Chic Trolley recommendations

beautifylife

Hi, I hope you can help here. I am looking to buy a plain shopping Trolley (rather than something patterned/stripped etc), but that is still looks ok, and is fit for purpose, as I use public transport and walk a lot to pick up my heavy shopping.

I had been using a travel case on wheels that worked well for a while, now one of the wheels has split so I need to replace with something more efficient, sturdy and practical.

I've done a little research on the forum and found this thread dating from 2006 - 2012 March. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/146229. As it's a well established thread I can't find the info I'm looking for so hope you can help.

Here is my criteria:
1. As I'm about 5ft 6 something I don't have to stoop over (either something higher off the ground or with a longer handle)
2. Good quality - can handle hills, bumpy and varying pavements and kerbs.
3. Good capacity - I tend to use it to lug, pulses, bottles, washing powder, canned goods, fruit and veg - so it needs to cope well with these weights.
4. Reasonable price: I was thinking about £20 but having read the forum it seems that Rolser which is apparently top of the range start about £39 from Lakeland this seems the cheapest place so far. I did try ebay but nothing in my area for Rolser.

Ebay links I found as an example not sure if any of these are ok? http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sis.html?_itemId=6846203759&_nkw=PariShopper%20Funky%20Shopping%20Trolley%20Hot%20Turq%20Cow - although mostly patterned.

Plainer ones here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=plain+shopping+trolley+&_sacat=0&_dmpt=UK_Tickets_Travel_Luggage_CA&_odkw=shopping+trolley+rolser&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

This is my favourite so far - although spotted! http://www.lakeland.co.uk/23322/Rolser-Luna-Shopping-Trolley it seems to fit the criteria and looks good quality and simple in design not too bright! To be honest, it doesn't have to be that chic just so it does the job and isn't too loud really (just thought I would continue the theme from the last thread I mentioned above).

Best suggestions I found so far are:
Rolser - top of range
Aldi/Lidl -
Argos
Lakeland
Car Boot/Charity shops?

What do you think? What is the best value/quality in your experience?

Love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

Many thanks:)

WartimeScrapingofMarmite

I have this one:-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Typhoon-Natural-Dot-Shopping-Trolley/dp/B002BWR652/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334519071&sr=8-3

I can't park near my house, so tend to walk to my nearest supermarket otherwise unloading is a nightmare (I got fed up of the abuse I get when I try to park outside the house briefly to unload). My trolley has been used to transport heavy items such as big bags of cat litter, washing powder and tins over very bumpy pavements and kerbs, and i have also used it in a field for my car boot sale buys so I can vouch for it's sturdiness! It has a pocket for an umbrella and a separate compartment for chilled goods - I love it

maryb

If you are 5'6" then you should be OK with a Rolser. I find it sometimes catches the back of my heels when it is empty but once it has got a bit of weight in it, it's perfect for my height

nuatha

It might be worth looking at Sholleys, you should be able to find one on ebay for less than a Rolser. I was introduced to them by a friend who has used one for 10 years or so and know several happy users.

LondonDreamer

I'm only 5'2 so can't comment on the height issue but a Rolser definitely meets all of your other requirements. Actually, my flatmate is around 5'10 and can pull it along no problems so I think it would be good for your entire list.

You may have read found my posts in other trolley threads, but I can't say enough good things about mine. Had it for nearly three years and abuse the heck out of it dragging heavy loads (capacity is 18-20kg on my model) all over London and it still functions perfectly. It would probably look perfect too if I ever bothered to clean it. :rotfl:

Mine was around £60 so it wasn't cheap, but I'd guess it's been used at least 100 times as it gets used on most shopping trips plus various errands like dragging boxes to the post office, even helped my flatmate move in. And it's still got a lot of life left in it, so it'll end up having a very small cost per use.

anguk

I've got this one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004QHS9S8/ref=asc_df_B004QHS9S87445705?smid=A3BIPMXXR9ZKH1&!!!!!googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B004QHS9S8
It's sturdy, holds loads of stuff, I've carried tins, washing powder, cat litter etc in mine. I'm only about 5ft 2in but my OH is 6ft 1in and he can pull it easily too without having to stoop.

You can get a plain black one for less than £20:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004QBNFO2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004QHS9S8&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=038XG1VTDNSZN3S0VRBJ

Or they also do a stairwheel model, apparently they're easier to get up and down kerbs:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/warranty-Lightweight-microfiber-material-60x24x33cm/dp/B006PFXJ7K/ref=sr_1_5?s=clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1334526306&sr=1-5

beautifylife

Just wanted to say a direct thanks to everyone who has written with a reply thank you for taking the time to share your experiences, I really appreciate it, especially your ideas and why you would recommend them.

Anguk I was wondering how long you have had your trolley and how often you use it for heavy loads? I ask because it seems that more expensive versions have a stronger frame and wheels than the cheaper versions. And weight and capacity are important issues for my choice. When it's empty is it possible to carry it rather than wheel it?

I know it might sound like a lot of questions for the purchase of a trolley, the reason for this is that I'm on a very low budget so have to invest wisely.

For those who have a Rolser - where is the best place to buy them at the cheapest price? I'd probably be buying it online. I was wondering if TK Maxx might be a good place to try as they often have a good range for cheaper prices?

puddy

i dont actually use one and the last time i did it was when i delivered papers!, but i would say that some of those really look cheap and by that i mean they would collapse after a few trips.

it does look like paying a lot more for a good one will pay in the long term. its a bit like suitcases, they get thrown around, filled with too much stuff, dragged around and you can tell the ones that are quality and unfortunately they cost more.

kitschkitty

I always avoid any with small wheels, they're not very stable or hard wearing, and I have found that any that fold up to a carry-able size are not strong enough for regular use.

I have owned a number of trolleys over the years from various shops (inc. independent, market stall & Lidl) and have always chosen the bag rather than rectangular shaped ones as a preference as they hold more and are a better size and shape for me, however my mum is shorter than me and has one of the rectangular ones (in cow print) and finds the height just right, But it has a wire frame in the bag to keep the shape and this makes it hard for her to get her big handbag in and out of it!

I also one had a trolley that had a side zip for easy access which was great till the day I was out with it full & the zip broke! (Luckily careful placement of very full carrier bags avoided me losing all my shopping from it, and when I got home I sewed the zip permanently closed).

I've never seen any trolleys in T K Maxx though.

lily117

I have the ones that Aldi sell (think they have them this week actually). The only problem I have ever had is the velcro fastening isn't so secure after a while.

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_24208.htm

Waffle_On

Several of my family members have Sholleys, and based on their experiences they are 100% recommended! The styling perhaps wouldn't be to a younger user's taste, but aside from that they are very sturdy and practical. Worth every penny!