Hive.co.uk - an online bookshop Avis 

Don't buy an ebook from them if you have a Kindle. Their eBooks are not compatible with Kindles though you will not find this stated anywhere on a page featuring the book you want to buy. Neither are you warned before check-out. You have to dig into their site to find the page which gives you this information. I bought an ebook last night and followed the instructions to download it and transfer it to my device only to find at that late stage that my device is not supported. I wasted about an hour trying to work out how to download it and make it readable. Apparently, I can't have a refund as I have downloaded the book. The fact that I was mislead (the page I downloaded it from said it was in e-pub or pdf format, both of which my Kindle can read) seems unimportant.

I always try to avoid buying from Amazon if I can but the Kindle is the best e-reader so that's what I got. I've bought epubs from other sites and have been able to read them.

It was all a waste of £5.50. In future, I'll just buy from Amazon - it's so much easier.

I have previously bought a physical book from them and it was all fine.

Unfortunately, after a number of unsatisfactory replies to my emails, I sent Hive my final email and thought it important to post a review, to ensure future Remarkable customers avoid experiencing the same.

Dear [Customer Service Team / Tanya],

I’m reaching out to express my concerns regarding my recent purchase, which, despite following your instructions, I am unable to access on my device. I was simply attempting to read an eBook as advertised and purchased in good faith. Nowhere on your website is it mentioned that ‘Remarkable’ tablets are incompatible with your eBooks, which feels misleading to customers.

This lack of transparency in product compatibility verges on misrepresentation, and the absence of a refund option adds to the frustration. I strongly suggest updating your FAQ and product descriptions to clearly warn future customers about this limitation relating specifically to Remarkable tablets.

As a result, I won’t be making further purchases through Hive, and I’ll advise others who use Remarkable tablets to avoid encountering this issue. Clear communication could have avoided this situation, and I hope you consider this feedback to improve customer experiences going forward.

Sincerely,

Sara

Recently used them as a first time buyer. Had heard if the company but never had any other references. I purchased because I was looking for an item and I prefer not to pay amazon and it was £5 cheaper here than amazon. It's just arrived and I am very satisfied. Packed well, shipped quickly, and below amazon pricing. What more could you ask for?

I ordered an ebook to up load to my Remarkable having read online the format the ebooks come with are compatible. Hive's help section gives guidance how to download to my Mac in preparation to upload to my Remarkable. I had no joy the file was corrupt, so I contacted the help centre to be told that their books are not compatible with my Remarkable Tablet, however, she said she'd check with their IT and if it hadn't been downloaded I would be refunded. an email within the hour to me saying IT confirmed I had downloaded the book TWICE !!! and no refund would be forthcoming. £6.99 up the creek Steer Clear

I ordered one book and they "cheekily" added another copy at checkout. There is no way I accidently added two of the same books. I immediately contacted them when I got the confirmation but was told there was nothing they could do (obviously) and I'd have to pay to send the second copy back. I was about to buy the book off of Amazon but a friend said "Oh buy it from Hive, they pay a bit to a local book seller"... Now I know how they can afford it.

Since the app update it says my reciever can't connect its too far away despite being within 10 metres and it working perfectly fine since being fitted over 18 months ago. Surprise surprise I can spend more money on one of there other products to boost the signal. Do your selves a favour don't buy this piece of junk you have to reconnect to the hub far too many times anyway during the year the customer service is also junk. Look into getting the app you boiler brand makes. Hive are squeezing for you to buy more of there products like a lot of companys using this kind of technology and they know it.

Good selection of books, quick easy delivery and kept me fully informed. Will use again definitely.

Hive is an excellent place to buy books, Always provide a good service! My go to book supplier!

The books are always in great condition, reasonably priced and delivery is fast.

Free delivery, books arrive in good time. One book arrived damaged, they sent out a replacement really quickly as was a gift for someone. They donate a percentage of the profits to a local book store. One note, I think the packaging could be more varied as books seem to arrive in the same type of box, which isn't always the best fit and could lead to damaged covers/ corners. Prefer these over amazon for books.

Horrendous customer service. Paid £25 for an art book. Waited 4 working days with no notice of dispatch, when I chased I was told it was out of stock. I then asked for a refund which wasn't acknowledged until I chased 2 working days later.

I actively went out of my way to support these guys over Amazom but this experience has left me wondering why I bothered. Trash.

Nothing but great experience with these guys, prompt dispatch every time, sustainably packaged and supporting small local bookshops. Bye Amazon.

I have just used Hive for the first time. I looked at several of the big bookseller sites and all charged roughly £20 for the book I wanted but then added delivery charges of about £3-4 . Hive was £16.09 with no delivery charge. My book arrived in a couple of days in sturdy packaging. I am very satisfied.

Hive is my go-to online book shop. Their prices are competitive, delivery is free (big win for me), customer support is excellent, they offer senior and student discount, and they support local book shops. Incredible service and definitely well worth writing a review for 👍🏻☺️

I buy most of my books here, it would be all of my books but the stock could be improved. Good prices and they aren't Amazon.

Ordered a Ms Pac man Arcade, price was less than amazon

Despite saying in stock order was cancelled, not a good showing

I have just ordered some books from Hive for the second time, the first order arrived within the stated time, they do free P&P. They were packed well and they donate to an independent book shop near you, which I think is wonderful.

Got what I wanted and for a good price. Arrived on time. Thanks.

I'm never using this company again. They advertise ebooks in epub format, but they conveniently forget to mention they're locked down with DRM protection. To read them, you're forced to download ADOBE DIGITAL EDITIONS. My advice? Steer clear of buying ebooks from them; it's just a big time-waster.

I phoned hive with a problem setting up a tvr. They were very understanding and talked me through the set up procedure.

Hive are the best!! Great prices. Speedy delivery. Senior discounts. Free postage. Great service all round