Howdens, the UK’s leading trade kitchen supplier, offers a range of services and sample materials to help customers plan and design their new kitchens. While the company is primarily known for its trade-focused model, it provides access to physical samples and a free planning service, which can be considered a form of product trial for homeowners and trade professionals. This article details the available sample programmes, eligibility requirements, and the process for obtaining them, based exclusively on information from official Howdens sources and verified promotional pages.
Howdens operates through a network of local depots across the United Kingdom, offering kitchens, joinery, and building materials. The company emphasises a one-to-one design service and the availability of products from local stock. For customers considering a kitchen renovation, the ability to view and handle materials in person is a critical part of the decision-making process. Howdens facilitates this through sample packs and a complimentary design service, which are available upon request.
Free Planning and Design Service
A core component of Howdens’ offering is its free planning and design service. This service is available to customers who are looking to design a new kitchen. According to the official Howdens hub, it is important for the company to have a good understanding of what the customer is looking for, so that they can work together to design the perfect kitchen. The service is provided by kitchen designers who will continue to work with the customer to help them make the most of whatever space is available.
The process involves a consultation where the customer’s needs and space are assessed. Following this, Computer Aided Design (CAD) images and a video of the proposed kitchen design are provided. These visual aids are sent via email to the customer. To discuss the design further or to see what other complimentary products are available, customers are directed to contact their local Howdens depot.
This free planning service is a key step in the customer journey, as it allows for professional input and visualisation before any commitment is made. It is designed to help customers from the initial inspiration stage through to ordering and fitting.
Requesting a Free Sample Pack
For customers who wish to see and feel the physical materials before committing to a design, Howdens offers a free sample pack. This sample pack is available by request through an online form. The process is straightforward: customers need to enter their details into the provided form, and the sample pack will be posted to them.
The sample pack is described as a way to get a feel for the materials and finishes available for Howdens kitchens. It is an important tool for making informed decisions about cabinet styles, worktop materials, and other finishes. The availability of this pack is confirmed on a promotional page, which states: “Request your FREE Howdens Sample Pack today! Enter your details to the form and we’ll post your sample pack out in a jiffy!”
It is important to note that the specific contents of the sample pack are not detailed in the provided source material. However, based on Howdens’ product range, it is reasonable to infer that the pack may include samples of cabinet door finishes, worktop materials, and possibly handles or other hardware. The exact contents may vary and are subject to change by the company.
Eligibility and Access Requirements
The availability of Howdens’ services and sample packs is generally open to both trade professionals and members of the public. However, the company’s primary business model is trade-focused, which may influence the customer experience.
For Homeowners: Members of the public can access the free planning service and request a sample pack. The process typically involves engaging with a local Howdens depot. The company’s website encourages customers to start their Howdens journey with their tradesperson on board, but it is also possible for homeowners to initiate the process directly. Customer reviews indicate that the service is experienced positively by individual homeowners seeking new doors or full kitchen renovations.
For Tradespeople: Howdens is fundamentally a trade supplier. The company’s service is designed to work with tradespeople, such as kitchen fitters and builders. Tradespeople can leverage the free design service and sample packs to assist their clients. The company’s model is built around providing products from local stock to tradespeople, enabling efficient project completion.
Geographic Restrictions: Howdens operates through local depots across the UK. While the sample pack can be posted, the full design and ordering process is typically handled through a local depot. Customers are advised to contact their nearest depot to discuss their kitchen design and see available products. The service is therefore available throughout the UK, but the specific depot experience may vary.
No Purchase Necessary: The free planning service and the free sample pack are provided without any requirement for a purchase. They are intended as a preliminary step to help customers make a decision. The promotional language explicitly states that the sample pack is free and is posted upon request of details via a form.
The Customer Journey and Service Experience
The customer journey with Howdens, from initial interest to receiving a sample pack, is supported by a network of local depots and a central design team. The process can be summarised as follows:
- Initial Contact: A customer expresses interest in a new kitchen. This can be done by visiting a local depot, calling, or potentially through an online request form for a sample pack.
- Design Consultation: The customer works with a kitchen designer at their local depot or remotely to discuss their needs, budget, and space. This is the free planning service.
- Visualisation: The designer creates CAD images and a video of the proposed kitchen, which are sent to the customer via email.
- Material Selection: The customer can request a free sample pack to see and feel the physical materials. This helps in finalising choices for cabinets, worktops, and finishes.
- Quotation and Ordering: Once the design and materials are agreed upon, a quotation is provided. With a tradesperson on board, ordering can commence, leveraging Howdens’ local stock availability.
- Fitting: The products are collected or delivered, and the kitchen is fitted.
Customer reviews, found on an official Howdens page, highlight the importance of the service provided by staff at local depots. Positive experiences are frequently mentioned, with customers praising staff for being knowledgeable, informative, and providing excellent customer service. Specific depots and staff members are named in reviews, indicating that the local experience is a significant factor in customer satisfaction. For example, one review mentions a designer who makes customers feel “welcomed and comfortable,” while another praises efficient service and friendly warehouse staff.
Important Considerations for UK Consumers
While the free sample pack and planning service are valuable, there are several practical points for UK consumers to consider:
- Trade Focus: Howdens is a trade supplier. This means their primary customers are tradespeople, and their systems and services are optimised for this model. Homeowners may need to be prepared for a trade-oriented sales environment.
- Local Depot Dependency: The final design, quotation, and ordering process is handled through a local depot. The quality of service can vary between branches, as indicated by customer reviews. It is advisable to research or visit a local depot to gauge their service level.
- Sample Pack Contents: The exact contents of the free sample pack are not specified. Consumers should be aware that the pack may be limited to certain finishes or materials, and it may not include samples of every product in the range.
- No Cost, But Time Investment: While the samples and design service are free, they require an investment of time for consultations and potentially visiting a depot. This is a standard part of the kitchen planning process.
Conclusion
Howdens provides a structured and complimentary service for UK consumers and tradespeople planning a new kitchen. The free planning and design service, coupled with a requestable free sample pack, offers a practical way to explore options and make informed decisions. The process is centred around engagement with local depots, ensuring personalised service and access to local stock. While the company’s trade focus is evident, the services are accessible to homeowners, and positive customer experiences are reported across various branches. For those embarking on a kitchen project, utilising Howdens’ free sample pack and design service can be a valuable first step in the planning journey.