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British Heart Foundation Reviews

1.4 Rating 420 Reviews
8 %
of reviewers recommend British Heart Foundation
1.4
Based on 420 reviews
Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods
Own Driver
Average Delivery Time
Over 7 Days
On-time Delivery
Greater than 45%
Accurate And Undamaged Orders
Greater than 90%
Customer Service
Communication Channels
Live Chat, Telephone, Email
Queries Resolved In
Under An Hour
Customer Service
1.3 out of 5
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British Heart Foundation 1 star review on 19th October 2024
Scott
British Heart Foundation 1 star review on 19th October 2024
Scott
British Heart Foundation 1 star review on 27th June 2024
My Name Is Mr Anthony Straiton
British Heart Foundation 1 star review on 24th November 2023
Nick Booth
British Heart Foundation 5 star review on 21st July 2023
LP
British Heart Foundation 1 star review on 2nd March 2023
Anonymous
British Heart Foundation 1 star review on 2nd March 2023
Anonymous
35
Anonymous
Anonymous  // 01/01/2019
'Donating your unwanted items couldn't be easier' So say The British Heart Foundation. Haha! What a joke that is! There's me thinking, instead of putting it on Freecycle, I'll donate a decent double bed to a 'worthy charity'... and at the same time clear out some space. What could possibly go wrong? After missing the first collection on account of a lack of clarity on their behalf I organised a second collection the following week. On collection day, as stated on their website, I awaited the thirty-minute prior warning call from the driver. He called to give me a two hour slot! On arrival, I helped the driver and his mate with the bed frame from my garage into their van. When returning to the garage for the mattress, one of them then 'noticed' a non-existent stain and a tiny piece of blue tack (that simply rolled off) as the excuse for their refusal to take it. The other one then chimed in with "Stuff is collected at our discretion mate" He then idiotically undermined the whole stain-spotting performance by announcing that 9 out of 10 mattresses are chucked. So it seems 'At the driver's discretion' is code for 'We're gonna lumber you, at the point of collection, with a mattress that will save us inevitably getting rid of.' They patently had zero intention of collecting the mattress even before they had clapped eyes on it. At this point they couldn't leave quick enough... "Yeah, just give it to a homeless charity mate" was their parting shot. I was then left with a mattress without a bed frame. Unfortunately I was too slow off the mark, such was their well-rehearsed speedy exit, to have them return the bed frame to my garage. When I called the Stockport shop to complain about the mercenary, underhand tactics, I spoke to a woman who sounded like she'd dealt with many complaints before...and judging by that shop's poor reviews that would be no surprise...I so wish I'd read those reviews beforehand. Apparently the driver had forewarned her after they'd left that I might well be calling. She was therefore suitably defensive, heels-dug-in and had no intention of even attempting to appear impartial. She simply closed ranks, echoed what the driver had said and that they'd been trained in what to look for in terms of what will sell. She then told me that all that info was on the docket the driver handed me. This is the docket you are handed just before they disappear! How underhand is that? Incidentally, in their haste, I was never asked to sign this docket. I guess that means they are selling property that is not theirs to sell. It also transpired that she had great difficulty in distinguishing between personal abuse and conversational frustration. With reference to the whole fiasco, the phrases "...couldn't be arsed" and "...a load of 'bollards'..." was used... These were not directed at her but about the situation. Unfortunately for me, and in this age of snowflakery, I had used up my quota of 'bad language'. She then recited her off pat script and promptly hung up. Contrarily, of course, this, I imagine, was most convenient for her as it prevented her from actually having to address the issue. I understand they cannot take any old tat but they know that to leave a mattress is to inconvenience the donor. This is a two-way transaction people! Yet another example of rotten Britain; tarred with the same depressing self-serving, grabby, disingenuous, small-print, deceitful schemers brush. What an absolute shower. And incidentally as all the drivers are apparently 'trained' in spotting what is ripe to cherry pick, my two, in their hurry, inadvertently left a crucial part of the bed base behind. So perhaps seeing stains that aren't there and not seeing big planks of wood that are might perhaps be remedied with a little extra 'training'. In conclusion, I'd suggest, at least with respect to bed donation, giving this mob a real wide berth. Donate it elsewhere, or they will leave you in the lurch. Btw, defaults prevent this being a richly-deserved star-free review
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Posted 3 years ago
I was appalled at the attitude of the BHF. They want only tip top furniture, no scratches, in perfect condition to sell on to their rich clients. I thought this was a charity to also help those who are poor and needy. No painted furniture even though modern paints are lead free, and so on. I would not recommend as I have found a true charity that will use everything, no questions asked, that is a CHARITY. One item a lovely oak dresser, but no back, so refused! Cancelled eye appointment as no time was given for collection, but got a text day before to say 7.00-7.30 am. I am disgusted.
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Posted 3 years ago
British Heat Foundation Basildon just can't be bothered to collect. Filled out the online form for bags of new clothing and unused and boxed electrical equipment which they say they will collect - received a call a few days later to say they no longer sold this stuff! Missed out of hundreds of pounds worth of new items - guess I'll have to find another charity who can be bothered!
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Posted 3 years ago
I wouldn't bother with the furniture collection service. They'll only take if in brand new condition it seems...had a mattress rejected after staying in half a day because of an alleged 'stain' I couldn't even see (I could make out an extremely faint watermark when they shone their phone torch on it). This is the second time it's happened to me too. Thought maybe just bad luck first time. Pointless service.
Helpful Report
Posted 3 years ago
I brought a brand new boxed 2+3 chest of drawers the only display was the 3 chest in grey but they had a black set which was the same design marked up as £125 so I asked if they had grey set the man said yes and put them through the till assuming they were the same price as no price listing was on display for grey set when he put bar code in they retail at £149 so I questioned it he went and got the ticket for the black set and put in the code they were another price £85 he then phone his manager as it was a Sunday and she said they were discontinued and that's why they were cheaper but I could ring head office and try to resolve the issue the women I spoke to was really nice and said she would get manager from the store to call me. When I got the phone call she said they shouldn't of been sold to me but the man did it as a good favour and wouldn't budge on price I did say she grey are on display and as I have purchased from there a couple of years ago I new that that sold this furniture but I said if the furniture wasn't for sale as yet then why was it on display even tho the 2+3 wasn't on the shop floor I found manager very rude and didn't want to say but the customer most of the Time is right she was also going on bout things that weren't relevant to the drawers I certainly won't be going back again and do not wish to talk to her again
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Posted 3 years ago
This store is Daylight robbery more of a business than a charity. Better to buy brand new with full guarantee prices are extortionate nice little earner. charity????. Fair play
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Posted 3 years ago
I booked a van collection to pick up some really nice sofa's. I received a call a week before to confirm and they seemed really keen to come and collect them. I waited in from eight till twelve in the morning and didn't receive a call 30 minutes prior picking up. I called the store and the returned my call an hour later. Apparently there were no record of collection. I'm extremely upset about this and I would advise anyone to avoid this Charity service.
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Posted 3 years ago
Wouldn't bother giving to charity rather put it in the skip, few marks on a mattress that someone could no doubt clean and they refused to take after taking a morning off to do a good deed! unless it's still in the box or has protective covering i wouldn't waste your time.
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Posted 3 years ago
Had a brown leather 3 piece to donate. Decent condition. Couple of tiny scuffs on the back of one chair. They refused to take it. We lifted and removed it from our house and put it on the drive to make things easier for them (I'm 30 weeks pregnant) and they didn't want it. They inspected it and found the tiniest faults. Honestly think the BHF want people to donate new furniture!
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Posted 3 years ago
Excellent experience from booking large sleigh bed to collection this morning Easy to book on line and James and Jason from Blackburn Lancashire were efficient and polite collecting it as arranged this morning
Helpful Report
Posted 3 years ago
I have a lovely lounge display cabinet. The driver came out to collect it and said the back was coming off so couldn't take it. I could see that he didn't really want to put the effort in. The backing was easily nailed back in as myself and my mum did it ourselves. I then booked another collection, he came in went outside made a phone call and said he couldn't take it as the shop lift was broken. However, I could still seem to book another collection online. I kept ringing the shop and they kept saying the lift was broken and they didn't know when it would be fixed. I rang a few a days later and a lovely young lady answered and said there was nothing wrong with the lift at the back, it was just the shop/customer lift that was broken. She assured me that the driver would be able to take it. I am now going to arrange another collection and I will see what happens! This driver is wasting petrol money driving around and not taking items. I might be wrong but I think the driver is just lazy. I will be writing to head office.
British Heart Foundation 1 star review on 14th December 2021
Helpful Report
Posted 3 years ago
Collectors who arrived had no intention of taking the sofa, arrived 7.30am, no text, no call, parked in middle of road. Sofa in brilliant condition clean and no worn marks. Spent 15 seconds and said couldn’t take, Will not use again.
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Posted 3 years ago
The British heart foundation in Nicolson street Edinburgh shop is so beautiful presented, it’s absolutely immaculate and set out like a high street store, the staff are so friendly and you always leave with something you need from the help of the staff, fab store worth going in for a look, you won’t be disappointed.
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Posted 3 years ago
Very disappointed in the driver’s from ( 7 Sisters Rd) attitude. I had some very good furniture to collect but there are a lot of stairs. He told me he wouldn’t take the items ‘in case he damaged the house’. Basically he wasn’t going to put in any effort and they just took things they could carry in their hands. I won’t be donating again..
Helpful Report
Posted 3 years ago
I had donated a brand new desk retailing at £129.00 to the store and collection was scheduled the morning of Tuesday 7th December. I took the morning off work to ensure I was home and available for the collection. On that morning I was called by the driver who said he was outside No.6 (I live at No.4) I saw him from the window and advised that No.4 was next door to the right hand side. I then went outside and waved to him. He told me a car was coming toward him so he would have to back out onto the main road first, to which I replied 'OK, see you in a moment.' He then called back a couple of minutes later demanding to know why I had hung up on him - I said I didn't want to be on the phone as he was driving, and thought he knew where to go (its a simple driveway off a normal road!!). He was clearly very irritated and, quite rudely and said 'well I didn't see you waving.' I replied 'OK, well it's the first driveway on the right as you come back onto the road - there is a sign on the post that says 'Mulberry House'. At which point he became more angry and aggressive and said 'well you should have written that down don't you think? That would have made sense wouldn't it.' I was a bit shocked by this and said 'well you're hear now, I will leave the door open and the box is at the door.' (in line with their covid guidance). I then watched him from the window as he drove away without attempting to collect the desk. I waited 2 hours and called the store to speak to the manager. I was very confused, a bit surprised, and a little upset. The manager (female - who did not give a name), was also unhelpful, seemingly irritated, and rude. I explained the situation. I was offered no apology or explanation (though I accept she will not have had the opportunity to have spoken to the driver at this point). When I explained that I had taken the morning off work so was a bit disappointed she abruptly informed me 'well there's no way anyone is coming back out to you today, not a chance!' At which point my patience had worn too thin. The entire situation was unnecessary, and completely unprovoked, and was handled terribly by both the driver and manager of the store - I'm still astonished by the whole thing. I have donated a large number of items and furniture to BHF over the years but will choose another charity for this and future donations; I will also no longer recommend the BHF to family, friends, or colleagues. I was made to feel like an irritating inconvenience for donating brand new furniture; completely unacceptable. Clearly I am not the only person to have experienced this. What a shame for their charitable organisation.
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Posted 3 years ago
Perfectly good desk, bed and nest of tables all refused by this charity. Think it's sad. The money lost could save lives. They need to realise it's not Harrods! Perhaps laziness is involved don't know but as I said sad.
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Posted 3 years ago
Had collection arranged in Ealing. Leather sofa and wooden sideboard. There were some stains on sideboard top (easily sanded as its solid wood). He straight away said not taking it. I could've sanded it if I knew they so picky now. Started complaining there was some dust on the sofa, then started looking around for imperfections and found tiny wear on the side and refused to take it. They took the bag with picture frames and a mirror (ironically there were more dust on the mirror then on the sofa). It seems like main aim of the collection guys is not to carry anything heavier than picture frame. They will actively look for tiniest imperfections just so not to carry heavy stuff. Just pure laziness. Had used BHF before but clearly something changed so won't be bothered anymore. Ended up putting both item on eBay and selling them. In the end worked out fine for me.
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Posted 3 years ago
Very rude drivers turned up, came too close with no mask (not COVID secure like they say they are) and starting inspecting my sofa looking for problems. They refused to take it because the stitching had come apart at the back of one cushion (not visible when the sofa is being used) and I felt like I was an awful person with stuff no one could possibly want. It’s a secondhand sofa and it’s not pristine but it’s perfectly saleable. If BHF will only accept like new furniture they need to make that clear on their website. I have wasted time and energy getting this sofa ready for collection and am left feeling really annoyed and wishing I’d read the rest of these reviews before using BHF. Avoid at all costs.
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Posted 3 years ago
Waited in all today for the settee I paid for with £25 delivery...no settee..no phone call to tell me they were not coming....all I can say is...some people get great delight in letting others down...that's why they are on minimum pay...that's what happens when you have donkeys working for you .
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Posted 3 years ago
Called my local branch in King's Lynn to collect a 2 seater leather sofa more than 2 months ago. I can tell you that I will never donate to a charity again, especially this one. One of the drivers who came was rude and gave the impression he didn't want to be there, he was also very unpleasant to his work colleague. They processed to remove the sofa and in doing so they scuffed my banister and all down the stairs walls they also knocked the radiator off the wall. I contacted the shop and they sent out their manager who said that they would buy me some new paint to repaint it, bearing in mind I had just moved on and hadn't long decorated. I told them that it was their responsibility to rectify the damage. After a few weeks of calls they then decided that it was up to the delivery company that work for them to sort it out. So in essence, its was down to me to deal with it. To cut a long story short, after several times of being let down by the delivery company boss and his so called painter and decorator, after nearly 3 months of the initial damage I've ended up rectifying it myself. Never, ever again.
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Posted 3 years ago
British Heart Foundation is rated 1.4 based on 420 reviews