Review Time
Ordered a fireplace but after hubby checked my measurements realised it would not fit. Early next day I sent an email cancelling the order and requesting a refund. A few hours later received a message to say my order was at the warehouse and I would get notified when it was ready at the collection point. Was concerned and went on line to try and sort out the problem. Was told by the automessenger that my order had been despatched from the warehouse 2-3 days earlier (impossible as it was only order a day before)and there would be a 20% cancellation fee. THEN spoke to customer service Jhonel who listened, apologised and had the whole refund in my account within minutes. Thank you Jhonel you were a delight to speak to and understood my dilema and sorted it all out with a courteous, pleasant manner.
Early Settler answered my email query promptly and with contact details for further corro. They refunded the balance between the club and regular price after the purchase was complete (I forgot to put in my club number when I placed the order). The process was seamless and easy. Nice work Early Settler.
Terrible experience purchasing online - and not the first time!
The items I purchased in Nov 2025 were marked in stock, but when I completed the order, I got a notification that "surprise surprise" there was a delay with a shipment coming in. I've had the same excuse previously. There is no communication about expected time frames, nor just a courtesy message every couple of weeks saying "still waiting". Previously I waited 8 months for a bedroom dresser and now it's 4 months for a couple of cushions.
When I message customer service I get an email saying they will respond as soon as possible.... then nothing.
In my experience, Callum always gets 10/10. He works tirelessly to assist every single customer. Unfortunately, he didn't serve me last time, the other lady did (the one who's usually standing behind the counter doing nothing).
Anyhow, before you make a purchase, know that they don't unpack or take away the packing materials, and there is sooo much of it. I knew exactly what I wanted and went in to store to purchase rather than order online. What could go wrong. My last purchase was a lot of packages, and I was about to pay, when she told me to wait so another customer (who came in after me) could be served first. That was my first cue to not proceed, however, I waited and waited. Then, when it was my turn, again, I paid and wasn't asked if I wanted the option of having furniture unpacked, assembled and rubbish taken away.
After the furniture was delivered, one guy was great, the other felt the need to drop the furniture packages the last about 20cm from the truck to the road, because... I don't know, laziness? I was left with all the boxes. Whilst unpacking, I realised just how much packaging is inside each box and geez, I it filled my recycle bin so quickly I could see I wouldn't have anywhere to store it for months and months to get rid of it myself. I jumped online to ask if they could pick up the rubbish and was surprised to be told no, because it's not on my invoice. Which is true, however, I didn't know I had to request it and wasn't asked for the above options at point of sale. I was told if I had purchased online, I would have been given the option and at the cost. So, I asked if we could now arrange it and again was told no, because I didn't order online and was told to call the store to ask if they can pick it up.
I called the store and they say they don't have the option to pick it up, but I could use their bin out the back, which was full. While it's nice to have that option, it was an extremely messy situation to be in. I presumed (yes, that's my fault) they would unpack and take away the packaging as I thought this was a higher ranked product, thus would come with great service.
It took me all day to unpack (not everyone is 100% able bodied) and almost 100km to get rid of the rubbish. I'm sure you can imagine how much this took the joy out of products I saved for, for over a year. I was going to add to my collection in another 6 months, but you guessed it, that will never happen again.
Early Settler, please be honest with your customers, the very people who are responsible for you having a job. Tell them before they pay for their product/s that the items aren't unpacked and packaging isn't removed/taken away. Why does your online customer service portal offer this, but the store doesn't? It doesn't make sense.
I ordered a lamp from the website, and it took three months to arrive. I was initially told it would take some time, but after that, I received no updates until it suddenly appeared in stock the day after I followed up. After collecting it from the store, I found it was broken. I returned it, and they promised a replacement that came quickly, but when I got it home, it turned out to be the same broken lamp just glued back together. This experience was completely frustrating.
I ordered some items on 1/12/25 and was informed they would arrive at the store (West Gosford) by 4 Dec. However, when I visited the store on 8/12/25, I was told the items hadn't arrived and might come this Thursday (11/12/25). I find this to be a poor customer experience and a waste of my time. Be cautious about the delivery timelines provided by this store.
I am very dissatisfied with the customer support experience. I contacted the company multiple times over several days regarding a simple exchange but received no responses to emails, messages, or promised call-backs. Eventually, I had to call the store for any information. The lack of communication was surprising and far below my expectations for an organization of this size. Due to this experience, I will not be returning as a customer.
I am extremely disappointed with the customer service. I reached out to the company multiple times over several days regarding a straightforward exchange and received no replies to emails, messages, or promised call-backs. I eventually had to call the store myself for information. The lack of communication was shocking and not what I expected from a company of this size. Based on this experience, I will not be returning as a customer.
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Early Settler specialises in unique home furnishings, home improvement pieces and beautiful homewares that are perfect for any home.
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