www.sculptex.co.uk

sculptex · Elite Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 66

over 30 days since my money was taken and this guy (Richard) does not respond to phone calls or emails.

I have contacted his hosting company and I am pursuing this matter legally ASAP. anyone else having problems with this company, please post here and maybe we can work together.

private eye · Guest

How have they ripped you off? Maybe there are people out there who can help you?

sculptex · Elite Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 66

i have posted in this thread http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?p=8700031 at digital spy forums with more detail

minter · Mostly Harmless Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Posts: 5

Hi Sculptex,

I get the feeling I've been ripped off too.

I've ordered a laptop from expertpcs too but only about 2 weeks ago. From things I've read, and people I've spoken to, I get the feeling it will never turn up.
I mailed the guy who posted the negative feedback about expertpcs on ebay (riobob). He said that at least 10 people have contacted him about this, and none of them have received anything.
He gave me a contact at Cumbria Trading Standards. If you mail me, I'll forward the details to you.

Lets nail this sucker!

private eye · Guest

I have been doing a little bit of research myself and i think you guys may be being a little hasty, ive also viewed:

http://laptopless.blogspot.com/2006/06/it-seems-im-still-waiting.html

Its fair people trying to recover money or resolve an issue with a business, but to delve into peoples personal life is below the mark. If "the guy" people are refering to has got a great deal to hide i imagine he would have been a little more careful in hiding his own identity before so openly doing business in such a "sinister" way!
Their terms and conditions look fair. i dont want to seem prosumptious but are all people purchasing goods from them fully understanding the terms and conditions? i see my own thoughts being answered only by time, i believe in the age old saying "innocent until proven guilty" or am i just old fashioned?

sculptex · Elite Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 66

Put yourself in our shoes. no replies to emails for over 3 weeks and the answer machine has been permanently on with no option to leave a message. The only updates have been on the site, not by email. We should not have to keep checking his site for updates.

I do not condone the posting of his personal details, and I do not know how they determined it was him anyway. I myself put pressure on him by contacting his hosting company directly who then passed on my message to him.

Only if more customers post and let us know their experience good or bad can we tell if this guy is ripping people off or just incompetent.

To put this in perspective, I placed a dummy order just over two weeks after my first and the order number increased by over 130! So there could be hundreds of people in our situation. A conservative estimate:- 200 orders averaging £500 each = £100,000. not chicken feed.

By the way, I have had a refund cheque through this morning... we'll see if it bounces.

Tim J · Guest

Looks like their website has gone down now as well. Anyone else got an email promising delivery by 12th June? I'm pretty sure it ain't going to happen. Has anyone head of anyone actually getting a laptop from this guy?

Joanne Livesey · Guest

Hi everyone who got ripped off by this guy, He indeed sent me an email as well saying that it will be promised by 12 june, the website has gone down and i will persue this with all of you my email address is pears700@hotmail.com we will keep in touch and ill tell you of any updates that happens to me...

Joanne Livesey · Guest

The website is back up....

private eye · Guest

All the people keep refering to "this guy" expertweb is a limited company, a limited company usually consist of a second director and/or a secretary as a minimun requirement, so the personal attacks are wrong in my opinion. My mind makes me wonder that if expertweb ltd and expertpcs actually turn out to be a genuine business trading fairly then will a lot of these statements flying around be retracted or withdrawn? Sometimes a business can be the victim of its own success, "this guy" sat in his house taking orders of around 200 laptops at an average of £500 seems a lot to handle in a period of approx 3 month? only my opinion though.

minter · Mostly Harmless Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Posts: 5

If expertpcs turns out to be a legitimate company, then I will be the first to apologise. When you read so much bad press about a company, and you've trusted them with £500 of your hard earned cash, you always think the worst. Since I have not heard of a single person who has received anything from expertpcs, and at least 10 people who are still waiting (after 30 days) I assumed the worst.

A few people have now been given delivery dates from expertpcs of 12/06/06. So maybe only time will tell.

private eye · Guest

Your point seems fair and i agree with what you say, bad press spreads amongst people and they fear the worst, i like to give the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise, thats me, but like you say trusting somebody with your hard earned money on top of the bad press isnt easy, time will tell with this one i feel.

sculptex · Elite Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 66

RE: bad press
if you see my thread on 4uhosting, a lot of other people were in a worrying and difficult situation when that company (basically a one man band at the time as I believe this is) didn't reply.

I truly believe that the presence of that thread and a few others around the internet, put pressure on him until he eventually pulled his finger out. the last few posts were almost all positive and the lack of any posts for ages suggests that everyone is now happy there! So in a way it has turned into a good press, but still remains there as a warning.

People only usually go looking for more info about a company when something goes wrong by which time, its usually too late. I urge everyone who gets their issues resolved to post back with positive feedback and for the owner (himself) to post back with an explanation.

Yes time will tell. Thanks for your balanced comments - it stops people panicing too much and helps us to think rationally!

private eye · Guest

Has anybody who placed an order with expertpcs who has not recieved their goods within 30 days, not had a refund within 30 days of requesting one? only then are expertpcs liable or acting outside of their terms and conditions. They are very well structered and very proffesional, these are the small details that lead me to believe that expertpcs are legitimate. As people state accross the web, they never reply to emails, that is poor communication or lack of organisation or enough to put people off using them again, but it isnt fraud and it isnt acting outside of the terms that all their customer agree to on submitting an order.

http://www.expertpcs.com/conditions.php?osCsid=03b0d2b29d0c73aa2326747cfe7c1069

All i suggest is that people read the terms and conditions before making their mind up.

sculptex · Elite Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 66

UPDATE
My cheque finally cleared.

still not heard from anyone who has actually received a PC from this guy tho.

good luck to all who wait...

ps. private eye - I am sure his T&Cs changed from when I first placed my order, so they are a bit meaningless really.
(edit)I have checked my copy of the terms and conditions that I have on my laptop and it hasn't changed since 26th May. However, I remember it different when I read it on 26th April (when I placed my original order)

gm · Harmless Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 1

I've been got too.
I'm a student, therefore really strapped for cash. I do a bit of freelance web design, as well as being a partner in a hosting company. This laptop took me weeks of work to save up for, and I trusted Expertpcs.com.

What a bloody mistake.

27 days later, no laptop, no communication from expertpcs at all, and Trading Standards investigating the case.
£430 is a hell of a lot of money to me. At the moment, Expertpcs are earning interest on it, having a happy lifestyle. Well, I hope you choke on your smoked salmon. Or bread and water when you're locked up.

If you haven't done already, and you require a refund, go through Cumbria Trading Standars. The guy you need to speak to is Tim Lees, on 01229 894520. Spoke to him today, and he's really helpful and understanding.

Overall effect: deavastating. Even now I have light at the end of the tunnel, sadly it's not in the form of a laptop. Which means I'm gonna have to work my arse off even more to get this beauty of a machine. £180 to be exact. Great, that's more sleepless nights mindlessly coding websites.

Good luck to anyone else who's in the loop.
_________________
Yours,
Gareth Molyneux

expertpcs · Harmless Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 1

I am writing in my capacity as a Director of Expertweb Limited t/a expertpcs.com in response to the recent spate of forum discussions concerning the non-receipt of laptop computers.

We have tried to inform all of our customers for the reasons behind the delays despatching orders, but unfortunately as we are only a small business it can be very difficult to respond to large volumes of e-mails and other communications whilst managing the processing of orders.

The majority of outstanding orders (particularly those over 30 days) began to be despatched from our suppliers on the 12th of June, drop shipped directly to our customers. We already have knowledge that some of these orders have been delivered and we are doing our utmost to provide more detailed delivery information to those who are still waiting. So that we can prioritise these orders please can you e-mail orders@expertpcs.com quoting your order reference number if you are still awaiting delivery. We can then chase your individual order and provide you with further information.

I would also like to assure you that the company is 100% genuine and legitimate and has not acted fraudulently in any way. We are ensuring that we work within our standard sale terms, a copy of which can be found at www.expertpcs.com/conditions.php and are communicating with Trading Standards directly to resolve any complaints. We have already refunded a number of customers whose orders were over 30 days outstanding, some of which were refunded to credit/debit cards and some by cheque. Please note the refund procedure described in the above terms. The refund request must be put in writing to us before taking any further action.

With regard to the many comments raised regarding Glen (a fellow director) and his family these are totally unfounded. The company operates in a limited liability capacity and therefore none of the directors are solely responsible for the company performance. Glen was in fact one of the founding directors and the company was registered at his home address to remove any additional overheads when we commenced trading. Our supplier relationship is based entirely on drop shipment and therefore there is no need for warehouses or dedicated offices. Please note that the address in Barrow in Furness should be used only for communication in writing and not for harassing anyone who is resident there.

There is absolutely no need to post personal information regarding anyone within the company - some of this information is considered libelous and may be pursued legally.

expertpcs.com

terryjacobs · Mostly Harmless Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

minter · Mostly Harmless Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Posts: 5

terryjacobs · Mostly Harmless Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Minter, I was thinking the same thing. They have time to traul the web to try and negate bad press yet can't be bothered to send a personal email to a few customers to let them know what's going on.

Secondly, you'd think that given they are talking about probably 300 laptops or so they would be more aware than 'to the best of our knowledge' what the supplier have done or not done!

...Or perhaps this is just a load of rubbish to keep us hanging on?

minter · Mostly Harmless Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Posts: 5

I asked expertpcs a while back, which courrier company they use to deliver goods. They said "they cannot tell me which one specifically as it could be 1 of 3 companies - Target, DHL and Parcel Force."

I then got in touch with the guy who runs laptopless.blogspot.com. He asked expertpcs the same question. They replied "We use 2 courrier companies - TNT and UPS"?????

Why are they lying?

I'm asking for a refund today - 30 days are up. Just hope I get my money back.

terryjacobs · Mostly Harmless Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Maybe that's the final nail in the coffin?

I requested a refund from them last week. They have not replied to me.

Let's face it, there are no laptops, there probably never have been and never will be!

minter · Mostly Harmless Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Posts: 5

Did you write to them using recorded delivery?

Their T&Cs state that you must request a refund by writing to their address at Barrow-in-Furness. It also states that they have upto 30 days to give you your money back.

I've read that a few people have had refunds, which makes me think that expertpcs are not crooked but just useless. Maybe they're just useless at giving refunds aswell.

terryjacobs · Mostly Harmless Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Yup, I have given them seven days from 16/06 as a sign of good will to issue me with a refund before I look down other avenues - Trading standards, Police, Court etc

terryjacobs · Mostly Harmless Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

For information of fellow readers. I have held back from posting information about the two directors of Expertpcs.

The directors are listed as being Glen THOMPSON and Richard CULLEY according to Trading standards.

If you use a little research, there is publicly available information that will tell you more information about these two people for example other 'businesses' they are involved in, phone numbers and home address.

I don't propose to post this information myself...yet...however you are free to look it up yourself. It might be worth keeping hold of such information just in case or when it may be needed for a police investigation into the directors.

UEL · Harmless Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

HI ALL DONT KNOW ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE BUT I HAVE READ EXPERTPCS REPLY IN OTHER FORUMS ETC BUT STILL HAVNT HAD ANY REPLY TO MY EMAILS OR FAXES, SENDING LETTER RECORDED POST TODAY TO CANCELL CONTRACT PLEASE ALL WHO ARE DOING THIS KEEP COPYS OF SENT EMAILS AND YOUR LETTERS ETC FOR TRADING STANDARDS AS LOOKS LIKE IF THEY DO NOT REFUND SMALL CLAIMS COURT IS THE ONLY OTHER DIRECTION WE CAN GO.. PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU HAVE HAD YOUR LAPTOP YET AND IF ANYONE CAN GET A WORKING PHONE NUMBER FOR ANY OF THE DIRECTORS... MANY THANKS UEL Twisted Evil

terryjacobs · Mostly Harmless Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Dear all,

In an effort to compile information regarding expertpcs.com I have setup my own post forum at
http://www.terryjacobs.co.uk/laptop/index.php

As you may or may not be aware there are numerous sites on the internet at the moment with verying bits of information about expertpcs.com.

I hope this can help compile everything together. You don't have to register so at the least I would appreciate it if you post your details or anything of interest to the rest of us.

I will also be updating it with more information about the company as I acquire it. Any suggestions let me know.

Many thanks
Terry Jacobs

sculptex · Elite Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 66

Hi Terry,

Good luck with trying to co-ordinate this effort. Let me know if I can help. Even though I have had a refund myself, I am still aggrieved by the whole affair.
One of the things I did which I think helped put pressure on was to contact their hosting company. I did this by doing a reverse dns lookup (using free internet tools) on his domain until I found the IP range registrant. I contacted them and they only appeared to pass my message on but maybe that put some pressure on. If enough others were to contact them, maybe they would consider pulling their hosting. If you are stuck obtaining this info, let me know.

Good luck trying to co-ordinate this yourself. The reasons I set this thread up on my own hosting were
A) at the time there was nothing else relating to expertpcs coming up on google at all
B) as it is my own hosting I know that I have full control and will not be silenced/moderated. that said, I would draw the line at some personal details being posted for example, so please check with me before posting any personal information.

paddockpete · Harmless Joined: 24 Jun 2006 Posts: 1

All,

I also purchased a laptop from Expert Pcs back in May which never turned up. Neither has my refund!

It has been indicated to me that the chances of ever seeing a laptop are zero. Evil or Very Mad

My only hope is somehow being able to claim a refund through my credit card company on the basis of it being a fraudulent/invalid transaction.

Have tried logging onto Terry Jacobs link but it isn't working!

I would be interested to know if anyone has any success with refunds.

Good luck to one and all.

UEL · Harmless Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

hi just to let you know my money has been refunded today as i sent a letter on 22/06/06 recorded delviery to cancell my contract and today is 28/06/06 the money has been refunded to my card good luck to all who still wait but if your 30days are up i recomend you do the same asap
good luck to all.. Uel

informer · Harmless Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 1

The man behind expertpcs is a total con artist, after he left expertpcs to rot and the mess to others he formed another company, microbuyer, it traded as swiftpcs.com and swiftpcsuk on ebay. well the pattern is distinctly similar to that of expertpcs. I cannot believe this guy is being allowed to get away with this, Trading standards, the police, ebay, paypal and even credit card companies could offer nothing after over a year of lies and deceit. The main forum that concentrated on expertpcs was closed down due to spammers but with any luck the people ripped off will get together again and publicise this as much as possible.