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WARNING Utopia Office Ltd consortium - cheap Dyson DC31 Animal - or not!

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  • Dyson was delivered this morning, in sealed packaging.
    Would I send money via bank transfer again? Never. Was too naive and wanted it before Christmas.
    My advice is to keep emailing John/Anthony (might be the same person), am sure they do see the emails and hope they act on it. Also call the accountants because they will pass on the message/order number from their end. I did all the above, eventually a month later I have a Dyson.
  • harvin
    harvin Posts: 6 Forumite
    FEDEX have also attempted to deliver my parcel this morning too (by checking on the tracking reference provided by Utopia).
    I'm picking it up this afternoon and have a relative good feeling everything will be in order - especially since Bogey888 has had a successful delivery.

    I'm assuming I got the attention of John/Anthony (I believe they are related - checked out Facebook!) because I said I had seeked advise from ConsumerDirect and they were willing to help me seek a resolution. My emails to John and Anthony were always courteous - as were their emails to me. However, I'd like to believe it would've sorted itself out in the end.

    I still don't understand how they've managed to undercut the general market by so much - but I guess the plan was to shift this stuff in bulk and claim a far smaller percentage on the mark-up. However, it only take logisitics to play up a little for their stock to diminish and for them to have a lot of angry customers on their back.

    I think I've learnt not to send payment via bank transfers in future to unknown individuals. However, in this case, I believe this is not a scam, but simply a small business trying to pose as a much larger company and being overwhelmed by the business that it has generated.
    I wish Utopia luck in future and hope (for it's and all it's customer sakes) it improves it's business support framework.
  • I was waiting for someone to mention Facebook as I too had checked them out on there and seeing them in person actually helped as it confirmed to me that they are real people (apart from the choice of football shirt).

    I am not much further on in terms of receiving anything from them however.

    I spoke to Caroline the accountant today and she said they were also trying to track down John / Anthony as they hadn't had any contact with them since early December and were owed some money (??).

    In the early afternoon I tried the mobile number I have for John (from Caroline) on the off chance out of desparation more than anything as no e-mails have been replied to and unbelievably it was answered. It seems strange to have actually spoken to John Ensinger after all this time (this was the first time I have) and he's promised to ring me back tonight around 9 to confirm how my order (O/N 12xx for anyone interested) is doing. Reading the two posts above fills me with a little bit of hope but after all this time I'm still very sceptical. Let's see what tonight brings ...
  • I ordered a DC31 from Utopia before christmas and reluctantly paid via bank transfer (To get delivered before Christmas). I had been very worried as I cannot contact them either by phone or email.

    Good news is it arrived today.

    This does not detract from my annoyance with their inability to contact customers with delivery progress. Or being unable to contact them.

    Anyone wishing to purchase from Utopia I recommend you wait until their Paypal link is working. They have very good bargins but need to ensure customers peace of mind.

    Note - The delivery company have only had the Dyson for the last 2 days, so not sure what Utopia have been doing for the last month.
  • hi,i have just found this site i ordered a dc31 on 13 12 10 not received it yet i think i am stuffed'
  • OK, here is my story and as a new user I am here to be shot down, but so be it!

    Ordered Dyson on 7th December 2010 and as with most people got the usual payment response email, but went ahead with BACS payment anyway. Thereafter I received email correspondence back and forth with both Anthony and John, advising of problems due to weather, citilink, non-delivery before Christmas etc. but during this time I made a point of trying to keep the email flow (over 16 in total!) as rational and constructive as possible, rather than threatening and abusive. I don’t know if this helped at all, but if I did need to pursue matters further, at least it would show a degree of reasonableness.

    After 30 days from order being place (a period which distance selling regulations can be effective and enforced) I was preparing in all seriousness to take matters further by calling the accountants, NFIB, Consumer protection, watchdog etc. I received an email on Tuesday (11th January) this week with a FEDEX delivery Number, saying delivery for today.

    Having tracked the shipment since then, can confirm that the Dyson arrived today!

    Whilst it has been a valuable lesson, what I would add is don’t give up hope and to those still waiting be patience (although it is frustrating, especially when you read some of the posts here!). I think Utopia must run a 'bulk buy' business model and if you time it wrong, unfortunately you may have a lengthy wait.

    The customer service is not great to say the least, but that does not make a company fraudulent or untrustworthy, it may jut be that they have 2 employees! The problems becomes that it makes consumers sceptical and nervous. Having found this site myself, after expressing the same symptoms, I can sympathise with peoples predicament, but persevere and I am sure you will (eventually!) get your order.

    Good luck all.
  • cgk1
    cgk1 Posts: 1,300 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    So basically, they looking for more suckers so we get more "and eventually I got it!" stories - any long-term members of this place got one? Because the last time I checked it never happened...
  • cgk1 wrote: »
    So basically, they looking for more suckers so we get more "and eventually I got it!" stories - any long-term members of this place got one? Because the last time I checked it never happened...

    I wouldn't say I was a sucker. I got mine today too.
    Instead of paying between £135-159 for one I got it for £84.99!
    Sucker?! - Considering it a bargain!

    This website and people like you who probably isn't involved in the reality of purchasing from Utopia have put much doubt in my and others minds.
    Like others I must say their business practice isn't great, but I eventually received my Dyson and must say I'm quite happy now.

    Who cares whether long term members have got one?
    In fact the probability of a long term MSE member wanting a Dyson and purchasing it from Utopia are far slimmer than internet-buyers who haven't received their order and have googled Utopia and ended up on this forum. (Me being one of them).
  • So cgk1, you have posted twice on this thread, 12/12/210 and 15/12/2010 but on neither occasion did you give any mention as to your experience with this company or any purchase made with them, good or bad. All we have are bland statements and quite frankly in my humble opinion, it serves no purpose you offering any comment unless you have had some dealings to back up your statements. If you have had problems with the company or individuals, share your views and we may be able to assist.

    If it makes you happier and more contented to hear, then, ok I did not receive my goods and I am outraged with Utopia and will be taking all possible action to pursue the Company and the individuals concerned!

    All i can offer and post is my experience, if this is not what you wish to read then I would suggest you ignore and sorry that is your problem not mine, but please let other open minded individuals come to their own conclusions
  • aheaton46
    aheaton46 Posts: 377 Forumite
    I didn't order a Dyson from this company. I haven't received one either.

    Just felt I ought to chip in, seems like everyone else in Britain has.
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