Simply Electronics in the Isle of Man - have you used them?

[DaveMcBride]

Any one in the UK ever bought from this seller
http://www.simplyelectronics.net/index.php
I am having real problems with them after ordering a Canon 5D MkII. They have taken my payment 3 times and will not refund the excess £4,000. They said I would not pay VAT but I had to pay it before I could receive the delivery.

[sued5320]

Not lookin good....

http://www.trustpilot.co.uk/review/www.simplyelectronics.net

[Karl Johnston]

Whoa, one of the reviewers is Rob Barron..he's a pro photographer in the UK..if he gives it a 1 star then it's probably a good idea to stay away

[DaveMcBride]

Damn, I should have known better!

[neil_r]

I tried to buy a Video camera from them, Luckily I did not know it was from them as I made the purchase through Amazon.co.uk.

To cut a long story short, even though they showed it as in stock they could not deliver, I only dealt with Amazon and got it cancelled and refunded with minimal fuss.

I can not get myself off their spamming e-mail list now though

[Ephemeral]

I have bought from them but this was last August. I bought a Sanyo Xacti HD video camera. Charged me once for it. Arrived in good condition. So far, no problems with the camera. Mind you, I bought from them Via eBay. Not bought from them since.

[nbedford]

Interesting thread this one...

I bought a EF 100-400mm from these guys last year and had no problems with them (and would even go as far as to recomend them), however at that time they had a mail address in Nottingham, i see this has now changed to the Isle of Man, and some of the reviewer's on review sites are now claiming they are having to pay VAT to recieve there shipments.

At the time i bought my purchase, I had suspicions that they may be based in HK, but the price was just too good, and to make things better, I completed a Canon Cash-back claim with my Simply Electronics reciept, not really expecting a lot, but after several weeks a cheque for £75 appears, so (at that time) even Canon where honouring Cash-back claims against Simply electronics (not sure they should of if the product was of HK origin...)

Just my experiences, I am contemplating a 5D2, but after reading more recent stories I may well stay clear of these guys...

[DaveMcBride]

Definately from Hong Kong, I am sending it back. This means if any fault develops it will have to have it sent to Hong Kong for repair rather than Canon RCC in Elstree, meaning no camera for ages and I make a living with mine. Stay well clear of this dealer

[flickserve]

Any one in the UK ever bought from this seller
http://www.simplyelectronics.net/index.php
I am having real problems with them after ordering a Canon 5D MkII. They have taken my payment 3 times and will not refund the excess £4,000. They said I would not pay VAT but I had to pay it before I could receive the delivery.Well that sounds like a classic con.

[DaveMcBride]

After a week of calls and emails, plus posting my experience on the AV forum I have finally got a response and a refund will be made on Monday, but I will never use this place again.
nbedford, when it all goes to plan there is never a problem. It is when something goes wrong or you need a refund that you find out just what kind of customer service you get.

[flickserve]

After a week of calls and emails, plus posting my experience on the AV forum I have finally got a response and a refund will be made on Monday, but I will never use this place again.
nbedford, when it all goes to plan there is never a problem. It is when something goes wrong or you need a refund that you find out just what kind of customer service you get.


1. A variation of the classic 'cheque is the in the post' ploy. I suugest you do not rest until you actually receive the money.

2. Interesting that you still consider them a bonfide company - they are primarily out there to cheat people. Once enough people get know their modus operandi, they will shut shop and operate again under a new name..