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[David]

I'll start this as a long term thread- I hope it will pick up, especially near bonfire night.

Similar to the "What kind of pyro are you" thread- simple rate different aspects out of ten, whenever you visit a fireworks shop or seller, especially for the first time.


I'll add more, up to date reviews, as I visit shops this year - because shops are changing all the time.

So- as an example- This is just a fictional example (I'd rather not give actual examples that may be out of date)

Bonkos all year round fireworks:

Access- 8/10 - easy enough to find, free parking outside.
Selection 9/10 - a very good selection, several different brands and quality fireworks.
Value for money- 6/10 - Generally recommended retail prices, with some discounted pre-packed selections.
Service- 7/10- Staff seemed knowledgable, there was a DVD player but wasn't functioning.


Morrisdacos Supermarket:


Access- 7/10 free but busy car park.
Selection- 2/10 - very limited- literally one fountain, 2 cakes and 3 smilar selection boxes.
Value for money- 4/10 "Buy one get one free" of limit appeal, as prices inflated to allow for this "deal."
Service- 1/10. A joke. I had to find someone to serve me, who then had to buzz for some else, who brought the wrong fireworks.


So yeah, I'll try to add reviews all the time, and keep this "fresh."

Feel free to add little comments when you visit a shop- especially for the first time.

Hopefully over time this will become a good thread, which provides an ongoing picture of which shops are pleasing the customers, and which are a waste of time.

[Firestarter]

SPFireworks, Stafford, Staffordshire:

A group of enthusiasts with a well laid out shop. Host a very successful demo night a month before Bonfire night every year.

Access- 7/10 - Easy to find for locals to the area, local street parking outside and to the rear of the shop

Selection 6/10 - Used to be great, had a lot of Panda and Menshun. Seem to be concentrating on their own brand of fireworks.

Value for money- 7/10 - Pretty much RRP all across the board for what stock of Panda and Menshun is left. Their own brand of fireworks seem cheap enough for what they are (decent and solid fireworks).

Service- 8/10- Good lads, enthusiasts and always willing to help.


Spectacular Fireworks, Macclesfield, Cheshire:

I personally used this shop last year for my main haul of fireworks. Stockists of Fireworks International.

Access- 6/10 - Shop is in the middle of a busy, main street in the centre of the town. Parking a few hundred yards away, if street parking is unavailable (usually is not available).

Selection- 8/10 - Stock a wide range of Fireworks International stock. All pretty much on view in the shop.

Value for money- 8/10 Really good, solid fireworks with some good effects for a good price. Brought a pre-selected Display pack for the same RRP as on the Fireworks International website. Very good.

Service- 9/10. Ordered the Firework packs over the phone with no deposit or Bank Card details required. Given a date to pick up and were ready for that date. Visited the shop beforehand and was given very good, helpful and friendly advice. All fireworks packed safely and securely. Can't fault in any way.


Nemesis Fireworks, Cheshire.

Access- 6/10 - They have a few different shops. One in Nantwhich and one at their home base in Crewe. Went to the home base in Crewe and was quite difficult to find. Parking easy enough once found.

Selection- 8/10 - Stock a wide range of Fireworks from manufacturers such as Panda, Brothers, Epic, Royal Party and Absolute.

Value for money- 6/10 Seem slightly above RRP when I visted last year. (Did not buy).

Service- 8/10. A friendly family run business that seem very knowledgable about their stock. Seem very enthusiastic about their Pyro. Were willing to help me out with a "spec" to suit my budget. Very close to buying from themselves, but chose spectacular due to the Value for money.

Edited by Firestarter, 28 March 2008 - 10:48 PM.