Next Retail/Betta Living Nightmare

DavidWatson_2

Next Retail are taking no responsibility for the company supplying our "Next Fitted Kitchen" going bust.

At the start of the year we were looking to replace the kitchen in our flat and opted for Next Fitted Kitchens. This was because of issues we have had in the past with kitchen we got fitted previously. We wanted to go with a name we could trust and my wife has been a big Next shopper..

We contacted Next and a salesman visited, worked with us to design the kitchen then we placed the order. We learnt at this point that we were dealing not with Next, but with Betta Living. After some months delay, due to building warrants and construction work tomorrow was our fitting date. I learnt at the start of last week that Betta Living had gone into administration. Unable to get a response from Betta Kitchens I contacted Next immediately and they took my details. To my horror Next have washed their hands and are saying that the contract is with Betta Living so they have no responsibility and do not intend to get involved.

This gets worse. I'll say it quickly because it makes me feel ill when I think about it. I paid for the kitchen over 3 instalments by bank transfers so I am NOT PROTECTED.... Schoolboy error.

Next clearly advertised their offering as Next Fitted Kitchens. Now, they have updated their website (go there and search for fitted kitchens) to distance themselves from Betta Living saying that Betta Living had "pop-up display areas in a handful of Next stores". They also make it clear that any contract was between the customer and Betta Living and nothing to do with Next.

We are gutted by this development and think that this is a terrible stance. Next is a company that trades on it's reputation, that is why we went with them.

Is there any hope?

Keep_pedalling

I believe Next pulled out of fitted kitchens earlier this year (http://help.next.co.uk/Section.aspx?ItemId=31231) and your contract would have been with Betta Living, so it looks like you are stuffed.

Why 3 payments? Please say that you only paid a deposit, and not the whole lot up front.

gardenerswife

In the same position as yourself re Betta Living Kitchen - bought through Next store for the reputable company I thought Next was.....will share any advice I get but like you feel very let down and disillusioned......when they accepted our money which we gave in good faith they must have known they were struggling

DavidWatson_2

Yip 'stuffed' is a definite possible outcome of this situation, Next were only too keen to point out that the contract was with Betta Living, The irony is we specifically went with a name we thought we could trust - Next - and did not stop to think through the consequences.

They asked for 3 installments and I paid them. Bank transfer. The lot.

DavidWatson_2

Thanks gardenerswife, I have sent 2 emails to the administrators ans tried to phone too but had nothing in reply. I'll also let you know of any developments.

Fat_Walt

DavidWatson wrote: »

Yip 'stuffed' is a definite possible outcome of this situation, Next were only too keen to point out that the contract was with Betta Living, The irony is we specifically went with a name we thought we could trust - Next - and did not stop to think through the consequences.

They asked for 3 installments and I paid them. Bank transfer. The lot.

Next used to have an alliance with Hammonds about four years ago. They're not doing too well on the bedroom front.

gardenerswife

David Watson - I've spoken with administrators - the order book has been bought by a management buyout by the directors of beta living!! Seems they may or may not honour sales made already - have been told we will be informed by letter - still waiting.
Can't believe someone can just start another company like this

shar_99

I agree, I have the same trouble. I trusted NEXT too - big mistake!

shar_99

Its outrageous! I've paid 2 instalments for thousands via bank transfer & have nothing from them either. lots of people angry on facebook too.

Srgur

The rules are barking mad when you think about it - who would have though paying real money via an honest tackable and safe means like bank transfer would cause a 'oh no you didn't?!!!' response. I'd understand if you'd slipped them an unmarked envelope containing cash in an alleyway. I really feel for you and Next should step forward as NO ONE can afford poor customer service these days. Good luck.