Living Elements

I purchased a buffet from Living Elements in December 2024. It finally arrived in March 2025 — three months later — and was a completely different colour to what was advertised online. I contacted the company, and they confirmed it was eligible for return. I followed every instruction: kept the original packaging, kept the item covered, and waited for collection.

The delivery team assured me it would be transported with blankets and took the original packaging. A week later, I had to follow up on my refund and was told it hadn’t been processed. That same day, I received an email at 3:30pm asking me to call before 5pm — an unrealistic two-hour window I didn’t see until later.

Then I was told the item had been returned damaged, with a 17cm scratch, and that I was responsible. I had provided photos showing the item’s condition before collection. Despite this, they blamed me, saying their warehouse team "moves furniture all the time" and couldn’t have caused the damage. I have yet to receive any photos of the alleged scratch they’re charging me for.

They deducted $200 from my refund, plus $63 for return delivery and more for new packaging, leaving out of pocket for an item I no longer have and damage I didn’t cause.

The whole process has been slow, unfair, and incredibly disappointing. I supported a local Australian business over a major retailer, and that was a mistake. A big retailer wouldn’t have handled a return this poorly.

Living Elements has lost my trust. I do not recommend them.