published stock bears no relation to what they tell their customers. Also, although the SE website says "dispatched from London" the order came from HK. It really pixxed me off that my payment was taken immediately the order was placed and delivery took 23 days! I am unlikely to use them again.

Yep. I got the "we will upgrade your delivery" message too. Obviously they didn't. At least you've had an outcome. Enjoy the phone.

[beautybank]

I ordered a Panasonic camera from Simply Electronics last week - aledegly in stock and 2-3 day delivery. This week there is no order status information on my account and their telephone system offers a 27 minute wait. Their Email answer time target is 24 hours!!!!

Their Customer Service stinks. Pay the extra £10 and buy from a reliable company! Peter

[beautybank]

I decided to queue on their Customer Services telephone line. Their system said it woul be 27 minutes wait and I should call back. I waited. Every few minute the system gave the reducing wait time. After 35 minutes it said "you will be answered within 1 minute" - I was answered in a further 10 minutes. I was told there was a delay in despatch but they would try to have the camera with me inside 8 days. I cancelled and have been told I will get a refund within 5 days - I am not holding my breath!!!!

[dunkley201]

That telephone queue time would have cost you £££ dear too. Regards the refund, contact your credit card help line. There is every chance you may be able to claim if the refund is not made within a certain time.

[joeeire]

So, good news at last.

No, I didn't get the camera, but, having waited two mnths while they had my money, I cancelled my order, and after just three weeks, I finally had my credit card refunded. Have to say that I thought the money was gone, so am please to have it back. This episode only cost me the interest on 600 euro for a couple of months ! Phew..

Now I have to find someone closer to home, with whom I have dealt with before to buy my camera..

[Tia26]

I would nt even bother buying any thing from this company . It s a joke, when you ll get it, and refunds .Beginning of April i paid for a mobile phone i cancelled towards the end of April, its now June still no sign of the refund.