I've always been a customer of the previously known Simply Computers and was a bit dubious when I heard they were merging with Misco - wasn't too sure whether I'd receive the same service that I was familiar with. Even though I had my doubts I thought I'd stick with it and to my surprise it just got better. They seemed to have upped their stance with better deals and much better pricing. My orders have been a TFT, some media, a hp printer and some printer cartridges - I have to say I haven't been let down with any of them. I have to recommend them as they have kept me happy as an existing customer and that's not an easy thing to do these days as there's so much choice.

In May 2004 I ordered, via the Internet, a printer and an external disc drive from what was then Simply Computers (now Misco) having brought a complete system from them a few months previously with no problems.

The goods arrived promptly and as ordered being correctly invoiced. I thought that was the end of it but how wrong I was.

The other week, 10 months following this order, I was contacted over the telephone by a representative of Misco telling me that due to their error my credit card had not been debited when the order was placed and would I be kind enough to supply my credit card detail so that they could collect the sum outstanding. I was very alarmed by this on two accounts, firstly that could be anybody on the other end of that telephone line and secondly as far as I was concerned I had already paid for these items (I couldn't prove that I had as I don't routinely keep my credit card statements for more than six months).

My reaction was to ask them to prove what they were saying which they have completely failed to do. They are now threatening me with legal action as a result. As a retired person on a very limited income I find this all very intimidating.

Also, from a comment made by the person who first contacted me, I gather that I am not alone in being in this predicament.

SO BE WARNED STAY AWAY FROM THIS BAND OF EXTOTIONERS, DO NOT USE SYSTEMAX OR THEIR SUBSIDUARIES MISCO & SIMPLY COMPUTERS!!!

I ordered a special offer from them, that was a laptop and a free music player. The site shown 20 in stock. The deal was a little bit fishy, becuase they offered a really low price laptop, and a free music player that they selling it for £320! Next day I recieved an email from their credit card department to contact them. I called them next day, and they told me they cant transaction money with my credit card(when a huge amount of money is moving from a credit card, the bank automatically block it to prevent frauds, and they should have called my bank first to sort out the problem) Anyway, I gave them another credit detail and asked them to call me back if ther is any more problem, they didn't, I considered the problem SOLVED. I was wrong. After waiting 2 more days for delivery, there were no news from my item, or any delivery, or something in my simply computers basket. I called the customer service, and they told me that my order has been CANCELLED! WITHOUT MY CONSENT, OR EVEN TELLING ME OR GIVING ME ANY EXPLANATIONS! I wanted my order back, but they were out of stock! I sent them a complaint email, nothing. I called credit card department next day, they told me it will be delivered on Monday! The ASSURED ME OF THAT! I waited the weekend and Monday at home, on Monday the same person who assured me, called me and told me the order items are unavailable! "£$%"^@"$£@@ .... What the hell is going on? I'm truely WASTED MY TIME AND ENERGY ON THAT ONLINE STORE. Their staff appear to be unexperienced and unhelpful, and sometimes harmful! I don't think they give me any compensations, but please don't purchase anything from them, they cannot be trusted.

I rang them to check on the availability of an Axis camera and was told they had just 1 left (even though their website said they had 14!)and that if I ordered there and then I would have it the next day. Next day - no camera. I called back and was told it would be delivered the next working day. I waited in all day again but still no sign of it. When I called again they said it would be with me next day but I couldn't wait for the delivery so I missed it. I now expect it 1 week later than originally expected. It's my belief that they say they have items in stock even when they haven't just to make the sale. I certainly wouldn't believe the stock levels quoted in their website. Go elsewhere is my advice!