First Design Consultation
Wren publish an interesting handbook which gives you an idea about what kitchen furniture and styles are on offer but it is full of pretty pictures with no detail whatsoever on unit sizes nor appliances but you can get a basic idea of those on their website. Anyway we turned up for our first onsultation with a dimensional layout of our kitchen and what units/appliances we would like and in what locations. Wren use a 2D CAD system essentially with a 3D view capability. So sitting down with our designer, he didn't much go for our design so he changed about half of it to the way he would do it. Yes it all looked very good and we came away with a multi page provisional contract with plans, unit sizes and general details. The first thing you realise is that there were items on the list that you have no idea what they are.....unless you are experienced in kitchen design.....they weren't discussed but are the standard Wren computer add-ons. Read carefully to make sure you understand. ......there is no standard book of terms and definitions to refer to. You can phone or e-mail your designer, you will be lucky if you actually get hold of him/her, ours didn't answer his phone and wouldn't commit anything to e-mails.

The other item in the contract is the cost breakdown which consists of the 'list price' and the actual price you pay. This is interesting since Wren advertise 50% off plus a further 25% off in their permanent Spring Sale. Now this should mean  you pay only 37.5%  of the quoted list price. So what did we end up paying? See below:-

a) Wren manufactured Base Units, Wall Units and Tower Units - 37.5%

b) Wren manufactured decor items, End Panels, Infill Panels, Cornices, Plinths and Pelmets - 50%

c) Wren manufactured worktops - 52% to 64%

d) Appliances - 80% to 100%

e) Add-on Items, Care and Maintenance Kits, Bolts, Lights etc - 50% to 100%

So it would seem that the advertised discounts DO NOT apply across the board to Wren manufactured items. Appliances are manufacturer's list prices generally, some Wren prices are competitive with Curry's, AO etc and some aren't.

Wren advertise that they are cheaper than Wickes, B&Q, Magnet etc.......we have no way of confirming if they are or not. What is clear however that some of the list prices quote by Wren before taking off their discounts are just plain stupid and just a marketing gimmick...no one in their right mind would consider paying over £1000 for a Tower Unit Larder Cupboard 600mm wide.