Thinking of buying a new kitchen from Wickes but a recent news story worries me.

Sinbad

Wickes is owned by builders merchants Travis Perkins. In a recent company statement, Travis Perkins apparently are “to explore the future sale of struggling DIY brand Wickes as it seeks to focus on its core business”. Actual report here

Their product appears to be good, I know people who already have a Wickes kitchen and are happy with it. The price is competitive. Their website states “We’re so confident in the hard-wearing nature of our cabinets that we guarantee them for their lifetime of 20 years. This guarantee covers the kitchen unit, hinges and drawer runners and our doors and drawer fronts are guaranteed for 10 years”

So if the business was to be sold off, I’m wondering if the new owner would honour the above. I’m guessing that if they went bust then the guarantee becomes worthless.

Looking for any views on whether I should still consider the Wickes products or simply walk away.

tacpot12

I think you should continue to consider the Wickes products. Guarantees are pretty useless anyway. You could buy a spare door and some extra packs of hinges just in case.

I would check on how long the delivery times are when you order your kitchen, and don't accept a delivery time that is more than a couple of weeks into the future, just to be on the safe side. Pay by credit card as well to get the Section 75 protection.

I bought a carpet from CarpetRight in the summer when they were in trouble and just accepted that there was a risk. CarpetRight were able to deliver and install within two weeks so the risk of them going bust in that time seemed small.

Do keep monitoring the situation though.

bris

You can get the same kitchens from Travis Perkins trade outlets, just google for your nearest stockists

davidmcn

Sinbad wrote: »

Looking for any views on whether I should still consider the Wickes products or simply walk away.

How many times have you heard of anybody making a claim on a guarantee for kitchen units? Which of their competitors do you think are certain to be around in 10/20 years' time?

In any event, a mere change in the shareholders of the company means the company (and its guarantees) still exists.

pmduk

Wherever you buy from, make sure you pay by credit card for the added protection that will provide.

Labsuper

pmduk wrote: »

Wherever you buy from, make sure you pay by credit card for the added protection that will provide.

...is the right answer! Guard and store the details of the guarantee safely in case you need to supply proof in the future.

DoaM

You don't even need to pay the whole amount on a CC (if trying to avoid card payment fees) ... a small deposit amount is enough to keep the Section 75 protection for the full purchase amount.