Next Directory - Is it worth it?

Flat_Eric

Ive fallen in love with a coat Next are selling. I tried to buy it online tonight and whilst its in stock, Next will only deliver to my home address which is no good because Im out at work.

My local store wont have stock until at least 23 October. A friend has recommended me to the Next directory meaning she gets some money if I open an account and I get some money too. So it seems a good idea but I printed off the terms and conditions for the account which amounted to some 20 pages :eek:

I love Next clothes but am not sure I want the tempation of a catagloue. If I dont know whats in it, I cant be tempted to buy it!! I dont like the idea of it being 29% odd interest (even though it would be my intention to pay it off in full each month) and just wondered whether anyone who has a Next directory could advise on whether the range you get in the stores is fine or whether there is much more in the Next directory that Im missing out on. Are there any real benefits to having the next directory other than the fact that you pay £3.75 per catalogue (twice per year).

Also according to the website, my first order still has to be delivered to home which still means I wont get my coat although I think I saw I could have any subsequent orders delivered to store (free of charge) if I wished.

-MRS_T-

Hello Eric

The next directory does have a lot more than instore. They sell electricals ie tvs computers, kettles toasters microwaves etc.

You are correct in saying it is expensive, but if you plan to pay it off in full every month then you dont have to worry about that. The £3.75 you pay for the catalouge to me is worth it as it is nicer sitting browsing through the catalogue rather than the internet. If you prefer though once you become a next customer I am sure you can cancel the directorys and still have an account with next but just order online.

You are better to order online anyway in my opinion as I always go though quidco and get cashback. You can still get delivered to store for free and the cashback still goes through.

I think next overall are good, but some of there items I think are overpriced, but all in all I am happy with them and have been a customer for many years.

I hope this helps a little bit :-)

laurenjade1402

It is also worth bearing in mind that you don't actually have the catalogue meaning you don't have that cost to pay. I rang them and cancelled having the catalogue delivered meaning that I do all my shopping online. Have a look at the next website before deciding if you want to open an account but I for one would thoroughly recommend it.

Chester85

Flat_Eric wrote: »

My local store wont have stock until at least 23 October. A friend has recommended me to the Next directory meaning she gets some money if I open an account and I get some money too. So it seems a good idea but I printed off the terms and conditions for the account which amounted to some 20 pages :eek:

.

The Next Retail stores have had access to the Directory warehouse for around a year now. If the store can't get it in then there's a chance its equally unavailable within the Directory as the company has levelled the playing field to an extent that the retail stores get equal access to stock (aside electricals and home appliances)

I'd stick with the store ordering system. It's far more reliable, involves no account and it's cheaper to deliver (£2 for up to 3 items) despite using the exact same courier who delivers the Directory Account customer stock and it's much easier in acquiring a refund than the Directory

Re - your friend. It's £50 account credit after a set time in which you have to have spent a certain amount, she has to recommend you and you pass the 'stringent' (*rolling around in retail laughter*) Next Directory credit check of which a duck could probably pass

Curlywurli

I am just about to close my account with them. I've used them for a couple of years. To be honest it does become tempting and I found that instead of ordering now and again I ended up with a monthly bill!

I have had a lot of trouble with them over some items which they never delivered. It took me over and month and at least four phone calls and emails for someone to actually help me and sort my account out. Even the total of my statement didn't add up but nobody would listen. I'm actually just about to fire off a letter to them. I had never had problems before, but when I did, I really did. The problem's been sorted out but they're still sending me random letters. Imo they've gone down rapidly.

Just go in store and order- it will be easier.

mapcr77

Ok, I'm being very ignorant now. Last sale i filled out a form in store for a competition to win about £1000 vouchers and they'd send you the catalogue, which I got a few weeks later. Does that mean I've an account with them and they'd be charging everytime they send a catalogue??? Oops!

Chester85

mapcr77 wrote: »

Ok, I'm being very ignorant now. Last sale i filled out a form in store for a competition to win about £1000 vouchers and they'd send you the catalogue, which I got a few weeks later. Does that mean I've an account with them and they'd be charging everytime they send a catalogue??? Oops!

Unless you ticked the 2 opt out boxes at the bottom of the sheet then with your directory or following soon after should have been a letter with an account number (something like T3449KO)

Next will bill you for the directory yet barely anyone pays for it (if they don't order or simply ring up and say they only wanted to enter the competition) and we just write it off as the benefit of someone having the directory and being a future customer

They also won't send you the next seasons catalogue unless you've spent heavily or specifically requested it or filled out the form in one of the competitions instore

MrsCook_2

ask your friend to order it on their account? i cant remember if you had an evening option for delivery so worth looking into. would you have neighbours at home who could take the deliver for you if you left a note on the door? they also deliver on a sat (from my previous experience)

aless02

It doesn't HAVE to cost you money. I have an account but I don't receive catalogues (you just opt-out over the phone). For me, it's a good way to help my credit rating and not need to fiddle with credit card details every time I want to order (which is only 3-4 yr anyway). If you pay off in full every time you get a statement, the interest isn't a problem either. Easy-peasy.

look_after_the_pennies

I wouldn't be without my Next Directory. I've always bought things from there that I couldn't find in store. My courier is reliable and touch wood, never had any problems with deliveries and collections so far.

look_after_the_pennies

Another perk, is getting VIP status for the online sales where you can order a day or two before the actual sale goes online.