IKEA has introduced a controversial new charge for customers seeking professional assistance with their home planning projects. The flat fee of £1.99 now applies to shoppers using the retailer's popular planning services across its UK stores.
The charge covers appointments at IKEA's planning studios, where staff traditionally helped customers design everything from kitchens and bedrooms to entire living spaces without any additional cost. This service has been particularly popular for complex projects requiring expert measurement and layout advice.
What Does the New Charge Include?
The £1.99 fee provides customers with a 90-minute scheduled appointment with an IKEA planning specialist. During this session, shoppers receive personalised advice and detailed planning for their home projects. Importantly, the charge is redeemable against any purchase over £50, effectively making it free for most customers who proceed with their planned purchases.
Why Has IKEA Introduced This Fee?
According to the furniture giant, the nominal charge helps manage appointment availability and reduces last-minute cancellations. An IKEA spokesperson explained: "We're introducing a small charge for our planning service to help us manage availability and reduce the number of missed appointments, meaning better access for those who need it."
The company emphasized that the charge ensures their specialists can dedicate quality time to each customer's project while maintaining the high standard of service IKEA customers expect.
How Customers Are Reacting
The change has sparked mixed reactions among shoppers. Some appreciate the guaranteed appointment time and dedicated service, while others lament the end of completely free planning assistance. Many customers, however, acknowledge that £1.99 is reasonable for professional design advice, especially since it's refundable with any substantial purchase.
For those preferring to avoid the charge, IKEA continues to offer its free online planning tools and in-store self-service options, allowing customers to design their spaces without booking appointments.
