SmallBizGenius Analysis

Havenly is an online interior design service that connects customers with designers for virtual or in-person consultations; however, customer reviews reveal significant issues with customer service and order fulfillment.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews

Customer Service Issues

3.0/10

Many reviewers report poor customer service experiences, citing slow response times, lack of communication, and difficulty resolving issues. Customers express frustration with the lack of phone support and reliance on email communication, which often results in delayed or unhelpful responses. Some reviewers also mention being 'ghosted' by customer service after making a purchase.

42 reviews mention this

Order Fulfillment Problems

2.5/10

A significant number of reviewers report problems with order fulfillment, including delayed shipping, missing items, and damaged furniture. Customers complain about the lack of shipping updates and difficulty getting information about their orders. Some reviewers also mention issues with Havenly's third-party ordering system, which complicates returns and exchanges.

35 reviews mention this

Designer Quality Varies

6.0/10

Reviewers have mixed experiences with the quality of Havenly designers. Some customers praise their designer's creativity, responsiveness, and ability to understand their style. However, others report that their designer provided generic or uninspired designs, lacked communication, or 'ghosted' them altogether. Some reviewers also feel that designers are incentivized to recommend expensive products to earn commission.

30 reviews mention this

Refund and Credit Issues

3.5/10

Several reviewers express frustration with Havenly's refund policy, which often involves issuing refunds as store credit rather than returning funds to the original payment method. Customers find this inconvenient, especially when they no longer want to purchase from Havenly due to negative experiences. Some reviewers also report difficulties getting refunds for out-of-stock items or canceled orders.

15 reviews mention this

Website and App Usability

5.0/10

Some reviewers find Havenly's website and app difficult to navigate, citing buggy interfaces and lack of clear information. Customers report issues with accessing their accounts, tracking orders, and contacting customer service through the platform. Some reviewers also mention that the website lacks product information and makes it difficult to find items on other platforms.

8 reviews mention this

Design Process and Vision

7.0/10

Many reviewers who had positive experiences praised the design process, noting that the initial style quizzes helped define their taste and that their designers were able to translate their vision into a cohesive design. Some reviewers appreciated the 3D renderings and the ability to see how the suggested items would look in their space. However, some reviewers felt that the designs were generic or lacked creativity.

18 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Talented and responsive designers can create beautiful and personalized designs. Mentioned 25x
"My designer, Solongo, was beyond words! She made my house a home with her keen eye, patient process and warm spirit."
The initial style quizzes help customers define their personal taste and preferences. Mentioned 8x
"Before starting, I wasn’t even sure what my personal style was, but the quizzes helped me clearly define it."
Designers are often willing to work within a customer's budget. Mentioned 5x
"She provided thoughtful design options, worked within my budget, and took all of my measurements into account."
The platform offers a convenient way to visualize design concepts with 3D renderings. Mentioned 3x
"Looked good in the 3D designs..."
Some designers are proactive and follow up to ensure customer satisfaction. Mentioned 2x
"She was very thorough and even followed up several weeks after the design was completed to make sure I received all of the furniture I had ordered."

Common Complaints

Poor customer service with slow response times and difficulty resolving issues. Mentioned 42x
"Customer service is HORRIBLE. Everytime you try to ask questions or book something it is shifted to someone new and provides confusion and delays."
Frequent order fulfillment problems, including delays, missing items, and damaged furniture. Mentioned 35x
"I have paid thousands of dollars but still have not received my furniture after almost 4 months."
Design quality can vary significantly depending on the assigned designer. Mentioned 15x
"I tried two designers for separate spaces simultaneously and both lacked any type of vision or ideas."
Refunds are often issued as store credit instead of returning funds to the original payment method. Mentioned 10x
"Havenly's default is to retain your money as a merchandise credit. That is, even though the ordered item never shipped, they don't automatically issue a refund."
Lack of phone support makes it difficult to get immediate assistance. Mentioned 8x
"First, there is no phone support. Yes, there is a customer support number but when you call, it just tells you to email them."

Common Questions About Havenly

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Havenly legit and trustworthy?

Havenly has mixed reviews, with many customers reporting negative experiences regarding customer service and order fulfillment. While some customers praise the design services and individual designers, the high number of complaints about delays, missing items, and lack of communication raises concerns about Havenly's overall reliability. Customers have also reported issues with refunds being issued as store credit rather than to their original payment method. While the design service itself may be legitimate, potential customers should be aware of the reported issues and proceed with caution, potentially avoiding purchasing items through the platform.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Havenly have good customer service?

Based on the reviews, Havenly's customer service is a significant area of concern for many customers. Numerous reviewers report slow response times, difficulty getting in touch with customer support representatives, and a lack of resolution to their issues. The absence of phone support and reliance on email communication are frequently cited as contributing factors to the poor customer service experience. Many customers express frustration with the lack of communication regarding order updates and the difficulty in resolving problems with damaged or missing items.

Based on 42 reviews

Is Havenly worth it for small business owners?

For small business owners, Havenly's value proposition is questionable given the reported issues. While the design services may be appealing for creating aesthetically pleasing spaces, the potential for order fulfillment problems and poor customer service could outweigh the benefits. Small business owners often require efficient and reliable solutions, and the reported inconsistencies in Havenly's service quality may make it a risky choice. It may be more prudent for small business owners to seek alternative design services with a stronger track record of customer satisfaction and reliable order fulfillment.

Based on 30 reviews

What is Havenly's return policy like?

Havenly's return policy is a point of contention for many reviewers. A recurring complaint is that refunds are often issued as store credit rather than being returned to the customer's original payment method. This can be problematic for customers who are dissatisfied with their overall experience and prefer to receive their money back. Additionally, some reviewers report difficulties with initiating returns and exchanges, particularly when dealing with Havenly's third-party vendors. The lack of clear communication and slow response times from customer service can further complicate the return process.

Based on 15 reviews

How does Havenly handle designer availability and project timelines?

Several reviewers have reported issues with designer availability and project timelines. Some customers have experienced delays in being matched with a designer, while others have had designers cancel their projects or become unresponsive mid-project. This can lead to significant delays and frustration, especially for customers who have specific deadlines or are eager to begin their design project. The lack of proactive communication from Havenly regarding these issues is a recurring complaint.

Based on 8 reviews