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My gripe is about Debenhams online. I live in Spain and was delighted to discover that I could buy goods from Debenhams online and have them posted to a friends address in the UK. The first time I ordered on line it worked perfectly and my friend forwarded the goods to me.
I placed another order with Debenhams online last week and although the stated delivery address and billing address are clearly different and unchanged from my previous order, the online order confirmation showed my UK billing address for delivery. This has caused me a problem as I only use my UK address infrequently and any package sent to that address would sit outside the door waiting to be stolen or indicating to passers by 'no one at home'. Not a good situation.
I rang the telephone number (for queries relating to online orders) given at the bottom of the on line order confirmation. I explained the situation and the person I spoke to was able to access my order and agreed that there was a problem. However, she informed me that the issue could only be dealt with by the Debenhams online orders department - who can only be contacted by email.
After several minutes of a computer says no type conversation I hung up and sent an email. I got an immediate response - this informed me that my query would be responded to within 7 days. Not so brilliant as the order to dispatch time was 5 days! 5 days later I receive a cheery email informing me that the goods have been dispatched.
Today I tried to get on to the Debenhams website to see if I can find another telephone contact number only to find that the site is out of action. This is a classic case of a company trying to sell online (i.e. getting the customer's money in) before they have invested in the process capability to ensure they can handle all aspects of customer ordering.
By: Sasha
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I placed an order for an aftershave gift set on 31 December. Placing the order, I waited for delivery over the following days, only to receive an email on 3 January stating the item was being returned to supply. No reason was given. The next email I received on 4 January; stated the item had been returned and a refund processed. Not knowing the reason, I contacted the Customer Service Department. Seemingly the item was damaged in transit, yet this information was never given. I asked why I had not been informed and indeed offered a replacement to complete the order. This went totally over the head of the woman dealing with the complaint
I wrote to their CEO, thus explaining that their Company policy makes no business sense whatsoever. My customer order was not fulfilled and no attempt was made to complete the order placed. They never contacted me to ask if I wanted a replacement, preferring instead to simply process a refund. I did want a replacement, yet was never offered one
Apparently Debenhams are looking into online ordering, this will be discussed at Board level, yet the outcome will not be known. It seems that customers are very unimportant. When speaking to another Customer Service representative at Head Office, post the response letter received from Customer Relations Department Manager Paul Cavanagh, she had no idea how customers would be informed that new changes have been adopted
Paul Cavanagh in his response letter of 17 January believes the current online system acceptable that the customer should be made to re-order the item, i.e. go through the entire process again, which is not good customer service practise. The Company’s use of the slogan: Britain’s’ Best Department Store, is a slogan that deluded Debenhams executives alone believe to be the case. Customers having experienced such appalling customer service standards know otherwise



But with a little patience and understanding on both sides, all resolved.
I like their choice of products and the beauty items are incredibly cheap compared to other stores. With 15% and £5 off - my beauty item was really cheap and miles cheaper than Boots.
Debenhams - better than all the other catalogue companies and wide choices make it better than M&S

I have never experienced a courier which provides such a poor service. The courier refused to leave my parcel in the secure place I requested and insisted they could only return to deliver when I was out at work, they had no option for a different time and no depot at all where parcels could be collected. There was no phone number to call except the individual mobile of the courier who refused to help. The so-called 'customer services' at Debenhams suggested that I go out and repurchase all the items from on of their stores! (great online service) or email their head office. I have emailed the head office but had no reply. What is irritating is that they have my money, so the goods belong to me but the courier will not follow my instructions to leave the parcel in the secure area under my gate. Happy Christmas Debenhams and Hermes!




I was called back on the following day by Debenhams Henry Street, in order to finalise the transaction. I specified my address and my laser card details to pay for the item and the delivery charges. I specifically asked the person about the state of the dress (as I was worried it was in the same state as the one in Cork), she replied that it was in perfect condition and that she was looking at the dress right now.
My account was automatically charged the full amount including delivery.
However, I got a call the day after I finalized payment by Customer Services from the UK, notifying me that the order got cancelled, without giving me further details on the reason of the cancellation. I explained that I already paid for the item the day before and they promised to look into the matter and call me back.
This is now the 9th working day after my order has been canceled. Haven't been called back so far, haven't received the dress nor haven't been refunded, I decided to call again Customer Services today. Again they replied the order was cancelled and they are adamant that they gave me a refund. I checked with my bank and there is no refund.
I am beginning to feel that my only option is to file a complaint with Customer Associations.....




I will NEVER use them again.
MrAngry