Chemist Direct???

lynx10

Please can Martin review the Chemist Direct threads before continuing to endorse them 15-05-2009, 10:32 AM
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1690023

In view of the service problems posted since, there is a strong case for pulling the 'cash-back' endorsement of Chemist Direct forthwith: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/cashback-sites-comparison/Chemist+Direct

Penstemon

Many apologies if others have tried to contact Birmingham Trading Standards by email and used the email address I posted. I made a mistake. It should be:

[EMAIL="tradingstandards@birmingham.gov.uk"]tradingstandards@birmingham.gov.uk[/EMAIL]

I had two bounces and then realised what I had done

Penstemon

Penstemon

The correct email address I gave today:

[EMAIL="tradingstandards@birmingham.gov.uk"]tradingstandards@birmingham.gov.uk[/EMAIL]

definitely is right. I have had an acknowledgement saying they will respond to me within eight days. We shall see.

Penstemon

Penstemon

I have had a mail from Birmingham Trading Standards today. They can't deal with Chemist Direct because they are outside Birmingham. Here is the relevant part of their mail giving details of where to go with this.

I am afraid that as the trader is outside Birmingham I must refer you to
consumer direct on 08454 040506 or consumerdirect.gov.uk


So, off we go again!

lynx10

Penstemon wrote: »

I am afraid that as the trader is outside Birmingham I must refer you to
consumer direct on 08454 040506 or consumerdirect.gov.uk

My experience is that Trading Standards offices will refer cases directly to a more relevant office if necessary. Perhaps ring Consumer Direct and ask why Birmingham can't do likewise ?

ClaireLR

I thought chemist direct were based in Birmingham??

Meanwhile, my order has FINALLY turned up today.......almost FOUR weeks after first placing it.

If anyone has any luck with complaining please let me know where to go to to voice my opinions!

lynx10

Chemistdirect.co.uk was launched in November 2007 by entrepreneur Mitesh Soma. The website offers up to 90% off thousands of different health and beauty products in the UK, significantly undercutting prices on the high street. It is fast becoming the UK’s most popular online chemist, turning over more than £5m in its first year, establishing a significant customer base and attracting 80,000 hits a week The company’s mission is to supply good quality, cut price chemist products to your door within 24 hours. Mitesh has also overseen the launch of an online prescription and pet medication service within Chemist Direct. In 2008 Mitesh was named Retailer of the Year by Startups.co.uk and was shortlisted in the National Final of the HSBC Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
Copyright Brian MacLaurin Associates © 2007
http://www.brianmaclaurin.com/clients/chemist_direct

usignuolo

I've bought a couple of things from them in the last year without any problems.

lynx10

The local trading standards case officer has said that my complaint details will be forwarded to their counterparts at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, being the relevant trading standards office for the registered office of Chemist Direct: (Companies House extracts below)

Direct Healthcare Limited, 34 Hartsbourne Drive, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8ST
Company No. 06349417
Last Accounts Made Up To: 31/08/2008 (TOTAL EXEMPTION SMALL)
Next Accounts Due: 30/09/2010
Last Return Made Up To: 21/08/2008
Next Return Due: 18/09/2009 OVERDUE

Correction: Small and medium-sized company exemptions
1. What exemptions are available?
Certain small or medium-sized companies may prepare accounts for their members under the special provisions of sections 246 and 246A of the Companies Act 1985. In addition, they may prepare and deliver abbreviated accounts to the Registrar. This chapter explains the exemptions available to small and medium-sized companies. Certain small companies with a turnover of less than £5.6 million (£250,000 for companies that are charities) and assets of less than £2.8 million can claim exemption from audit ...

Companies House - Accounts and Accounting Reference Dates
http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/about/gbhtml/gba3.shtml#three

Update: now it's a £20m-turnover business, but claiming audit exemptions ?:

Mitesh Soma, founder of £20m-turnover online pharmacy ChemistDirect.co.uk, agrees that the hikes are a nightmare for SMEs but doesn't believe the Mayor had any other option, London's businesses hit by Oyster and C-charge hikes, 16th October 2009
http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/news/sales-and-marketing/5705486/londons-businesses-hit-by-oyster-and-ccharge-hikes.thtml

lynx10

Update - my local Trading Standards office tell me that Sandwell Trading Standards have 'a relationship' with Chemist Direct, and that they will be challenging the trader over my complaint about 'passing off' goods.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council - Trading Standards - Rogue Traders
http://www.laws.sandwell.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/business/trading-standards/rogue-traders/

I believe that this is the relevant address:

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Environment House
PO Box 42
Lombard Street
West Bromwich B70 8RU

Meanwhile a replacement page has appeared on Wikipedia, which someone has challenged as spam: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemist_direct