Beyondboards.co.uk Reviews

Based on checking the website, Beyondboards.co.uk appears to be a legitimate online retailer specializing in whiteboards, notice boards, signs, and various display equipment primarily aimed at the education sector, small businesses, and general consumers in the UK.

The site highlights its commitment to affordability, quality, and customer service, offering a wide range of products from magnetic whiteboards on wheels to pavement signs and lockable notice boards.

They emphasize direct delivery and a focus on meeting the needs of schools, teachers, and educational staff, while also catering to broader display requirements for various organizations.

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.

Beyondboards.co.uk Review & First Look

Beyondboards.co.uk presents itself as a straightforward, no-frills e-commerce platform dedicated to providing essential display solutions.

A first glance at the homepage reveals a clean, functional layout with clear navigation.

The site immediately showcases featured products, complete with pricing and VAT information, which is a big plus for transparency.

The emphasis on serving schools, councils, and corporate accounts with a “pay by purchase order” facility signals their understanding of institutional procurement processes, a key advantage for their target market.

Initial Impressions of the Website’s Usability

The website design is clean and intuitive, making it easy to find products.

• Navigation: Categories like “Whiteboards,” “Noticeboards & Corkboards,” “Outdoor Noticeboards,” and “Signs” are prominently displayed, allowing users to quickly filter their search.
• Product Display: Products are shown with clear images, current prices, and an indication of savings where applicable e.g., “Save £20”. The inclusion of “Including VAT” is also very helpful for UK customers.
• Contact Information: Readily available contact details phone number, email, operating hours and a chat facility suggest a strong focus on customer support. This accessibility builds trust, crucial for online purchases, especially for bulk or institutional orders.

What Beyondboards.co.uk Focuses On

Beyondboards.co.uk’s primary focus is on practical, durable display equipment.

They repeatedly mention their dedication to the education sector, stating, “Beyond Boards is a company founded on great relationships and is ultimately for schools, teachers and education staff to quickly and easily get the right display products delivered direct at budget beating prices.” However, they also broaden their scope to include small businesses and anyone seeking quality display products at competitive prices.

• Core Product Categories:
  • Whiteboards: Magnetic, aluminum frame, on wheels, folding, easel, flipchart, drywipe.
  • Noticeboards: Lockable, corkboards, outdoor.
  • Signs: Swing signs, waterbase pavement signs, retractable barriers, snapframes, menu stands.
  • Accessories: Magnetic pen holders, clipdown poster frames.
• Customer Segments:
  • Education: Primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities main customers.
  • Businesses: Small businesses and corporate accounts.
  • General Public: Anyone needing display solutions.

Beyondboards.co.uk Features

Beyondboards.co.uk offers several features designed to enhance the customer experience, particularly for its core educational and corporate clients.

These features highlight their commitment to streamlining the purchasing process and providing value.

Purchase Order Facility for Institutions

A significant feature is the pay by purchase order facility available for school, council, and corporate accounts. Funglaw.com Reviews

• Streamlined Procurement: This eliminates the need for individual card payments, simplifying the financial process for larger organizations.
• Automated Enrollment: “For new accounts simply place your first order to enrol!” This suggests an easy, integrated system for setting up institutional accounts.
• Trust-Based System: The statement “We trust our schools and they trust us” underscores a reciprocal relationship, indicating their readiness to extend credit terms. This is a vital feature for schools that often operate on specific budget cycles and require formal purchasing methods.

Extensive Product Range and Customization

The breadth of their product offerings is a key feature, aiming to be a “one-stop shop for all your display needs.”

• Size Variety: They boast a wide range of sizes, from “600x450mm up to 2400x1200mm,” ensuring they have “the right board for any surface you can think of.”
• Surface Options: Customers can choose between “magnetic or dry erase surfaces,” catering to different user preferences and functionalities.
• Diverse Product Types: From mobile easels to outdoor notice boards, their inventory covers a comprehensive array of display requirements for various environments, be it a classroom, an office, or an outdoor event.

Customer Support and Resources

Beyondboards.co.uk places a high value on customer service and providing helpful resources.

• Multiple Contact Channels: They offer support via phone 0800 088 5268, email [email protected], and a website chat facility. This multi-channel approach ensures customers can reach them conveniently.
• Dedicated Team: “One of our team will be available to talk,” suggesting personalized support rather than automated responses.
• Educational Resources: They explicitly mention creating “resources for education colleagues on not just how our products work and what you should keep in mind when choosing them, but other education related information.” This initiative goes beyond simple product descriptions, offering valuable insights and demonstrating their industry knowledge. For example, they mention an article on “what it means to be in a union,” indicating a broader commitment to supporting their educational clientele.

Beyondboards.co.uk Pros & Cons

Like any online retailer, Beyondboards.co.uk has its strengths and potential areas for improvement.

Understanding these can help potential customers make informed decisions.

Pros:

• Strong Focus on Education Sector: Their specialized approach and dedicated features like the purchase order facility make them an attractive option for schools and universities. This niche focus allows them to tailor their services effectively.
• Competitive Pricing: The website frequently mentions “budget beating prices” and highlights savings e.g., “Save £20”. This commitment to affordability is a significant draw, especially for institutions with tight budgets. For instance, a Magnetic Whiteboard on Wheels is advertised from £119.99 originally £139.99, demonstrating tangible savings.
• Comprehensive Product Range: They offer a vast array of whiteboards, noticeboards, and signs, aiming to be a “one-stop shop.” This variety means customers can likely find all their display needs met in one place, saving time and effort.
• Excellent Customer Service Emphasis: With multiple contact options phone, email, chat and a stated commitment to “customer service and customer satisfaction,” they appear to prioritize user support. This is crucial for resolving issues and building long-term relationships.
• Transparency in Pricing: Prices are clearly listed and include VAT, which prevents hidden costs and provides clarity for budget planning.
• Durability Claims: The claim that “Our boards are made to last, even with daily use” suggests a focus on quality, which translates to better long-term value for customers.

Cons:

• Limited Information on Specific Product Specs: While the range is broad, detailed technical specifications for each product beyond dimensions and basic features aren’t extensively highlighted on the homepage. Deeper dives might require clicking through to individual product pages, which isn’t a major flaw but could be improved for initial scanning.
• Reliance on Phone/Email for Complex Inquiries: While customer service is praised, complex or highly customized requests might still necessitate direct communication rather than self-service tools, which might be a slight bottleneck for some tech-savvy users.
• Shipping Information Not Immediately Prominent: The homepage doesn’t immediately detail shipping costs or delivery timelines. This information is critical for online purchases and usually needs to be easily accessible. While it’s likely available during checkout, upfront transparency is always preferred.
• Lack of Customer Reviews/Testimonials on Homepage: While they claim “Schools already love us,” the absence of visible customer reviews or testimonials on the homepage might make it harder for new visitors to gauge external credibility. Including a few prominent quotes or a link to a review section could boost confidence.

Beyondboards.co.uk Alternatives

When considering display equipment, several other providers offer similar products.

Exploring alternatives can help customers compare features, pricing, and service to find the best fit for their specific needs.

Major Office Supply Retailers

• Viking UK: Known for a vast range of office supplies, Viking often stocks various whiteboards, notice boards, and presentation equipment. They cater to both businesses and individuals, offering competitive pricing and frequent sales.
  • Pros: Extensive inventory, often fast delivery, loyalty programs.
  • Cons: Can be overwhelming with too many options, less specialized support for educational needs.
• Office Depot UK: Similar to Viking, Office Depot provides a broad selection of office essentials, including display solutions. They focus on business clients but also serve smaller orders.
  • Pros: Wide product range, corporate account options, often have physical stores.
  • Cons: Less specialized knowledge in display equipment compared to dedicated suppliers.

Dedicated Display Equipment Suppliers

• Boards Direct: A direct competitor specializing exclusively in whiteboards, notice boards, and display systems. They often offer a highly curated selection and detailed product information.
  • Pros: Highly specialized, potentially deeper product knowledge, custom solutions.
  • Cons: Might have slightly higher prices due to specialization, less diverse inventory outside display products.
• Noticeboards Online: As the name suggests, this company focuses specifically on notice boards and related display items. They often have a wide variety of materials and customization options for notice boards.
  • Pros: Expertise in notice boards, specialized designs and materials.
  • Cons: Limited range beyond notice boards, might not cover all whiteboard or sign needs.

Considerations When Choosing an Alternative

• Budget: Compare pricing, including VAT and delivery costs.
• Product Specificity: Does the alternative offer the exact type, size, and features you need?
• Customer Support: How accessible and helpful is their customer service?
• Delivery and Returns: What are their shipping policies and return options?
• Institutional Features: If you’re a school or business, does the alternative offer purchase order facilities or similar benefits?

Beyondboards.co.uk Pricing

Beyondboards.co.uk clearly displays its pricing directly on the product listings on the homepage, a positive for transparency.

The prices include VAT, which simplifies budgeting for UK customers.

The website also highlights discounts and sale prices, indicating an active effort to offer competitive deals.

Typical Price Ranges for Key Products

Based on the homepage, here’s an overview of the pricing: Typingjob.in Reviews

• Magnetic Whiteboard on Wheels: From £119.99 Sale Price, Regular £139.99
  • Analysis: This suggests mobile solutions are a mid-to-high-range item, but the “from” indicates variations based on size. The £20 saving is a clear incentive.
• Calendar Whiteboard: From £49.99
  • Analysis: A more affordable, specialized whiteboard option, good for organizational tasks.
• Magnetic Whiteboard Aluminium Frame: From £19.99
  • Analysis: This is an entry-level price point for basic wall-mounted whiteboards, making them accessible for various budgets. The “from” suggests sizes and features will affect the final price.
• Folding Whiteboard: From £99.99
  • Analysis: Portable and space-saving options fall into a slightly higher price bracket, reflecting their added functionality.
• Whiteboard Easel H-Stand: From £74.99
  • Analysis: A stable, mobile presentation tool, priced reasonably for its utility.
• Swing Sign: From £69.99
  • Analysis: A popular outdoor advertising solution, offering a good balance of visibility and portability.
• Waterbase Pavement Sign: From £109.99 Sale Price, Regular £129.99
  • Analysis: A more robust outdoor sign, the price reflects its durability and weather resistance.
• Retractable Barrier: £39.99
  • Analysis: An affordable solution for crowd control or directing traffic.
• Lockable Notice Board: From £59.99 Sale Price, Regular £79.99
  • Analysis: Security-focused notice boards, with the “from” indicating variations in size and features. The £20 saving is noteworthy.

Value for Money

Beyondboards.co.uk claims to “put price and quality first by sourcing our products with care.” The prices presented on the homepage, especially with the highlighted discounts, suggest a focus on offering good value.

For example, a basic magnetic whiteboard at £19.99 is quite competitive for the UK market.

The promise of durable products “made to last” further enhances the perceived value, as it reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Their ability to offer “budget beating prices” while maintaining quality is likely due to their direct sourcing and specialized business model.

Beyondboards.co.uk vs. Competitors

Comparing Beyondboards.co.uk to its competitors involves looking at various factors, including product range, pricing, target audience, and specialized features.

While general office supply giants like Viking and Office Depot offer a broader spectrum of products, Beyondboards.co.uk positions itself as a specialist with distinct advantages, particularly for the education sector.

Product Range and Specialization

• Beyondboards.co.uk: Highly specialized in whiteboards, notice boards, and signs. Their range within these categories is comprehensive, covering various sizes, types magnetic, dry-erase, lockable, and accessories. They aim to be a “one-stop shop” for display needs.
  • Strength: Deep expertise and variety within their core product categories.
• Viking/Office Depot: Offer an enormous catalog of office supplies, including display equipment. However, whiteboards and notice boards are just one small part of their overall offering.
  • Strength: Convenience of ordering all office supplies from one vendor.
  • Weakness: Less specialized product knowledge or dedicated support for complex display requirements.
• Boards Direct/Noticeboards Online: These are also specialists, often offering similar or even more niche products e.g., specific types of notice boards, custom sizes.
  • Strength: Very detailed product options and potentially custom solutions.
  • Weakness: Might have less competitive pricing for standard items due to their smaller scale, or limited stock on very common items that large retailers can bulk purchase.

Pricing Strategy

• Beyondboards.co.uk: Emphasizes “budget beating prices” and visible discounts. Their pricing includes VAT upfront, which is a convenient transparency feature.
  • Strength: Competitive pricing, especially for educational institutions operating on strict budgets.
• Viking/Office Depot: Often have competitive pricing, particularly for bulk orders or during promotional periods. However, their standard prices might be higher for individual items compared to specialists.
  • Strength: Frequent sales and corporate discounts.
  • Weakness: Base prices might not always be the lowest for every single item.
• Boards Direct/Noticeboards Online: Pricing can vary. some may offer very competitive rates for their specialized items, while others might be premium.
  • Strength: Value for specialized or unique products.
  • Weakness: Potentially higher prices for common items.

Target Audience & Special Features

• Beyondboards.co.uk: Clearly targets the education sector schools, universities with dedicated features like the purchase order facility. They also serve small businesses and general consumers.
  • Unique Selling Proposition USP: Purchase order facility, focus on education, personal customer service.
• Viking/Office Depot: Primarily target general businesses of all sizes, though they serve individuals too.
  • USP: Broad selection of all office products, established logistics.
• Boards Direct/Noticeboards Online: Generally target businesses, schools, and organizations needing specialized display solutions.
  • USP: Deep product specialization, sometimes custom manufacturing.

In summary, Beyondboards.co.uk carves out a strong niche by focusing on the education sector and offering a comprehensive range of display equipment at competitive, transparent prices.

While larger retailers offer convenience, Beyondboards.co.uk aims to provide a more specialized service with a personal touch and specific features tailored to their primary clientele.

How to Order from Beyondboards.co.uk

Ordering from Beyondboards.co.uk appears to be a straightforward process, designed for ease of use, particularly for their core customers in education and business.

The website structure and stated features suggest a typical e-commerce flow with some added benefits. Braden.com Reviews

Step-by-Step Ordering Process

1. Browse Products:
   • Navigate through categories like “Whiteboards,” “Noticeboards & Corkboards,” “Outdoor Noticeboards,” and “Signs,” or use the search bar if you know what you’re looking for.
   • The homepage immediately showcases “Featured collection” items, which can be a good starting point.
2. Select Item and Configure if applicable:
   • Click on a product you’re interested in. While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, product pages typically allow for selecting specific sizes, colors, or other options e.g., “From £19.99” implies different configurations.
3. Add to Cart:
   • Once you’ve chosen your desired product and its specifications, add it to your shopping cart. The website shows a “0 Cart” icon, indicating a standard e-commerce cart system.
4. Proceed to Checkout:
   • When you’re ready, proceed to the checkout. This is where you’ll input your shipping and billing information.
5. Payment Options:
   • Standard Payment: Likely includes common credit/debit card options.
   • Purchase Order Facility: For schools, councils, and corporate accounts, the website explicitly states they’ve “launched a pay by purchase order facility within the website checkout.” This is a key feature for institutional clients. “For new accounts simply place your first order to enrol!” suggests an automated process for this.
6. Confirm Order:
   • Review your order details, shipping address, and payment method before confirming the purchase.

Account Creation and Management

• Login / Signup: The website clearly features “Login / Signup” and “My account” options.
  • Benefits of an Account: Creating an account would likely allow you to:
    • Track current and past orders.
    • Save shipping and billing information for faster checkout.
    • Manage purchase order accounts for institutional clients.
    • Receive updates on new products or special offers.
• Guest Checkout: While not explicitly stated, most e-commerce sites offer a guest checkout option for those who prefer not to create an account, though it’s less convenient for repeat purchases or institutional orders.

The process appears user-friendly and accommodating to different customer types, especially institutions with their specific payment requirements.

How to Contact Beyondboards.co.uk Customer Support

Beyondboards.co.uk places a strong emphasis on customer service, making it easy for customers to get in touch with their team.

They provide multiple channels for support, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Available Contact Methods

1. Phone:

   • Number: 0800 088 5268
   • Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6 GMT/BST
   • Use Case: Ideal for immediate inquiries, complex questions, discussing specific product needs, or general sales inquiries. The direct phone line suggests a personal touch and efficiency for resolving issues.

2. Email:

   • Address: [email protected]
   • Use Case: Suitable for non-urgent questions, sending detailed requests, providing feedback, or documenting correspondence. Email is often preferred for sending attachments or for inquiries outside of standard operating hours.

3. Website Chat Facility:

   • Availability: Accessible directly on the website. While not explicitly stated if it’s 24/7, given their phone hours, it’s likely available during business hours.
   • Use Case: Great for quick questions, getting instant clarification while browsing products, or initiating a conversation without leaving the site. The presence of a chat feature demonstrates a modern approach to customer engagement.

Customer Service Philosophy

The website states, “We’re a small business which means customer service and customer satisfaction is and always will be our number one priority.” This commitment suggests a dedicated team that aims to provide personalized and attentive support. They also highlight:

• Accessibility: “Talk to us anytime over the phone, over email or using the chat facility on the website.”
• Team Availability: “One of our team will be available to talk,” implying that you’ll interact with a human rather than an automated system for most inquiries.

This multi-channel approach and explicit commitment to customer care indicate that Beyondboards.co.uk is prepared to offer robust support for pre-sales inquiries, order assistance, and post-purchase issues, which is a significant factor in building customer trust and loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beyondboards.co.uk sell?

Beyondboards.co.uk specializes in selling whiteboards, notice boards, signs, and various display equipment, primarily for the education sector, small businesses, and general consumers in the UK.

Does Beyondboards.co.uk offer a purchase order facility?

Yes, Beyondboards.co.uk offers a pay by purchase order facility specifically for school, council, and corporate accounts, available directly within the website checkout. Scandimension.com Reviews

How do new accounts enroll for the purchase order facility?

New accounts can enroll for the purchase order facility simply by placing their first order through the website and selecting the purchase order option at checkout.

What are the operating hours for Beyondboards.co.uk customer service?

Beyondboards.co.uk customer service is open Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 6 PM GMT/BST.

How can I contact Beyondboards.co.uk?

You can contact Beyondboards.co.uk by phone at 0800 088 5268, by email at [email protected], or via their website chat facility.

Does Beyondboards.co.uk include VAT in their displayed prices?

Yes, all prices displayed on the Beyondboards.co.uk website, including featured products, are inclusive of VAT.

What types of whiteboards does Beyondboards.co.uk offer?

Beyondboards.co.uk offers a wide range of whiteboards, including magnetic whiteboards on wheels, calendar whiteboards, magnetic whiteboards with aluminum frames, folding whiteboards, whiteboard easels H-stand, flipcharts, and drywipe flipchart whiteboards.

What sizes of whiteboards and notice boards are available?

Beyondboards.co.uk offers a wide range of sizes for whiteboards and notice boards, from 600x450mm up to 2400x1200mm.

Are Beyondboards.co.uk products durable?

Yes, Beyondboards.co.uk states that their boards are “made to last, even with daily use,” suggesting a focus on product durability.

Who is the primary target audience for Beyondboards.co.uk?

The primary target audience for Beyondboards.co.uk is schools, teachers, and education staff, though they also cater to small businesses and general consumers.

Does Beyondboards.co.uk offer outdoor display products?

Yes, Beyondboards.co.uk offers outdoor display products such as swing signs, waterbase pavement signs, and outdoor notice boards.

Are there any accessories available on Beyondboards.co.uk?

Yes, Beyondboards.co.uk sells various accessories, including magnetic pen holders and clipdown poster frames. Disposablepod.com Reviews

Does Beyondboards.co.uk provide resources for educators?

Yes, Beyondboards.co.uk creates resources for education colleagues, offering information on how their products work and other education-related topics.

Is there a physical store for Beyondboards.co.uk?

The website indicates it is an online retailer with direct delivery and does not mention a physical store.

What is the delivery process like for Beyondboards.co.uk?

Beyondboards.co.uk states they offer “direct delivery” across the country, but specific delivery times or costs are not prominently detailed on the homepage.

Can individuals purchase from Beyondboards.co.uk, or is it only for businesses/schools?

While their main customers are primary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities, Beyondboards.co.uk states, “We sell to everyone.”

What is Beyondboards.co.uk’s stance on pricing?

Beyondboards.co.uk aims to offer “budget beating prices” and emphasizes putting “price and quality first.”

How does Beyondboards.co.uk aim to improve teaching efficiency?

Beyondboards.co.uk states that their display equipment helps educators save time and enhance classroom learning by promoting interactive learning and visual representations.

What kind of customer support can I expect from Beyondboards.co.uk?

You can expect a high level of customer service from Beyondboards.co.uk, as they state “customer service and customer satisfaction is and always will be our number one priority,” with a team available to talk.

Does Beyondboards.co.uk offer customized display solutions?

While they offer a wide range of sizes and types, the homepage does not explicitly detail custom design or bespoke manufacturing services, but direct contact through their customer service channels might provide more information on specific requests.

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