Shopping without the fuss. (Studio)

Member Name: xxsaxonyxx

Product:	Studio
Date:	05/02/06 (337 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Delivered to your door.

Disadvantages: Deliveries can take a few weeks.

I've read a few reviews about the Studio Catalogue and it seems that many people dont really like it that much, however i would like to write a reveiw in favour of this service as it has helped me loads over Christmas.

I first heard of Studio after a catalogue was delivered to my door for the previous owner of the house. I liked the look of it so i ordered my own and had a look.

I hate Christmas shopping and with two babies in a twin stroller i found it really difficult to go into the town to do my shopping. The thought of trying to catch a lowliner bus that was big enough for my buggy and trail round narrow shopping isles and masses of busy people really put me off so in October i decided to start my shopping through the catalogue.

The first thing i noticed was the prices. They are very good and on many items i checked to see if they were cheaper in the Argos or off the internet. They were pretty much the same and in many cases cheaper with 50% off this and that so i went ahead and ordered my first lot of Christmas presents. It was very easy.

First you decide on an item and fill in the order form with its item reference number, page number, Catalogue price, decription, size,age, colour and quantity. Many items have personalisation free so you also can have a short message, name or initials put on the item free of charge. I found this was a great way of making a present more special and ordered quite a few things like this including a baby blanket for my neice with her name on it, siver baby cutlery set for my freinds baby with his name ingraved, a pink car licence holder for myself with my initials and loads more. You would pay a few quid at least to have this done in a shop.

The catalogue has loads of choices including lots of baby things and toys, christmas decorations, clothes, furniture, lots and lots of gift ideas, crafting items, kitchen stuff, bedroom beds and bedding, bathroom stuff including lots of novelty items. The products do change through out the year but there is always tons of offers such as half price, buy one get one free.

I would recomend if you see something you like to wait as quite often they send out a small leaflet with half price offers which you may find you have bought at full price.

Examples of prices:

Crafting punch to punch out borders. £3.99. I have paid up to £7.00 for one of these in craft shops and the quality is just as good.

Big fluffy cushion covers, only £4.99. Before i found these i paid £11.99 for my fluffy cushion covers from the highstreet.

There are a few ways to order. post your order form, visit the website or phone the orderline.

The delivery is a fixed price of £3.99 but may vary if you live on offshore scottish islands and my goods came withing 3 weeks. This may sound like a while but because it was Christmas presents and i ordered in October i was in no rush to get them but i guess it might well be very annoying if you are waiting for them day after day.

All in all i did all my Christmas shopping without leaving the house, right down to christmas cards, christmas paper and tags, chocolates and toys. It was delivered in a large box packed well to prevent anything breaking.

I then received a statement telling me how much i owe. I was pleasantly surprised. It was much cheaper than what i would usually spend on the highstreet because i missed all those last minute impulse buys that i never give to anyone.
I also dont need to pay the full amount in one go. It will give you your minimum payment and how much you have left to spend in your account.

I know that shopping for some people is fun but in my case its just too much hassle especialy in misrable winter weather, i much pefer sitting with a cup of tea in my own home picking out present. If i need to return them i can using the special return sticker provided with the delivery of my goods.

The customer service aspect is great too. I had to phone to check up on a missing item. (I didnt read the statement which told me what was going on) and despit this the woman was very nice and explained that my item had been out of stock but it had now been despatched so i should get it in the next day or too which i did.

I really have no problems with Studio, i like their products, their prices and as long as i order in plenty of time i have no worry about the delivery either, it really is worth a look if you find it difficult to get out the house to go christmas shopping, or any other gift shopping. I've even treated myself to a couple of things just because i felt the need.

Contacts:

www.24studio.co.uk
careline - 08706 02 23 32 8am - 10pm 7 days a week.

Summary: Great alternitive to shopping.