Posted 18 May 2009

Simply Electronics - A Warning !!!

I recently ordered a digital camera from the above company, as having done quite a bit of searching, they came out the cheapest. Well after waiting 3 weeks for a 2-8 day despatch, I cancelled it and was assured of a refund within 7 days, 6 weeks later I'm still fighting for it, and am sending all the details to my solicitor. Be warned, never ever use this cowboy outfit, they make all the right noises but do not deliver - literally !!
p.s. Ordered same camera on Amazon and got it next day !!!!
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  1. choc1969's avatar
    How much research did you do ? :?

    Took me a minute to know it's a scam

    [LEFT] [LEFT]Whois Record

    Registrant:
    SimplyElectronics Limited
    Unit 7, 8th floor
    682 Castle Peak Road
    Kowloon, kowloon HONG KONG
    HK

    Domain name: SIMPLYELECTRONICS.NET

    Administrative Contact:
    TRAN, PHUNG LINH ][img]http//so…MG]
    Unit 7, 8th floor
    682 Castle Peak Road
    Kowloon, kowloon HONG KONG
    HK
    0085236940871
    Technical Contact:
    TRAN, PHUNG LINH ][img]http//so…MG]
    Unit 7, 8th Floor
    682 Castle Peak Road
    Kowloon, kowloon HONG KONG
    HK
    0085236940871

    Registration Service Provider:
    Fasthosts Internet Limited, ][img]http//so…MG]
    +44.8708883600
    +44.8708883760 (fax)
    fasthosts.co.uk

    Registrar of Record: TUCOWS, INC.
    Record last updated on 27-Apr-2009.
    Record expires on 25-Jun-2018.
    Record created on 25-Jun-2007.

    Registrar Domain Name Help Center:
    domainhelp.tucows.com

    Domain servers in listed order:
    NS2.RACKSPACE.COM
    NS.RACKSPACE.COM

    Domain status: clientTransferProhibited
    clientUpdateProhibited
    [/LEFT]
    [/LEFT]
  2. shanecr's avatar
    i believe they are a genuine company...and do deliver. But are not without problems...taking orders when having no stock etc. plus they supply grey imports so you do not have manufacturers warranty. I researched quite a bit and almost ordered my dsc-h20 from them, but went with amazon who were £10 more.
  3. TheGimp's avatar
    english please..
  4. ray.magini's avatar
    the hut should also be banned but the pay per click is maybe too good ?
  5. golemsmate's avatar
    ProofOfQuality

    Simply Electronics is, a leading online electronic goods retailer based … Simply Electronics is, a leading online electronic goods retailer based in Hong Kong. They acknowledge they have had service issues, and have put resources in place to resolve them. They have made a commitment to a monitored Proof of Quality initiative to verify their standards and to add new levels of reassurance to consumers.This has resulted in the swift resolution of cases that have to date utilised the new resources. The cases reported thus far have been an extremely small percentage of the overall customer number and any customer with concerns about the company is urged to use the resources now available.Please go to the Simply Electronics website - http://www.****/ and click on the Proof of Quality seal in Security section for more details.



    Why did we ever doubt them?! We were so fast to assume they were terrible... now we just look stupid. oO

    Wait a minute! 11 pages of comments (220 comments) say otherwise!

    (edited)
  6. NewBorn's avatar
    christreece

    Can't believe I'm rising to your infantile request, but hey-ho...


    Welcome to HUKD btw
  7. Nailez's avatar
    Babymaker

    SIMPLY THIEVESI ordered an iPad 2 from simply electronics six weeks a go … SIMPLY THIEVESI ordered an iPad 2 from simply electronics six weeks a go but cancelled the order within 12 hrs after a warning about this company. The money went from my account immediately. I am still waiting for my refund. I've been in touch with trading standards who tell me there is not much they can do as the company is based in hong kong and as I used my debit card have no redress there either. I'm currently in. The process of informing their domain owner in china. These are the people who sanction and own the website. DO NOT TOUCH THIS WEBSITE . They will steal your money too.



    and yet like every other idiot in this thread failed to do a check until AFTER you paid out £100's.
  8. Nailez's avatar
    Seriously WTF is wrong with you people, you're all too well and good to research AFTER you pay stupidly low prices and not even think before?
  9. ZedEx's avatar
    Jasch94

    Phew, after 2 weeks of phoning and asking, iv'e finally got my money … Phew, after 2 weeks of phoning and asking, iv'e finally got my money back. Although not sure if that's due to money bookers giving them a kick to do it. If you still haven't received you're refund, call money bookers which is what i did and had my refund within 3 days.




    Blue9119

    I think comments are unfair. I have bought Canon gear from them twice and … I think comments are unfair. I have bought Canon gear from them twice and although not the speediest for delivering goods, arrived and at excellent prices. Would use again.



    Strange on how both these accounts which are either praising the company or making it seem like you can get your money back have been created just to write about the company. Seems dodgy to me.
  10. ck2's avatar
    There have been plenty of complaints.
    Just do your research before you do any purchasing online.
  11. moob's avatar
    Simply Electronics are not a scam site.

    They are just really, really bad at getting stuff to their customers.

    There is a ]large thread over on AvForums where a member of their staff answers questions from people in a similar position.
  12. moob's avatar

    Here, I took this off a thread on AV Forums - there's a contact email for you that should help:

    Dear All,I am sorry that I have been away for last 2 weeks and hence, … Dear All,I am sorry that I have been away for last 2 weeks and hence, not able to monitor this forum;I will like to share with you few improvements we made.1) Our speed for refunds are improving and for any outstanding refunds, please contact vanessa@simplyelectronics.net and this will facilate us to resolve any outstanding issues.We do have some problems with the speed of refund previously but this has been improved tremedously. The number of cancellations we have within our delivery timeframe are very high, probably from reading this thread which have deeply aggravated the problem.But in general, we are constantly improving from feedbacks received from this forum and has always been contactable.Although, sometimes i feel some comments from this thread is overly harsh on us, but i believe this is also beneficial for us to know exactly what sort of issues our customers are having and hence able to work on them. The moderator has also been extremely fair to moderate this very difficult thread.I urged anybody with outstanding issues to contact either me via pm or vanessa so we can work to clear out any outstanding issues.2) For documents for credit check, we basically require any form of documents (we do not require details) that will assist us to ensure that we are dealing with the real card owner; a screen shot of the front of the actual credit card used will be sufficient enough. Please let us know your feedbacks in how we can improve in this area. Credit card fraud is a big problem for us. However, we will now review and revise our credit check processes via the feedbacks received from this forum and aim to implement within the next 48 hours.3) Though we have yet to achieve 100% customer satisfaction, but in general, we are improving and have hit 97% positive feedback rates, up from 90% last year. Pls see Amazon.co.uk At a Glance: SimplyElectronics4) Another problem which i recognise is our phone call answered rates are still around only 75% We have employed and trained 3 more customer service representatives and they will start handling phone calls from this week. I am confident this will improve the situation.I agree that we are not as efficient as amazon, but we are and always has been listening and improving. I know this is extremely frustrating, both for yourself and us and i urge anyone with outstanding issues to contact vanessa@simplyelectronics.net and i will work with her to ensure all cases are resolved within 24 hours of receipt of your issue.many thanksSimplyElectronics

  13. choc1969's avatar
    Humphman;5250716

    The site I used gave them a good rating, it's just that neither camera … The site I used gave them a good rating, it's just that neither camera and subsequent refund have yet to materialise



    Unfortunately some sites are paid to give others a good review. Always best to do research within a forum such as avforums or here before making a purchase if you have any doubts about the company.

    This company may fulfil 30% of it;s orders but to me keeping your cash without delivering goods in a timely manner is a scam whether it be them or Currys
  14. sancho1983's avatar
    Presumably they are scammed, then Google the site, hukd thread comes up pretty high in results, they comment.

    For finding any old thread It's always best to Google
  15. deleted61552's avatar
    Author
    maccy1

    I cannot believe I have just posted on a thread over two years old lol, I … I cannot believe I have just posted on a thread over two years old lol, I thought it was new!!



    lol - just shows how bad it is they are still operating !!
  16. deleted395695's avatar
    WOW..... I can add my two'penneth to this.

    I purcchased a Canon 7D in January 2010 (£1105), no problems ----- however it recently went wrong so I sent it to Canon for repair (as it was outside of its 1 year warranty). The camera was returned untouched as 'The serial number on the camera is not recognised as being manufactured by Canon"? I phoned Canon and queried this and basically I was told my camera is counterfeit - the camera IS genuine (phew) but the plate has been swopped - companies do this to avoid detection (import duty / tax etc)....

    I contacted SE who were adamant that Canon were incorrect and the reason they couldn't locate the serial number was because it was sourced outside of the EU! After several emails showing Canons findings, they asked me to return the camera too them - they even arranged a courier! I declined as decided that I may never see my camera again. I found a company who will repair it outside of the Canon warranty and it s still there as I write - the repair estimate is £132.00 (inc VAT). I have forwarded the bill to SE who after a long struggle have agreed to pay this - as long a I cease my complaint with Trading Standards!

    I have told them that I will inform TS of the current situation once I receive my refund - first they were going to send a cheque now they say they will pay me through Paypal - when this didn't happen I again threatened them with Hong Kong Trading Standards - that made them reply immediately they say they have passed on my details to the 'relevant' department for refund. I have informed them if I don't receive it by Friday I will take this further.
    .....

    I have also contacted Canon as I feel if when i originally registered the product and serial number, they should have picked up that the serial number didn't match the item? I did not receive a letter, but they ent me a complimentary LE6 battery pack - which is nice, but I would still like an explanation from them. I have also contacted Canon counterfeit dept, and once I have the camera back I need to take photos of the camera and serial number and send them for their records.

    I have also contacted my credit card company and am waiting on a reply from them also.


    WATCH THIS SPACE - BUT AVOID THIS COMPANY LIKE THE PLAGUE....
    (edited)
  17. Retro89's avatar
    Cant the Mods just lock this thread now? Its annoying when it gets bumped by new users who clearly work for SE.
  18. deleted456756's avatar
    I wish that I had seen this forum prior to entering into a purchase from Simplyelectronics. They are aggressive, dishonest vendors in my experience. When I realised that they would not honor their 2-3 dispatch/delivery time frame, I informed them that I wanted to cancel the product because it would not be received in time for its purpose. Five days later they informed me that the product had been dispatched and a 'gift' would be provided as compensation. There was no attempt to inform the courier of the cancellation and no return address. They wanted the item returned within a short period of time, which I could not manage as I was away. Predictably, there was no gift. I sent an email expressing my disgust at their dishonesty and management was going to be informed. I've not heard anything since. Don't waste your time on dishonest, rouge traders Simplyelectronics, when there are MUCH better alternatives out there.
  19. deleted244448's avatar
    Thanks to Nikon therapy for his support of a fellow national it is good to know there are people out there who have genuine care and consideration. As to the posting from criebjavier91 I am left feeling a lot more confused and concerned. Not sure what his/her point is at all here, sounds so much like a different form of false positive. Sorry if I am so sceptical but it just does not sound genuine, it would have been better if the 'conclusion' contained reference to the poor customer services, 'grey stock' or counterfeit goods, damaged packages, false numbers, lack of any goods delivered etc etc which haver been the true experiences of many people posting here. criebjavier91 you sound like you are trying a different way of advertising SE as some sort of genuine company when we all know they are far from it and continue to con rip off people cheat and lie on the internet and in emails. Please do not treat the people who post here as idiots ( though most of us were in trusting this Hong Kong company to deliver goods as promised having taken our money in first day) We are in the run up to Christmas and we KNOW there will be many disappointed people this Xmas who were just trying to get a good deal save a few pounds/euro's and were gullible to the high gloss advertising of SE. If you are going to summarise and generalise please include ALL the complaints and acknowledge this is a very shoddy company to do business with.
  20. deleted474839's avatar
    to dioksan simera apo kei... mu dosan kai kodiko apostolis DHL ktl ... ai na doume ti tha xei mesa....
    les na m valoun mesa kana koutsouroo?? ....
    mia kameroula pariggila o kiaratas kai perimeno 4 vdomades .....
    ante kala xristougena na xoume !!!
  21. deleted17812's avatar
    Teeth_Extractor

    Just received an email saying despatch has been delayed and they are … Just received an email saying despatch has been delayed and they are working on it... Hopefully it will arrive soon. Not too bothered if it doesn't as long as they don't take any money!!



    Last December they sent me the same order twice & charged me twice.

    I would check the statements/balance of your method of payment just to be sure.
  22. Teeth_Extractor's avatar
    fanpages

    Last December they sent me the same order twice & charged me twice.I … Last December they sent me the same order twice & charged me twice.I would check the statements/balance of your method of payment just to be sure.




    I'll do that, thanks!
    x
  23. deleted502985's avatar
    Can't believe I'm rising to your infantile request, but hey-ho...

    13473164-t7ODz

  24. deleted61552's avatar
    Author
    Wow 2 years 8 months and counting since I posted this, and still there are people getting caught by this bunch of crooks, hopefully most of you have managed either to get your money back or cancel the orders.
    Just to say again - DO NOT USE THEM, its worth paying more to a reputable company for peace of mind
    (edited)
  25. deleted568196's avatar
    cancelled order and still waiting for a refund its been well over a month now beware dodgy dealers,3118jenniferb.
  26. deleted568327's avatar
    we purchased alense form this company they stated they were uk based and lense would be dispatched in two working days. two weeks later and numerous attempts to contact have left us without resouloution we now have seen many posts with similar horror stories and even those who did get goods were saying they were not of good quality and broke after afew months. On eventually cntacting thier call center ( in Hong Kong) we got nowhere and were told they did not have a mangement team in the center . To anyone trying to purchase from this company beware they are not what they seem and because they are based outside the eupopean community it is more difficult to resolve issues or get refunds
  27. deleted569692's avatar
    I ordered a Canon lens through this company but wish I'd checked reviews first... Several days after ordering I received an email requesting paper identification 'proof' for 'fraud prevention'. This was requested in the form of photo ID (e.g. driving licence) or paper proof such as a househol utility bill. I immediately became suspicious and telelphoned Simply Electronics. The operator (American sounding) informed me that this was a regular request, at which point I informed her that as a serving police officer I found it incredible that a company should request ID in such a manner on a 'Verified by Visa' credit card, and informed her I'd like to cancel the order.
    I was instructed to reply to the original email cancelling the order which I did, receiving a reply later the same day to confirm cancellation. Three weeks later and I am still awaiting a refund, having now contacted my credit card company to report it.
    I find it incredible that this company is trading after so many negative reviews and infuriating that they took immediate payment on goods which they appear to have had no intentions of delivering, without me providing Further 'ID'. For any potential customers considering using this outfit... DON'T!!
  28. deleted570773's avatar
    Do not buy from Simply Electronics! I ordered an ipad which they said was in stock, they took the money immediately and then after it did not arrive, told me it was out of stock. I cancelled and they said they would give a refund; still waiting after many weeks! Is this not fraud? taking money by deception - how are they still trading? - BE WARNED!!
  29. deleted571695's avatar
    I ordered a Samsung MV800 from these guys. Again the same BS about it being a very popular item and they are currently waiting on delivery. Anyway 2 weeks after ordering my camera finally arrives to, not the best service but much better than some people have gotten. Use these guys with caution.
  30. deleted244448's avatar
    After 4 years of complaints GKillon's would be the very first they actually received their goods and were not what was ordered!!
    "2 weeks later I get a parcel, a teleconverter but not the 1.4x I ordered, but a more expensive 2x converter."

    NEED CONSUMER ADVICE OR WHERE TO COMPLAIN? READ BACK THROUGH POSTS and

    On twitter? go to account called @avoid_se
    consumerdirect.gov.uk/ - Hong Kong consumer council - cc@consumer.org.hk
    If you have problems getting money/refunds back please contact moneybookers.com
    or - kwikchex.com/con…nt/
    criminal behaviour? - secure1.info.gov.hk/ssl…cgi
    For UK online Police contact - actionfraud.police.uk/rep…ime
    If you've had a dreadful experience as a customer, please contact me on - d.hyde@dailymail.co.uk
    UK European Consumer Centre (UK ECC) - ukecc.net/
    amazon.co.uk/Rev…8PZ
    AMAZON Patriot Court 1-9 The Grove Slough Berks.SL1 1QP
    The number (0800 496 1081) may have vanished from the amazon website, but it is still working. I called it this morning (24.05.2012) and it was answered by amazon customer services.
    This number 0207 084 7911 is listed for International customers
    hotukdeals.com/mis…e=7
    For BBC If you have a general consumer query you could try FAQs
    bbc.co.uk/con…ts/
    * If you need to contact an ombudsman or regulator, then try web guide pages
    bbc.co.uk/con…de/
    * You could brush up on your consumer knowledge with these handy guides
    bbc.co.uk/con…to/
    * You can also download our ''how to complain'' letters. A link to these, and much more, can be found on the Watchdog home page.
    bbc.co.uk/con…in/
    saynoto0870.com to help you find numbers others want to hide deep in web sites!
    Don't be caught up in spending more money on phone bills, emails are free, COMPLAIN
  31. deleted523032's avatar
    mutley1

    here we go again. when will people learn.



    When will people stop posting comments like this...almighty superior
    (edited)
  32. ZedEx's avatar
    tigermay

    terrible service, it took me well over the 14 days for delivery, and … terrible service, it took me well over the 14 days for delivery, and phoned nearly everyday as I was going away, ad wanted it, however there customer services were good, and they use DPD for next day service, and I got it well before the allocated ,the morel of my story is, yes there the cheapest, and if your not in a hurry great, but THEY ARE NOT A SCAM, and when I did get my camera, so far so good,if your in a hurry go to Amazon, but if not then there ok10/10 for the product 4/10 for poor service,6/10 telephone maner, be warned no managers , if you want to make a complait, regarging long delivery, you have to email there customer service, on the whole, happy, so buy , buy , buy



    So you joined HUKD just to tell everybody about this 'experience'. Don't happen to be part of the SCAM do you? Jog on.
  33. Opethian's avatar
    Mister_E

    Opethian, that is another popular email they send out. Or your goods were … Opethian, that is another popular email they send out. Or your goods were damaged in transit and have been sent back to us. So wish I could just pop to Hong Kong with a few lads from site :-)



    You are right. Looking all over the web, I found many posts going back the last two years about people being contacted and this exact spiel is used, that the goods were damaged.

    It really makes you wonder what kind of loophole business practices they are using considering they are still alive and kicking after all this bad experiences!

    Order from supplier, insured, gets damaged so its covered anyway, probably send the items to the UK in bulk to keep costs really low, and insured. Gets stopped at customs, its covered by insurance anyway. If it goes through, then you got a few happy customers. Happy customers are then contacted to provide feedback. Hence they have a high rating on one site, and only on that site.

    I'm just speculating of course, but damn.
  34. deleted244448's avatar
    SE have been operating this way since 2008, the response you will see do vary but the 'damaged' goods one is very common. If you go back to the very 1st post here by Humphman you will see it is 4 yrs 6 mths ago quote "never ever use this cowboy outfit, they make all the right noises but do not deliver - literally !!'" would seem it still applies today. When I had my problem with them 4yrs ago "Vanessa" was just one of many names used at the bottom of emails. After lots research and delving these cowboys do come across as though they have no real physical business with warehouse etc but rather operate from virtual office addresses, they once operated out of a semi in Nottingham but used mail boxes etc to make themselves appear very big and connected. They have changed addresses in HK several times but each time it is to another 'rent a phone' type operation. I managed to extract from one person that they were just company acting on behalf of SE for the admin and they had nothing to do with delivery or returns etc. So regardless of names and promises etc look at it this way. Somewhere in the UK there is a spotty computer geek with a laptop who has created an illusion of a business to sell cheap goods, he has a contact in HK who can supply him goods, cheap! however they don't know when they might come in or the model etc, when the right one comes in at the right time the order and goods can match, everyone is happy. However when orders are placed for goods they don't have or can get then the 'game' starts, because they have to try convince you it will be coming, so excuses will include goods were damaged coming in to us etc etc. In the meantime they have your money in their account and unless you can put enough pressure on them it will stay there. If you use the phone then even better for them as they will make more money.They have delivered counterfeit goods, stolen goods and even sold secondhand goods as new. They use there computer knowledge to gain amazing reviews so we are conned into placing an order, so basically the whole operation can be run by one person from a laptop with a few addresses and mail boxes to convince people there is a genuine UK business when in fact there is no such thing. Unless enough pressure is put on them to refund money they simply wont bother.
  35. waterloo's avatar
    Retro89

    Drinking Game:Everytime a new user bumps this thread, down a bottle of … Drinking Game:Everytime a new user bumps this thread, down a bottle of vodka.

    Burp
  36. deleted947846's avatar
    I can now sleep easy, and stop getting ear ache from the Mrs, as DHL turned up this morning with my ipad!! I've checked it over, registered it with apple and all seems fine. It is however "grey" boxed damaged, but to be honest it was only a very minor dent in the outer box. Given some of the stories on here I consider myself one of the fortunate ones.

    Looking back over the whole thing, I suppose there are ultimately two questions: 1, Am I happy with my ipad, and 2, Would I recommend Simply Electronics.

    Answering question 1 is easy, yes I am very happy with my ipad.... its genuine, it works and I've now got a better one than the Mrs!! However answering question 2 is more tricky. My delivery arrived well within the 10 working days I was told when I ordered, 7 in fact. I paid £404 for it (rrp £479), but did have to give DHL another £14 import duty which of course I was not told about, and maybe if this was a "normal" transaction I would have gone back to SE and demanded the this extra fee back as it wasn't stated at point of sale, but given the troubles others have had I'm just glad I got the ipad! Also the item is imported from Hong Kong, which I was not made aware of, along with the fact that it's "grey". I've no problem with "grey" products, just as long as I know they are when I buy them. So in summary, I got a good deal on a UK "new" product, but in fact got a grey import, so I suppose the price was fair.

    So in answer to question 2, my answer would be no, I wouldn't recommend SE as the uncertainty experienced between purchase, and the non disclosure of the origin and category of the product were not worth the £61 I saved.

    Anyway, I'm off now to play with my new toy. Happy Xmas ;o)
  37. king261's avatar
    magough

    Can someone tell me why simply electronics has been banned please?I … Can someone tell me why simply electronics has been banned please?I remember a good deal on the LG G2 and am thinking of buying it from there but just wondered why it has been banned.Cheers



    [img]encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSX32KtRMc0G0PUJXZTNYyZqPJJfpD7HA_x2sbG6wv72alpGb8pJg[/img]
  38. deleted903522's avatar
    Gotta love how all of the Pro Simply Electronics members have only been registered within 10 minutes of their post praising them. Because you don't work for them, right?

    Your company is a joke and everybody here knows it X)
    (edited)
  39. JSL's avatar
    Dave_3554

    I'm surprised at the negative comments about Simply Electronics. I … I'm surprised at the negative comments about Simply Electronics. I ordered a Canon EOS 70D Kit with 18-55 IS STM Lens and 32GB card. Ordered on Good Friday and received it today 31 April. 13 days in total but only 7 working days. I saved over £300 on the Amazon price. I'm currently waiting on a lens which is over £100 cheaper than Amazon (EF 70-300mm IS USM) but I don't anticipate any problems. I'm not saying that they're perfect but after reading all your complaints I was concerned. However I didn't panic, I let them deal with my order and they came through. Some people have suggested the site is a scam. This is simply not the case. Furthermore, do you really believe a company could continue to trade if they were crooks. If my lens arrives over the next week I'd certainly buy from them again.


    Oh yea? and you signed up on this forum just to say that?

    Cough........ SCAM.

    Sorry but DAVE and SMITH most common used names by scammers lol.
    (edited)
's avatar