I had a trade account with Howdens for 10 years, although I've never been a great fan - rude sales team in pretty much any branch you deal with, constantly losing money on lost time due to kitchens only being partly delivered (with out an ounce of remorse) - dealing with the arrogant, bully boys in their legal department is the straw that broke the camels back for me. During the Covid19 lockdown period I was unfortunate enough to receive a County Court Claim for an outstanding balance from Howdens. I didn't dispute the fact that I owed money, but during a time where the whole world seemed to be on hold, I raised the fact that I hadn't received the correct correspondence warning letter 30 days prior to the claim. In my ignorance I rather assumed that as I hadn't heard anything from Howdens, like so many other business' they were closed and would contact me when things were up and running again. On receiving the Court Claim I contacted their legal team and paid my outstanding balance immediately, yet within a week I received another letter claiming £510.00 fees and £138.09 in interest that had accumulated since speaking to one of their team!! A warning to all tradesmen that once your case is with the legal team, all business practice, compassion, and damn right humanity is gone. They are commission hungry robots continually repeating Terms and Conditions of your account. I can't remember the Terms and Conditions stating anything about global pandemics, but you'd think after 10 years, and tens of thousands of pounds in business may give you some leeway under such unusual circumstances. In my opinion Howdens profit heavily from late payments and their aggressive legal team. New trade customers are lured into opening a CREDIT account by free screw boxes or even radios, when most would settle for a cash account. Having traded with other suppliers no other is as notoriously aggressive as Howdens Accounts in recovering an outstanding balance. They prey on small business' and Sole Traders where cash flow is often an issue, £648.09 in fees is a lot of money, and the thought of going to court and further costs is terrifying. Having read other reviews on this site and spoken to other tradesmen in person I don't feel alone in my plight. Other tradesmen say they haven't had anything through from Howdens during the Lockdown period, yet owe money on their account?? Where as most companies around the world right now are acting compassionately towards their clients, in the prospect of a brighter future together. Howdens seem all too keen to bite the hand that feeds them for a quick commission hit. If I was to give advice to a young tradesman thinking of opening a trade account with Howdens, I'd say don't do it. You will lose out in the long run through lost earnings due to parts missing, even if your tempted by the "Two Quote trick", one for the client, another for the tradesman, wink wink nudge nudge! I'd rather be able to look at my myself in the mirror at night, and not deal with another member of the Howdens team ever again! There's better suppliers out there now, Howdens big cheese arrogance is dated and unwarranted. Ignore the "Great Customer Service" reviews on this site, they're merely diluting genuine feedback from ever disgruntled tradesmen in the hope of a free Screw Box! Account closed and a HUGE sigh of relief! PC Carpentry