1,446 reviews
AI reviews summary
Overall sentiment for Early Settler is highly polarised, revealing a significant divide between digital and physical touchpoints. The online chat service is exceptionally well-regarded, with specific staff members frequently praised for their efficiency and professionalism. Conversely, the post-purchase experience is marred by systemic failures in logistics, delivery conduct, and product durability, leading to intense customer frustration.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Early Settler offers a superior online consultation and ordering experience, but this is frequently undermined by a breakdown in the physical supply chain and after-sales care. While the digital team is highly capable, the risk of significant delivery delays and inconsistent product longevity makes the overall experience a gamble for the consumer.
I received our leather, tan sofa. So comfortable and very happy. Looks stylish too. Also purchased an electric log fire wall hung. So cosy, and a fabric copper occasional chair to finish the room. Thanks Early Settler Love them Show details
Jess is absolutely brilliant to deal with! She is fast, efficient, super helpful. She helped me with my inquiry and online order in minutes via the chat and email. Awesome products ( always on trend but also great quality) and amazing staff! Thanks guys Show reply
Had the most amazingly responsive assistance from Mau regarding an online purchase. Mau deserves a medal. Truly. I trust my various purchases will be just as wonderful! Thank you so much. Arohanui ♥️ Show details · 1
Reviews with attachments
Made my first purchase online which is always a bit nerve wracking for the first time from a store and not seeing goods in person. Purchased their Wren outdoor chairs. Purchased outdoor chairs and the quality of the chairs and cushions is phenomenal! Assembly was a breeze, only had to attach legs. Delivery was quick and smooth with them sending… Read more · 1
a text message to confirm if I was available to receive delivery on the specific date. I'm a very happy customer :)
Great fast service very pleasant & helpful staff. We purchased 2 exquisite dog beds and the dogs absolutely love them Show details
Outstanding service and shopping experience – My recently 3 visits shopping experience were relaxed, when friendly staff patiently assisted with subtle suggestion of mix and matching my purchases of a porcelain lamp vase and shade, which was to match the Brittany bedside table. The stores small amber vase as an additional accessory atop the Brittany 5 drawers complimented the light grey… Read more · 1
double bed which I purchased online from Early Settler. My bedroom is now a complete, beautiful and peaceful retreat. Thank You Early Settler. Very Happy Customer [Name Removed]
Cute dog bed – Ordered and received within two days! Customer service was helpful (Adam)! Bed quality looks and feels great! Happy!
Lounge in comfort and style – We purchased the 2 seater Loveseat lounge with matching single rocker recliners in the colour Espresso from Early Settlers in Hervey Bay, Queensland. The fabric is leather-look and is 100% polyester. The feel is soft, supple and luxurious. The two recliners also have a rocking motion and are all seats are extremely generous in width and length.… Read more
Arms are studded in a classic 'Club' style and they are solid and durable. We love these chairs and they were excellent value for money. The company delivered and installed the seats for us and we also received two complimentary cushions. (See images). We are extremely satisfied with these products and look forward to many more hours of relaxation in our favourite chairs.
- +4
Just a warning to anyone who has purchased anything from Early Settler Furniture in the last couple of years made from what they call "reclaimed timber". Apparently what they mean by reclaimed is actually "UNTREATED AND INFESTED WITH BORER BEETLES". I purchased the Kalise bed frame in 2022. The build quality was admittedly shthouse from the… Read more
beginning and I had to add extra brackets and bracing when I put it together, which I'm glad I did because the larvae had eaten around the fittings and they'd come loose so the only thing holding it together WAS the brackets I added! I paid $1799.00 for this bed. I expected the posts splitting over time, but an infestation would have been obvious at the time of manufacture and they clearly didn't bother to treat it appropriately AT ALL. What they DID do, was filled the egged-up holes with putty, so as the bugs started to eat through and emerge, I noticed the "timber" crumbling away when I vacuumed it.
I emailed them with photos on the 29th December. They didn't call me until the 7th January, when I was told that they wouldn't issue a refund unless they picked the bed up, so I reluctantly agreed but I knew I would have to have a pest inspection done, not only to make sure it was contained and they hadn't spread to anything else in the house, let alone the house itself, but to cover myself once they took the evidence.
The person I spoke to said they usually deal with the EPA themselves, so this was standard procedure and she promised me that I would be refunded a soon as the bed was collected. She organised it for the following Monday 13th.
All of their messages about the collection mentioned "my delivery", not pick up. I put this down to a system thing. The same person emailed me to say she was watching "my delivery" closely and would process the refund as soon as it was complete.
I emailed as soon as the bed was picked up, she emailed back in the afternoon and said the refund was processed and would take up to 3 business days. They've made my order on their Shopify app look like I just paid $99.00 for delivery of nothing, but no notes about an actual refund, they've just zeroed the product quantity.
So by Thursday, there was still no sign of the money. I contacted Paypal who said there was no new activity on that transaction and no way they could have processed any kind of refund through them due to the age of the invoice. I emailed Early Settler again, got a next day response saying they would have to direct transfer and needed my bank details and that will take another 3 days.
I'm STILL waiting for the refund that was promised to me by Early Settler. They just keep telling me to wait longer. It's been more than the 3 business days (both times), and more than their own 7 day refund timeframe on their website.
I've lodged formal complaints with the ACCC and Consumer Affairs. I've advised the EPA also because I don't believe that they've actually had the bed inspected AT ALL when they have no issue lying to their customers.
I purchased the Dunaway leather sofa, which is marketed as “genuine leather” and “premium leather,” but the quality has been incredibly disappointing. The leather scratches and marks far too easily, and within just three years, it began peeling in multiple areas. Despite following proper leather care, the sofa now looks worn and unsightly, I’ve… Read more
seen decades-old sofas in far better condition.
I’m giving two stars solely because Early Settler’s customer service and communication around complaints have been reasonable. However, for a product advertised as “genuine” and “premium” leather, the quality simply doesn’t hold up. I won’t be buying any leather furniture from Early Settler again.
I purchased a large vintage bath and vanity recently and was advised by my builder x 3 weeks later the smaller bath would be more ideal for the bathroom plan. After requesting a swap over when the packaging was intact from delivery l was denied by the online team and manager. It was very disappointing when l had spent a lot of money purchasing their products this company is not wanting to look after their customers post payment
Thanks for your feedback. We can appreciate how… Read more (+1 reply)
Latest follow-ups
Friendly. Specific answers to specific questions. Helped me merge an online order with an in-person order. Show reply
Follow-up · Merging was pretty easy but time consuming at times. Might be easier to do it over the phone with a specific store. Most of my items came in one delivery about 5 weeks after the original order. The second batch will come in an additional 4 weeks. I was frustrated by the wait time but am thrilled with the items that have arrived. Delivery was easy and self assembly (most of my items) was very straight forward.
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Had a sale on which was ending the next day. Purchased an on line voucher for my daughter in law's birthday expecting it to arrive that day. 3 days later it arrived. They asked me for feedback so I left negative feedback. Had a telephone call from… Read more
there customer service department asking why so I told them the reason and that my daughter in law was wanting to purchase an item from the sale. I was advised that she still could and could I supply contact details for her. I could'nt at the time so the person told me that they would call me back. That was over 2 weeks ago, still waitng for the call!
Follow-up · Still waiting for that elusive phone call.
Hi Dora. Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re… Read more
Was given incorrect information by manager on a light costing $100's. Mistake only discovered as electricians were installing. Mistake meant roof had to be lifted to install. Contacted manager who acknowledged her mistake, later tried to cover up her stuff up and refused to compensate. Shocking retail service. Show details
Follow-up · I have had no response from Early Settler Bendigo, after they sold me a chandelier with a cord and chain only 500mm long, instead of the 1.7m I was led to believe. I checked that length of cord/chain twice with manager, to be sure. Now the electrician costs to remove roof to install light was now in excess of $600 and I still have to repair the… Read more
Hi Marg, please know that we have replied to you on… Read more (+1 reply)
Positive reviews
I had an online chat with Jess and she was able to add to my already scheduled for delivery order. She made it SO easy for me to purchase new items to add. I would like to thank her for being incredibly helpful, quick and clear. 10/10 customer service!! Show reply
Yves was extremely helpful and assisted me with making an online purchase from start to finish. The entire process was seamless, and Yves went above and beyond to ensure everything was easy and straightforward. Excellent service and a great reflection of the Early Settler team. Thank you! Show details · 1
Ordered a product online and a few days later before it was ready for collection it came on sale a further 10% off. I contacted on-line help desk and they refunded the extra 10% immediately . Thank you so much for being so prompt and happy to help Show reply
Negative reviews
Daughter purchased couch, paid for it to be delivered however they had to order in one section as store didn’t have this and were charged another $170 in delivery fees for other piece of so $340 for delivery - I will never shop here again.
Hello, we're sorry to know of your disappointment… Read more (+2 replies)
I ordered a beautiful very large set of drawers for a bedroom. Was on sale, great price. Absolutely stoked when advised it would be delivered within abt 6-8 weeks. Nearly that time and it got pushed out for another 4 weeks, then another 4 weeks, then not sure…. Anytime I tried to call or message I couldn’t get anyone or was disconnected and they… Read more
replied at late hours or through the night (I assume outsourced “service” team). Finally it’s arrived in Aus will be delivered Wed 7.30am - organise school drop off, work etc. Delivery drivers arrive around 9 and sorry it’s not on the truck…. Try to get in contact, again calls cut off. Finally someone calls me and says it’ll now be Friday, we’ll update the order details as send them to you. Then I receive calls from the “service team” that I was mistaken, there is no booking for Wednesday was always Friday. Despite the numerous emails and texts I had to the contrary and the delivery drivers arriving. I just gave up & hoped it would arrive eventually. It was delivered on the Friday. The poor delivery drivers apologizing profusely. I will NEVER shop at Early Settler again!
Hello SP. Thank you for taking the time to share… Read more
Do not buy from here!!!!!!! Dreadful customer service. there was a 2-3 week wait on my item, which I didnt mind... 12 weeks later and 6 follow ups to no barely any avail and I got a notification saying that my order was being dispatched and I had 7 days to pick it up. we are farmers in the middle of no where in the busiest time of the year and… Read more
they couldn't have given a cr#p, even after the extra 9 weeks they put on my order. how ridiculous. I couldn't recommend these guys if my life depended on it. go and shop elsewhere!!!!
Hello Payton. We appreciate you taking the time to… Read more
Recent reviews
Jess was super helpful, answered all my questions and helped me process my order online and confirmed my delivery date on the spot. Customer service was excellent, I'll definitely be ordering more furniture again given the great experience. Show reply
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I reached out to Early Settler on their online chat function. I spoke with Yves who was extremely helpful, kind and went above and beyond to respond to my questions. They were able provide flexible delivery options that aligned with our schedule. Show reply
Customer service was absolutely incredible! Jess answered all my questions quickly and helped me place my order seamlessly. Very happy and excited for my items to arrive! :) Thank you, Jess. Show reply
Excellent Customer Service, all queries answered and rectified. Highly Customer Focused which is excellent. Would Happily Make further Purchases as Customer Service and Quality is Excellent. Show reply
Jess helped me via the online chat. She cleared up any questions I had and even patiently waited for me to make a decision. Super helpful service. Was such a great experience. Thankyou ! Show reply
Jess from online was brilliant! I can’t say thank you enough. My outcome was better than I thought and my problem was solved so quickly and professionally! Wonder customer service Jess Show reply
Needed help on an online order for me to pick up from the Auckland Warehouse. I contacted the online customer service (Jess) who talked me through it and sorted it out quickly and efficiently. Very happy and impressed and looking forward to picking my order up Show reply
I purchased two chairs that were not due to be delivered within the time frame needed (my error) for my project and wrote online to a human.....wow their service was quick and professional - chose another type and sorted within 10 minutes - so very impressed with their great customer service. Show reply
I had a mirror arrive damaged but Kae from customer service was fantastic and she arranged a replacement and pick up of the damaged mirror very quickly. This is why I trust Early Settler! Show reply
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