 Living in Kent as I do I am quite dependent on the Internet for good ultralight kit - there are few outdoors stores around here, beyond Blacks & Cotswold. Over the last year or so I have bought quite a few items from Winwood Outdoor, in Keswick. However they do seem to take the money first, and go to look for the stock later. I have been waiting for well over a month now for a fairly standard item, a Thermarest Prolite sleeping pad. When nothing arrived, I emailed them but several emails to their enquiries address produced no acknowledgement or response. I had to find and email the proprietor before I got an answer. And still no sleeping pad... No doubt they are a very good shop if you turn up in person and buy products off the shelves. Also, they do sell some stuff not easy to find elsewhere, such as the Caldera Cone. But I recommend you exercise caution if buying over the Internet. In my opinion it is quite wrong to take the money knowing that you don't have the stock. They seem to differ. I have asked for a refund and we shall see...
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 Jerry I am sure your account is passed on in good faith. Conversely though I have experienced top quality on-line service from Winwood, which was backed up by in-shop customer service (at a later date). They were wiling to combine on line and shop service on another occasion to which they immediately refunded the shipping costs because I arrived in person to collect. Your experience is totally valid of course. But it would be only fair to demonstrate positive qualities before the thread goes into 'whole sale slaughter'. After all yours may have been a one off unfortunate problem. On the other hand mine might be the one off furtunate experience.... I hope you dont mind me sticking my neck in. 
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I've always had great service from winwood. It's true they're not the slickest operation in terms of internet sales and keeping the website updated with the latest stock situation - but you always get stuff in the end and if you ring and query they'll refund you straight away if that's what you want. They've been incredibly helpful to me - getting special orders of Gossamer Gear stuff for me from the US and have been more than happy to send me stuff to try or swapped stuff when many wouldn't have. They've bent over backwards to help me get exactly what I want. I think they operate much better as a telephone sales co and will give you the time and benefit of their expertise. Pick up the phone and have a chat to a nice helpful human voice on the other end. I'm sure you'll have a pleasant experience and won't be disappointed All best.
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 Different experiences. I found their stock did not match that which they advertised on the website when it landed on my mat; negotiated a discount which they were OK with.... but this was just for GSheet material so I was none too bothered......as the new price was fair for the size... It leads me to conclude that their website descriptions are a bit 'cut n paste' from manufacturers....poor I feel.... and I do not like it's design (linear scrolling) anyway; but that is MO
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 Never had any problems with Winwoods and think they are very inovative when it comes to stocking modern gear.
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Always found Winwood to be good, and at least they have a shop so you can phone if something does go wrong.
I would agree, tho, about it being better to phone orders — then they will tell you if an item is out of stock.
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Another thumbs up from me for Winwoods. Never had any problems with them.
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 Jerry, It looks as if Winwoods have blown your cover. Nobody wants to trade with the antichrist.
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Distance Selling regulations it is illegal to take payment untill the time of despatching goods! I suggest you ask for your money back untill they despatch. (I only know this as I've had the same trouble with outdoorgb)
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 I've ordered from them once; no problems.
But I agree that companies should not take money from your card/account until despatch of goods(not that I had this problem).
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Jerry, It looks as if Winwoods have blown your cover. Nobody wants to trade with the antichrist.
what was that?
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 always have delays when ordering from them BUT they do stock a lot of unusual or hard to get hold of items. They always deliver (eventually) and rate them as a good place to buy kit at reasonable prices
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Er, joke Jerry? Just offering a completely silly and implausible maybe as to why they seem to be so reluctant to communicate with you. Obviously a bit too surreal. I do apologise. 
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Er, joke Jerry? Just offering a completely silly and implausible maybe as to why they seem to be so reluctant to communicate with you. Obviously a bit too surreal. I do apologise. i thought it was funny 
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 lol fwiw i've never had any problems with them.
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me either really...if i have to wait a couple of days its no biggy
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 I've only ordered a couple of things from them. They were a bit slow at delivering but it's good to have a British company selling lightweight gear.
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i've ordered from them too and not been best pleased with the online service. Weeks went by and nothing arrived. I tried phoning, but the number made available goes through to a residential address i think (i thought i must have dialled wrong, but tried again and went through the same wrong number again). This got me suspicious and i got convinced i'd been scammed. Another reason for this was the pay service used on the website (Protx anyone?). Anyway, all turned out alright in the end as i finally made contact via e-mail and asked for a refund, which i promptly received. Still, didn't exactly fill me with confidence.
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 Hi Jerry Really sorry to hear about this. Have had great help from Ian at Winwood who is a top bloke imho. Have you tried calling him ? Sometimes emails can get left or ignored accidentally ... Cheers Judy
www.alpinechallenge.info
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Hi Judy Eventually, after two phone calls, they refunded the money. I am sure they have given lots of people good service; and they sell products many other shops do not. But I do recommend that you use their website with caution. It is equally happy to take your money, whether the goods are available or not. Phone them first. Jerry
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