Genealogy Forum UK

I've recently paid a six month subscription to Findmypast looking for BDM's in Nottinghamshire.

Each parish records search gave a 'No Records Found' reply, so I put in eight records I had already found using the free LDS site, again 'No Records Found'.

Two emails to Findmypast about the problem, no reply. Today I telephoned them, yes they have a 'Black Hole' for Nottinghamshire !

Refund requested, "No we don't give refunds because you have made searches!"

Have a picked a bad search company?

Oh goodness thats shocking!

Do they say what coverage there is in areas?
I dont know much about that site but others here do.

What a waste of money for you. Such a shame.
Why dont you put what you want to find and see if we can come up with some things?
Jo

I ended up getting the documents I wanted from the County Archives department (at extra cost).

It's just that the company know they have a 'black hole' for Nottinghamshire, but decided to say nothing.

I did not pay as much as you but have crossed this particular research site off my list of resources.

If you were searching for a birth and couldn't find it then they have no choice but to refund.

Quote from their new birth search engine.

"A complete 1837-2006 set of records"

They don't make that claim for marriages but they do tell a porky pie.

"Findmypast.co.uk is the only place you can search the 1837-2005 marriage records all in one go."

The Genealogist does the same thing and so does Genes Reunited.

If you were searching census and didn;t find one you know exists then once again they are falsely advertising.

"All our censuses are complete, apart from the 1851 census, which will be completed shortly."

Nobody claims this as there are missing pieces from each census that nobody has. Looking at the list, Nottinghamshire is not missing any pieces for any census.

Yes I did find the census had what I wanted for Nottinghamshire, but not the BDM's. Had I have known this I wouldn't have taken out the subscription at this cost. I could try a legal challenge to get a refund, but I find it better to let others know of my experience with this company so they can make there own decision on future purchases.

I've got a subscription with FMP, and ancestry. Although I have found things I wouldn't have otherwise with FMP I wont be renewing, as I think I've come to the end of what's useful. I'm thinking of taking out a subscription with the genealogist when my FMP one has ended.
I've been happy with ancestry, and will probably continue with them. At the moment I have the most expensive subscription, but have limited use for the international records now. I'll just buy credits as I need them I think!

RodA wrote:Yes I did find the census had what I wanted for Nottinghamshire, but not the BDM's. Had I have known this I wouldn't have taken out the subscription at this cost. I could try a legal challenge to get a refund, but I find it better to let others know of my experience with this company so they can make there own decision on future purchases.

If it was me I would point out some facts and what you have been told by them. I wouldnt let it rest without some kind of refund!
As Mark said isnt it false advertising?

Jo

RodA wrote:I've recently paid a six month subscription to Findmypast looking for BDM's in Nottinghamshire.

Each parish records search gave a 'No Records Found' reply, so I put in eight records I had already found using the free LDS site, again 'No Records Found'.

Two emails to Findmypast about the problem, no reply. Today I telephoned them, yes they have a 'Black Hole' for Nottinghamshire !

Refund requested, "No we don't give refunds because you have made searches!"

Have a picked a bad search company?

If you were searching for a birth and couldn't find it then they have no choice but to refund.

Quote from their new birth search engine.

"A complete 1837-2006 set of records"

i would mention that they state as mark said a complete set of records and thet they are in breach of the sale of goods act and you will take them to the small claims court if need be

Hi Jo,

Yes I did point out the facts during my telephone call, but was just told "You have made searches so don't get a refund".

I've noticed before that companies who never reply to a complaint in writing (in my case two emails ignored) are also the ones giving very poor customer service.

It's a case of 'We have your money, go away'.