'Cheaper than MFI' Kitchen to buy or not to buy?

Yedge

I looking to buy a new kitchen but decided to have just one more look before signing up with B&Q. I came across 'Kitchens-Now' web site, linked to 'Cheaper than mfi' and 'really cheap kitchens'. This in its self is not an indication of a scam, may just be good way to get hits from a search engine, but I'm concerned. I know there are some scams and disreputable companies out there linked with the north of England, I'm not sure if this is one of them.

The sales man visited and couldn't be more casual as to whether I brought a kitchen or not … almost disinterested! The quote we got was for £3.5k including granite work tops and solid wood cabinets, the quote we have from B&Q is for £3.5 with no worktops. The cost of worktops from B&Q of similar quality is around £3k, making £6.5k in total.


I've searched on-line and can't fine too much .. .the odd rant/flame warning against the possible owners (not confirmed), but no actual experiences.


Does anyone have any up-to-date information that may help?

sheslookinhot

How many cabinets and what is length of worktops ?

Yedge

Fourteen cabinets of various sizes and some 10m of worktops.

Meepster

The words "Walk", "Away" and "Quickly" spring to mind. £3.5k for all the units and granite is FAR too cheap. Oh and never trust a company who doesn't put their address on their website. Just try clicking the "contact us" button, it doesn't work...

Ionkontrol

http://www.blagger.com/db4/company_id/11224/companyname/Kitchens-Now-Simply-Kitchens-The-Kitchen-Factory-Outlet-Vance-Miller-Kitchen-Dreams-Kitchens-4-Less-.html


AVOID!!!!

majjie

If a kitchen sounds too good to be true ... chances are it's probably something to do with Vance Miller ... (just Google for ovewhelming feedback).

It may not be one of his websites ... what appliances did you get offered?

If it was Necht - then they are definitely supplied by Maple Industries (the parent company in Oldham).

In a way I applaud what he's doing - providing kitchens at rock bottom prices - I just wish he'd sort his quality control and customer service out. They always seem to be a complete mess. No sign that he's done so yet!

Perhaps if you spend money on quality control and proper customer service - then you can't sell such cheap kitchens?

Majjie

ormus

buy the units youself and get a local man to fit it all.
far far cheaper than any specialist "kitchen company".

Yedge

I am really looking for more information about the company(ies). Their agent told us we can view their range at a Showroom in Derby, when I looked this up it is a Moben showroom, I thought they were an expensive German make, or are their units manufactured by these companies?
The rep also said they supply a lot to independant kitchen fitters, wondered if there are any willing to share their experience of this company?
The appliances are Necht. but we have sourced our own.
I have seen and read all complaints/comments about VM and his businesses, but we all know that people air their complaints far more than give praise.
I am getting the kitchen fitted by a local tradesman. Both B & Q and the webbased company agents told us not to bother with their fitters, B & Q as they take 10-12 weeks to come and fit, and Kitchens Now as thy are expensive.

ormus

maybe moben is changing their name?
im not surprised after the reputation moben has got.

Ionkontrol

Yedge wrote: »

I have seen and read all complaints/comments about VM and his businesses, but we all know that people air their complaints far more than give praise..

...and you are still willing to buy a kitchen from this guy? You must be nuts.

majjie

It's difficult to find out more about a company - when they don't give their details on the web site!

Moben certainly aren't an expensive German make (they just want you to think that) - they're part of the Homeform group - which includes the direct sellers Kitchens Direct. They make their own kitchens, they don't supply independent kitchen fitters and showrooms, and their own branded appliances are called Tecnik.

Maple Industries is Vance Millers' business and it has web sites/retail businesses under a lot of different names. His kitchen doors are largely made in China and other parts of the kitchen come from South Africa, Turkey and Italy. He has his own granite quarry in Mongolia - that's why the granite is so cheap. And, as I said before, their appliance brand (mainly for direct sales to the public) is Necht. Maple industries does supply some independent fitters and showrooms - they can't resist the dirt cheap prices!

Trade partners of Maple Industries tend to get fed up with getting the wrong stuff and doors that don't match. The ones I've heard of - that continue to use them - are prepared to travel up to Oldham to fetch missing parts and get replacements in person. The rest give up and switch to a more reliable supplier.

The two businesses are completely separate - so I don't know why your rep was trying to confuse the issue. Perhaps he works for both Kitchens Now and Kitchens Direct?

Majjie