Howdens Reviews

"Howdens' Complete Failure in Design, Customer Service, and Accountability\r\nMy experience with Howdens, particularly the Benton branch in the North East, has been nothing short of catastrophic. While the branch manager tried to mediate, it became clear that his efforts were severely limited by the constraints imposed by the head office's lack of urgency and disinterest in customer satisfaction. Waiting three weeks for a response to urgent emails regarding significant design flaws is unacceptable, especially when the response dismisses the severity of the issue.\r\n\r\nThe company's stance, as reiterated by Louise from customer service, is a testament to Howdens' unwillingness to acknowledge the gravity of their mistakes. Their claim that the design service is \"complimentary\" and \"for illustrative purposes only\" is not only misleading but also contradictory to the promises made on their website about their bespoke design service. This disclaimer, hidden in the fine print of the planning documentation, serves as a convenient escape route for Howdens, shifting the blame onto customers and competent fitters for not catching their design failures.\r\n\r\nThe offered resolution \u2014 sending a designer to propose adjustments, replacing drawers, and offering a mere \u00a3100 for the inconvenience on a project that cost \u00a33,300 \u2014 is laughably inadequate. These gestures do not compensate for the fundamental design flaws that rendered the bedroom furniture unfit for purpose, with clothes unable to hang properly and drawers that could not open.\r\n\r\nHowdens' insistence on washing their hands of any responsibility by referring me back to the contracted tradesperson, in line with their Terms and Conditions of Trade, is indicative of their lack of accountability. Their readiness to abandon customers post-purchase, especially after delivering a subpar design that significantly impacts the usability of a space, is appalling.\r\n\r\nThis entire ordeal has exposed Howdens' failure to provide not only a competent design service but also adequate customer support. Their approach to handling legitimate complaints and concerns highlights a systemic issue within the company, prioritising policy and procedure over customer satisfaction and quality service. The Benton branch's limited ability to effect change and the head office's dismissive attitude have solidified my decision to never engage with Howdens for any future projects. This experience has been a stark reminder of the importance of choosing a company that values its customers and stands behind the quality of its service and products."

"Howdens' Complete Failure in Design, Customer Service, and Accountability\r\nMy experience with Howdens, particularly the Benton branch in the North East, has been nothing short of catastrophic. While the branch manager tried to mediate, it became clear that his efforts were severely limited by the constraints imposed by the head office's lack of urgency and disinterest in customer satisfaction. Waiting three weeks for a response to urgent emails regarding significant design flaws is unacceptable, especially when the response dismisses the severity of the issue.\r\n\r\nThe company's stance, as reiterated by Louise from customer service, is a testament to Howdens' unwillingness to acknowledge the gravity of their mistakes. Their claim that the design service is \"complimentary\" and \"for illustrative purposes only\" is not only misleading but also contradictory to the promises made on their website about their bespoke design service. This disclaimer, hidden in the fine print of the planning documentation, serves as a convenient escape route for Howdens, shifting the blame onto customers and competent fitters for not catching their design failures.\r\n\r\nThe offered resolution \u2014 sending a designer to propose adjustments, replacing drawers, and offering a mere \u00a3100 for the inconvenience on a project that cost \u00a33,300 \u2014 is laughably inadequate. These gestures do not compensate for the fundamental design flaws that rendered the bedroom furniture unfit for purpose, with clothes unable to hang properly and drawers that could not open.\r\n\r\nHowdens' insistence on washing their hands of any responsibility by referring me back to the contracted tradesperson, in line with their Terms and Conditions of Trade, is indicative of their lack of accountability. Their readiness to abandon customers post-purchase, especially after delivering a subpar design that significantly impacts the usability of a space, is appalling.\r\n\r\nThis entire ordeal has exposed Howdens' failure to provide not only a competent design service but also adequate customer support. Their approach to handling legitimate complaints and concerns highlights a systemic issue within the company, prioritising policy and procedure over customer satisfaction and quality service. The Benton branch's limited ability to effect change and the head office's dismissive attitude have solidified my decision to never engage with Howdens for any future projects. This experience has been a stark reminder of the importance of choosing a company that values its customers and stands behind the quality of its service and products."

"Howdens' Complete Failure in Design, Customer Service, and Accountability\r\nMy experience with Howdens, particularly the Benton branch in the North East, has been nothing short of catastrophic. While the branch manager tried to mediate, it became clear that his efforts were severely limited by the constraints imposed by the head office's lack of urgency and disinterest in customer satisfaction. Waiting three weeks for a response to urgent emails regarding significant design flaws is unacceptable, especially when the response dismisses the severity of the issue.\r\n\r\nThe company's stance, as reiterated by Louise from customer service, is a testament to Howdens' unwillingness to acknowledge the gravity of their mistakes. Their claim that the design service is \"complimentary\" and \"for illustrative purposes only\" is not only misleading but also contradictory to the promises made on their website about their bespoke design service. This disclaimer, hidden in the fine print of the planning documentation, serves as a convenient escape route for Howdens, shifting the blame onto customers and competent fitters for not catching their design failures.\r\n\r\nThe offered resolution \u2014 sending a designer to propose adjustments, replacing drawers, and offering a mere \u00a3100 for the inconvenience on a project that cost \u00a33,300 \u2014 is laughably inadequate. These gestures do not compensate for the fundamental design flaws that rendered the bedroom furniture unfit for purpose, with clothes unable to hang properly and drawers that could not open.\r\n\r\nHowdens' insistence on washing their hands of any responsibility by referring me back to the contracted tradesperson, in line with their Terms and Conditions of Trade, is indicative of their lack of accountability. Their readiness to abandon customers post-purchase, especially after delivering a subpar design that significantly impacts the usability of a space, is appalling.\r\n\r\nThis entire ordeal has exposed Howdens' failure to provide not only a competent design service but also adequate customer support. Their approach to handling legitimate complaints and concerns highlights a systemic issue within the company, prioritising policy and procedure over customer satisfaction and quality service. The Benton branch's limited ability to effect change and the head office's dismissive attitude have solidified my decision to never engage with Howdens for any future projects. This experience has been a stark reminder of the importance of choosing a company that values its customers and stands behind the quality of its service and products."

"Howdens' Complete Failure in Design, Customer Service, and Accountability\r\nMy experience with Howdens, particularly the Benton branch in the North East, has been nothing short of catastrophic. While the branch manager tried to mediate, it became clear that his efforts were severely limited by the constraints imposed by the head office's lack of urgency and disinterest in customer satisfaction. Waiting three weeks for a response to urgent emails regarding significant design flaws is unacceptable, especially when the response dismisses the severity of the issue.\r\n\r\nThe company's stance, as reiterated by Louise from customer service, is a testament to Howdens' unwillingness to acknowledge the gravity of their mistakes. Their claim that the design service is \"complimentary\" and \"for illustrative purposes only\" is not only misleading but also contradictory to the promises made on their website about their bespoke design service. This disclaimer, hidden in the fine print of the planning documentation, serves as a convenient escape route for Howdens, shifting the blame onto customers and competent fitters for not catching their design failures.\r\n\r\nThe offered resolution \u2014 sending a designer to propose adjustments, replacing drawers, and offering a mere \u00a3100 for the inconvenience on a project that cost \u00a33,300 \u2014 is laughably inadequate. These gestures do not compensate for the fundamental design flaws that rendered the bedroom furniture unfit for purpose, with clothes unable to hang properly and drawers that could not open.\r\n\r\nHowdens' insistence on washing their hands of any responsibility by referring me back to the contracted tradesperson, in line with their Terms and Conditions of Trade, is indicative of their lack of accountability. Their readiness to abandon customers post-purchase, especially after delivering a subpar design that significantly impacts the usability of a space, is appalling.\r\n\r\nThis entire ordeal has exposed Howdens' failure to provide not only a competent design service but also adequate customer support. Their approach to handling legitimate complaints and concerns highlights a systemic issue within the company, prioritising policy and procedure over customer satisfaction and quality service. The Benton branch's limited ability to effect change and the head office's dismissive attitude have solidified my decision to never engage with Howdens for any future projects. This experience has been a stark reminder of the importance of choosing a company that values its customers and stands behind the quality of its service and products."

"Howdens' Complete Failure in Design, Customer Service, and Accountability\r\nMy experience with Howdens, particularly the Benton branch in the North East, has been nothing short of catastrophic. While the branch manager tried to mediate, it became clear that his efforts were severely limited by the constraints imposed by the head office's lack of urgency and disinterest in customer satisfaction. Waiting three weeks for a response to urgent emails regarding significant design flaws is unacceptable, especially when the response dismisses the severity of the issue.\r\n\r\nThe company's stance, as reiterated by Louise from customer service, is a testament to Howdens' unwillingness to acknowledge the gravity of their mistakes. Their claim that the design service is \"complimentary\" and \"for illustrative purposes only\" is not only misleading but also contradictory to the promises made on their website about their bespoke design service. This disclaimer, hidden in the fine print of the planning documentation, serves as a convenient escape route for Howdens, shifting the blame onto customers and competent fitters for not catching their design failures.\r\n\r\nThe offered resolution \u2014 sending a designer to propose adjustments, replacing drawers, and offering a mere \u00a3100 for the inconvenience on a project that cost \u00a33,300 \u2014 is laughably inadequate. These gestures do not compensate for the fundamental design flaws that rendered the bedroom furniture unfit for purpose, with clothes unable to hang properly and drawers that could not open.\r\n\r\nHowdens' insistence on washing their hands of any responsibility by referring me back to the contracted tradesperson, in line with their Terms and Conditions of Trade, is indicative of their lack of accountability. Their readiness to abandon customers post-purchase, especially after delivering a subpar design that significantly impacts the usability of a space, is appalling.\r\n\r\nThis entire ordeal has exposed Howdens' failure to provide not only a competent design service but also adequate customer support. Their approach to handling legitimate complaints and concerns highlights a systemic issue within the company, prioritising policy and procedure over customer satisfaction and quality service. The Benton branch's limited ability to effect change and the head office's dismissive attitude have solidified my decision to never engage with Howdens for any future projects. This experience has been a stark reminder of the importance of choosing a company that values its customers and stands behind the quality of its service and products."

"I purchased five kitchens from Howdens in the sale they didn\u2019t have the stock to cover the orders so they sent out a few units from each order so to meet there target and made the balance up when they had stock the stock was damaged seven units in one kitchen another kitchen was delivered and the driver was late picking his son up from school so he threw the kitchen off the van it was shamed to bits my customer stood there with there mouths open they never send any plans with the kitchens it\u2019s cost me over and over and soon as they have sold you the kitchen the sales man I used for years didn\u2019t want to know Howdens have got so so bad I won\u2019t be using them going forward quality gone out the window the kitchen designer driving delivery van trying to deal with missing parts damages I ordered stair parts for a delivery a week in advance they never come then when they did come a day late they forgot the newel posts so had two chippys stood why they drove from Northampton to high Wycombe dreadful kitchen company"

"I purchased five kitchens from Howdens in the sale they didn\u2019t have the stock to cover the orders so they sent out a few units from each order so to meet there target and made the balance up when they had stock the stock was damaged seven units in one kitchen another kitchen was delivered and the driver was late picking his son up from school so he threw the kitchen off the van it was shamed to bits my customer stood there with there mouths open they never send any plans with the kitchens it\u2019s cost me over and over and soon as they have sold you the kitchen the sales man I used for years didn\u2019t want to know Howdens have got so so bad I won\u2019t be using them going forward quality gone out the window the kitchen designer driving delivery van trying to deal with missing parts damages I ordered stair parts for a delivery a week in advance they never come then when they did come a day late they forgot the newel posts so had two chippys stood why they drove from Northampton to high Wycombe dreadful kitchen company"