Wickes/ Sheridan Kitchens and Granites Problems

Furts

rkdsunny wrote: »

Thanks to all posted replies. Phoned Hitachi they said Wickes asked for payment so they transferred funds. Wickes phoned to say as goodwill gesture they can refund cost of granite But won't pay for work to refit another worktop. I said that any damage to surroundings will have to be borne by Wickes and I will demand payment from them if I have to get another fitter. Or they simply offered £250.00 as goodwill.They told me to go to Furniture Ombdusman. I have offered them to take 10/15% off price of kitchen that comes to £1500. They won't. How can £250 compensates against granite that cost £2500? Plus installation costs.

Hi rkdsunny
I have been in exactly the same situation as you, and reached the same stage. The worktops were supplied FOC and likewise the fitting costs. I did not get £250 as goodwill, but indirectly negotiated terms for a small settlement. I then walked away. If you do not, and end up in Court, you will have incurred costs and time. The judge will consider what an average person would have done, what an average person would accept, what is fair and reasonable but all this is vague.

Bear in mind most people know very little about kitchens, and will accept whatever is offered to them. How many consumers draw up a specification, monitor the work, check the quality, scrutinise all the joints and door allignments, the fabrication of the worktops etc. Consequently the judge may not rule in your favour. It is likely that you will be told you have done very well out of this situation. You have worktops that the average person would have paid for and accepted.

Also bear in mind the worktop company. Mine was not Sheridans but was a significant fabricator. When I challenged them on movement joints, bedding, support etc. they did not have a clue. Basically, they are a company run by a chancer who is determined to sell a dream to kitchen customers without the first idea of the details involved. They get away with this every day of their working life because people's expectations are so low. Consequently there was little point in going to court - the judge would have to be convinced that I was right and the vast majority were wrong.

rkdsunny

Thanks Furts you sound realistic but I and my family feel we have been treated unfairly and it's not fair for Wickes to have a slogan "it's got our name on it" and Sheridan has a mission statement " right first time". I will peruse them and take them to The Ombudsman but which one Furniture or Trading Standard? Most likely we will tell Wickes to remove their worktop and refund money. But Wickes will have to pay for tiling that lies on the worktop as these are likely to get broken. I am thinking of reporting my story to BBC Watchdog and other consumer forums. Wickes and Sheridan must customers First!

rkdsunny

Since I last posted a reply, I have been in touch with Wickes Customer Services and with the involvement of one of their Customer Services staff , we have agreed on a small increase of compensation sum to close the complaint . We as a family have been under a lot of unnecessary stress due to lack of reasonable response of and remedy for granite from Sheridan and we felt we can't carry on spending time and energy over this. We can use the money towards future refurbishment of kitchen. However the faulty worktop is a visible reminder of and an example to others to think carefully in buying this particular stone. I must thanks one particular staff, can't name due to Forum rules, of Wickes for his empathetic approach. Thanks to all the Forum community members in replying and advising myself and I found these to be helpful in making a decision and raising our morale and stance. Most importantly these postings give the consumers power to deal with companies that use the small print of terms and conditions to hide their poor products and service. I would advice anyone planning to buy granite stone from anywhere to research carefully to avoid our experience. Wickes installation team of the kitchen units and sink, tiles, gas and electricity etc.were very good as well as the designer, a patient and knowledgeable professional man, in the Teddington branch and gentleman at Wickes Customer Services at Northampton. But I can't say positive comments about Sheridan as they franchise the work and haven't lived up to the spirit of their mission statement ' Right First Time '. THANKS to Moneysaving Expert website.

MrJester

rkdsunny wrote: »

Since I last posted a reply, I have been in touch with Wickes Customer Services and with the involvement of one of their Customer Services staff , we have agreed on a small increase of compensation sum to close the complaint . We as a family have been under a lot of unnecessary stress due to lack of reasonable response of and remedy for granite from Sheridan and we felt we can't carry on spending time and energy over this. We can use the money towards future refurbishment of kitchen. However the faulty worktop is a visible reminder of and an example to others to think carefully in buying this particular stone. I must thanks one particular staff, can't name due to Forum rules, of Wickes for his empathetic approach. Thanks to all the Forum community members in replying and advising myself and I found these to be helpful in making a decision and raising our morale and stance. Most importantly these postings give the consumers power to deal with companies that use the small print of terms and conditions to hide their poor products and service. I would advice anyone planning to buy granite stone from anywhere to research carefully to avoid our experience. Wickes installation team of the kitchen units and sink, tiles, gas and electricity etc.were very good as well as the designer, a patient and knowledgeable professional man, in the Teddington branch and gentleman at Wickes Customer Services at Northampton. But I can't say positive comments about Sheridan as they franchise the work and haven't lived up to the spirit of their mission statement ' Right First Time '. THANKS to Moneysaving Expert website.

A very concise end to this ordeal, I'm glad you are satisfied with your outcome, it is always good to get these annoyances behind you! Best of luck in future, any issues with Hitachi come talk to me

rkdsunny

Thanks Graduate Gamer Money saver for your support.