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Carphone Warehouse Reviews

1.6 Rating 1,635 Reviews
13 %
of reviewers recommend Carphone Warehouse
1.6
Based on 1,635 reviews
Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods
Postal Service, Courier
Average Delivery Time
Within 5 Days
On-time Delivery
Greater than 25%
Accurate And Undamaged Orders
Greater than 85%
Customer Service
Communication Channels
Telephone, Live Chat, Email
Queries Resolved In
Over A Week
Customer Service
1.3 out of 5
Returns & Refunds
Refunds Process
Difficult
Returns Process
Could Be Better
Read Carphone Warehouse Reviews

About Carphone Warehouse:

The Carphone Warehouse was founded in 1989 to bring mobile services to consumers. The market has always been complex and our aim from the very beginning has been to offer our customers simple, impartial advice while also offering outstanding value. As a result we have grown from a handful of stores operating exclusively in the UK selling mobile handsets and contracts, to a European-wide platform of over 1,500 stores in 10 countries, providing a wide range of mobile and residential telecoms services.

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Phone:

0870 111 6565

Location:

The Carphone Warehouse, PO Box 375
Southampton
SO30 2PU

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Carphone Warehouse 1 star review on 14th March 2025
Billy
Carphone Warehouse 1 star review on 25th April 2022
Rachel Pollard
Carphone Warehouse 1 star review on 25th April 2022
Rachel Pollard
Carphone Warehouse 1 star review on 1st July 2021
Neil
Carphone Warehouse 5 star review on 1st September 2020
Ilyas
Carphone Warehouse 1 star review on 2nd July 2020
Brian Gillbanks
Carphone Warehouse 1 star review on 5th July 2017
Unsatisfactory Treatment!!!
4
Anonymous
Anonymous  // 01/01/2019
Service in shop was good when I purchased phone. But am still waiting for phone to be connected after nearly 72 hour. I have been in another shop since have rung head office that past the buck and criticise 02 telling me they would not know about the state of my contract and 02 slatted car phone warehouse. I'm still waiting to be connected Ithought the customer should be treated with respect how stupid of me. I will be taking phone and cancelling contract if not sorted as I am getting fed up of having a new phone with no service back in the shop tomorrow .now thinking why I did I go back to car phone warehouse to upgrade as they r treating me like an idiot on the phone. Suggest u train helpline staff better.
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
So they sold me a phone about a year and half ago and I was quite happy with it. It suffered a software failure at the tail end of 2016, got it replaced, it took 2 weeks but no bother. Then immediately upon updating it gets incredibly hot and develops a hairline crack in the screen. "Never mind", I think, it's still functional and does what I need so I keep it. Then at the start of this year it develops the same software failure as my original. "Time to take it back", I think. After an hour and a half of them failing to work their stock system correctly the replacement is ordered and I'm told a 24 hour turnaround. Except it actually takes several days. Not impressed thus far. Immediately upon unboxing the second replacement, it fails to find any networks whatsoever. Very unimpressed at this point as even my previous replacement got signal fine anywhere I went. So I take it back and half to pay my insurance excess because of the crack in my screen. Not my fault but I don't care, I just want a working phone. It takes another 3 visits (each one lasting around an hour and a half) for them to figure out their stock system again. Now it's been almost 2 weeks (after being promised another 24 hour turnaround) on my 3rd replacement handset, they've refunded the excess but it's hardly adequate for a list of broken promises and failed solutions almost as long as my arm. The wait continues....
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
Fantastic customer service. In, new phone and out within 30 minutes. Would definately recommend.
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
So I purchased a phone in the Fenchurch St store sim free (yet still get asked who I am were I live etc... It could have been a gift). I get back to my office turn it on, set it up as you do. Almost instantly error messages star appearing, I do some troubleshooting (yes I said troubleshooting) and discover this shouldn't be an out of the box fault and reset the phone. I start again the same thing happens, by this point the Fenchurch St store has closed so I call CW and explain the fault which the chap on the phone had never heard of (he only works in a mobile phone shop and I found it instantly on google). I asked him what to do and he said bring it back so I asked which store near me had stock and he said only Bluewater. I go to Bluewater (where there are 3 stores and he couldn't tell me which one) and of course go to the wrong one first but I explain the situation and the fella tells me to go to the downstairs shop where they will swap it for me (this is about 8pm). I go downstairs to the 'stocked' shop and even though they've just been phoned they have no idea why I'm there. I explain it all again with photos on my work phone of what the screen error was and the chap agrees to my swap but ONLY if he's got more than one because if he's only got one he'll need to keep it for a potential contract customer (more money). There's 2 hooray! Of he goes to collect my replacement, comes back and scans a bit of paper that apparently verifies the exchange but wait, this exchange sheet has already been used and the can only be used once?! He says he doesn't think they have anymore and without the bar-code he can do nothing (he's wearing an assistant manager badge but can do NOTHING). I explain It's a 10 mile round trip to this store and I'm leaving with either a phone or a refund - the replacement phone is there in front of me but again without scanning the bar-code he can do NOTHING. I question why there aren't more forms, or why used forms are not thrown away (or why in 2017 they operate this way) whilst losing the will to live. He says he asked for new forms 2 weeks ago but head office only send one pack at a time - WTF? He then goes to email head office (taking the replacement with him). He comes back having found more forms hooray again! But they are all invalid (it's now 20 past 8). I suggest it's not the forms but the computer - it looks like it was installed in 1975 so off he goes to email head office again. 2 minutes later he's back, he now has to run a diagnostic to see if the computer picks up any errors on the phone - it's the only way he says. 2 minutes, 4 minutes, 6 minutes pass - for the first time I noticeably vent my anger - how long is this going to take I ask? Don't know he says, before going on to say he's trying to help and if I don't have the time I should go back when I do?! (With my faulty phone of course). The diagnostic finishes and he is able to type in a faulty code - triple hooray I'm free! ...But wait I need another receipt for the exchange he tells me - OK then give me the receipt? The printer's warming up it takes a few minutes! AND YET THESE F*CKERS GET UPSET WHEN WE LOSE OUR TEMPER! I left the store some 40 minutes after I went in with a replacement phone that so far is OK but without any apology (he was of course doing his best) and the best part of an hour of my life I'll never get back. W*nkers.
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
I visited the Kidderminster store to take out a contract on an IPhone .Very nice people I thought at the time .I revisited the store just twice to ask question about it .The second time I was told by a an assistant that the manager had told her tell me that as I hadn't taken out any insurance of any kind with them they could not give me any help in future ! When I asked what was I supposed to do I was told by the girl that I should get in touch with my son who could help me !When I told her that he lived a long way away and I couldn't do that she just shrugged her shoulders !I have since taken out a contract with Tesco who really couldn't be more helpful. Disgusting non existent service by staff who really don,t care .
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
Abismal service. Called in to Sheffield Meadowhall branch for my first ever smartphone. Explained I was unsure what to do and was recommended a Samsung J3 as being simple to use. Four days later when it would still not work I took it back to CW at Meadowhall where the assistant just picked it up, dialled a number and said "Well it's ok now". I came home (a 26 mile round trip) to find the phone was still not working so I called the provider ID Mobile to be told there was no service in my home area! CW are apalling. Surely this should be a basic check. I now have to go back again to get the provider changed. I will never use CW again they are disinterested and useless.
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
Very poor customer service. New iPhone purchased. Turned out to be faulty but five days later and numerous telephone calls to customer service no replacement arrived. Customer service just keep repeating that an "it error" occurred. Order has not even been processed. Phones not answered. Put on hold. Faulty goods should be replaced immediately, without question. Would never use CW again.
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
Poor customer service in Tooting Branch. Lack of experience in dealing with customer including Manager. Staff sell the products without telling real terms/conditions of company policy to customer. When customer go back with problem in product then staff change their wording and do not help all.
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Posted 8 years ago
Telephone sales guy sold me an iPhone with a new number . EE refused to help and transfer my number. Took phone back to CW, received refund for handset BUT CW didn't inform EE of cancellation. EE sent debt letters to old address [ CW hadn't updated on their system] EE marked my credit file. Took over a year to resolve in which time I have been verbally abused in CW shop, spoken to at lease 20 staff at EE and CW [ no-one took ownership and blamed each other] I would never ever ever use CW again
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Posted 8 years ago
My daughter bought a phone from currys 2 days ago . She went to colect it today and was told she could swap it for a white one at car phone warehouse in Hanley. She did that today and the member of staff were rude and unhelpful
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Posted 8 years ago
Appalling experience in Halifax. On my first visit they welcomed and fussed over my litttle dog. On my second visit a male member of staff pointed at the door saying 'get that dog out'. I paid £30.00 to replace my iPhone 4 that I had dropped and broken the screen. The staff were unable to download my data to transfer to my new phone so wait for it, you won't believe this - they kept the new phone AND my £30.00. I call that theft.
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
I took a contract out at CARPHONE WAREHOUSE with vodafone. 3 days later I had to return the phone as the operator could not connect the phone. I returned the phone on the 13 feb 2016 and on 20th Jnauary 2017 carphone warehouse eventually notifed Vodafone that I had returned my phone in February 2016. Their explanation was that as I had been given an incentive to take out the phone and had not return it they left the contract open on purpose. I had no phone and contract during this time and they also re-allowcated the phone to someone else. The voucher I got on the day of signing up was used as an inducement for me to take out the contract and at no time did they tell me that if I return the phone i would need to return the voucher. When i returned the phone I was not informed that I needed to return the voucher or my phone would not be disconnected. Nearly 11 months later now i realise what they have done. So my advice is never take out a contract with CARPHONE WAREHOUSE they cant be trusted and are perfectly happy to swindle you out of your money. It has effected my credit rating and CARPHONE WAREHOUSE DON'T CARE. there attitude is tough they dont return calls and ignore internal emails. Muzza
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
Beware the sparkly website and sparkly ‘deals’ I purchased an S7 with 6 gigs of Vodafone data on Black Friday. I received 1 gig, confirmed by a letter from Vodafone for 1 gig. I paid a deposit, and am well into my THIRD payment of my non-existent contract. (No it is not in my spam filter) No contract to confirm what I purchased No confirmation email to confirm my website purchase (Google this phenomena) Apparently there was a ‘technical’ hitch with the website…you have been advised Questionable customer service, both instore and telephone. Do not display any kind of exasperation instore because you have effectively been ripped off. It’s just not the done thing. The store cannot contact their own customer service! I had to phone instore and pass the phone to the sales assistant. A setup mirroring their commitment to customer support. Phoned Vodafone customer service. They sent me to a Vodafone store to have the data added. They did not want to know: ‘they are always sending customers to us, we do not know why’. Followed by 'You need to go to Carphone warehouse'. An out of control purchase. Despair. Despair.
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
I took my phone in which would not charge. I was not told that it was back in the store to collect. When I went to collect it. The assistant was being very helpful then the Manager (Neil) came across and brought the phone . He then told me that it could not be repaired and it was water damaged, how i don't no. (the phone is less that 12 months old) very convenient that it was decided that it was my fault so a replacement did not have to be made. I have dealt with the Kidderminster Carphone warehouse many times and currently have 4 contracts all taken out with them. Due to the rudeness and unhelpful manager who needs to learn some customer service. Basically the words he used was tough. The last manager was so helpful this one is very poor. I feel sorry for the staff in this shop the address is Vicar St Kidderminster. I recommend that if you need a new phone to keep clear of this shop unless the manager is not about. They have just lost 4 mobile phone contracts from me. very disappointed Rob. Perhaps this is the new way that Carphone warehouse work if thats the case keep away from carphone warehouse.
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Posted 8 years ago
Would give no stars if i could. Customer service hung up on me 3 times before i could talk to someone. Phone had a manufacturers fault, they refused to replace it, the phone was 1 week over a year. Will refuse to buy from this company again.
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Posted 8 years ago
Bad costumer service in shops
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Posted 8 years ago
Worst online experience in a long time. Ordered a phone that was in stock and promised next day delivery. Two days later had heard nothing other than the order confirmation email. No phone arrived, didn't get any other email, didn't get a text, didn't get a call, didn't get a voicemail, absolutely nothing. I eventually contacted them to be told four days later "oh yes we need to check something with you, please call us..." Absolutely incredible these jokers are still in business, I thought this type of online amateurism had disappeared around 20 years ago.
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Posted 8 years ago
Went over to Newport Gwent store to upgrade as screen broke salesman absolutely rude I ask him what deals and he said are u going to upgrade now I said what u r offers and how much to fix screen he said 200.00 and phone worth fifty I said u joking he said not worth it I only wanted too upgrade he should not be working in sales lying too good customer I walked out in disgust
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Posted 8 years ago
Popped to update my phone at the Basildon store (inside Currys) this evening, I always go here as always very efficient. It took longer than normal as I asked the guy if he could transfer all my photos etc over from my old phone as I didn't know how to do it. It took longer than it normally does and in fact they went home nearly an hour after they should have just so they could get it done for me as it is my business phone. Would like to say a thank you to Andrew and Abdul for sorting my phone and also to the manager of Currys as he had to stay behind also. Brilliant customer service and would definitely go back here but will go in the morning next time so I don't make them late going home. Apologies to you all and thanks again.
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Posted 8 years ago
I wanted 3 iphones on my ee contract fo me wife and son, carphone warehouse talked me inro having 1 with ee, 1 with id and 1 with o2. Phones arrived but i changed my mind and took the back to store 5 days later ( inside the 14 day cooling off period ) was told i would get refund within 5 days, im still waitin after 4 weeks, i have been back to store twice, called 11 time and emailed twice. Same story everytime, warehouse is still processing the return. I have sent a complaint and got same nswer as above. Small claims cort next. Take my advice and stay away. I got a better deal direct withh ee and all 3 phones now on 1 contract
Helpful Report
Posted 8 years ago
Carphone Warehouse is rated 1.6 based on 1,635 reviews