TribalUK ??

AlphaRomeo_2

Hi everyone,
I am new here- although I have been a regular visitor to this wonderful website. I have never posted in any forums before, but as I have benefitted so much from the forums here, I thought that I should share my experience here!
I recently (well, if you can call 1 month as "recently") placed an online order for the Samsung LE46M87BD (£1192) from Tribal UK (www.tribaluk.com) - It was the cheapest one I could find online (pricerunner), with a "customer certified" stamp from pricerunner. Along with a £20 online code and a £35 cashback through topcashback, it did seem to be a great bargain! Alas, it was not what it seemed to be!!
The TV was out of stock when I placed the order, but I was told that stocks were expected in a week/ 2weeks time. I was assured that I can cancel the order whenever I like till 7 days after delivery. A few days after this, I sourced another retalier who could sell it for cheaper- so naturally, I e-mailed tribal UK to cancel the order and recredit my credit card account. Thats when I found that things went horribly wrong!
There was no reply from Tribal UK and their customer care phone number is perpetually busy. In one of the infinite emails that I wrote them, I even threatened to take up the matter to police, but all I got in reply was a stupid automated reply that had already filled my inbox a countless times!
I see on the forums here that people have successfully had their orders delivered from tribal UK after I had placed my order, and hence I think I can safely assume that the company has not gone bust or that it is not fraudulent company.
However, the way they have treated me and my order leaves lot to be desired and I have complained to my credit card company and they have agreed to look in the issue. I would welcome any advice on where else I could complain and get my money back ASAP!! (For the record, I live in Preston, Lancs)
Tribal UK might have been a great place for bargain goods, but at present I would advice any prospective customers to stay away from it till they sort out their customer care and become communicable!
Thanks to everyone who has patiently gone through my rambling!

AlphaRomeo_2

Suggestions anybody? I would greatly appreciate any advice regarding how to take up this matter further.
Many thanks!

Pollycat

Hi there
I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you, I'm not 'up' on consumer law.

On the subject of ordering from TribalUK, I recently posted my (positive) experience.

I think TribalUK seem to be the sort of company that does reasonable prices and if your order goes smoothly, that's fine.
But, as with your order, if you need to contact them, it sounds like 'mission impossible'.

Good luck
Polly

AlphaRomeo_2

Dear Polly,
Thanks for the reply. I followed the advice from one of Martin's article on Online buying that it is better to check if the online retailer has a phone number and an address before placing an order. I should say that before I ordered, there were no problems what so ever with regards to contacting Tribal UK customer care, either email or phone. But, out of the blue, the customer care has become non existant!! So I would like to warn the members planning to buy through Tribal UK that they better (try to) call (!!!) and confirm if they are in stock for the stuff that you are planning to buy. If it is out of stock, please dont place an order, as you cant reach them and you will never know when you can expect the delivery!
Many thanks!
Regards,
AlphaRomeo

marleyboy

Postal Address:

Tribal UK Ltd
Unit 47
White Lodge Business Park,
Hall Road,
Norwich, NR4 6DG
[EMAIL="marketing@tribaluk.com"]marketing@tribaluk.com[/EMAIL]

Tel: 01603 251108
Fax: 07092 026535

Thats the best I can find for you, hope it helps.

AlphaRomeo_2

Updates...
I got an e-mail (from the same email to which I wrote to previously) from Tribal UK that my order has been dispatched, despite all my e-mails to them!! I am really at my wits end, but the postive side is that the company has not gone bust!
Thanks for the replies and I will keep you posted.
Many thanks!

tzb57r

A couple of years ago I ordered a fridge freezer from Tribal, and it was alway coming next week, after 5 weeks I lost the plot at a call center lacky who complained to their supervisor who actually did call me back to tell me off. I explained that they were a scam who debited my credit card the instant the order was placed without having the item in stock(nor any intention of doing so). They eventually refunded my money, but they are really bad. I think they make money bu debiting immediately and then delaying the stock order/delivery.

they certainly seemed crooked to me all those years ago. I'm actually surprised they are still in business.

galvin2

I've just had the same experience as AlphaRomeo. This is really a rubbish company. Don't forget that this is the same Call Centre that might have to deal with goods found damaged on receipt or your Warranty claim!
If you want to cancel out with them (purchase price debited to credit card account, goods out of stock and no response from Tribal) Write Recorded to Norwich address and invoke the "Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000" (look on Google for detail). At the same time, talk to the "Disputes" Department of your Credit Card company. They should log the debit as under dispute (you will need to fill in a form they send you) and the payment will not be passed to Tribal whilst under dispute.
There is still an old addage: "you get what you pay for". I'm afraid this applies with Tribal but thankfully with very few other eRetailers.

AlphaRomeo_2

Good News everyone!
I had an email from Tribal UK that my order has been cancelled and that the money would be recredited to my credit card soon. Knowing Tribal UK, I am still circumspect, but I think that I could see some light at the end of the tunnel. Previously, I had lodged a written complaint to the disputes department of my credit card company, but not sure if that was the reason behind the latest development.
Anyways, I will keep you all posted on if and when I get back my money!!
LESSONS LEARNT:
1. Spend On the Credit Card: I am sure that all moneysavers are smart enough to spend on their credit card, rather than their debit card. But there are people who think that debit card payment is better (My wife used to spend on her debit card before I told her the advantages, and I have a friend who still strongly argues that debit card is the best way to go!!). In this instance, by spending on my credit card, no actual money was taken out of my accounts. I have another week for my credit card payment date, and by which time, I am sure that I would have had the money recredited. But more impotantly, I could involve my credit card company in this, which might not have been possible if I had used a debit card.
2. Check the retailer: I did do some basic checks on the retailer. Tribal UK is a "customer certified" retailer as per pricerunner. It is endorsed by all the cashback sites as well. It does have a telephone number and address for communication. Inspite of all this, I did have a very bad experience with tribal UK- but atleast, I was not conned by a fraudulent online company, but delayed by an inefficient and inconsiderate company! Next time I buy from an online retailer, I would pore through useful forums like moneysavingexpert, review centre to name a few!
Thanks to Galvin, tzb57r, marleyboy and polly for replying to my query!
Hope this thread would help somebody researching about Tribal UK to make an informed choice!!
Regards,
AlphaRomeo

stonekent

I have just had the worst experience with these muppetts as well. I have spent over 2 and a half hours calling them regarding a food processor. not a freephone number. Order has been cancelled, i wont hold my breath for that anytime soon.

BUYER BEWARE, BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST.