Southdownscreations Avis 

I ordered a handmade side table after falling in love with it online. I was genuinely excited about my purchase and particularly loved the idea of supporting a small independent business. Unfortunately, the whole experience has been incredibly disappointing from start to finish.

After three weeks of hearing nothing about my order, I reached out for an update, only to be told that my order had been missed and would now be made and dispatched as soon as possible, with delivery promised by the end of that week.

Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of a series of issues. My order was shipped to my billing address rather than the delivery address I had provided. Despite contacting Richard to have this corrected, the legs were still delivered to the wrong address. Meanwhile, the tracking for the tabletop showed that the courier collection had been cancelled and didn’t update for days. I contacted Richard again, who assured me it had been collected, but ultimately another tabletop had to be made and I was once again promised delivery by the end of the week.

After multiple delays, delivery issues and further builds, my complete order finally arrived over a month after I had placed it.

Unfortunately, the disappointment didn’t end there. When I opened the tabletop, there were no assembly instructions or guidance on where to attach the legs. The website states that the wood comes with pre-drilled holes, but mine didn’t, meaning I had to contact Richard yet again for clarification.

I also have to say that, whilst the finished table is alright, I was underwhelmed by the quality for the price paid. The tabletop is essentially a fairly basic plank of wood which personally I could have picked up from B&Q for a fraction of the price. I had just expected something a little more special given the price and the emphasis on it being handmade to order.

What has frustrated me most throughout this experience is the complete lack of proactive communication. At every stage, I was the one having to chase for updates, identify delivery problems and ask questions. Whilst Richard was apologetic when I contacted him, I would have expected much better communication and customer service, particularly when so many things had gone wrong.

Had the ordering and delivery process been smoother, I would seriously have considered returning the table for a refund, as unfortunately I don’t feel the quality reflects the price. However, after everything it took just to receive the order, I simply don’t have the energy to go through what could potentially be another lengthy and frustrating process.

I really don’t like leaving negative reviews, particularly for small businesses, and I had genuinely wanted to love both the product and the experience. Sadly, neither lived up to my expectations.

Love our dining table and bench from South Downs Creations. Richards communication was great and we would really recommend this company.

Ordered a dining table bench and some homeware. Everything was beautiful and of really high quality. Would 100% recommend and will order again.

Ordered a dining table and bench. Sturdy, beautiful and fantastic quality. Would highly recommend. Communication with Richard was great to.

I ordered from Southdown creations and have not received the product . I have e mailed them and completed their on line customer support and they have not responded. I have requested my payment back but they have not responded . Do
Not order from this company dreadful service and non existent customer support

The table top is lovely. However, the legs are a bit wobbly, the pilot holes for the legs were all in the wrong places, and the provided screws weren't long enough. Oh and the one of the feet didn't screw into the leg properly either. A bit frustrating overall!

The service was excellent.. very speedy and I absolutely love the dining table. Great quality and easy to assemble.

Beautiful dining table and bench. Great quality and easy to assemble. Richard was so helpful to.

Lovely table and bench. Few hiccups, but they were resolved. Nice company to do business with.

The team were friendly, professional and really took the time to understand what we wanted. Communication was great from start to finish, and they kept us updated throughout the construction and delivery process.

I ordered a table, bench, desk and 2 shelves each are absolutely stunning, solid, beautifully made and finished to an incredibly high standard. You can tell how much care and skill has gone into every detail.

We’re over the moon with the result and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Southdown Creations to anyone looking for high-quality, custom-made rustic furniture.

I just received my dining table and bench from South Down Creations and I'm so impressed. It was very easy to attach the legs. The whole experience was first class from initial questions being answered swiftly. Delivery was as explained if not slightly earlier than expected. Packaging was not excessive but all very secure and arrived in excellent condition. All round 5 star service. If your looking for a good quality good value dining set, do not hesitate to use this company.

Poor communication, no delivery notifications, arrived from two suppliers on different days, a completely different colour and finish to what was advertised online and expected.
They sent out a darker wax for me to apply and also promised a small refund. The finish still isn’t how I want and they have now decided to ignore me instead of providing the small refund that they offered. What a way to treat your customers that have spent hundreds of pounds.
I’d recommend not buying unless you’ve seen the table you’re buying in person otherwise you might receive a table with a nasty yellow finish like me.