Need advice about paying for Howdens kitchen

n_delarosa

I have a kitchen fitter who has sent all my measurements and requirements over to Howdens. Tomorrow I will go to Howdens for a design appointment. If I order my kitchen tomorrow how do I make payment? I’m not going for credit, I want to pay the sum. However, I’m worried that if a kitchen costs a little more than my budget they will ask for the full price there and then at the store for them to put the order in. I know that they only technically sell to trades so it will be on my fitter’s account. So will I be paying Howdens upfront tomorrow in store or will I be paying my fitter as it will be on his account? And will I have to pay the whole thing all at once or is the transaction completed on delivery/fitting of the kitchen?
thanks 

prettyandfluffy

You will (should) be paying your fitter.  I would pay at least part of it by credit card so you are protected by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

CliveOfIndia

Best to check with your fitter.  But how it usually works is that the fitter pays for the materials on his account (he may not actually have to pay up front if he's got a credit facility with them, but that's no concern of yours).  You then pay the fitter in whatever manner you've agreed - whether that's cash upon completion of the job, staged payments, whatever it may be.  Hopefully the payment agreement between you and the fitter will be clearly stated in the contract - if it isn't, then get it in writing before you go any further.

As I say, that's the "standard" way of doing it - but it's best to check with your fitter beforehand if you're in any doubt.

Wicks

I've just paid for a Howdens Kitchen last Saturday.  It is an extension being built and I was through my builders account, basically they asked me who my builder was, and I gave the details that i had got from my builder.  I then carried out all the design meetings and measurements with Howdens. 

When I was happy with the design and costs I paid a deposit only (on credit card)

When the kitchen space was ready, Howdens came out to take their own measurements, ensured all measurements and unit details correct, and I paid the balance last week.  

So in a long winded way, they only asked for a deposit when I was happy with it.  Design did change in the meantime as the extension took shape and we moved things around, and balance only paid once final design and price agreed.

After speaking with a couple of fitters, who also told me to use their account at Howdens, I believe the builders and fitters get their kick back at month end from Howdens direct.

Clive_Woody

Don't accept their first price, get other quotes (DIYkitchens) and ask them to price match....they did for us.

You'll see all sorts of ridiculous numbers thrown around for discounts (50%, 60%, 82%....not sure anyone ever has paid full price for a Howdens kitchen, this is simply a marketing ploy).

Mutton_Geoff

As Clive says, Howdens are the masters of discount trickery and shame on your installer to ask you to go in and pay. They give you 20% discount on his trade account that attracts 60% and the difference is loaded onto his account.