Who really needs IKEA??

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
31/12/2009 19:28

Following the Ikea thread http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/27197.asp



I have to say something. IKEA import most of their goods from China. There is nothing wrong with the quality (mostly), but you have to undersand that all the local traders here have to abide by very strict import rules. The bed that was quoted as 2,500 tl was probably an import from Turkey, aimed at well off Turkish / Turkish Cypriots, many of whom will only buy well known "names", like Terence Conran in the UK is to some people. Comparing local shops that make all their own goods (like Botanica) to İKEA is pointless, Ikea import hundreds of containers, local traders don't have that sort of money!! High rents, rates, electric, etc etc make that impossible. You can shop around - a single wrought iron bed will set you back about £140 or thereabouts. You just have to look around. IKEA we ain't, and never will be, but we will always (like many other local shops) try to offer the very best price we can!

TheSaints



Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 1369

Message Posted:
31/12/2009 19:30

Hear Hear



we imported nothing it was all bought local from Homefront....

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
31/12/2009 19:39

Botanica:



There is much to be said for buying local - from an ecological perspective as well as supporting the community in which you live! The success of local businesses also means success for your business and your jobs.



Unfortunately, all the good sentiments count for nowt when people simply focus on affordability - and hence the argument on price.



In the end people have a choice - but they should remember importing products equals exporting jobs. Short term gain long term pain



BTW - Saw all the good work you and others did for the SOS Children Appeal. Welldone and may your goodwill be repaid many times over.



Best wishes for a super 2010

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
31/12/2009 19:39

And we got ALL our stuff from Botanica

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
31/12/2009 19:46

Thanks everyone!! A very happy new year to all our customers, past, present and future!!!

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
31/12/2009 21:29

its a tough old world out there Botanica (as my old Uncle Percy used to say....)

blisanga


Joined: 05/07/2009
Posts: 37

Message Posted:
31/12/2009 22:51

Hi Theresa and all at Botanica



We are pleased that we furnished out our house in Esentepe from Botanica 2005. Good service.



Happy New Year to you all and everyone on the Forum.



Carole

JohhnyLee


Joined: 25/04/2009
Posts: 2495

Message Posted:
02/01/2010 19:07

We used all local companys for everything (except what came over in our container ) We have nothing but praise for all of them, we enjoyed excellent service and quality,



Very competetive prices, most times as good as the UK, people who where prepared to do that bit extra, and if you couldn,t buy it they would make it.



So many Retailers we would highly reccomend.



We do not need Ikea, and like I always say, We should not support the South. We live in TRNC.



From what I gather now the Southside is very expensive.



A very Happy New Year everyone here, and hopefully a prosperous one for all the Retailers.



May be the tables will turn and we will see the Greeks shopping this side.



I believe that since Greece went into the EU, and went Euro, also hosting the olympics. they have had a pretty tough time.

joanie1


Joined: 25/07/2008
Posts: 164

Message Posted:
02/01/2010 20:03

I bought all my furniture from Botanica - but Ikea do great saucepans and splash lids for pans. Furniture locally made from Botanica great and all hand made and delivered (almost ) on time. Recommend Botanica.

andrew4232



Joined: 04/07/2009
Posts: 1543

Message Posted:
02/01/2010 21:27

sod you lot i like IKEA its good value and also good ideas if your not sure am all for them

carollynne


Joined: 19/11/2009
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
02/01/2010 23:51

meatballs and prawn sandwiches are divine

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 00:18

Saddos!!!!!!!

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 00:18

Its all about choice personally I dont like wrought iron sorry ! it scraps the tiles and is cold and heavy to move its not just the furniture it s the bits an peices that you can get and of course you should have the freedom to do so if you want too.

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 00:31

When most bought here IKEA was not even an option so why the big "disgust" that you cannot buy there.



There are many shops here that offer the variety of basic through to 1st quality. It is just blinkered vision that stops people shopping around for bargains in TRNC, my home and happy to shop here.

SAFFI


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 342

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 00:46

IKEA Is good for the basic things, but long term Items not so good,

ok if your having a party or celebration to buy candles ,napkins, cheap plates glasses ect , otherwise I would not bother,

Agnes


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 81

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 01:17

I don't really think Ikea is the problem. Yes I like to browse and shop there now and again.

The problem for me is freedom of choice and as like many others the cost.

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 08:06

Botanica- I don't suppose you have an interest in not using IKEA-thought not.

What we want is choice, if the majority of the overpriced traders and manufacturers here had thier way the border would be closed and we would be subject to restrictive practices.



Hasn't the opening of the border and the availability of a wider range of goods improved the range of goods here?



Things here are still vastly overpriced relative to the wages for employees.



personally i am no fan of IKEA but i like the choice.

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 09:03

Hi Hippo! I understand what you are saying, about choice etc, but comments were made about furniture costing, I think someone quoted some shops are charging 2,500 tl for a bed!!

Due to demand - we now employ our own carpenters who make a range of wood furniture, but this is all hand made - not mass produced and bought at low cost in huge containers. We are also using MDF for the 1st time, wardrobes and tables - the "cheaper" option. Of course we have a vested interest in people shopping locally!! We are getting there with choice - yavaş yavaş - but believe me - its not always easy over here!!!

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 09:22

msg 19 , what a dignified response

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 11:06

Alternatively, one can always go to live in the south or wherever the freedom their looking for is.

Of course,one should also bear in mind the cost of buying a property and other things,espacialy in the south.

JohhnyLee


Joined: 25/04/2009
Posts: 2495

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 11:07

Yes good point Simba's like I said all the companys we have dealt with hewre have had the same dignified and courteous manner.



This is only our view perhaps we have been very lucky.



We have had proper service, like you would have got in the UK in the 60's.



I feel we should support our local traders, and at the end of the day don,t expect the same choice etc. as the UK.



Surley that is one of the reasons we come here in the first place, for a different way of life.



And I must add A FANTASTIC WAY OF LIFE.

stanley1


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 161

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 14:45

We wanted a wall cabinet/shelf unit for our tv,looked at ikea and it was £150.

My wife drew a diagram with measurements of the whole unit and took it to a local carpenters.

We wanted it to colour match our other shelves so left one with them.

1 week later it was delivered.The colour match was perfect and the dimensions were as per the diagram.

A handmade wall cabinet for £10 more than ikea,and with no chances of it being confiscated at the border.!!

Agnes


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 81

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:05

for msg. 23

Which carpenter did you use as I've had a few quotes for drawers which have been a heck of a lot more expensive.

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1404

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:30

Excellent carpentry workshop in Ardogan , makes any design, delivers throughout NC. recommended currently doing our kitchen and bed furniture.

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1404

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:32

Actually making bedroom furniture to match existing were hoping to ship over.

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:45

We had a lovely round table (and chairs) made to fit our dining room, in just the wood we wanted and at a price we couldnt believe -jsut down the road past Lemar on the other side, if we're not naming names! When I compared it with a suite my son had just bought in Uk the difference in price was fantastic, and they got theirs in a sale. I say buy local if you can find exactly what you want.

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 17:51

all our stuff is local, love it. Local carpenter made our bed, side tables and dressing table and mirror. Bought our suite 6yrs ago from Italiano and it still looks new and its so comfy. All white goods Arcelik, with a 3yr guarantee what more could you ask for. Rugs from Mermaid (cheaper than the market) x

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 18:17

botanica you have a cheek you tell people anything for a sale and on more than one occasion

TheSaints



Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 1369

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 18:24

There are options in the North for custom made furniture, Homefront have thier own workshops and make items to your specs as they did for us and at a very reasonable price.

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 18:54

I love IKEA...i'm like a kid in a candy shop when i get to visit....i walk around wanting just about everything!! The little decorated rooms in corners...fabulous...what i'd give to go there with a blank cheque!! lmao!!





DD

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:02

dont know any cheques i know a few poles and a bulgarian lol

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 19:04

LOL!! I know some folk think i am sad for loving this fabulous Swedish invention (IKEA) but is my sole guilty pleasure!!





DD

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 20:47

Message 29 racoonchic



I am not sure what you mean? I was responding to a thread regarding the cost of furniture available locally, compared to IKEA? I havent told any lies??? And I havent TRASHED any other local companies to make us look good either? If you have a problem with us, please let me know exactly what it is and ı will respond accordingly...



As for IKEA, I have several kitchen items at home that I couldnt have bought here!! Please don't compare apples with oranges!!!

Vidal


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 867

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 21:41

Message 23

We did the same thing..I took my IKEA catalogue down to our local guy. Circled the style I wanted and He made it all for us. Dining table, 6 chairs, coffee table, wall unit and bunk beds. Luverly jubbly!

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 22:29

Thats what I mean Vidal!! I am not just plugging our company - just trying to say that the local stuff - wherever you choose to go , we ain't that bad, in actual fact - we can copy most things!!!!!!!!!!

Vidal


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 867

Message Posted:
03/01/2010 22:52

mess 36 Each to their own though.

I think folk can get everything they need on the North if they have the time or choose to look.



But if you just have a holiday home here, you dont want to spend your 2 weeks hunting down everything, it does take longer to get it all together here, especially if you are a newby.



And I think it doesnt matter if you are living or holidaying here, you shop where you d*** well like..with bells on!!!



I wonder how many of those who spout 'support the local traders' brought a container with them? mmmmmm?

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 00:56

And don't forget the power of the internet and web site!! I used to love shopping, but when ı got to working 6 days a week had no time. The last suite I bought in the UK was online, as was my dishwasher and washing machine. If you are on a "buying trip" here, then you are very limited with time. Thats why all the small business' here are now online! You can now pay by credit card over the phone, unheard of until recently! believe me, we are doing our best to cater to all customers!-

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 01:15

BoTanica. I feel I have to say something here. We bought our apartment in Alsancak coming up to about four years ago. We saw your little shop(as it was then) in K..............oglu (sorry, but it's late here), liked what we saw and received excellent service. I must admit, I panicked slightly when we returned, and saw that your 'little' shop had closed but saw your ad. in Cyprus Today that you had moved to larger premises. I have accessed your internet site, seen what additional bits we wanted (we have added as we have gone along), and have been totally delighted with what we have bought from you. No complaints whatsoever.



With regard to the comment "you'll say anything to make a sale", we have never experienced any pressure at all when shopping with you. Long may your success continue - you're a great crowd!



All the best for 2010.



Paul & Jean

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 18:17

Re message 38 perhaps you should also mention that you charge 3% for credit card transactions.

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 19:09

"I wonder how many of those who spout 'support the local traders' brought a container with them?"



Vidal, of course we brought a container, it contained our goods and possesions. What do you expect, sell everything in Engalnd and then buy every thing new again here???????



I will ask again the questions about legallity of bringing goods from the south. Under the Green Line Regulations it is illegal to bring furniture etc either north or south. It is no different to duty free allowances anywhere in the world. IT IS ILLEGAL to transport the goods without appropriate paper work and paying all relevant taxes, probably in excess of 30% of value of goods. Nothing to do with saying support the local shops etc.



Try doing the same thing by taking furniture in the back of your van into UK and see what happens.

measey


Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 1037

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 19:57

check out http://www.homestyle-furniture.co.uk .

and, http://www.village-collection.co.uk



Best in the world me thinks.

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 21:05

Doesnt the signage in IKEA tell you something about the customers they want?

Its all in GREEK. No Turkish no English!

TheSaints



Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 1369

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 21:07

We certainly didn't take a container, we have bought everything local including the small stuff..........

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 21:26

We sold our house in the UK complete with furniture and white goods. Sold it to a first time buyer and he was over the moon that he could just walk in and live in the place without having to spend any extra money. In reality our UK furniture would not have suited our villa and so we bought locally. We used 5 different companies and they all provided good service and reasonable prices. Botanica, Homefront, The Curtain Shop, Fiskos and one woodworking shop that has (unfortunately) closed down.

You can get anything you want in the TRNC and you can get quality but you just need to look around. Unfortunately most expats prefer the 'one shop' option which is why the likes of Ikea will always pull in the punters.

AJ

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 21:53

Msg 38.

Botanica. After you started this thread, I visited your website (the address is shown on your profile). One thing I did notice is that there are no prices. I'm sure you must realise that this is a no no for a Brit. in Cyprus. Is there a reason for this? Please note I live very close to your store in Catalkoy & although I brought a container from the UK. it's not unlikely that someday I will wish to replace some furniture. I have been here nearly 8 yrs now.

I also had large fitted wardrobes, a wooden bed & several other pieces of furniture, made by a carpenter in Catalkoy. The prices & workmanshipship were fine. The very late delivery, however, was not. I had to threaten to cancel the order in the end to get the stuff delivered.