Howdens Customer Service

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Has anyone got an email for Howden's Head Office?

Basically, when I moved in, I became the owner of a Lamona Oven as it was included in the new kitchen - I did not choose it, it was 'gifted'.

Now, after the grand sum of two month's use, it has packed up. It trips out the main circuit board when the light is switched on. The bulb was replaced and it still happens. Which leads me to think that it is a) a loose wire from the switch b) the bulb holder c) the switch is faulty.

After a nightmare trying to get the warranty documentation from the builder (who has disappeared off the face of the earth), I managed through detective work and sheer luck to get the information from Howden's to be able to make a warranty claim.


The engineer turned up late, without calling in the morning as is their requirements, (and told the helpline that his computer didn't work) was observed shouting to himself in the van as he was spotted realising that there was pay and display bays opposite the house. Well, that's being charitable. He actually started making a fuss as I let him know I'd spotted him trying to park behind another vehicle where he couldn't be seen - as if he was trying to hide/sneak off home without being spotted. He was very obviously struggling with his English and spent longer in the toilet than he did looking at the cooker.

His examination of the cooker took the form of 'does it work?'. No continuity testing, no checking the connections. He said 'excuse' and walked out. And drove off.

Calling the helpline the next day, I got told that the engineer informed me I needed parts and he would be straight back when they are received. They came by Fedex two days later, when an appointment was made for today.

He never showed. The appointment was cancelled and he didn't call me.

The reason? Because he needs to order a thermostat. Which they have no idea when it will be received, as they come from a third party. And apparently, they always have to wait ages for thermostats.



How does a thermostat affect a light switch???????????


Anyway, seeing as I have been without an oven since Boxing Day, I would like someone to at least poke a screwdriver at the parts that are there - or even better, as it is quite obviously complete cpra manufacture to go wrong within 8 weeks, replace it with a different make - Howdens offer Bosch, so I see no reason why I can't just reject the Lamona thing as being utter shoite and get a replacement with something that might last more than a couple of months.

The Builder is, as I say, absent, so I can't get him to deal with it for me.

So I need a contact email for Howden's themselves.

Anyone have the details?

dizzydonkeys

we have been through 5 of the hobs from howdens of the same make, so far oven been fine however they are aware that there is a problem with the range so you've probably been given one of the faulty batch.

Howdens Head Office
Northampton
01604 764 815

don't have an email address but have the above although your local depot really should be more accomodating although their contract is more than likely with the builder as they generally only supply to trade.

google the oven make - will give you enough horror storys to make you want to rip it out asap - put it this way ours was condemned mainly due to them telling us to use a certain sized cable in instructions that sparky said could not possibly be correct and suprise suprise it wasnt - their technician came out and it went bang!

phill99

I think you may find Howdens will try and pass the buck. Lamona is their own brand, but made by Beko and all the warranty work is done by them, not Howdens. I always find their Customer Service in store to be pretty good i terms of changing damaged carcasses, doors etc, but their CS when it comes to their appliances leaves alot to be desired.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Thanks. I knew in my heart that it would be trouble as soon as I saw it, but did at least expect it to make it through the year unscathed - at which point I was going to replace it with something better, anyway. The vast majority of stuff I have bought myself is Bosch or Siemens, so I'm not used to faffing round like this.

I have found the people on the phone at Howdens and the warranty people to be very nice, but ultimately ineffectual.

Had I been given the choice, I would never have accepted the thing in the first place. And now it can't even be fixed by someone who knows what they are doing, I am not a happy bunny.

adamg

cant see them replacing with a bosch oven at three times the price,

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

adamg wrote: »

cant see them replacing with a bosch oven at three times the price,

I'd be prepared to pay the difference.