Simply Electronics

I've been asked by a friend who's looking to make a fairly large purchase if I know anything about an online company called Simply Electronics:

www.simplyelectronics.net

I don't and before I tell her it's fine go ahead just wondered if anyone on here did/could comment from experience at all.

Many thanks

Mark

I have used Simply Electronics in the past, for a Nikon 70-300mm lens if I remember correctly, and it was a smooth and trouble-free purchase. They are very cheap compared to many UK stockists and I think this is because they source their stock outside the EU. This may mean problems if you need a repair under warranty, but as I have not needed to go down that route I have no direct experience.

David

Mark,

I threw Simpply electronics into Google and came up with a few answers There seems to be a number of complaints regarding the company that you/your friend may want to check out. Seems to be lots of complaints regarding service.

No disrespect to your experience Dave.

Brian

I don't think there is any disrespect there whatsoever, Brian. If anything it backs up what I say above. The cost of a cheap price is often poor after sales service, and it looks like that is what you get here. Mark's friend will need to decide whether she wants the cheapest price, or reliable service if something goes wrong - it all comes down to personal choice in the end.

David

For me, if it's a large purchase, I'll always purchase from a known retailer with a physical store. That way, I get some peace of mind should something go wrong and I need to return it. It just makes life easier.
I had to return a Nikon D700 once, and the shop just changed it on the spot one afternoon. I think you'd have trouble with that via a virtual store, and certainly not in one afternoon!
Anyway I suppose it depends on how much you're saving, but it's all pretty competitive these days.

I looked into S.E. a while ago, and came upon the following 82-page (!) thread - http://www.avforums.com/forums/camcorders-video-editing/739921-simply-electronics.html .
Opinions seems decidedly mixed, so I decided not to bother. I've just ordered a Canon7D, and went with a slightly more expensive eBay seller with very good feedback. Fingers crossed, It'll be delivered tomorrow.

I had a lens on order with them which did not arrive after 2 weeks. You cannot get through to their customer service as their advisers are always busy and its a 30-40 min wait. If you e-mail them you get an automated response that they will endeavour to reply in 2-3 days. I have finally cancelled the lens and ordered it elsewhere (from a genuine UK company) and it is actually cheaper as well. I would never order anything from them again. They also debit your account as soon as they receive the order so I'm waiting with baited breath to see how long it takes to get the money back into my account.

Thanks for the feedback - I've passed it on accordingly.

Mark

Maggie it took me 5 weeks to get my money back from them, and that was after the threat of court action. Many people have had problems with them.