Based on checking the website chess.co.nz, it appears to be a legitimate e-commerce platform dedicated to selling chess products and related board games in New Zealand. The site provides a clear overview of its product sourcing, customer service contact details, and various payment and shipping options. For those interested in chess sets, boards, and accessories, chess.co.nz offers a range of items from different global manufacturers. However, there are some aspects that a discerning customer, particularly one adhering to specific ethical guidelines, might want to consider.
Here’s an overall review summary:
- Website Type: E-commerce (Specialising in Chess Products)
- Target Audience: Chess enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking traditional board games in New Zealand.
- Product Sourcing: Globally sourced (Spain, India, The Netherlands, Germany, China, Taiwan).
- Contact Information: Email (
[email protected]) and Phone (+64 9 411 9176). - Customer Support: Appears to be available via email and phone; welcomes communication.
- Transparency: Provides links to shipping rates and customer payment options.
- Ethical Considerations (from an Islamic perspective): While chess itself is permissible in Islam under certain conditions (not leading to gambling, not missing prayers, not excessive), the site also offers a “Three in One Folding Game Set” and “Mahjong Set with Counting Sticks”. Mahjong, in particular, is often associated with gambling or games of chance in many cultures, which makes its inclusion a point of caution from an Islamic ethical standpoint. Gambling is explicitly forbidden in Islam due to its potential for addiction, financial ruin, and fostering enmity and hatred. This raises a red flag regarding the overall offering, as promoting or facilitating products that could lead to haram activities is a concern.
- Overall Recommendation: While the core business of selling chess items is generally permissible, the presence of products like Mahjong, which can be linked to gambling, necessitates a cautious approach. We cannot recommend chess.co.nz due to the inclusion of Mahjong sets, which have strong associations with gambling.
For those seeking ethically sound alternatives for wholesome leisure and skill-building activities, consider options that promote mental acuity and strategic thinking without any potential links to prohibited activities.
Here are seven excellent alternatives that align with Islamic ethical principles for leisure and skill development:
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- Key Features: Focus on learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Wide variety for different age groups.
- Average Price: NZD $30-$80
- Pros: Encourages positive social interaction; no element of chance or gambling; enhances cognitive skills; suitable for families.
- Cons: Can sometimes be complex to learn initially; selection might vary.
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- Key Features: Range from simple children’s puzzles to intricate adult designs with thousands of pieces.
- Average Price: NZD $20-$100
- Pros: Excellent for mental focus and patience; relaxing and meditative; improves visual-spatial reasoning; no gambling element.
- Cons: Can be time-consuming; finished product may take up space.
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Model Kits (e.g., historical architecture, vehicles)
- Key Features: Requires precision, patience, and following instructions. Results in a tangible, displayable item.
- Average Price: NZD $40-$200+
- Pros: Develops fine motor skills and attention to detail; fosters creativity and a sense of accomplishment; educational about history or engineering.
- Cons: Can be intricate and time-consuming; requires dedicated workspace and tools.
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- Key Features: Tools for learning the art of beautiful writing, often including pens, inks, and paper.
- Average Price: NZD $30-$150
- Pros: Cultivates discipline and artistic expression; offers a peaceful, reflective activity; can be spiritually rewarding, especially with Islamic calligraphy.
- Cons: Requires practice and patience to master; initial investment in supplies.
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- Key Features: Wide range of mediums like pencils, paints, canvases, and sketchbooks.
- Average Price: NZD $20-$100+ (starter kits)
- Pros: Unleashes creativity and self-expression; stress-relieving and mindful; suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Cons: Can be messy; some initial learning curve for techniques.
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- Key Features: Versatile interlocking bricks that can be used to construct a myriad of designs.
- Average Price: NZD $20-$300+
- Pros: Boosts creativity, problem-solving, and spatial awareness; provides endless possibilities for construction; fun for all ages.
- Cons: Can be expensive; small pieces can be a choking hazard for very young children.
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Woodworking Kits for Beginners
- Key Features: Typically includes pre-cut wood pieces, basic tools, and instructions to assemble simple projects.
- Average Price: NZD $50-$150
- Pros: Teaches practical skills; builds patience and precision; results in useful or decorative items; connects with traditional craftsmanship.
- Cons: Requires supervision for younger users; potential for minor injuries if not careful.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Chess.co.nz Review: A Deep Dive into Their Online Offering
When you’re looking to purchase something online, especially from an overseas supplier, it’s natural to scope out the local options first. For chess enthusiasts in Aotearoa, chess.co.nz is likely to pop up. This segment delves into what the website offers, its strengths, and areas where it might raise questions for a discerning customer.
Website Navigation and User Experience
A user’s first impression of an online store often hinges on how easy it is to find what they’re looking for. Chess.co.nz has a relatively straightforward layout, but it could certainly benefit from a modern refresh.
- Simplicity Over Sophistication: The website design is quite basic, prioritising functionality over elaborate aesthetics. This can be a double-edged sword; while it’s generally uncluttered, it lacks the polished, modern feel of many contemporary e-commerce sites.
- Clear Categorisation: Products are categorised, making it easier to browse. You can quickly jump to “Chessmen Wood,” “Electronic Chess,” or “Tournament Chess Supplies.” This structure is intuitive and helps users narrow down their search.
- Limited Search Functionality: While there’s a “Select Page” option, a prominent, robust search bar for specific product names or features would significantly enhance the user experience, especially given the range of items.
- Mobile Responsiveness: A key factor in today’s online landscape is how well a site adapts to different screen sizes. Without a comprehensive test, it’s hard to confirm, but the basic design often implies a less-than-optimal mobile experience, which can frustrate users on the go. As of 2023, mobile commerce accounts for over 50% of global e-commerce sales, highlighting the importance of mobile optimisation.
Product Range and Sourcing Transparency
Chess.co.nz prides itself on sourcing its products globally, which is a positive sign for variety and potentially quality. They openly state their origins, which is commendable.
- Diverse Geographic Sourcing:
- Chess Boards: Spain
- Hand-Crafted Staunton Wood Chessmen: India
- World-Renowned Chess Clocks: The Netherlands
- Electronic Chess: Germany and The Netherlands
- Tournament Chess Supplies: China
- Mahjong, Backgammon, and Other Chess Products: Taiwan (a supplier of 50 years’ standing).
- Variety of Products: The site offers a good range, from traditional wooden chessmen and boards to electronic chess computers, tournament supplies, and even garden chess sets. This diversity caters to different levels of interest and budgets.
- “Other Chess Products” – A Point of Concern: The inclusion of “Mahjong, Backgammon and Other Chess Products” from their Taiwanese supplier is where a critical eye is needed. While Backgammon can be played ethically, Mahjong often carries strong associations with gambling. The website lists a “Mahjong Set with Counting Sticks,” which can be used for tallying scores in a gambling context. This raises significant ethical concerns from an Islamic perspective, where gambling is explicitly forbidden due to its inherent risks and potential for social harm. This single product line is a considerable drawback for an ethically conscious consumer. According to a 2021 study by the New Zealand Gambling Commission, problem gambling continues to affect a segment of the population, underscoring the importance of avoiding products that facilitate such activities.
- Product Descriptions: Each featured product has a direct link, indicating specific details would be available on the product page. However, the homepage snippets provide only basic information like king size and price.
Customer Support and Engagement
The website mentions welcoming communication and provides clear contact details, which is a fundamental aspect of good customer service.
- Direct Contact Information:
- Email:
[email protected] - Phone:
+64 9 411 9176
This direct access indicates a willingness to engage with customers.
- Email:
- Owner-Operated Business: The statement, “Thank You for Supporting a Small Owner-Operated New Zealand Business,” adds a personal touch and appeals to local support. This suggests a potentially more personal and responsive customer service experience compared to larger, more impersonal corporations.
- Feedback Mechanism: Their explicit welcome for “Communication from our Customers on Any Aspect of Concern relating to Our Business” is a positive sign, suggesting they value customer feedback and are open to improving their service. This proactive approach to customer relations can build trust.
Shipping and Payment Options
Transparency in shipping rates and payment methods is crucial for customer confidence in online shopping.
- Clear Links: The presence of dedicated links for “Shipping Rates” and “Customer Payment Options” directly from the homepage is excellent. This pre-empts common customer queries and demonstrates transparency.
- Shipping Rates: Customers can easily determine the cost of delivery before committing to a purchase, which is vital for budgeting and avoiding surprises. Transparent shipping policies are a key factor in reducing cart abandonment rates, which average around 70% globally according to Baymard Institute research.
- Customer Payment Options: Providing various payment methods is important for customer convenience. While the specific options aren’t detailed on the homepage, the link assures users they can find this information readily. It’s expected to include standard New Zealand payment methods like bank transfer, credit card, and potentially alternative payment services.
Ethical Considerations and Alternatives
For an ethically conscious consumer, particularly from an Islamic perspective, the review of chess.co.nz takes a specific turn due to the inclusion of certain products.
- The Permissibility of Chess: Chess itself is generally considered permissible (mubah) in Islam by many scholars, provided it does not lead to neglecting religious duties (like prayer), involve gambling, or become an excessive preoccupation that wastes time. It is recognised for its intellectual benefits.
- The Issue with Mahjong: Mahjong, however, is a game with a strong historical and cultural association with gambling. While it can be played purely for amusement, its design, particularly the scoring and counting sticks, lends itself readily to betting. This potential for leading to a forbidden activity (gambling) makes its inclusion on the site problematic. In Islam, one must not only avoid what is explicitly forbidden but also what leads to it or is strongly associated with it (sadd al-dhari’ah – blocking the means).
- Why Gambling is Forbidden: Gambling is unequivocally forbidden in Islam due to its destructive impact on individuals and society. It fosters addiction, creates animosity between people, can lead to financial ruin, and diverts from productive work and spiritual development. The Quran explicitly prohibits it (2:219, 5:90-91).
- Alternative Activities: Instead of engaging with products that carry such risks, alternatives that promote wholesome intellectual growth, creativity, and healthy social interaction are always preferred. Games of skill, educational puzzles, constructive hobbies, and outdoor activities offer superior benefits without the ethical pitfalls.
- Recommendation: Based on these ethical concerns, specifically the presence of Mahjong sets, which have a strong association with gambling, chess.co.nz cannot be recommended for those adhering to strict Islamic ethical guidelines. The slight risk outweighs the benefits of convenience.
Trustworthiness and Reputation
Assessing the trustworthiness of an online vendor involves looking at several factors, including transparency, contactability, and customer feedback (though customer reviews are not provided on the homepage).
- Transparency: The site is transparent about its product sourcing and contact details, which builds a baseline level of trust.
- New Zealand Business: Being a “Small Owner-Operated New Zealand Business” can foster trust among local customers who prefer supporting domestic enterprises. It also means compliance with New Zealand consumer laws.
- Lack of Public Reviews/Testimonials: The homepage doesn’t feature any customer testimonials or a star rating system, which is a standard feature on many e-commerce sites used to build social proof and trust. While not a deal-breaker, its absence means customers have to rely solely on the information provided by the site itself.
- Secure Payment Gateway: Although not explicitly stated on the homepage text provided, any reputable e-commerce site would use a secure payment gateway (e.g., SSL certificate) to protect customer financial data. This is an expectation rather than a feature listed on the homepage.
- Returns Policy: A comprehensive returns and refund policy is crucial for consumer confidence. While “Shipping Rates” and “Customer Payment Options” are linked, a clear link to a “Returns Policy” or “Terms and Conditions” would further enhance trustworthiness. This absence on the homepage is a minor oversight that could lead to uncertainty for first-time buyers.
FAQ
What is chess.co.nz?
Chess.co.nz is an online e-commerce website based in New Zealand that specialises in selling chess sets, boards, chessmen, electronic chess computers, chess clocks, and other related board games.
Does chess.co.nz sell products from various countries?
Yes, chess.co.nz explicitly states that its products are sourced globally, with items originating from countries such as Spain, India, The Netherlands, Germany, China, and Taiwan.
What kind of chess products can I find on chess.co.nz?
You can find a wide range of chess products including handcrafted wooden chessmen, various types of chess boards (including Macassar and Ebony), electronic chess computers (like DGT Centaur), official FIDE chess clocks (like DGT 2500), tournament supplies, and even large garden chess sets. Minishuttle.co.nz Review
Are there other games available on chess.co.nz besides chess?
Yes, in addition to chess products, chess.co.nz also offers a “Three in One Folding Game Set” and “Mahjong Set with Counting Sticks” along with other board games from their Taiwanese supplier.
How can I contact chess.co.nz customer service?
You can contact chess.co.nz via email at [email protected] or by phone at +64 9 411 9176. They welcome communication from customers regarding any aspect of their business.
Is chess.co.nz a New Zealand-owned business?
Yes, chess.co.nz identifies itself as a “Small Owner-Operated New Zealand Business,” expressing gratitude for local support.
Where can I find information about shipping rates on chess.co.nz?
The website has a dedicated link for “Shipping Rates” directly accessible from the homepage, allowing customers to view delivery costs.
What payment options are available on chess.co.nz?
Chess.co.nz has a “Customer Payment Options” link on its homepage, which presumably details the various payment methods accepted, although specific options are not listed directly on the main page.
Are there any ethical concerns with products sold on chess.co.nz?
Yes, from an Islamic ethical perspective, the inclusion of Mahjong sets raises concerns. Mahjong is frequently associated with gambling, which is strictly forbidden in Islam due to its potential for harm and addiction.
Is chess itself permissible in Islam?
Generally, chess is considered permissible (mubah) in Islam by many scholars, provided it does not lead to gambling, does not cause one to miss prayers, and is not played to excess, thereby wasting valuable time.
Why is gambling forbidden in Islam?
Gambling is forbidden in Islam because it can lead to addiction, financial ruin, animosity among people, and diverts individuals from productive and righteous pursuits, as explicitly stated in the Quran.
What are some ethical alternatives to games with gambling associations?
Ethical alternatives include educational board games, jigsaw puzzles, model kits, calligraphy sets, drawing and painting supplies, building blocks, and beginner woodworking kits, all of which promote skill, creativity, and wholesome engagement without any gambling element.
Does chess.co.nz have customer reviews or testimonials on its homepage?
Based on the provided homepage text, there are no explicit customer reviews or testimonials displayed, which is a common feature on many e-commerce sites to build social proof. Lottedutyfree.co.nz Review
What kind of electronic chess products does chess.co.nz offer?
Chess.co.nz offers electronic chess products, including the DGT Centaur Chess Computer, sourced from Germany and The Netherlands.
Can I find tournament chess supplies on chess.co.nz?
Yes, chess.co.nz stocks tournament chess supplies, including the DGT 2500 Official FIDE Chess Clock, which are sourced from the best chess manufacturer in China.
Does chess.co.nz offer different sizes of chessmen?
Yes, the featured products indicate different king sizes for chessmen, such as 95mm and 101mm, catering to various preferences.
What is the origin of the wooden chessmen sold by chess.co.nz?
The hand-crafted Staunton Wood Chessmen sold by chess.co.nz are sourced from a leading manufacturer in India.
Are there any themed chess sets available?
Yes, an example like the “Berkeley Chess Alice in Wonderland Chessmen Cardinal Red” suggests that themed chess sets are part of their product range.
What is the price range for products on chess.co.nz?
The featured products show a range of prices, from NZD $41.00 for an “Extra Weighted Plastic Chess Set” up to NZD $699.00 for the “DGT Centaur Chess Computer,” indicating options for various budgets.
Is there an option to create an account or log in on chess.co.nz?
Yes, the website features a “My Account/Login” link, allowing customers to manage their orders or create an account for future purchases.
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