Curry's Home Delivery - only if it's easy!
We're buying a new fridge/freezer, and found one we like in Currys, so we ordered it online. A week later, delivery was due (yesterday). I received a 'courtesy call' on Saturday to confirm it all, and all seemed well.
Firstly, the delivery was late - maybe 30-45 minutes later than the end of the 4 hour delivery slot. About 20 minutes before arriving, the driver called to say he was on his way (nice!), but then said "oh, er, top flat?" and proceeded to explain that the fridge we had selected was classed as an "American style fridge/freezer", and so they wouldn't be able to take it upstairs. On arrival, they took one look at the stairs and flat-out refused to do anything more - not even to try, so we refused delivery and sent the goods back.
Naturally, I called Currys and got passed to a couple of people, both were generally unhelpful and unsympathetic. They ended up re-iterating the same line, that they wouldn't deliver American fridges up more than four steps. At no time during the buying process did anyone at Currys ever describe this fridge as "American style", much less that there may be any difficulty delivering it.
In short, Currys Home Delivery appears to be "only if it's easy". If basically, they can drag your items along on a trolley to their final resting place in your house, you may be okay. If there are awkward corners, steps or other obstacles, they won't bother. Oh, and don't expect any sort of help if it's getting close to the end of the shift either.
Of course, now we've found this out, we can find any number of sites on the Internet confirming how rubbish Currys are at delivery. Here a couple:
Don't use Currys Home Delivery Service
The Lowest Circle of Hell is Reserved for Currys Staff
Although a quick web search fill find lots more!
Update: We tried M&S Appliances. They're basically the same people (DRL), but offer a completely different experience. For these guys, nothing was too much hassle, the delivery done swiftly, tidily, and problem-free. It turns out they're about the same price as Currys too (especially if you include delivery, recycling, etc), so clearly a far preferable option.
I can confirm that Curry's
I can confirm that Curry's are absolute and total RUBBISH, after having a nightmare delivery of a freezer, washer and dryer. The call centre people are clueless, the drivers are useless and their order 'system' is hopelessly broken.
I paid to have all of the goods installed. They then FINALLY arrived and did not install the dishwasher, because they did not have the proper tools for the job.
Instead of refunding me the fee, they had the absolute nerve to sent me a survey to fill out via email.
If you use Curry's to buy ANYTHING you are asking for trouble.
I can confirm that curry’s
I can confirm that curry’s delivery service is absolute rubbish, I don't blame the delivery drivers they're just monkeys doing what they're told, I blame the moronic so called organisers. The telephone staff are absolute crap as well - let's face it you do have to be the most intelligent people to that job, they give incompetence a new meaning.
People can be so rude and inconsiderate
I am replying due to the anger and irritation the comments above have invoked in me. I am a delivery driver for a large UK plumbers merchant and I have come across similar issues in regards to delivery of items to a customer that hadn't stated that they live in a flat/upstairs.
I understand that a lot of companies don't state upon purchase about any clauses regarding to 'awkward' delivery locations BUT this is they get away with this due to the 'small print' in the terms & Conditions.
Every company has different terms for different reasons. Mainly due to Health & Safety, Insurance and Efficiency. At the company I work for specifically we have T&C that restrict certain items to be delivered to potentially dangerous locations (H&S-wise) but this is for multiple reasons:
1. Firstly the safety of the driver (myself). I happen to be a sole driver, I have no 'Drivers Mate' so if something absolutely requires 2 people we need to know in advance. I have had many people expect me to carry a boiler or multiple shower enclosure boxes weighing in at well over 50kg BY MYSELF up many flights of stairs because their ignorance and arrogance leads them to believe that they paid for this item therefore the driver (or monkey as the clearly mature i8currytwats stated) must deliver bend over backwards to put it where the customers requires, regardless of any personal injury risk.
2. Damage to property. This is is very regualr case in which a customer will ask for something awkward to be taken say up their nice stairs, round some corners into a room. I would say that I'm not 100% confident I can do it by myself safely without 'knocking' anything and they have simply said its ok dont worry. My branch has then recieved phone calls stating things like dirt on their carpet from shoes, scratch on wall/paint/etc. Its amazing how people can be so cavalier with the risks stated by the driver to begin with yet the second something goes amiss they are straight on the phone with their complaints. Even having been warned/advised.
3. Insurance, this is costly for companies and when most customers want something they take no regard toward the deliverers safety or well being as long as they get what they want. Most companies state in the T&C that the driver can make the decision upon arrival as to whether or not they can safely deliver the item. This way if they are injured the company doesn't have to pay you whilst you are off in recovery as he/she deemed it to be safe. This is why most drivers wont take the risk. Their job and their living is more important than one item.
I admit some companies do employ some less than admirable drivers/staff but I am mainly speaking from my own personal experience. I pride myself in being as polite, helpful and efficient as I can and believe me I bend over backwards for people as much as I can even if they are not polite and considerate towards me. The above comments just got me rather riled up because I find so many people are simply just inconsiderate, lazy and just dont plain think!
I apologise for any offence I may have caused. And yes, my opionion of Currys is wavering too as my new fridge was supposed to have been delivered 2 and a 1/2 hours ago at the latest! Oh well...
Pissed of driver is obviously 'very intelligent'
Pissed of driver is obviously 'very intelligent' as are staff of the company he works for. Don't they ask about access before delivery? Simples!
I used to work as a driver and anyone who quotes rules and regs. is either inept or can't be bothered, trying get out of doing work.
Drivers should have assistance available to carry out their duties safely and correctly, if not, then they are entitled to refuse to work under grounds of safety before setting off to deliver. This is just common sense - something which is obviously lacking in Pissed off drivers.
Driving to a location without prior knowledge of access is appalling lack of organization by whomever. Knowing that they can refuse to carry out delivery quoting rules and regs on location when it's too late is disgusting. Sorry for offending anyone but people who live in glass house......
What a pity I only discovered
What a pity I only discovered after buying from them what a useless shower this lot really is. We looked at various refrigerators before deciding on a very nice Samsung American style fridge/freezer from Curry's. Paid for it and waited with bated breath for delivery one week later. They were supposed to deliver between 1315 and 1715. At 1730 I call Curry't to enquire and they say the driver will be with us shortly. At 1815 my wife walks outside and spots the truck heading off, she calls them back and I go out to meet them. The driver had already written 'wrong address' on the paperwork. He's supposed to call 30 mins before showing up - never did that. His next story is that the fridge is the wrong colour - we ordered stainless steel, he has a black one in the van. The paperwork looks in order to me so I ask to see the fridge. Loads of excuses, it's boxed up, it's dark in there etc etc. When I insist to see the driver refuses and they take off. Curry's response? Standard excuse that means absolutely nothing and they'll rearrange delivery.
I take a day off work to receive the delivery and to help them carry the thing up the stairs. 30 mins before arriving the driver calls, and when he hears there's stairs involved at once starts complaining. I call Curry's to alert them that potentially there will be an issue. All they say is that it's up to the driver's discretion as to whether or not he'll deliver up stairs. Sure enough as soon as the van shows up, the driver declares that they don't do stairs, won't look at what stairs need to be negotiated (two flights going up one storey) and expects me to accept delivery at the bottom of the staircase.
If I give them a hand it's three big men with a trolley carrying what amounts to an empty tin can up two flights of stairs, total weight maybe 50 kgs? Apparently (according to Curry's) it's against Health and Safety, yet it's okay for them to leave it for me to carry it on my own without a trolley to assist me.
If I had a trolley I might even have taken it just to end the aggravation, as I could probably get it up there by myself. Definitely with a trolley and my wife to lend a hand it would not be a problem.
Told them to take it back. Cancelled the order and called Marks and Spencer.
Marks and Spencer - first question I ask: Do you deliver upstairs?
Answer: Absolutely not a problem. They will put it in the room you want.
I'm holding them to that promise, I told the salesperson I'm taping the conversation and I want her to categorically state that two flights of stairs will not be a problem. She was more than happy to do so, adding that it is taped on her end as well.
Now, ask yourself: who do you want to give your money to?
Appalling Delivery Service
I am currently sitting at home waiting for Currys to deliver my washing machine. I bought it in store and tried to arrange a two hour time slot, every time I provide a suitable time for me I was told that there was no available delivery slot in my area. When I asked when do they deliver to me area I was told that they didn't know this information. In the end I booked a time I knew wasn't convenient but thought it would be easy to sort out by phone, how wrong was I.
When I phoned up the person was polite and booked a four hour time slot, he told me that if I called up at 9 am the morning before delivery I would be assured of an early time slot. When I duly did this I was informed that this wasn’t the case and that my frustration with the service was simply my problem and to deal with it. I have since learned that ‘crap’ is a truly offensive word even when directed at the service rather than the individual, all I can say is grow up and provide a better service.
As I wait I have phoned again, the automated service said that the time slot had been extended by 15 minutes, I then spoke to an operator who provide me with yet another time slot. I explained that if I had to wait much longer I would need to phone for some one to sit in the house as I had to go to work (God for bid I have to work to pay for the washing machine). When I asked where I was on the list they couldn’t tell me, does this mean that they have no idea where their drivers are and no mobiles to confirm location?
The only thing the service operators are skilled at is deferring the customer’s frustration and anger, they need to be. I am sorry for the poor person who works there and has to be the front face for such a badly organized company however this doesn’t help me arrange for my washing machine to be delivered.
ADVICE: NEVER EVER USE CURRYS HOME DELIVERY SYSTEM!
currys delivery service
After reading some of the comments about Curry's delivery service,it was with some trepidation that I awaited the delivery of an American style fridge freezer. Currys was chosen because it offered the cheapest on line price.
Though access was relatively easy,there were three steps and a sharpish bend to negotiate.
Delivery was on time, and the two young men Dave and Stuart could not have been more helpful,they positioned the appliance where required.
The reason for their helpful attitude might lie in the fact that they don't actualy work for Currys, but for a sub contractor who just delivers for the firm.