KITCHEN customers are being warned about getting their fingers burned searching for a bargain.

Trading standards officers are investigating complaints about non-delivery or part-delivery of kitchen units ordered from factory outlets.

In most cases, customers received a home visit from a salesperson, an order was placed and then the goods paid for in advance by bank transfer or through cash on delivery – crucially before the order could be checked.

Steve Jorden, Worcestershire Regulatory Services chief, said: “Examination of the goods could only take place once the driver had unloaded and left. Goods were often then found to be incorrect or missing parts.”

He said the factory outlets supplying the goods were often operating on short-term leases and could be a way of disposing of stock before shutting down, meaning any complaints about incorrect orders could not be put right.

Customers are urged to check all their goods before handing over money.

For advice, call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, or to complain visit consumerdirect.gov.uk