I've just posted two pieces of very negative feedback here and here. Upon submitting the feedback I got a message saying:
"Thank you for your review of this item. It has been submitted for approval by our staff."
I'm not certain that my feedback will show on Furniture Direct's website, so I'm posting it here. The whole episode has underlined for me the importance of independent reviews, which cannot be vetted or manipulated by the service operator/website owner.
Mayfair 2 Door Wardrobe in Oak with Brown Faux Leather
We ordered this unit shortly after moving house as we needed more storage for our family. In short we were tremendously disappointed and unable to get a refund.
The description has been changed slightly since our original order, but still includes the word "solid", which I believe it misleading. This is veneered chipboard. The top and bottom of the unit are incredibly heavy, which places an incredible load on the flimsy hinges and internal catches.
I contacted Furniture Direct Ltd to complain three times, but heard nothing back. This was my message to them:
When assembling the wardrobe (MAYFROBE2D), I followed the instructions carefully, noting the points about not using power tools etc. I was concerned about the quality of the construction, as the panels seemed to be very heavy, while the bolts, dowling and cam nuts seemed quite flimsy. Unfortunately when uprighting the wardrobe as instructed between steps X and Y, the whole unit collapsed. All the bolts sheered out of their casings, splintering the panels irreparably and the unit came down on top of my partner and I. Thankfully, we were not hurt, but I think this raises a serious safety concern and potential hazard to future customers.
I gave up trying to get our money back, and threw the wrecked unit away in order to forget about this tremendously negative experience. I strongly recommend that customers thinking twice before buying from Furniture Direct.
Mayfair 6 Drawer Tall Chest in Oak with Brown Faux Leather
We ordered this unit for storing baby clothes in. The description has been changed slightly since our original order, but still includes the word "solid", which I believe it misleading. This is veneered chipboard. The top and bottom of the unit are incredibly heavy, which places an incredible load on the flimsy hinges and internal catches. The side panels arrived bowed, probably from being stored in a damp warehouse, which made construction exceedingly difficult. I have a degree in engineering, so I know how to follow schematic instructions, but once construction was complete, the unit barely functioned. Some drawers stuck because the metal screw fixings didn't screw flush. Others clanked open. Very unsatisfactory.
I complained by email three times and once by phone and heard nothing back. We tried to return the product only 4 days after receiving it and we were met with no response. I gave up trying to get our money back, and gave the unit away in order to forget about this tremendously negative experience. I strongly recommend that customers thinking twice before buying from Furniture Direct.
