Howdens question

WatlingA5

Had a kitchen design done by one of their branches. In the course of conversation, we were told that branches were franchises and that we needed to get our installer to buy from that branch or the salesperson wouldn't get their commission.

Now my upbringing was far from rural, but I'm getting a strong whiff of farmyard.

This is backed up by our installer who works all over the region and uses Howdens regularly and says he's never heard that before.

Anyone know if there is a shred of truth in what we were told? If not, I wonder what other porkies we were fed

Doozergirl

That's true. Whoever sells the kitchen gets the commission. They will all have individual and store targets. I don't think it's a franchise though; perhaps the person didn't really understand what franchise means.

I've had branches deliver well out of area to make sure they get the commission.

leveller2911

Doozergirl wrote: »

That's true. Whoever sells the kitchen gets the commission. They will all have individual and store targets. I don't think it's a franchise though; perhaps the person didn't really understand what franchise means.

I've had branches deliver well out of area to make sure they get the commission.

I've had my account with 1 branch for over 15 years and since then Howdens have opened up 6 branches all within a 15 mile radius and when I pop into a branch where my account isn't held they always phone my account branch to ask what discount I have. I can't work out who actually gets the sale whether its my account branch or where I buy it from.


In the past I've often had different branches undercutting each other which seems odd to me and they have opened far too many branches for the volume of trade they can get. All of those branches are on the South East coast so 50% of their "area" is the Englash Channel. Not much business going on in the sea....:D

adamg

The branch where you buy from gets the commission split in a pooled pot between all the staff there. Where you opened the account is the holding depot so sets your discount level so they officially have to be called to check their discount structure. If your account is held in Hull and you buy a kitchen from Exeter branch it will show up the next day in Hulls morning paperwork run. This leads to grief for the staff as if you spend to much at another branch that branch will try pinching the account. They are targeted on how many accounts they have so will not want to lose one. Its a franchaise in the sense that the depot can do what ever discounts and promotions they like within reason

leveller2911

adamg wrote: »

They are targeted on how many accounts they have so will not want to lose one. Its a franchaise in the sense that the depot can do what ever discounts and promotions they like within reason

I had some flyers through last week from my local branch advertising an extra 20% off kitchens...... But the offer was only on for 5 days , it took them 2 weeks to get their planner out to see my client last time, let alone get it planned and then ordered, so I would never have a cat in hells chance of making the 5 day deadline.

There lies the problem with Howdens all smoke and mirrors.

adamg

Never believe a extra 20% off from Howdens!!! They would only send this flyer out to customers they had not priced yet so they could add 20% to the price or from July - September they over price EVERY single kitchen anyway so tjhey can then knock 20% off in their October sale. They have margain targets of approx 42% if they hit less then 40% the manager does not get paid commission ( I think ). 2 weeks to get someone out is P take, Where in East Sussex are you there are other suppliers down that way better and cheaper then Howdens

leveller2911

adamg wrote: »

2 weeks to get someone out is P take, Where in East Sussex are you there are other suppliers down that way better and cheaper then Howdens

Between Bexhill and Ashford....... Howdens priced up the kitchen but I used DIY kitchens online. I had to plan it but thats not a problem as I make kitchens as well as other Joinery. Ended up with a far better kitchen for £1,000 less than Howdens . Price included all doors,drawers, wire baskets,pan drawers etc all pre-fitted.

I will only use Howdens for the interior doors and thats only because I can go and pick them up.....:D

oaprut

Had Howdens kitchen fitted, love it as my fitter did a great job but not impressed with Howdens staff; all very nice and obliging before they get your money then nothing. I was told 1 week notice and they guarantee everything would be delivered, gave them 2.5 weeks and poor fitter still had several trips for missing bits. Their kitchen designer came a measured everything but I have several square meters of the flooring in my garage. Might come in useful if floor marks.
We went away while work was being done, came home to find the olive green splash backs I had spent some time choosing are pale blue! Didn't have heart to tell fitter but have complained to Howdens; still waiting.
Would I use them again? Doubtful. Seems the branch you use is very important as they don't all give same standard to customer service.

Furts

oaprut wrote: »

s.
We went away while work was being done, came home to find the olive green splash backs I had spent some time choosing are pale blue! Didn't have heart to tell fitter but have complained to Howdens; still waiting.

Estate agents and builders say it is the kitchen and bathroom that sells a house. They are the most important rooms in a house. They are also the reflections of ones taste and pride.

You had a new kitchen fitted but chose not to oversee and not to check the work. That is work on your home, paid with your money, that you have to be satisfied with for years to come. You then complain to Howdens and make out this was their responsibility and their fault.

Just ocassionally, words fail me!