Urgent Mfi Tesco Deal Potential Problem

tracyburt

Having saved my Tesco vouchers for an MFI kitchen and got a quote from them I thought the sensible moneysavingexpert thing to do would be to go to Howdens and also get a quote from them as they are (were!) part of the MFI group who actually supplied MFI with the kitchens.

At Howdens today they told me that since the takeover of MFI for £1 they are no longer connected and MFI are about to start using a different kitchen supplier. This means that all MFI ranges are about to change and existing ranges become obsolete. My concern is that if I buy an MFI kitchen they might struggle to correct any faulty items and I might not be able to add extras if the range is no longer available.

This could be a panic over nothing but personally I'm not prepared to risk it on such a major purchase so I'll my vouchers to buy a range cooker and chimney hood, looking elsewhere for the units.

Also, the Howdens guy said a Tesco vouchers option appeared on their system today! I've checked the Tesco Deals site for info on this and there's nothing yet (I am a bit sceptical as Howdens is trade only so can't see how it would work) but I guess it could happen when MFI vouchers stop.

TBeckett100

never shop at MFI

WELSH-DRAGON_2

all well saying never shop at MFI but what if like the OP people have saved their vouchers specifically for MFI.

I have just had a range cooker from MFI and am awaiting 4 more deliveries of items. The next purchase on my list is also a kitchen.

Our builders had a cold call yesterday from Howdens, shame I wasn't there I could have asked them about this and new kitchens etc

Welshy x

tracyburt

Why? Perhaps not for kitchens however with their current sale prices they are very competitive on the appliances I want. Also, with Tesco vouchers you get stuff for 25% of their true price.

WELSH-DRAGON_2

and if you spend over £1500 on a kitchen they also give away a free bosch dishwasher - a very good freebie to have.

with my bathroom order - I got two free powershowers !

Welshy x

BigAde

tracyburt wrote:

Also, the Howdens guy said a Tesco vouchers option appeared on their system today! I've checked the Tesco Deals site for info on this and there's nothing yet (I am a bit sceptical as Howdens is trade only so can't see how it would work) but I guess it could happen when MFI vouchers stop.

This would be just great if it were true. I've always been a bit resentful that I couldn't buy a Howden's kitchen to fit myself, but if I paid a kitchen-fitter to do the job, I could get one no problem. The whole "trade-only" culture that still prevails at many places is (IMHO) a relic from the past and is long overdue for being ripped out. What would happen if I went to PC World to buy a PC and was told that I couldn't buy one since they could only sell to "trade"...

Perhaps I'm missing something and perhaps there's a very good reason why they don't sell to the public at large?

tracyburt

I think things are trade only because they keep their prices that low by expecting a certain level of knowledge hence they don't need to spend much time with the customers as they already know what they want, ie order and go rather than getting loads of help and advice. Also, depends on what you as a customer want as they don't do showrooms, they just have doors, worktops, etc on display in the office.

Anyway (and I'm not sure if I should say this so Mod please edit if necessary) for Howdens pretty much anyone could open a trade account as they don't ask for any trade references or proof of business. This is most unusual but means you could just say you are just going into property developing! Please do be aware though that the trade account is a credit account so unless you have a good credit rating you wouldn't be able to open a Howdens account.

Clowance

This is purely for interest, as we dont live anywhere near Howdens but..
OH is an electrician (tradesman) but not self employed, presumably he could buy stuff at Howdens?