Swell Reptiles Reviews 2,125

TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

2.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 196 reviews, most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Many customers experienced significant delays with their orders, often finding that items did not arrive on time or were not dispatched as expected. People frequently reported receiving damaged products, with issues ranging from broken parts to items that appeared to have been damaged in transit. Additionally, many reviewers found the customer service to be unresponsive and unhelpful, struggling to get a resolution for their concerns. However, some customers also mentioned positive interactions with specific customer service representatives who were knowledgeable and quick to resolve issues. A few other people also felt that their orders arrived quickly, intact, and well-packaged, contradicting the more common complaints about delivery and product condition.

What people talk about most

Order

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of order experiences. Many customers express significant frustration... See more

Product

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with product quality and delivery. Many reviewers report... See more

Delivery service

Customers had ambiguous experiences with delivery services. While some reviewers received their items quickly... See more

Customer service

People report ambiguous experiences with customer service. Many customers express dissatisfaction, citing... See more

Response time

Clients share negative opinions on response times, with many reporting significant delays in receiving... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Only giving it a two for the staff that handle the phone calls as I’m sure people get pretty aggy with them and I feel bad. I picked next day delivery as a matter of necessity, I was only going to be... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Bought a Viv arrived on the 22nd with a broken part, looked like damaged in transit. Trying to get hold of them is impossible. All their email addresses are either full or it comes up with a unknow... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Paid for a delivery of essential electronics for a vivarium for a rescue animal. I was told it would come next day 100% and that it would be here on time before I have to leave for my holiday. Any gue... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Order was delayed being picked and packed so had to wait longer for it to be delivered. Tank is a good size and the only downside is the door is a bit difficult to open and the digital thermo hydro... See more


Company details

  1. Pet Store
  2. Reptile Store

Written by the company

Swell Reptiles is one of the UK's leading retailers of reptile supplies, live foods and vivariums. We stock a huge range of products for reptiles, invertebrates and other exotic pets and cater for everyone from the newcomer to reptiles to the avid expert.


Contact info

2.5

Poor

TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

2K reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Replied to 0% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 2 weeks

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars

It's just sad

It's just sad, such a shame! :,(
Swell Reptiles used t be a thriving trustworthy online retailer back in 2019 when I ordered from them vivarium £279, faunarium, and deco for the vivarium, as well as all the sizes from pinkies to fuzzies and small, small/medium, mice. So many times I ordered, so many times they delivered in a perfect relationship customer and shop.
Now this time I ordered the usual 10x small/medium mice, my usual, for my adult snake, but the order got lost, i ordered on 28-Feb-2026, then by Sat 7th March with no delivery, I contacted. Holly kindly replied, and asked if i wanted a refund. I said no, as i just had the one mouse. I asked the re-send. Today 17th March, no delivery, no email of any logistics service, and i sent another email -- as their phone 0161 351 4700 is on constant message, and I waited over 20 min and no answer, they apologise that they have been having problems.
I give the 3 stars as I had a great experience earlier, and havent used them recently, as there was a local show in my highstreet who sold these mice, and sourcing locally is always a best option. But this shop closed, so i returned to order with Swell.
It's sad that it indicates problems in a once thriving online shop.
Good luck, hope you sort out your act.

March 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Very good customer service

I seem to have had a better customer service experience than others. I have an exo terra thermostat that doesn’t seem to be functioning properly, albeit it doesn’t seem to be broken. I phoned and spoke to Luke yesterday. I agree it can be a long wait on the phone, but yesterday wasn’t too bad. When I spoke to Luke he asked some questions about the set up and has suggested it may be an issue with the heat emitter rather than the thermostat. From his explanation this seems to be a possibility and a sensible first option to try to resolve the issue. He followed up by saying he would consider a recall if this doesn’t work. It seemed to me that he was genuinely trying to resolve things with the least impact possible and was polite and helpful. No complaints at all. The current delays in dispatch and delivery can be frustrating when you’re trying to set up a new pet and get it right with limited experience, which is why this isn’t 5 stars. Otherwise I’m very happy with the service I’ve had.

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Zero customer services and no refund

After taking the time to travel and return items I had ordered to the store for a refund two weeks ago I was told there's no customer services there to refund at the weekend so my return was written down on a pad and told it would be sorted the following monday and to take a photo of the items I returned on the desk as proof of returning. I have sent several emails to them since and have heard nothing back and no refund has been issued. I am extremely disappointed as it's not a small amount of money and I will have to open a dispute if no one gets in contact with me.
Sadly it has put me off ordering anything from this company again.

February 28, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I often order from here for my dragon…

I often order from here for my dragon and never have a problem this time ordered and didn’t receive delivery after 2 weeks which is very unusual it was stuck at yodel depot I messaged swell and Holly kindly sorted it within a couple of days the parcel was lost they sent another delivery for my items free of charge the next day excellent customer service and I have a very happy dragon
Thanks again Holly at swell

March 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Complete waste of time.

Complete waste of time.
Never order from this company. Ordered 5 rats for 10 mice and promised next day delivery for an extra £9.99. Nothing came the next day. I sent an email complaining. An email came back the following day apologising and saying she would look into it. Then another email came, saying the order would definitely come the following day, but surprise, surprise, still no delivery. Still waiting, so now I have demanded a complete refund, but have heard nothing.

March 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Nice customer service

Unfortunately, my package was lost. I emailed and received a response the next day, early in the morning. Holly was very kind and immediately offered to resend my order as soon as possible. I'm very satisfied.

March 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible

I ordered springtails on Friday. Their website states next day shipping if you order before 4pm. I thought I might get lucky and get them on Saturday, worst case Monday or Tuesday.
It is now Wednesday at 7 PM. I have never received these springtails. There is no tracking information. My order was marked as complete so I called to ask about it. I waited on hold for 30 minutes. They blamed a third-party. It sounds like they should work with a different company. This has caused me so much stress. It’s shocking they ship live beings through Royal Mail with no tracking number. I can’t leave my house because I have no idea when they will show up. I can’t wear headphones because then I won’t hear the door. I will never shop here again.

February 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible service!!

Ordered live food which was marked as dispatched 5 days ago, still nothing. They don't answer the phone and still no response from email. No tracking info either. The first time this happened I thought it was just one of those things. Second time it's the same!!! Never again!!!!

February 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

If only I could give it zero stars

If only I could give it zero stars!

Placed my order and paid £9.99 for specialist delivery of frozen food. Advised it had been dispatched on Monday and it's now Wednesday - no delivery, no tracking number yet they've marked my order as completed! And the shipping method says stamps/franking! FOR FROZEN MICE AND LIVE LOCUSTS! Never again!

March 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely shocking service

Unfortunately One Star is the lowest I am able to put to be able to write anything, realistically ZERO Stars would be much more accurate.
I am unable to comment on the actual product as despite ordering on 01/02/26 and paying for express delivery my order is still not here (now 18/02/26).
I contacted Swell on the 4th to see when my order would arrive, received a reply saying that the delivery payment would be refunded (still waiting),
I contacted Swell again asking when my order would come, no response.
I contacted Swell again 07/02/26, they replied 2 days later apologizing and sent a 10% off my next order (next order..... seriously).
I then received a second email later that day 09/02/26) saying they were investigating and I should get feedback within 48hrs.
At this time I have received no order, no refund and no further updates from Swell.
I have had to open a claim with PayPal to try and get my money back.
Absolutely shocking service.

February 1, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Don't take store credit when returning items.

I ordered pro-rep resin, not realising it was pigmented instead of clear. I returned and asked for store credit. I was confused why this was not added to my account, so emailed to ask. They responded that I would have to phone and they would do it "on this occassion".

I tried to phone three times and no one answered the phone.

At this point, I was pretty frustrated. I emailed and asked them just to refund it instead. I was then told they had nothing on my return and asked for information. After I provided a tracking number and POD, they refunded without so much of an apology.

February 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I made a mixed order of live food and…

I made a mixed order of live food and general equipment. The live food arrived quickly, from a different company. The heat bulbs, tank decor and other items we dispatched almost two week after ordering. I am thoroughly disappointed, because Swell has been brilliant in the last. Its now the 11th of February, and still no sign of items ordered back in January.

February 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible product £250 worth of tat

Terrible product £250 worth of tat. Nothing lines up, extremely difficult to assemble despite being very experienced at DIY. Reported it to Swell reptiles who haven’t even bothered to reply. AVOID AVOID AVOID

January 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bad service for basic reptile food

Bought some morio worms online on the 8th Jan 2025 - still waiting for the delivery- rang customer services and they said they will call me back - guess what - they didnt - wheres my cash or worms?

its not difficult for christs sake - anyway gone to a local reptile store and got worms

i expect a full refund

January 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing customer service

Swell Reptiles went out of their way to help me when an issue arose with the order. They absolutely looked after my needs. Their products and service are awesome.

January 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A Star service

I was happy to receive help with choosing and ordering items. The person was very professional and willing to help.

January 23, 2026
Unprompted review

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