Wiggle and Click (Wiggle)

Member Name: sleepytigercub

Product:	Wiggle
Date:	01/11/02 (178 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: everything for bikes on one site, separate category for women's specific goods, speed of delivery

Disadvantages: expensive delivery if ordering one small item, you won't just buy one item, you'll need kit you never heard of before

Wiggle.co.uk is a great resource for any cyclist, whether you are the down and dirty offroad type, a road racer, or a commuter. This online shop carries everything from cycle components and frames (though not complete bikes) to clothing, shoes, hydration systems, protective gear, panniers, lighting systems, odometers, tools, workstands .. well, you name it, and if it's bike related they will sell it to you securely through their SSL encrypted server. They even have Which Web Trader approval, with the logo displayed reassuringly on the first page of the site.

*** THE SITE ***

The website is easy to navigate, with a yellow masthead providing links to the main categories of goods available, including a separate section for goods designed specifically for women. Click on one of these and the appropriate sub-categories will be displayed in the narrow left hand navigation frame. Another click on a sub-category will load all the goods which apply into the main frame of the page. Then it's just a matter of scrolling through until you see something that meets your needs, or just takes your fancy. You will see items here that you didn't know you needed, till Wiggle dangled them under your nose! Most items are accompanied by a thumbnail image, along with a short description, and you just click through to find a full description and larger image on the order page. This page has a separate order link for each colour/size combination of the item, and details of whether it is available for 24 hour despatch, available in 2-3 days, or out of stock completely. You have to open an account with Wiggle as part of the order process, but it's straightforward enough. The left hand navigation frame has links to review your basket, or proceed straight to checkout at any time.

*** PRICES AND DISCOUNTS ***

Prices are largely competetive, and they have some remarkable bargains too - these normally displayed on the page that first loads
. However, don't let that fool you into thinking they are always cheapest. It pays to check prices at other stores both online and on your high street. Usually you'll find Wiggle cheaper, and sometimes more expensive, but there's not usually much in it. The convenience of getting everything in one order, with one delivery charge normally offsets any minor price discrepancies, and more often than not you are on the winning side of any discrepancy anyway. However, if you're only after one item you should definitely check.

Serious cyclists will know how many gadgets, and doodads, and latest bits of kit there are to keep up with - not to mention replacing the casualties, and general maintenance. Spending can quickly mount up. This is where Wiggle.co.uk comes into it's own. If you have spent £100 with them in the previous 365 days, you get a 5% discount on purchases, and 10% discount if your spends have passed the £500 mark in the same period. These discounts are applied automatically to your shopping basket when you have an account.

*** RELIABILITY ***

I have used Wiggle a few times now, while updating my kit after a 10 year break. Goods arrive when they are promised, and only once has the packaging been split. That was more down to Parcel Force than Wiggle, though, and all the items were present and undamaged. They don't charge your card (Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Switch or Solo accepted) until the goods are despatched and, should a busy period mean the site hasn't kept up with actual stock levels, they email you to advise you the item is out of stock and give you the opportunity to cancel the order. This hasn't happened to me thus far. Everything ordered has been in stock and, yes, with 2 cyclists to cater for we qualify for the first level of discount already!

*** DELIVERY AND RETURNS ***

Orders placed before 2pm will reach a mainland UK address (hopefully yours! just kidding
) by Parcelforce the next working day, provided the item(s) is available from stock. With orders after 2pm, they aim for the same delivery, but don't guarrantee it, so it may take another day. If they don't meet the guarranteed delivery, they refund your postage charge. There is a flat rate for delivery of £3.99 (£9.99 outside of mainland UK) regardless of the weight or value of the order, and in cases where they have to split the order and send it at different times, you still only pay £3.99. Returning the item for a different size or colour, will mean you have to pay the postage for the return, but Wiggle will pay the postage for the new replacement item to be sent. Alternatively, they will refund your card if the item is just unsuitable, and is returned in an unused and saleable condition. Faulty goods are replaced, or your card refunded. It's your choice. They ask you to contact them before making any return so they know what to expect from you and can deal with your refund or replacement quickly.

*** CONTACT DETAILS ***

http://www.wiggle.co.uk
sales@wiggle.co.uk

Wiggle Ltd. A1 Mountbatten Business Park, Jackson Close
Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 1US

Phone: 023 9231 4811 Fax: 023 9237 3664

or: Freephone
0800 975 7160
Monday - Saturday, 9am - 6pm

*** DO I RECOMMEND THEM? ***

Yes. They have never let me down, and I've never had to return anything purchased from them. Only once have I seen something I was going to buy cheaper elsewhere. Their range of products in each category is impressive. If you are unsure about the suitability of any item you can email, or use the freephone number to talk to a knowledgeable fellow cyclist before committing yourself to a purchase, so why not give them a try?

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