Freemans Review

What is Freemans?

Founded as Freemans & Co in 1905, the company specialised in selling clothing, distributing its catalogue monthly throughout the United Kingdom.

Freemans specialised in selling clothing items, distributing its catalogue each month throughout the United Kingdom. Initially, catalogues were made up of black and white illustrations reflecting the available products.

The most popular range was the "made to measure" suits, offering a cheap tailored solution for customers at the time. The suits cost only 30 shillings, which was equivalent to £162 in 2019.

The company used agency representatives living in the local areas with local knowledge of their community as a form of credit control. These agents managed sales, as most goods being sold on credit.

Women were restricted by law as they could not negotiate credit arrangements without getting a husband's signature in order to purchase goods. Because of this situation, the majority of agents were men.

Freemans offers its customers the latest looks at affordable prices. Their target audience is customers wanting a 'one-stop-shop accessed from the comfort of their own home offering fashion for the whole family, and an extensive homes collection, with exclusive designs.

Freemans is part of the Freemans Grattan Holdings group; the Freemans catalogue is available across all mobile platforms bringing top named brands to your front home.

How Does Freemans Credit Account Work?

In 2005 Freemans launched its new-look website introducing payment by credit and debit card in addition to its credit accounts. The Freemans catalogue still offers the ability to spread payments with catalogue credit and convenient home delivery.

When you apply for a Freemans account you will be eligible for a Shop Now, Pay Later option which offers a 25% discount on your first personal account order. You enter the code J3JP at the checkout.

You can spread the cost by either paying the minimum amount due, the full amount or any amount between the two. If you do not pay the balance in full, interest will be charged from the date of delivery of the goods, daily, until the outstanding balance is paid.

If you don't pay the full balance in time, interest is added to your debt which will seriously increase the debt.

You need to be 18 or over to open a Freemans account with a personal account you can keep the goods for up to 14 days to try the goods before buying them.

You can choose a Next Day Delivery if you order by 11.00 pm or you can choose the Click & Collect option where you can pick up your goods from over 5000 Hermes Parcelshops.

To open a Freemans account, add your items to your bag and check out. Then, select 'new customer' to begin, then on the 'confirm and pay' page click to open a Personal Account. At checkout, if your offer code doesn't automatically apply, please enter J3JP. Answer a few questions to check your eligibility.

Freemans credit is subject to status, it is interest-free if paid in full on time. Otherwise, interest will be charged. With a 25% welcome discount and a range of benefits, like try before you buy, with a 14-day return option and exclusive offers throughout the year.

The Freemans Flex account is available for a higher credit limit, especially for larger items, plus Freemans also offer a buy now pay later options to delay payments up to 12 months.

When you open your mail order catalogue with a credit facility, you will be offered a spending limit. This limit is the total amount of credit (or money) you can owe your Catalogue company at this time.

Your credit limit is variable, your catalogue company may increase your limit, and, sometimes they may freeze or even reduce your credit limit.

If you want to place an order with your Mail order Catalogue higher than the Credit limit on your catalogue you will have three options:

1. Use the available credit to pay the balance by using a payment card.
2. Contact the company requesting a higher limit; different companies will have different policies. some companies will not accept requests for Credit limit increases.
3. Alternatively, you could wait until your catalogue company increases your credit limit.

Never spend more than you can afford.

What Products Does Freemans Offer in its Catalogue?

Freemans offer new designs and collections throughout the year in the clothing ranges and home and lifestyle ranges. Popular brands include Oasis and Look Again, Joe Brown and Wrangler with Adidas, Nike and Puma filling the leisurewear sections.

Home electricals include Smart TV and a wide assortment of computer and gaming consoles. Several 3 for the price of 2 offers scattered throughout the collections.

There is a wealth of products in the Freemans catalogue from clothes to toys and jewellery to homeware. Freemans stock premium brands and electrical items by the big names.

Freemans online catalogue offers the latest women's clothing and designs from well-known brands including Accessorize, Oasis, Coast, Thomas Sabo and Levi’s. You'll find all your favourite fashion labels in one easy-to-use online Shop.

Barbour and Superdry are just the things for outdoor days; Phase 8 has glam nights out sorted.

Freemans have Footwear from top brands like Vans, Converse, Adidas, and Nike. Popular product categories include: -

New In

Free your style with 100s of new in items all with free delivery & returns. New fashion, Footwear, homes & electricals added every week.

Men

Offering favourite premium and high-street brands from Superdry's retro graphics, Gucci’s trademark logo or a classic pair of Levi's.

With a versatile range of accessories, from sports socks or new sunglasses, the Freemans catalogue has it!

Child and Baby

Fashion, toys & games. Girls, boys, babies’ latest fashion or keep them entertained with all the latest toys, games, consoles and outdoor play.

Toys and Games at Freemans

Looking for a new board game for the whole family to enjoy, or after that latest Nintendo consoles for the kids? Freemans catalogue has everything from Microsoft computers to Paw Patrol.

Sport and Leisure

Freemans stocks a fantastic range of sports clothing and equipment. From comfy gym wear or PE kit for the kids, there's a variety of great products, including Adidas and Nike.

Browse the range for everything sporty, Freemans stocks a selection of quality fitness equipment, including Apple watches, sportswear and travel items.

Electrical

Freemans stocks the latest tech for your home, as well as small kitchen appliances, floor cleaners, laptops and personal care items from names like Samsung and Panasonic, Microsoft, Apple, Indesit and Fitbit to name just a few.

Gaming and DVD

A fantastic collection of gaming equipment, the latest games, consoles, and accessories from top brands like Microsoft Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.

Gifts and Jewllery

Stylish gifts and jewellery ranges, everything for that special occasion, with gifts for all the family. Choose from silver bracelets and smartwatches to fragrances from top brands such as DKNY and Calvin Klein.

Clothing and Footwear

From casual flat boots to smart, sophisticated heels, by brands like Birkenstock, Converse and Cat.

There are also Beauty, Clearance and Sale sections to explore.

What Freemans Catalogue Deals are Available?

There are monthly discount codes available with Freemans such as a discounted price and free deliveries.

These offers are posted on voucher sites such as Couponation. Promotionalcodes, Dealscover, VoucherCloud and Vouchercodesand Latestdeals.

National newspapers such as The Daily Mail and The Sun also offer Freemans discount codes, so it is worth regularly checking to see what the latest Freemans offer is. New deals will be posted each month.

Freemans regularly offers its catalogue customers exclusive offers, discounts, and product information to customers with a Personal Account. Offer codes allow you to take advantage of special discounts, promotions, and gifts that Freemans may offer.

Benefits of Shopping at Freemans

Freemans only supply items of the very best quality and take every possible care to describe each item accurately, as they are legally obliged to do and to show it as clearly as they can.

If you use each item in the way intended, it will give you the service you expect. If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, Freemans will do everything they can to rectify this. The guarantee will not affect your statutory rights.

A higher credit limit is reflects well, and will have a positive effect on your Credit rating. Ensure that you keep up with your credit agreements.

Over time, this will have a positive impact on your Credit rating. You can shop from home with a home shopping catalogue with credit.

Your credit limit is variable, which means your Catalogue company may increase your Credit limit, in rare situations your Catalogue company may freeze or even reduce your credit limit.

Another benefit is that certain goods qualify for VAT relief; these include but are not limited to: -

• Wheelchairs
• Text telephones
• Long-handled pick-up sticks
• Some mobility scooters*

Other benefits include: -

• Click and Collect – Have your parcel delivered to one of 4,500 local shops with free next day delivery.
• Up to 12 months no interest on buy now pay later options. Spread the cost with a personal account and enjoy the flexibility to make a minimum payment when you need to.
• Freemans offer cheap deals for household name brands.

Disadvantages of Shopping at Freemans

Catalogue companies can also review your other financial agreements - pay monthly Mobile Phone contract, Credit Card, Utility bills, and any Loans.

Catalogue companies such as Freemans may get a monthly feed from the Credit Reference agencies that lets them see whether you manage your credit well elsewhere.

If so, they are more likely to offer you a Credit limit increase. Keeping up with your repayments on these agreements, demonstrates that you can justify more credit.

This offers you a better chance of obtaining a higher credit limit with your Catalogue company. The disadvantage is obvious, if you are paying bills in arrears.

Customers who are behind with repayments on other credit agreements may see Credit limits refused, even reduced.

Catalogue companies are happy to extend credit if you can afford the items, but no catalogue company wants to entice you into a situation that you cannot keep up with the monthly repayments.

If you call or e-mail asking for a Catalogue credit limit increase the chances are, they will carry out a credit search. However, if a Catalogue company offers you a credit limit increase, they are not going to carry out a Credit Search against you.

Although shopping online has sky-rocketed in popularity, mostly due to the current global pandemic, it does have disadvantages. Freemans, being one of the largest online retailers in the UK, is not exempt from these disadvantages:

Time Delay

Buying from a physical store means that you can take the product home with you. Buying online means there is always going to be an element of delay whilst you wait for your delivery.

Problems With the Product

There can be miscommunication. Product descriptions can be misleading, and the company has huge control over how the product is portrayed.

Delivery

You can experience problems with delivery when ordering a product online - either it arrives broken, or it doesn't arrive at all. It can be frustrating and time-consuming when this happens.

It's Impersonal

You cannot build a rapport with an online seller. There is no-one to give you specialist advice, help, or tips. Neither is there anyone to give you follow up help in person, should you have any problems with your product.

It's Too Easy

There are all sorts of potential psychological and emotional problems associated with the ease with which people can purchase online. Impulse buying, addiction, overspending, and debt-related issues can all be exaggerated.

It is easier for people to buy goods when intoxicated, or for children to purchase unwanted items using their parent's credit cards and online accounts without permission.

Fraud

Fraud and identity theft are a constant threat when internet buying. There are major issues concerning the privacy of the data that is supplied to retailers by buyers.

No Contact With Products

You can't try the products in advance when you buy online. Neither can you touch, or see it close-up, a considerable disadvantage when it comes to certain types of products, for example, clothing.

Freeman’s catalogue discount codes will not include electrical items:

• Freemans will reuire a credit check in order to open a Freemans credit account.
• Credit limits may change.

What Payment Methods Do Freemans Accept?

The Freemans catalogue accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard, and Visa. Alternatively, you can open a company credit account with them.

Customers Without a Personal Account

Full payment will be taken by debit or credit card at the time of the purchase, whether you have placed the order online or via the telephone.

Personal Account Customers

Customers with a Freemans account can enjoy the flexibility of many ways to pay.

Online

The quickest way is to pay through 'My Account'. Sign up to the Freemans App, and you'll be able to make payments on the go!

Quickserv

With Quickserv you can make a quick and simple payment over the phone with this fully automated push-button service.

Direct Debit

It's quick and easy to set up Direct Debits online, and you'll never miss a payment. Log in to 'My Account' and click on the Direct Debit banner. Have your bank account details - number and sort code to hand. Once it is set up, your monthly payments are processed automatically.

Internet Banking

Make a payment to Sort Code 56-00-36 and account Number 28917480. Remember to quote your account number as a reference.

Bank Giro

Use your statement payment slips to pay by Bank Giro. Take the statement into your bank branch and pay over the counter. Use your branch as other banks may charge for this service.

Cheque

If paying by cheque at the bank or by post, please make payable to Freemans.

If you are paying at the Post Office, please make payable to Post Office Counters Ltd. You must remember to write your account number on the back of the cheque.

Can I Open a Freemans Credit Account with Bad Credit?

The credit offered by Freemans is subject to status, and people with bad credit have had difficulties when applying for a Freemans account.

The most common reason for Freemans is part of a group of companies, and the chances are that if you declined an account with one company, there's a good chance you will be refused by them all.

Having said that there are bad credit catalogues which specialise in getting catalogues for people with a bad credit score.

There are two types of bad credit catalogues: bad credit catalogues and no credit check catalogues. The difference between these two types of catalogues is the former considers a person's credit history; the latter doesn't.

You must have a credit score high enough to qualify for a bad credit catalogue. When you apply for a no credit check catalogue, the shopping catalogue company will not run a credit check on you.

Both these catalogues can be used to buy goods on credit and more importantly, rebuild your credit.

How Does Freemans Delivery and Return Policies Work?

Freemans offer free standard delivery, on all items, across the UK and Northern Ireland, but an added charge for next day or stated day delivery costs will be incurred.

Freemans can also deliver seven days a week by courier, making their delivery service a step ahead in the race for online sales supremacy. Freemans also offer a next day delivery service on all goods if the order is placed before 11:00 pm.

Otherwise, there is the option of Click and Collect, where you can price up your order from over 5000 Hermes Parelshops at a time convenient to you.

Freemans online catalogue approval period allows you to return your purchase within the first 14 days, if you're unhappy with your purchase.

Freemans will replace or refund most items provided as long as they are returned within 14 days, of receiving the goods, and in the below condition: -

• Complete (if the purchase contains individual parts/pieces, all must be returned) Unused and in the original packaging (where possible).
• With the correct documents (including any instructions/paperwork that accompanied the item).

Any refund you receive for returned goods will be credited to the payment method used; your account or your credit/debit card, as appropriate. If you added the item to your account, the refund would be shown on your next monthly statement.

Freemans will process your refund as quickly as possible, normally within 7 - 10 days of collection.

If you have not been credited for any items that you have returned, you will need to inform Freemans within 60 days of the collection; otherwise, the claim will be invalid. Please remember to provide proof of return, such as a barcode, wherever possible.

Jewellery or high-value items, such as iPads, need to be returned using Royal Mail. The goods cannot be sent back in the same parcel as other items because they will need a special collection. Contact a company adviser via Webchat or e-mail via the 'Contact Us' page or by telephone.

They will make arrangments for a special returns pack to be sent to you. Do not arrange a return via any other method.

Returns are free within the 14-day policy and can be made via courier, your local Post Office or Parcel Shop, the returns policy is very simple, and all parcels have returns labels included for convenience.

Returning items is a simple process, just request a return online via My Account. Then: -

1. Fill out the returns form which will be inside your parcel, stating the reason you are making the return.
2. Make sure you cover the delivery address and barcode using the peel-off label which will have been provided.
3. Drop your parcel at a Hermes ParcelShop or arrange for a courier collection from your home or work address.

Conclusion

Freemans is a well-established, world-famous online store. It is held in esteem by some, but not so widely regarded by others. It is one of the biggest online retailers in the UK and has a considerable customer base.

If applying for their credit account, make sure that you have taken into consideration all the terms and conditions.

It offers home furnishings, apparel, jewellery, gifts and toys, all available for home delivery and the company's primary target audience are people who like to shop online for all the family.

This article has looked the products Freemans sells, and the available deals, the benefits, and the drawbacks of shopping with Freemans.

Is it worth opening a Freemans credit account? We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision as to whether you want to get involved with the Freemans company and move to open an account with Freemans.

FAQs

Q: Can you still apply for a Freemans catalogue?

A:From clothing for all the family with home, garden and gift ideas, the Freemans catalogue is available across all mobile platforms bringing top named brands and designers to your front door with ease.

Q: How long will a credit check take when applying for a Freemans personal credit account?

A:You do not have to wait for a credit check as you can register for your Freemans online catalogue and account on the website. You can manage your account online, 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

If you are making your first online order and opening an account, during the order process, you will automatically be registered to manage your account online.

If you have an account but have never used the Freemans website, registering your account online is easy. Go to 'My Account' and enter your account number into the 'I haven't bought online before, but I do have an Account No' box.

Click register and follow the rest of the steps. Once you've registered online, you can log in to your account online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by clicking on 'My Account' and entering your details.

Every 28 days, you'll get a statement listing what you've ordered, and your account's up to date information.

Q: Can I close a Freemans account?

A: Get in touch with Freemans customer services if you would like to close your account. Any outstanding balance or pending transactions would need to be cleared before your account can be terminated.

Q: Can I return different orders by packing them all into one parcel?

A: All the items being returned must adhere to Freemans 14 day period, and be returned unused, and in their original packaging if possible.

If any items in the parcel are returned not in the above-explained condition, they will be sent back to you. Make sure that you follow the weight and size restrictions when returning the goods.

Sources

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemans