DIY stores hammered in web poll

HOME improvement retailers B&Q and Homebase have been voted the worst online shops in the UK.

A poll of 11,000 Which? members voted beauty label LizEarle.com the best online retailer followed by ChainReactionCycles.com, with the sites achieving a 94 and 93 per cent customer score respectively.

JohnLewis.com, second cycle store wiggle.co.uk and photography specialist 7DayShop.com shared third place.

The consumer group found that homebase.co.uk and bandq.com/diy.com failed to impress customers on pricing and products, scoring just two stars out of five. Which? members gave top marks to LizEarle.com for its "beautiful packaging, free samples and personal touch".

In general, delivery problems ranging from delays and overpackaging to inconvenient time slots were the biggest annoyances for online customers.

And although members said their top reason for shopping online was because it was cheaper than the high street, only 7DayShop.com achieved top marks for price, helped by a VAT-free base in Guernsey.

Which? editor Martyn Hocking said: "With Christmas around the corner, many of us will be turning to online shopping.

"However, inconvenient deliveries from some online shops might make you wish you'd hit the high street instead, so do check the small print before you click 'buy'."