Buying Garden Gates - Beware!!!

Watch out if you are buying garden gates - I have been conned and you could be too if you are not careful!

I saw an advert by eBay Member: cedar-woods advertising garden gates, and other wooden garden items. I contacted them (Tim is the main man's name) for a price including delivery - I got a quick response back with a price for them with posts and hinges etc. He goes on to say that if you want to place an order verbally, they will deliver personally and you can pay cash on delivery so no need to go through eBay. He then phones back to say that he can't deliver personally due to distance or some other reason and that he will ship next day by courier if you pay directly into his bank account that day. The gates then don't turn up. He refuses to answer emails and ignores your telephone calls. I got an a collegue to email him regarding one of his other auctions and he got an immediate email response together with a mobile phone number to discuss prices. On calling him myself, he says he has a problem with his broadband and was unable to get my emails. He says the gates are with the couriers and he will get a reference number and phone straight back. He never does and he no longer answers his mobile (he must have caller display).

Buyers beware of seller cedar-woods - his feedback looks good - if you buy directly through eBay you may be ok as you can leave negative feedback and this will hurt his credibility. If you buy direct, you face the possibility of being stung by him.

Update as of 13th July 2008.

Finally had a set of gates delivered  by cedar-woods (6+ weeks late). I ordered 5ft wide gates. Received a set of 4ft wide gates. Quality is a complete disgrace - looks like a first-year school kid made them as part of a woodwork project out of the left over dregs from the floor. I suppose they will make good firewood.  Fence posts and hinges still not received. Sent several emails to cedar-woods but no reply!

Avoid this t*sser folks!