Anybody any experience of Simply Electronics?

Their prices look quite good in some cases: see here

They actually have adverts on this site (via Google)

A look at Google suggests that people don't have universally good things to say. My understanding is that they deal with grey imports, via an impenetrable telephone system. All is fine when it goes well (which I am sure is for the majority of customers), but I think it may be a different story if you are one of the unlucky ones when it doesn't - and the measure of good retailers is in part about how they handle these issues when they arise. I wondered about them recently, but decided I wouldn't risk it for anything of great value.

Hong Kong based.

This from their T&C's which explains their pricing;

Taxes

You are responsible for paying any governmental taxes imposed on your purchases, including, but not limited to, sales, use or value-added taxes. SimplyElectronics.net will automatically charge and withhold any applicable tax for orders to be delivered to any jurisdictions that it deems is required.

I just purchased a 21 & 70 ltd from them, the goods arrived on time, no extra charges, saved a lot of cash and they handled the cash back, and that was in my bank in 10 day.

My experience was OK.

Jim

I've not had good experience with them. I tried buying a Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8 lens from them a while back. When it turned out that the lens was not in stock (the website said it was) it took them over 2 weeks before I was refunded for the purchase. In fact, as I had paid using Google Checkout I even had to complain to Google before I received my money.

I'd stay away from them if I were you.

I have used them, but via amazon.co.uk - the goods came from the UK within a few days.

I had been tempted at one point some time ago but after reading a few horror stories on other sites I've resisted the temptation.
It seems that ordering from them 'may' be a bit of a lottery.

http://www.trustpilot.co.uk/review/www.simplyelectronics.net

They don't get a very good review here.

Like John, I've used them through Amazon without a problem.

Bought a lens via amazon, arrived quickly. However when I looked at there website I could have purchased it £80 cheaper. I phoned them up and was informed that amazon charges are added

Hmm, see, I first found the supplier that I bought my Km from via Amazon (not Simply Electronics, never dealt with them). I then went onto their website and the price difference when they didn't have to pay Amazon's charges was under £10.

Could the £80 be because if you buy through Amazon and the item is faulty Amazon will refund you and recover the money from the seller, assuming that the seller is unhelpful? Does tend to make business a bit hard for those displaying poor customer service...

I'm a bit late on this but if it is any help I have used them. I have a Pentax K10D and a Nikon D200, a couple of months ago I purchased the new Nikon 18-200 VR II lens which had only been about for a couple of months.
It seems that the online camera store called "Camerabox" and Simply Electronics (based on the Isle Of Wight uk) were having and still are having a price war on some of their products. I got my above mentioned lens from Simply Electronics for £502 and free delivery while Amazon UK at the time were selling it at £649, Canera box selling at £509 plus £7.99 P&P, other comapanies selling at £569+ so as you can see I made a massive saving going to Simply Electronics but it is also worth checking Camerabox as well, another bonus was that both companies do Paypal which I prefer. Simply Electronics stated a 5 buisness day delivery and the lens turned up on the fith day, I also emailed them which was also a pleasurable experience as a woman called Emma was extremely polite.
I hope this helps - regards Michael.