ADO            Good & Poor Marketing      Posted on Thursday 24 March 2006

Yesterday I tried to get a replacement handset for a cordless telephone.  It has developed a fault that means that it cannot answer an incoming call, and it can't connect to an outside line if I have programmed a number already.  I have to connect and then dial the number.  But it is the first fault that concerns me most

I searched the Net for a retailer to try and get a replacement handset. I rang one company who said I could only get a spare from the Manufacturer: Siemens.  They gave me Siemens British telephone number, so I rang them.  When I got Siemens I discovered that it was their domestic-appliances division.  They only dealt with fridges and cookers et cetera.  They gave me the number of their telephones division, so I rang that number.  I was then told politely that they didn't do business with retail customers.  When I asked for the name of a retailer who might stock their item, I was told that no list was available.  So much for Siemens.  They don't even know who their agents are!

I found another company on the Net and emailed them.  I got a speedy reply and discovered that they have a free-phone number.  That company is "Telephones Online".  I  called them on 0800.654.4949 but they were closed so I looked again at their website and chose a new pair of telephones from what they offer.  I was contacted by one of the staff following my website email and gave him my details.  I hope to have the things delivered on next Tuesday.  I have put this firm into my personal directory with the comment "Recommended"

Their actual address is
Telephones Online
Unit 1, North Industrial Estate
Newhaven,
East Sussex
UK
Tel Nr = 0800.652.4949                    Give them your business if you are able

I like to be able to recommend firms, but look at some other essays in this section and you will see some that I avoid after having been bitten.