Hi AR,
You reached out with some pre-sale questions, which we responded to, despite delays due to illness and a backlog of enquiries. Rather than allowing us time to follow up, you chose to publish a very damaging review, filled with speculation, unfounded accusations, and assumptions, not an actual experience.
We are a small, independently owned business, run by just two people. We launched in January hence our Instagram starting then. Every business has a beginning. To imply that this makes us illegitimate is incredibly unfair and dismissive of the effort it takes to get a startup off the ground.
To address your specific claims:
• AI-generated images: Absolutely not. Our product imagery is real and supplied directly by our manufacturers, like many other retailers.
• Trustpilot badge: At the time of setup, we selected the badge based on our rating at that moment. We’ve since adjusted it for accuracy.
• Reviews all dated the same: We had a technical issue with our onsite review importer. Once resolved, all prior reviews were published on the same date. This wasn’t manipulation just a system sync issue.
• Global Recognition Award: This is a legitimate and recognised industry award, which we worked very hard to earn. Dismissing it without proof is, again, unfair.
• Our Terms of Service: Like many ecommerce platforms, our Terms include a legal disclaimer that protects both parties in the event of accidental errors or outdated content. This is standard, not suspicious.
What’s most disappointing is that instead of giving us a fair chance or even responding to the email we sent you jumped straight to leaving a harmful public review aimed at damaging our credibility. That speaks volumes.
We completely understand that people want reassurance when shopping online, especially with newer brands. But this review was not based on any genuine experience. It was a detailed attempt to undermine a new business doing its best.
To other readers: we are not a faceless company. We are two people working tirelessly to make this work, learning every day, and constantly improving. We welcome honest feedback from customers but we ask that we be judged on real experiences, not speculation or assumptions.
— Oak & Honey Furniture