to think that thetrainline.com is a massive ripoff?

[melpomene]

They supposedly sell cheap train tickets and claim to save you money, but most of the time when I get a quote from them it is more expensive than the normal fare that you can buy at the station. At best it is the same price as the normal fare. A couple of times it has quoted £30 more expensive than the normal fare!

And that's before taking into account the admin fees.

Has anyone ever saved money by using them?

Do not use red spotted hanky. Am going to get a refund from them.
In future I shall just go to the station.

Nope, they are a complete rip off, masquerading as a money saver.