My worst customer experience ever.... by far
Went to Eden Hearth & Home for an electric fire and fitting in our new home.
It started with a mis-quote on the installation (it increased by 50%), that I accepted.
I had asked the builders of our home to put additional strengthening in our new home and additional electrics to accommodate the electric fire. The fitter was booked for the day after we moved in, so that we could have the fire installed ready for my housebound elderly parents. The fitter arrived and advised that the electrics didn’t meet his requirements, the strengthening didn’t meet requirements and just threw in that he didn’t like the position of the fire. Disappointing but I got the builders back, as they were meant to do this.
Electrical contractor arrived and called the fitter to discuss requirements. What he got, (I heard both sides of the call) was a tirade of verbal abuse and the fitter put the phone down on him. I have never heard anything so abusive and unprovoked. The poor electrician (a gentle guy and a credit to his organisation) was physically shaking after the call. Amongst the expletives the fitter quoted 'electrical regulations' that subsequently I have verified don’t exist. The manufacturer also described the electrics as 'about as perfect as you can get.'
The fitter later responded to my complaint admitting 'he might have developed an attitude with him' (the electrician)' but no apology has ever been forthcoming from the fitter or Eden Hearth and Home. He justified it by claiming ‘his intelligence was being questioned’. When he put the phone down on the electrician in such an abusive way, I was left with no way forward.
I therefore requested a refund. At this point for the first time they produced T’s & C’s that say fitting is nothing to do with them and no refunds! (I believe the fitter is a family member and if you visit their outlet is mentioned on the website as being able to help with quotes etc).
So, they have now delivered a fire that can’t be fitted, delivered a tirade of abuse to a contractor without apology. They have now accused me of bullying and intimidation in requesting a refund as 'I am not getting my own way’. I now have to consider legal action.
By far the worst customer experience I have ever received.
To add, in response to Eden Hearth and Home response:
They have always, and continue, to ignore the fact that their fitter was verbally abusive to the mild mannered electrician (in fact they accused the electrician of being abusive, which he most definitely wasn't). I had a builder and electrician prepared to complete any additional work required. By being verbally abusive and cutting off the call, the fitter made none of this possible. We therefore had no option but to refer to the manufacturer regarding the electrical requirements.
Eden Hearth and Home aren't quite correct, my electric sockets are positioned to be behind a removable decorative chimney breast, not a permanent structure. Furthermore I had an additional switchable spur which was outside the structure so that the sockets could be isolated if necessary. This is how most (including mine) ovens, fridge freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers etc are supplied. This, despite being recommended by other electricians, and recognised as almost perfect by the manufacturer, would not be accepted by Eden Hearth and Home.
For clarity, the wall strengthening was never requested by the fitter. It was something I requested from my builder as I thought it might be helpful.
With regard to Terms and Conditions (which were never provided until I asked for a refund), they state 'The contract is with the company for supply of goods only'. This is contrary to the way that Eden Hearth and Home market themselves (and what I had agreed with them): 'Eden Hearth and Home also supply and install all the latest ranges of gas and electric fires'.
Eden Hearth and Home weren't able or prepared to install the fire and then they refused a refund.They have knowingly left me with a fire that can be bought cheaper elsewhere and that can't be installed. I never wanted supply only. Had I wanted supply only, I would have gone elsewhere.
I genuinely believed I was going to a local company that would supply and fit the fire. I was prepared to pay a premium for this. I wasn't prepared to pay a premium for supply only and the verbal abuse that came for free!
Beware, this is a 'supply only' business despite the way they portray themselves on their website. Make sure you see their Terms and Conditions prior to purchase as they aren't on their website. If you then proceed, I wish you a better experience than mine!
6 March 2022
Unprompted review