Arrived Damaged - No Repair / Advice
Firstly I must say, as a whole the pod is fairly decent, the low rating is due to the aftercare (or lack of) following fault reporting.
Floor Damage
The pod arrived on 23rd November, on first step inside there was a cracking sound, the delivery driver informed me this was the floor "settling in". I inspected the floor and noticed there was a small section where it felt like my foot would go through the floor if I stepped on it with any significant pressure, so I reported my findings on the same day via the WhatsApp number - I would have reported to the driver but he had just left. Plastic pods unfortunately would not recognise that there could possibly be a fault with the floor and offered no solution to inspect / fix, except lifting the pod and adding support - not an easy task. I took it upon myself to cut out a section of vinyl from the floor, however it seems like the damage was either internal or on the underside of the pod only, and is therefore difficult to explain the problem, which I attempted in a video (showing significant movement and cracking noise from applying thumb pressure). I have since supported the floor with OSB board and laid a laminate floor over the top, which alleviated the local soft spot issue. The cost to fix the floor was £210 for materials only, I asked for this to be reimbursed and gave them a week for this to be arranged, but was offered £100 only, and I haven’t actually received this anyway- and I don’t expect to either, as it seems I am being ignored now.
Door Problems
I selected the timber door option, and when the pod arrived, I noticed only one screw per door hinge, I reported this to the driver. It later became apparent that one of the door hinges was damaged, I reported this to plastic pods and I was promised a replacement hinge but it never arrived, I have asked numerous times since and still no hinge.
The lower door panel was poorly assembled / manufactured (the panel is too large for the aperture, therefore when any expansion occurs the panel bowed inwards and separated the door rail and panel in the centre), leaving a gap for water to run between the panel and the door bottom rail, which enabled water to get inside the pod. I have since removed the door panel and reinstalled with sealant on the internal and external faces in an attempt to form a weatherproof seal. Additional sealant was also required where the glass meets the timber as there was gapping here too. I have also installed a rubber p-seal around the door to eliminate drafts, especially around the latch region, as due to manufacturing process there is a gap at this location. I plan on sealing the timber and having the door painted once the weather improves. I have reported the issues to be told they don't manufacture the doors and will take it up with the supplier. Maybe the UPVC doors are better, so I could only suggest going for a UPVC door if you want anything close to a weatherproof pod.
Customer Support
Unfortunately the customer support offered when I pointed out a fault is non-existent, there seems to be an air of arrogance about the company as they fail to acknowledge any problems are possible. As far as advise for resolving any problems, I was offered nothing, so I have come up with my own solutions and fixed at my own costs. I would suggest if you live a fair distance away from Southampton (like I do) buy from somewhere more local who you could call out to perform any inspections / repairs. I offered to have a third party inspection, but was advised not to, and was offered no alternative. I did the repairs myself in a way to make the pod functional as soon as possible with the least expense.
Payment Options
The preferred method (or only method I was aware of) of making payment is via bank transfer, I wonder now if this is to make it more difficult to return a faulty product or obtain a refund. In future I personally will make all large purchases on credit card.