"Bought MS Office and Windows 10. Downloads and installation went OK.
Licenses turned out to be for products intended for use by members of the MS Developer Network (MSDN), ntot eh general public. Those licenses are specifically banned from retail sale.
Basically, if "Software Empire" is not an outright scam it's about as close as it can get get to being one.
Avoid.
"
"The same as everyone else who has left an honest review a complete scam, the first code didn't work - they sent me a new one and this didn't work either - trying to get my money back but dont hold out any hope and I am reporting it to the UK police. As well as it overwriting the old software and then wasting a good half hour on the phone to Microsoft to find out its a scam. Microsoft and google need to take action"
"Thought I was buying a copy of Microsoft Office 2013, it was a scam, lost £25.99. Reported to police cybercrime and also contacted Microsoft."
"Like the majority of the other reviews, this is a SCAM.
Key worked OK but when it came to activate the software got the message "sorry this product key cannot be used in your country/region" so in effect, wasted my money.
Why can't there be some kind of system where only authorised companies are allowed to sell this stuff.
Email is not monitored and the "live chat" is DEAD.
Live and learn"
"Echo everything already said. Invalid licence keys. No-one answers the phone. No-one responds to voicemail.
The whole company is a disgrace! "
"Software Empire takes your money and gives fake activation code. Called Microsoft and they couldn't care less. No wonder Bill Gates is so rich ! If I could give ZERO stars I would."
"I purchased Office Home & Business 2016 via the web site. I received an receipt for the money. What they didn't do was to send the License Key. I have left messages via their 'Chat with us' but have not been contacted. I have spent several hours on the phone trying to contact them. No one answers the phone!
I feel like Software Empire is trying to rip me off!
Next stop is the credit card company to get claw back!
I wish I'd found this site before placing my order!"
"You don't get the office key that they say they are selling you. One word - SCAM."
"I bought Office 2013, installed it and then the key was not valid. I had to do a system restore as my previous version did not work anymore-wasted hours! They do not respond to messages or answer the phone! I wish I had checked them out before purchasing, I will know better in future!"
"I am very disappointed as my Office Home & Student package no longer works weeks after purchasing it from Software Empire. I am extremely upset as I'm trying to look for work and was trying to save money thinking this was a good offer. Clearly not as the company will not get back to me to get my money back. "
"I purchased Microsoft Office 2016 for Home and Student from this site 3 days ago.
1. Feedback is requested by them BEFORE the product is received and activated. Why? DO NOT PROVIDE.
2. Order confirmation comes through via email containing a link for download. Download is fine, however, no required 25 digit activation code is provided. So, effectively, you have purchased a completely useless download (I paid £34).
3. Communication with the site is redundant. The live chat option is not live, the email box address given is not monitored and the telephone is not answered. I am still waiting to receive a response to two voicemails, two messages on live chat and two emails.
4. On phoning Microsoft directly, they advise that an 'Authorised Partner' is just a 3rd party that sells their products. They don't seem to be interested in whether their products are sold legitimately or not OR who is selling them???
I have now referred the matter to my bank as a fraudulent transaction. Even though the payment is in my pending transactions, apparently it is not possible for them to stop it.
I had a similar problem with a Norton product bought from Amazon UK. Unlike Microsoft, once I had provided proof of purchase Norton gave me a product code immediately.
Google and Microsoft should be made accountable where these set ups are concerned.
CAVEAT EMPTOR
"
"Bought a licence key for a Microsoft office product for £30. Key didn't work, no one answered the phone despite my calling several times, no one called me back despite leaving 2 messages, no one answered my 2 emails and no one was available on Customer support chat. Hence the title of this review. Actually they need a visit from the police."
"Bought Office professional 2016 on 02.08.17. First day didn't work. Tech guy via chat was very quick to resolve. Product worked for a few days but not since. Tried calling, email and 'Chat'. No response. £36 wasted. Scam so do not buy. "
"Software Empire provided invalid license code for my purchased Window 7 64-bit!! "
"I purchased a product key for Windows 10 from Software Empire. Everything went smoothly until I found out from a Windows tech that the key they gave me had been recycled many times and was no longer valid. I cannot activate Windows unless I purchase a new key from Microsoft. I have called numerous times only to be hung up on and I only got one email reply back from them saying that I must call Microsoft. Since this did not work, I have asked for a refund and have received no reply. This company is a scam and they will rip you off. I recommend paying full price from a reputable seller and doing research if you buy from anyone other than Microsoft. "