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Firebox.com has just been voted the number 1 UK giftsite by Hitwise. Firebox is a top rated gadget and gift site which has been around for many years, well seven to be exact. They started out as a company called Hotbox.co.uk, their website founded by two University friends Michael Smith & John Boardman. What propelled their business was their invented game (The Shot Glass Chess Set). They changed their name to firebox.com in 1999 and in 2002 opened their Head Office and distribution centre in South London. They employ around 25 staff and have been profitable since 2002, with a turnover of £8m in 2004.
Firebox.com is now one of the top ten thousand websites in the world, ranking at around position 8000. Last year it attracted 3.9m visits.
Firebox products
Firebox is an internet site which sells gifts, gadgets, boys toys, games and fun things. They aim to scour the world for new products and be the first to make them available. If there's a latest craze sweeping the country, Firebox will probably have the goods. You can view thumbnails of all their products by clicking here.
Categories to browse through on the website include:
• Gadgets • Boys Toys • Tech Toys • Lifestyle • Radio Control • Audio • Edible • Retro • Games • Work : play • Party • Gifts
Products found on firebox.com range from cheap and cheerful raunchy giftwrap to state of the art DVD players and electronic gifts. There are a great range of boys toys including life size- real noise -glow in the dark replica lightsabres (which look a bit sturdier than the toy versions), retro games such as Atari and roboraptor. There are far too many to mention! For the very rich there are boys toys like the Ariel Atom car for around £20K!
Navigating the Website
Finding your way around Firebox is very easy. You can browse by category (as above) or browse by price; under £10, £10-£20, £20-£50, £50-£100, £100-£250, and finally how much?? There is also a search box if you know what you want. Many of the products also have reader review comments below them which may help you decide whether or not you want to buy that item. A new feature of the wesbite is the 'show me everything' button located on the left column of the homepage underneath the search button. It allows you to scroll down and see all the products on Firebox.
Just for Boys?
Firebox is a gadget lovers paradise but there are plenty of products suitable for girls too including those cute little keyrings called Qees.
Buying from Firebox
Firebox is very easy to use and very straightforward when adding items that you want to buy to your basket. When you have chosen you goods it is very straightforward to enter your payment details. Firebox pride themselves on their customer service and their website is very easy to deal with. Firebox charge a fixed delivery charge of £3.95 for standard delivery but you can opt for express delivery (within UK mainland) for £5.95.
Service & Delivery
Outstanding. I ordered at 3pm and the very next morning the postman knocked with my parcel. (It has to be signed for). The goods were all present and correct.
Additional Extras
The box was well packaged and contained the gifts ordered but in addition was a £10 off figleaves leaflet, a packet of sweets and a Firebox catalogue.
Overall Rating
Firebox gets 10 out of 10 from me. I found their service faultless.
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