Based on checking the website, Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk appears to be a legitimate, independent mobile flooring service operating across Stockport, Altrincham, and surrounding Greater Manchester areas. The site outlines a clear business model focusing on bringing flooring samples to customers’ homes, providing measurements, quotations, and arranging fitting services. They highlight customer satisfaction through a staged payment process, requesting the final balance only after fitting, which is a significant trust-building factor. However, the site lacks transparency regarding specific pricing for their products and does not provide an immediate online purchasing option, which might be a drawback for those seeking quick comparisons or direct transactions.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Business Model: Mobile “choose at home” carpet and flooring service.
- Service Areas: Stockport, Altrincham, and surrounding Greater Manchester regions.
- Products Offered: Carpets (twist pile, loop pile, 80/20 wool, man-made), Vinyl, Laminate, LVT.
- Pricing Transparency: Lacks specific pricing information; requires an appointment for a quotation.
- Payment Terms: 50% deposit, final balance after fitting (customer satisfaction guaranteed).
- Online Transaction Capability: No direct online purchasing.
- Customer Support: Contact details provided, “Book a Free Appointment” mechanism.
- Key Trust Signals: Mentions Google Reviews, independent business ethos, staged payment, and a dedicated team.
- Missing Elements: No clear return/refund policy visible on the homepage, limited direct customer interaction options beyond booking.
While the service model for Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk seems convenient for localised customer service, the absence of upfront pricing or even an estimated range for their various flooring types is a significant point of concern. For consumers who value transparent pricing and prefer to research costs before committing to an appointment, this lack of information could be a barrier. Furthermore, the reliance on a “book an appointment” system means there’s no immediate way to gauge if their offerings fit a particular budget without direct engagement, which can be time-consuming. From a comprehensive review standpoint, more clarity on pricing structures or examples would enhance trust and user experience.
Best alternatives for flooring and home improvement in the UK:
-
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk Review
Latest Discussions & Reviews:
- Key Features: Extensive range of carpets, laminate, vinyl, LVT, and wood flooring; offers fitting services; physical stores across the UK for in-person viewing and advice.
- Average Price: Varies widely based on material and quality, generally competitive for a broad market.
- Pros: Widespread presence, wide selection, often has sales and promotions, professional fitting available.
- Cons: Some reviews mention varying service quality between branches.
-
- Key Features: Large selection of carpets, vinyl, laminate, and luxury vinyl tiles; offers free home consultation, measuring, and fitting services; strong emphasis on customer service.
- Average Price: Mid-range to premium, with options for various budgets.
- Pros: Excellent customer service reputation, free home appointments, interest-free credit options often available.
- Cons: Prices can be higher than budget alternatives, selection might feel overwhelming for some.
-
- Key Features: Known for sofas, but also offers a substantial range of carpets, laminate, and vinyl flooring; provides fitting services and often has significant sales events.
- Average Price: Competitive, frequently running promotional offers.
- Pros: Large national presence, frequent discounts, bundled offers often available with furniture purchases.
- Cons: Primary focus is on furniture, so flooring might feel like an add-on, delivery and fitting times can vary.
-
- Key Features: Specialises in carpets and beds; offers a wide variety of flooring types including carpets, vinyl, laminate, and LVT; focuses on value and affordability.
- Average Price: Generally budget-friendly to mid-range.
- Pros: Affordable options, frequently updated deals, national chain with local stores.
- Cons: Some feedback suggests fitting service quality can vary, not as premium as some other brands.
-
- Key Features: Online flooring retailer with a massive selection of wood, laminate, LVT, and vinyl flooring; offers samples; focuses on self-installation or finding independent fitters.
- Average Price: Very competitive, often offering trade prices or bulk discounts.
- Pros: Extensive online selection, good for those comfortable with online ordering and arranging fitting independently, competitive pricing.
- Cons: No physical showrooms, relies on customer measurements and arranging fitting.
-
- Key Features: A major DIY retailer offering a wide range of flooring products including laminate, vinyl, LVT, and some carpets; provides tools and accessories for DIY installation.
- Average Price: Budget to mid-range, good for DIY projects.
- Pros: Convenient for picking up materials, competitive pricing on basic ranges, often has fitting services available through third parties.
- Cons: Limited high-end options, fitting services are often outsourced and might vary.
-
- Key Features: Another prominent DIY and home improvement retailer; offers a solid range of laminate, vinyl, LVT, and wood flooring; provides design and planning services.
- Average Price: Budget to mid-range, good for home improvement projects.
- Pros: Reliable for DIY materials, good range of standard flooring types, often has sales, offers a complete project solution including fitting.
- Cons: Less specialisation in carpets compared to dedicated carpet retailers, fitting can sometimes be through third-party contractors.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
[ratemypost]
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk Review & First Look
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk presents itself as a modern, customer-centric mobile flooring service for residents across Stockport, Altrincham, and the broader Greater Manchester area. Instead of operating from a traditional high street shop, their business model revolves around a “choose at home” service, where a representative brings samples directly to the customer’s residence. This approach aims to provide convenience and a personalised shopping experience. Upon first look, the website is clean, well-organised, and focuses heavily on outlining the benefits of their mobile service, such as hassle-free appointments, excellent service, and quality products.
Understanding the Mobile Service Model
The core of Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk’s offering is its mobile service. This means they do not have a physical showroom where customers can browse. Instead, appointments are booked, and their flooring experts, David and Theo, visit homes with a comprehensive range of samples. This model is designed to simplify the selection process for the customer, allowing them to see how different flooring options look in their own home’s lighting and decor.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need for travel to multiple showrooms.
- Personalisation: Samples are viewed in the actual home environment.
- Efficiency: Measurements and quotations are provided during the initial visit.
Initial Impressions of the Website Design
The website’s design is professional and user-friendly. It features clear navigation, prominent calls to action for booking appointments, and a consistent visual style. The site highlights key service benefits through concise bullet points and engaging headings. Information is presented in easily digestible chunks, making it simple for potential customers to understand the service. However, the lack of an immediate online chat function or quick pricing estimator is a noticeable omission in a competitive digital landscape.
- Clean Layout: Easy to navigate with a focus on key service aspects.
- Strong Call to Action: “Book a Free Appointment” is visible throughout.
- Visual Clarity: Products are described with accompanying ‘Read more’ links to dedicated pages.
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk Features
The website outlines several key features that form the backbone of their service. These features aim to differentiate them from traditional flooring retailers and enhance the customer experience. From the ability to book appointments at home to flexible payment options, the service attempts to cover the entire customer journey from selection to fitting.
Choose-at-Home Service
This is the flagship feature of Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk. The mobile service model means that customers can arrange for a flooring expert to visit their home, bringing a wide array of samples directly to them. This eliminates the guesswork of selecting flooring in a brightly lit showroom and then wondering how it will appear in a home’s specific lighting conditions. It also saves time and effort, as customers don’t need to travel to multiple stores. Pehrsons-candles.co.uk Review
- Sample Variety: They claim to bring a “huge range of carpets, vinyl, laminate and LVT samples.”
- In-situ Viewing: Customers can match samples with existing decor and lighting.
- Expert Guidance: Dedicated experts provide recommendations tailored to the home.
Hassle-Free Process and Customer Service
The company emphasises a “hassle-free” approach, promising to handle everything from initial consultation to final fitting. Their commitment to customer service is highlighted, stating that “customer service is our priority.” This includes keeping in touch with the customer throughout the process and until after fitting. The model suggests a single point of contact, with David and Theo acting as the main representatives.
- Seamless Journey: Appointment booking, measurement, quotation, and fitting all managed.
- Dedicated Contact: One expert handles the customer’s journey from start to finish.
- Post-Fitting Support: Follow-up ensures satisfaction even after installation.
Quality Products and Reputable Manufacturers
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk states that they “only recommend and supply quality products from reputable manufacturers.” They explicitly name several well-known suppliers, including Cormar Carpets, Westex, Furlong Flooring, Likewise, Quick Step Laminate, and Polyflor LVT. This provides a level of reassurance about the quality and durability of the materials they offer, as these are recognised brands in the UK flooring market.
- Brand Trust: Partnerships with established names like Cormar and Quick Step.
- Material Diversity: Offerings span from wool carpets to hard-wearing LVT.
- Durability Focus: Recommendations for “hard-wearing” options like Laminate for busy homes.
Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Payment Model
A unique feature is their payment structure, which ties the final balance to customer satisfaction. They require only a 50% deposit when confirming an order, with the remaining balance due only after fitting and when the customer is “completely happy” with their new carpets or flooring. This significantly reduces the financial risk for the customer and acts as a strong indicator of the company’s confidence in its service and products.
- Staged Payments: 50% upfront, remaining 50% upon satisfaction.
- Reduced Customer Risk: Assurance that payment is contingent on happiness with the outcome.
- Trust Building: A strong signal of commitment to quality and customer care.
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk Pros & Cons
Like any service, Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Evaluating these helps potential customers make an informed decision, weighing the convenience and personalised service against aspects like pricing transparency and immediate availability of information.
Pros:
The mobile business model offers distinct benefits that cater to specific customer needs and preferences. These advantages often revolve around convenience, personal service, and trust. Treatleys.co.uk Review
- Unparalleled Convenience: The “choose at home” service is a major draw. It saves customers time and effort, bringing the showroom directly to their living room. This is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or those with mobility challenges.
- Personalised Service: Having a dedicated expert like David or Theo as a single point of contact throughout the entire process—from initial consultation to post-fitting—ensures a consistent and tailored experience. This contrasts sharply with larger retail chains where customers might deal with multiple different staff members.
- View Samples in Context: The ability to see flooring samples in the actual lighting and alongside existing decor of one’s home is invaluable. It helps in making more accurate aesthetic choices and avoiding surprises after installation.
- Customer-Centric Payment Terms: The 50% deposit and final payment upon satisfaction model is a strong trust builder. It demonstrates confidence in their service and products, offering peace of mind to the customer by guaranteeing satisfaction before full payment.
- Quality Assured Brands: The explicit mention of reputable manufacturers like Cormar Carpets and Quick Step Laminate provides reassurance regarding the quality and durability of the products offered.
- Local and Independent: Being an independent local retailer often translates to a more personal touch and a stronger commitment to local reputation within their service areas (Stockport, Altrincham, Greater Manchester).
Cons:
While the service has clear advantages, there are areas where Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk could improve, particularly concerning transparency and immediate accessibility of information.
- Lack of Pricing Transparency: This is perhaps the most significant drawback. The website does not provide any pricing information, not even estimated ranges or typical costs per square metre. Customers must book an appointment to receive a quotation, which can be a barrier for those who want to compare costs quickly or have a budget in mind before committing to a visit.
- No Online Purchasing: The service is entirely appointment-based, meaning there’s no option to browse or purchase flooring online directly. This might deter customers who prefer to shop digitally or are accustomed to e-commerce convenience.
- Limited Service Area: While comprehensive within Stockport and Altrincham, the service is geographically restricted to Greater Manchester. This means customers outside this region cannot utilise their services, limiting their market reach.
- Dependence on Appointment Availability: The entire process hinges on booking and attending an appointment. This could lead to delays during peak periods or if a customer has an urgent need for flooring.
- Less Immediate Product Exploration: Without a physical showroom or an extensive online catalogue with detailed product specifications and high-resolution images, initial product exploration is somewhat limited. Customers must wait for the appointment to see the full range of samples.
- Potential for Decision Fatigue: While the mobile service is convenient, seeing a “huge range” of samples at home could potentially lead to decision fatigue if not managed well by the expert.
- No Clear Return/Refund Policy on Homepage: While the payment structure indicates customer satisfaction, a clearly stated return or refund policy on the homepage or easily accessible is generally expected for consumer confidence.
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk Alternatives
When considering flooring for your home, especially if Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk’s mobile-only, no-upfront-pricing model isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of reputable alternatives in the UK market. These range from large national chains with physical showrooms to online-only retailers that offer competitive pricing and extensive product ranges.
National Retailers with Showrooms
These companies offer the advantage of allowing customers to physically see, touch, and compare a vast selection of flooring in person before making a decision. They often have professional staff on hand for advice and can arrange fitting services.
-
- Key Features: As the UK’s largest carpet and floor coverings retailer, Carpetright offers an unparalleled selection of carpets, laminates, vinyls, LVT, and engineered wood flooring. They have hundreds of stores nationwide, providing accessible showrooms. They also offer a comprehensive fitting service and frequently run promotional sales. Their website provides detailed product specifications and a ‘room visualizer’ tool to help customers imagine how different flooring types would look in their homes.
- Pros: Extensive product range, widespread physical presence, professional fitting, financing options often available.
- Cons: Service quality can vary by store, some customers report longer lead times for delivery and fitting during busy periods.
-
Tapi Carpets & Floors Appletreeandavalon.co.uk Review
- Key Features: Tapi positions itself as a customer-focused flooring retailer, offering a vast array of carpets, vinyl, laminate, and LVT. They provide free home consultation appointments, similar to Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk, but also operate numerous modern showrooms across the UK. Their service includes professional measurement and fitting. They emphasise a friendly and knowledgeable sales team.
- Pros: Blend of showroom and home consultation, strong customer service focus, good range of quality products, often offer interest-free credit.
- Cons: Can be perceived as slightly more premium in pricing compared to budget options, store locations might not be as widespread as Carpetright.
-
- Key Features: While primarily known for sofas, SCS has a significant flooring department offering a wide selection of carpets, laminate, and vinyl. They operate large retail parks with combined furniture and flooring showrooms, allowing customers to coordinate their home decor easily. SCS often runs large-scale sales events.
- Pros: Good for one-stop home furnishing, competitive pricing during sales, widespread physical presence, professional fitting services.
- Cons: Flooring might not be their primary focus, so depth of expertise might vary; delivery and fitting can sometimes be slower due to their size.
DIY & Home Improvement Retailers
For those comfortable with a more hands-on approach or looking for materials to be installed by their own contractor, large DIY stores are an excellent option.
-
- Key Features: B&Q is a major DIY and home improvement retailer in the UK, offering a comprehensive range of flooring materials including laminate, vinyl, LVT, and some engineered wood. They provide tools and accessories for DIY installation, and also offer a ‘Design & Install’ service for those who prefer professional help.
- Pros: Wide availability of stores, competitive pricing on standard ranges, ideal for DIY enthusiasts, extensive range of related tools and accessories.
- Cons: Less specialisation in high-end or bespoke flooring, fitting services are typically outsourced, which might lead to varied experiences.
-
- Key Features: Similar to B&Q, Wickes is a well-established home improvement retailer with a strong focus on building materials and DIY products. They offer a good selection of laminate, LVT, vinyl, and wood flooring, along with underlay and accessories. They also provide design and installation services for kitchens, bathrooms, and general home projects, which can extend to flooring.
- Pros: Reliable for general home improvement projects, often has sales, good stock levels, and a clear focus on practical and durable flooring.
- Cons: Not a specialist flooring retailer, so the range might not be as deep as others, fitting services are often through third-party contractors.
Online-Only Retailers
These platforms typically offer a wider selection of products at often more competitive prices due to lower overheads. They are ideal for customers who know what they want and are comfortable ordering online, often arranging their own fitting. Nvroofing.co.uk Review
-
- Key Features: An online specialist offering an extensive range of wood, laminate, LVT, and vinyl flooring. They pride themselves on competitive pricing, often supplying at trade rates. Customers can order samples to be delivered to their home.
- Pros: Very competitive pricing, massive online selection, convenient for sample ordering and direct delivery.
- Cons: No physical showroom to view products, customers are typically responsible for arranging their own fitting, customer service is primarily online or via phone.
-
- Key Features: Specialises in providing high-quality flooring directly from manufacturers, aiming to cut out middlemen costs. They offer a wide range of laminate, vinyl, wood, and LVT, with an emphasis on durable and affordable options. They have showrooms, but their online presence is strong, allowing for easy browsing and ordering of samples.
- Pros: Cost-effective due to direct sourcing, good balance of online convenience and physical showrooms, quality products.
- Cons: Showrooms are limited in number, shipping costs can add up for large orders.
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk Pricing
The Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk website provides no specific pricing information for any of its products or services. This is a deliberate choice tied to their mobile, in-home consultation business model. While this approach allows for a highly personalised service and tailored quotations, it means that potential customers cannot get an immediate sense of cost or compare prices online.
Why No Upfront Pricing?
The decision not to display prices upfront is often seen in businesses that offer bespoke services or products where the final cost is heavily dependent on various factors, such as:
- Material Choice: The price of carpets can vary significantly based on fibre type (wool, synthetic), pile (twist, loop), and quality grade. Similarly, vinyl, laminate, and LVT come in numerous specifications and finishes, each with different price points.
- Area to Be Covered: Flooring is typically priced per square metre (or linear metre for certain products), and the total cost depends directly on the size of the room(s) being floored.
- Subfloor Preparation: Additional costs may arise if the existing subfloor requires significant preparation, levelling, or repair before new flooring can be laid.
- Fitting Complexity: The labour cost for fitting can vary based on the room shape, presence of obstacles (e.g., fireplaces, complex doorways), and the type of flooring being installed (e.g., intricate LVT patterns vs. simple carpet lay).
- Underlay and Accessories: Costs for underlay, gripper rods, door bars, and other necessary accessories are typically added to the material cost.
- Disposal of Old Flooring: Some services might include the removal and disposal of old flooring, which adds to the overall price.
How to Get a Price from Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk
To obtain a quotation from Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk, customers must: Helpdeskcomms.co.uk Review
- Book a Free Appointment: This is the first and essential step. The website prominently features “Book a Free Appointment” buttons throughout.
- In-Home Consultation: A flooring expert (David or Theo) will visit the customer’s home with samples.
- Measurement and Quotation: During this visit, the expert will measure the areas, discuss product options, and provide a no-obligation quotation based on the chosen materials and scope of work.
Implications of Undisclosed Pricing
While this approach offers personalised service, it has several implications for the customer:
- Lack of Immediate Comparison: Customers cannot quickly compare Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk’s prices with competitors without going through the appointment process.
- Time Commitment: Getting a quote requires a scheduled visit, which demands a time commitment from the customer.
- Budget Uncertainty: Without any indication of price ranges, customers might invest time in an appointment only to find the options are outside their budget.
- Trust Building vs. Transparency: While the “payment upon satisfaction” model builds trust, the lack of pricing transparency might initially deter some potential customers who prefer to have a clear idea of costs upfront.
In essence, Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk prioritises a highly consultative and personalised sales process over immediate online pricing transparency. For customers who value the convenience of an in-home service and are comfortable with this process, it may not be an issue. However, for those who prefer to research and compare prices online before engaging, it could be a significant hurdle.
How to Book an Appointment with Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk
The entire service model of Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk hinges on their “choose at home” appointment system. It’s the primary way customers engage with the company to select flooring, get measurements, and receive quotations. The process is designed to be straightforward and customer-friendly.
Steps to Book a Free Appointment:
The website makes it very clear how to initiate contact and book a visit.
- Locate “Book a Free Appointment” Buttons: These buttons are prominently displayed throughout the homepage and other key pages of the website. They are hard to miss, indicating their central role in the customer journey.
- Click the Button: Clicking on any of these buttons will likely lead to a dedicated booking page or a contact form.
- Provide Contact Information: Customers will typically be asked to provide their name, phone number, email address, and possibly their postcode or general location. This allows the company to ascertain if they serve the area and to schedule the visit.
- Specify Preferred Time/Date (Optional): Some booking forms allow customers to suggest preferred dates or times for the appointment.
- Submit the Form: Once the required information is entered, the form is submitted.
- Confirmation and Scheduling: A representative from Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk will then contact the customer to confirm the details and finalise a suitable date and time for the in-home visit.
What to Expect During the Appointment:
Once the appointment is booked, the company outlines what customers can anticipate from their visit. Independenttravelexperts.co.uk Review
- Expert Visit: David or Theo, the company’s flooring experts, will attend the appointment. They are presented as the main point of contact throughout the entire process.
- Sample Presentation: The expert will bring a “full range of carpets, vinyl flooring, laminate boards and LVT swatches” to the customer’s door. This allows for in-situ viewing and comparison.
- Measurement and Quotation: During the visit, accurate measurements of the areas requiring flooring will be taken. Based on the selected products and measurements, a free, no-obligation quotation will be provided.
- Consultation and Advice: The expert will be on hand to offer advice on different flooring types, discuss options suitable for specific needs (e.g., busy family homes), and answer any questions the customer may have.
- Arranging Fitting: If the customer is happy with the quotation and decides to proceed, the expert can also help arrange the fitting of the chosen flooring, recommending a trusted fitter and coordinating the entire process.
Service Areas Covered:
The website explicitly lists the areas covered by their Stockport and Altrincham branches, extending to various towns and localities within Greater Manchester. This ensures customers can quickly verify if their location falls within the service range before booking.
- Stockport Branch Areas: Alderley Edge, Ashton-u-Lyne, Bollington, Bramhall, Bredbury, Cheadle Heath, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle Village, Denton, Didsbury, Gatley, Hazel Grove, Heald Green, Heaton Chapel, Heaton Mersey, Heaton Moor, Heaton Norris, High Lane, Macclesfield, Marple, Marple Bridge, Poynton, Prestbury, Romiley, Stockport, Wilmslow, Woodley.
- Altrincham & Trafford Branch Areas: Altrincham, Baguley, Bowdon, Dunham Massey, Eccles, Flixton, Hale & Hale Barns, Knutsford, Manchester, Northenden, Old Trafford, Sale, Salford, Stretford, Timperley, Trafford, Urmston, Worsley, Wythenshawe.
The streamlined booking process and detailed explanation of what to expect aim to make the initial engagement with Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk as easy and transparent as possible for potential customers.
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk vs. Traditional Carpet Shops
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk operates on a distinct business model that consciously moves away from the traditional high street carpet shop. This mobile, “choose at home” service offers both advantages and disadvantages when compared to conventional retail outlets. Understanding these differences can help customers decide which model best suits their needs and preferences.
Traditional Carpet Shops: The Conventional Approach
Traditional carpet shops typically operate from a physical retail space, often located on high streets, in retail parks, or industrial estates.
-
Showroom Experience: Jamesblackhomes.co.uk Review
- Pros: Customers can physically walk through a large showroom, see a vast selection of full-size displays, touch various textures, and get an immediate impression of colours under standard lighting. They can also compare products side-by-side without needing an appointment.
- Cons: Showroom lighting can be misleading, and flooring might look different once installed in a home’s natural light. Customers need to travel to the shop, and browsing can be time-consuming, especially if visiting multiple stores.
-
Immediate Availability of Information:
- Pros: Prices are usually displayed, allowing for instant budget assessment and comparison. Staff are on hand for immediate queries and advice.
- Cons: Sales staff might be commission-based, leading to high-pressure selling tactics. Information provided might be less tailored to the individual’s home environment.
-
Stock and Supply:
- Pros: Some larger shops might hold stock, allowing for quicker purchase and fitting.
- Cons: Smaller shops might have limited stock on hand, requiring ordering and waiting times similar to mobile services.
-
Customer Interaction:
- Pros: Direct, face-to-face interaction with multiple staff members if needed.
- Cons: Can be impersonal, and continuity of service with one specific advisor might be rare.
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk: The Mobile Approach
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk has intentionally designed its service to address some of the perceived limitations of traditional shops, focusing on convenience and personalised service.
-
In-Home Experience: Nestleprofessional.co.uk Review
- Pros: Samples are brought directly to the customer’s home, enabling them to see how flooring looks in their actual environment, under natural lighting and alongside existing decor. This significantly reduces the risk of choosing an unsuitable colour or texture.
- Cons: Limited to viewing samples, not full room displays. Customers can’t spontaneously browse; an appointment is required.
-
Personalised Consultation:
- Pros: A dedicated expert provides one-on-one service from start to finish. This ensures continuity and a deeply tailored consultation process, including measurements and quotations on the spot.
- Cons: Requires a scheduled appointment, which might not suit those looking for immediate information or a quick purchase.
-
Pricing and Transparency:
- Pros: The payment model (50% deposit, final balance upon satisfaction) builds significant trust and reduces financial risk for the customer.
- Cons: The lack of upfront pricing is a major difference. Customers cannot get a price idea without a home visit, making initial budget comparisons difficult. Traditional shops typically display prices prominently.
-
Efficiency and Hassle-Free:
- Pros: The service handles the entire process, from consultation and measurement to supply and arranging fitting, aiming for a seamless customer experience. This can be less overwhelming than coordinating different aspects yourself.
- Cons: Flexibility in timing is dependent on the availability of their mobile team.
Comparative Summary:
| Feature | Traditional Carpet Shop | Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk (Mobile Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Viewing | Large showroom displays, immediate browsing | Samples brought to your home, in-context viewing |
| Pricing | Usually displayed, immediate price comparison | No upfront pricing, quotation only after home visit |
| Convenience | Travel to shop, browse multiple stores, variable assistance | Shop comes to you, saves travel, personalised service |
| Personalisation | Varies by staff, less tailored to home environment | Dedicated expert, tailored advice in your home |
| Payment Terms | Typically full payment or large deposit upfront | 50% deposit, final balance upon satisfaction (strong trust signal) |
| Accessibility | Physical locations, open during business hours | Appointment-based, limited to specific service areas |
For customers who prioritise convenience, a highly personalised service, and viewing samples in their own home, Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk offers a compelling alternative. However, for those who value upfront pricing transparency, immediate browsing, and the ability to compare costs without a prior commitment, a traditional carpet shop or online retailer might be a more suitable choice.
FAQs
What is Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk?
Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk is a mobile flooring service based in the UK, specialising in bringing carpet, vinyl, laminate, and LVT samples directly to customers’ homes in Stockport, Altrincham, and surrounding Greater Manchester areas for selection, measurement, and quotation. Designsat.co.uk Review
How does the “choose at home” service work?
You book a free appointment, and a flooring expert visits your home with a wide range of samples. They help you choose, measure your rooms, and provide a no-obligation quotation on the spot.
What types of flooring do they offer?
They offer various types of flooring including twist pile carpets, loop pile carpets, 80/20 wool carpets, man-made carpets, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT).
Do they have a physical shop or showroom?
No, Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk operates solely as a mobile service and does not have a physical carpet shop or showroom. Their business model is based on bringing samples directly to your door.
What areas does Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk cover?
They cover Stockport, Altrincham, and various surrounding areas across Greater Manchester, including towns like Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Sale, and Salford.
Is there a cost for the home appointment and quotation?
No, the website explicitly states that they offer a “Free Appointment” and provide a “free quotation” during the visit. Tailormadeinstalls.co.uk Review
Do they offer fitting services?
Yes, they can arrange fitting for your new flooring. Their experts will recommend a fitter and organise the entire process for you once you decide to go ahead with the order.
How much do Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk products cost?
The website does not display specific prices for its products or services. You need to book a free home appointment to get a tailored quotation based on your chosen materials and measurements.
What is their payment policy?
They require a 50% deposit when you confirm your order. The final balance is requested only after fitting and once you are completely happy with your new carpets or flooring.
Who are the flooring experts that visit homes?
The website mentions David and Theo as their flooring experts, stating that whoever attends your appointment will be your main point of contact throughout the process.
What brands of flooring do they supply?
They supply quality products from reputable manufacturers such as Cormar Carpets, Westex, Furlong Flooring, Likewise, Quick Step Laminate, and Polyflor LVT. Safetysuppliesco.co.uk Review
How long does it take to get a quotation after booking an appointment?
The quotation is provided during your initial in-home appointment after measurements are taken and products are selected.
Can I get samples before booking an appointment?
Based on the website’s description, samples are brought to your home during the free appointment, implying you cannot receive them beforehand.
What if I am not happy with the flooring after fitting?
Their payment policy states they don’t request the final balance until you are “completely happy” with your new carpets or flooring, indicating a commitment to customer satisfaction.
How do I contact Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk for questions?
The website provides a “Contact” page and “Any Questions?” links, which typically lead to a contact form or contact details.
Are customer reviews available for Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk?
Yes, the homepage mentions “Our Google Reviews” and “What our customers are saying,” suggesting they have customer feedback available, presumably linked to their Google My Business profile. Cutstone.co.uk Review
Do they offer finance options or payment plans?
The website does not mention any finance options or payment plans beyond their 50% deposit, 50% upon satisfaction payment model.
Is Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk an independent business?
Yes, they state they are an “independent business,” emphasising their focus on reputation and customer service.
Can I book an appointment online?
Yes, the website features various “Book a Free Appointment” buttons that lead to their online booking system or contact form.
How does Outandaboutcarpets.co.uk ensure quality products?
They state they “only recommend and supply quality products from reputable manufacturers,” explicitly listing well-known brands in the flooring industry.
Leave a Reply