Anyone heard of GPS Direct?

johnk9159 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 11:04 AM

Hi,
Last week I made an online purchase with GPS Direct for bird nuts.
I reieved a confirmation e-mail of the transaction but now the website has closed down and e-mails have been returned as undeliverable although the first did get through but no response.
Does anyone know of this outfit? Their website address was www.gpsdirect.biz
Blow me I can't even remember with which credit/debit card I paid but no withdrawals have yet appeared on the most likely cards.

Thanks

Tobyh · #2 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 11:20 AM

I've not heard of them but a quick search on google finds alot of links, all to the .biz address and all down at the moment. Over what time span have you tried the links? If it's been down for a few days then that doesn't seem good.

It may well be a serious server crash that taken out their entire kit, they may have a power cut etc (even a UPS wouldnt totally help)

I'd give it a few days and see what happens.

*edit to add* - I found a press release from 2006 and the company was set up in 2003 so are fairly well established. A link here - Gpsdirect.biz and Bucas Join Forces on New Web Offering - PR.com may give you some useful info should you need it later

RobinP · #3 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 11:26 AM

Just done a bit of digging around myself, loloks like they've been struck off so any chances of a refund are fairly slim I'm afraid.

The registered office is in Aylesbury, address:
11-13 THE CLOISTERS
FRIARS SQUARE
GREAT WESTERN STREET AYLESBURY
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
HP20 2TW

johnk9159 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 03:48 PM

Thanks for the info.
I tried 'phoning "ian" at the number given on the PR.com link but no reply so I sent an e-mail but this still bounced back.
I'm concerned that my card details may be used at some time in the future so will have to take appropriate steps.

Thanks again.

meadow · #5 (**permalink**) 18-04-2008, 09:47 PM

i placed a order with this company for degu food after many phone calls and e-mails we had no reply and decided to drive down their and vist the shop and their store come warehouse and spoke to the manager we took a bank statement proving who we were and the order placed the manager seemed to be used to thinking on his feet and recalled us from previous vists infact we have never been to the store . the result is we are out of pocket and now know this company cannot be trusted

eeyore · #6 (**permalink**) 18-04-2008, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnk9159

Thanks for the info.
I tried 'phoning "ian" at the number given on the PR.com link but no reply so I sent an e-mail but this still bounced back.
I'm concerned that my card details may be used at some time in the future so will have to take appropriate steps.

Thanks again.

if you paid via credit card you ought to be able to get a refund from your card company under their consumer protection scheme - then its up to them to kick gps in the rear - i'd imagine the average card co has a dedicated team of lawyers for such things

Jason Green · #7 (**permalink**) 18-04-2008, 10:22 PM

Google's latest listing of them:

Quote:

GPS Direct
Champion Cobra Adult's Body Protector. Model No:. An innovative design in body protectors. Worn by Team Cobra at most UK events. Voted "Readers Choice" in a ...

gpsdirect.biz/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=3946&categoryid=152 - 20k -

Does this latest crawl sound about right for what the website was like when you placed the order with them?

It doesn't sound TOO bad if they haven't taken any money yet.

eeyore · #8 (**permalink**) 18-04-2008, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Google's latest listing of them:

Does this latest crawl sound about right for what the website was like when you placed the order with them?

It doesn't sound TOO bad if they haven't taken any money yet.

that doesnt sound like the same company - the original one was selling bird food and pet food - i'd tend to suggest that the web address has been recycled to a different company alltogether - as its difficult to see apet food company starting to stock "full body protectors as worn by team cobra"

Jason Green · #9 (**permalink**) 18-04-2008, 10:39 PM

Unless they mean they protect you from wild cobras in the UK that don't exist... or pet food for the cobras they sell the body protection for...

I know what you mean, it seems quite odd. Recycled domain? At least they believe in being green!

The other thing these companies should consider is the actual domain name. GPSDirect would get more hits for SatNav search requests, not bird food!!!

I would be weary of commercial sites with such unlikely-sounding domain names.

johnk9159 · #10 (**permalink**) 22-04-2008, 09:59 AM

I have now received my card statement, luckilly I used a credit card to make the purchaes so am protected.
I have checked with the CC company but have to wait 30 days before they can act; I am told they can recover the money directly from GPS's bank so hopefully it will be alright y the end of the month.

Thanks to all for your help and advice.