After waiting 20 mins in the domestic appliance dept to be served, went off in search of assistant to help. Told to wait there and someone would be along shortly. HA. 45 minutes later 3 trips to checkout girl who put out announcement over tannoy. Said assistant arrives and says to Mr Skunk "dont look at me like that i,m doin the best i can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not like sorry you've had to wait sir but it's.........................
A really busy.......................erm no 10 customers at most
B we're short staffed.......................erm no 20 staff at least doing sweet fa
C i cant really be arsed to do owte today
Typical England who gives a flyin F***

I've had the same problem there - it's like pulling teeth getting staff to deal with you.

Even worse was when I'd bought two things they tried overcharging me at the till for both of them!

Just noticed the ads at the side of my posting, someone has got a weird sense of humour - funny though.

Originally posted by extaxman
Just noticed the ads at the side of my posting, someone has got a weird sense of humour - funny though.

Google Adsense works out what sort of posts you are likely to post, and will place ads accordingly.

As for the DSG group. Hmm...

Alex

My cheap two penneth. . If you want to buy summat from any store in the Dixons chain (PC Hurled, Crappys, or The Stink!!) then seriously hope that it works and you never have to take it back or owt. . . seriously, I know how much they care about sales and how little about people and customers and I also know where the attitude comes from.

People start workin for em, thinking they can make a difference, take pride in their work and do a good job, but soon realise that its basically impossible to care and give a damn, cos no-one else does . . its like a salmon trying to swim up niagra falls. . .

Dixons really can change people from actual caring compassionate humans that actually give a damn into un-affectionate, unresponsive droids that honestly couldn't care less. .

It happened to me when I worked for em and I have no problems sayin this, cos its most definatley true. .

I work in Argos and its absolutely mobbed at this time of year.

Its got to the point now where I have seen every trick in the book pulled by customers and have been shouted at god knows how many times by them.

I want to help everyone as best I can, but imagine the pressure we must be under, especially at the collection point, where we hand you the stuff. Sometimes we can't find what you ordered for one reason or another and have to give you a refund.

You'll rightfully be annoyed, having waited for 10-15 minutes for no reason and it'll look as if the members of staff don't care.

We do care and hate to disappoint people, because its then we get shouted it, even though it isnt our fault!

Tips for Argos customers to remember:

- Nobody is intentionally ignoring you. If you havent been served at the collection point in a reasonable time, try and attract our attention politely. There's so much mayhem going on around us that it gets hard to remember who has been served and who hasn't!

- Keep an eye out for your stuff. If it comes up before your number is called, go and claim it! We want to serve you quickly and you want to be out of the shop quickly.

- Don't pay for your goods then bugger off to do other shopping. Staff will waste time calling your number for ages and then, after a while, the stock will go back to the warehouse as the shelf space will be needed. Pick the stuff up, or ask someone to keep your things behind for you - that way we arent wasting time putting the stock back and then having to pick it again.

- If you haven't got a receipt, you cant get a cash refund, it will be in vouchers. Arguing does not change this, it is policy. Keep your receipts in future!

- For a refund or exchange, you need either a receipt, other proof of purchase (catalogue number on original box), preferably both.

- Jewellery refunds/replacements/views must be done at the jewellery counter.

- Please dont shout at us, it just makes our job harder (as if it isnt already stressful enough) and makes you look like a twit. We can refuse to serve you if you become abusive.

- Please be patient. This is very busy time of year and if we all work at 100mph all the time we will make more mistakes and become tired a lot quicker.

- Don't go into Argos if you are in a rush for Christ sake!!! "I've got to pick the kids up from school" "I start work in 10 minutes" are common excuses to queue jump - we do what we can - everyone is equal.

Originally posted by dinp
I work in Argos and its absolutely mobbed at this time of year.

Its got to the point now where I have seen every trick in the book pulled by customers and have been shouted at god knows how many times by them.

I want to help everyone as best I can, but imagine the pressure we must be under, especially at the collection point, where we hand you the stuff. Sometimes we can't find what you ordered for one reason or another and have to give you a refund.

You'll rightfully be annoyed, having waited for 10-15 minutes for no reason and it'll look as if the members of staff don't care.

We do care and hate to disappoint people, because its then we get shouted it, even though it isnt our fault!

Tips for Argos customers to remember:

- Nobody is intentionally ignoring you. If you havent been served at the collection point in a reasonable time, try and attract our attention politely. There's so much mayhem going on around us that it gets hard to remember who has been served and who hasn't!

- Keep an eye out for your stuff. If it comes up before your number is called, go and claim it! We want to serve you quickly and you want to be out of the shop quickly.

- Don't pay for your goods then bugger off to do other shopping. Staff will waste time calling your number for ages and then, after a while, the stock will go back to the warehouse as the shelf space will be needed. Pick the stuff up, or ask someone to keep your things behind for you - that way we arent wasting time putting the stock back and then having to pick it again.

- If you haven't got a receipt, you cant get a cash refund, it will be in vouchers. Arguing does not change this, it is policy. Keep your receipts in future!

- For a refund or exchange, you need either a receipt, other proof of purchase (catalogue number on original box), preferably both.

- Jewellery refunds/replacements/views must be done at the jewellery counter.

- Please dont shout at us, it just makes our job harder (as if it isnt already stressful enough) and makes you look like a twit. We can refuse to serve you if you become abusive.

- Please be patient. This is very busy time of year and if we all work at 100mph all the time we will make more mistakes and become tired a lot quicker.

- Don't go into Argos if you are in a rush for Christ sake!!! "I've got to pick the kids up from school" "I start work in 10 minutes" are common excuses to queue jump - we do what we can - everyone is equal.

Will keep all notes in mind for next time :) You have anything decent left on the RO List btw?

Originally posted by matt186
Will keep all notes in mind for next time :) You have anything decent left on the RO List btw?

Hell no, blink and you'll miss it!!! I got a camcorder for £100, down from £400 though :D

Why do people still put up with this kind of service. Take a trip to Cole Bros if they sell what you want. No arsey sales staff and no pushey kids trying to sell you warranties etc.

managed to get some cheap cordless phones so im happy. still any more bargains that come up- please shout!

I think people should realise that if they go to Currys or Argos, these are large stores in busy places aimed at the mass market, and they try to cut the overheads so can't afford lots of time to help customers. Also the goods they sell are at best standard quality. The makers names are little more than badges, and often the insides of what you think ought to be rival manufacturers products are almost identical and they can even be made in the same factory. Over recent years, the prices haven't gone up much relative to inflation, and so build costs have had to be cut to add extra modern functions.

I am not slagging or complaining about stores like Argos or Currys, But I am a technical person, and electrical/electronic products are not terribly repairable these days. 20 years ago you could repair and get replacement parts for TVs , VCRs and Washing machines. And you could fettle the picture on a tv tube, and put new bearings in a washing machine. We are rapidly approaching such a stage of miniturisation and integration, that the whole of the guts on a technical product will exist on one or just a couple of small chips. The cases won't screw together they'll be glued, and the repair department will cease to be able to do anything.

You CAN still buy a heavy German model for 10 times the price which has fault finding panels and a warehouse of spare parts, but it will still only do the same job.
People who complain about not getting "old time service" must realise that things can't be like that in the 21st century unless you go to exclusive and very expensive non high street dealers, and pay much more.

An old saying used to go :-
" you buy cheap - you pay twice.. "

Originally posted by Cols
Why do people still put up with this kind of service. Take a trip to Cole Bros if they sell what you want. No arsey sales staff and no pushey kids trying to sell you warranties etc.

We have to sell warranties/store cards etc. I ask people if they want them, but am certainly not pushy about it. After all, I want them to be happy and that way I am happy :)

we all learn the hard way....dixons, currys and pc world are just awful for service, advice and price.

i will only shop at any of these if i need something THAT DAY that i cant find and need quick.

i like to play a game in a `not busy' currys....just wander around the expensive stuff and watch all the staff flock to ask you if you need help...now here the game starts.....walk away!...then try to tempt another in...and walk away...see how many different assitants you can lure in :D

yes i used to have lots of time on my hands

and if they do catch you....just say `no you cant help, because your most likely poorly trained and hate your job'

:heyhey:

Originally posted by MTheo
we all learn the hard way....dixons, currys and pc world are just awful for service, advice and price.

i will only shop at any of these if i need something THAT DAY that i cant find and need quick.

i like to play a game in a `not busy' currys....just wander around the expensive stuff and watch all the staff flock to ask you if you need help...now here the game starts.....walk away!...then try to tempt another in...and walk away...see how many different assitants you can lure in :D

yes i used to have lots of time on my hands

and if they do catch you....just say `no you cant help, because your most likely poorly trained and hate your job'

:heyhey:

have you ever thought these people might be trying to help you out??

but even so, its pretty pathetic to do such things, you should get out more

Used to work for them and they are crap!

Best one i heard was:

Currys - Always cutting corners!

Originally posted by munky
My cheap two penneth. . If you want to buy summat from any store in the Dixons chain (PC Hurled, Crappys, or The Stink!!) then seriously hope that it works and you never have to take it back or owt. . . seriously, I know how much they care about sales and how little about people and customers and I also know where the attitude comes from.

People start workin for em, thinking they can make a difference, take pride in their work and do a good job, but soon realise that its basically impossible to care and give a damn, cos no-one else does . . its like a salmon trying to swim up niagra falls. . .

Dixons really can change people from actual caring compassionate humans that actually give a damn into un-affectionate, unresponsive droids that honestly couldn't care less. .

It happened to me when I worked for em and I have no problems sayin this, cos its most definatley true. .

Sounds a bit like working for these local bus companies the managers must receive their training at the same place.

I've bought an electric cooker, gas hob and extractor fan from the Curry's you're on about. I never had any problems with my purchases, the shop, delivery or any of the staff, perhaps I'm unique, or perhaps I was polite and patient and so go better service ?

My mum works in a shop so I know it's hard work, like any job involving the "general" public, therefore I have the proper respect for shop assistants.

Originally posted by nick2
I've bought an electric cooker, gas hob and extractor fan from the Curry's you're on about. I never had any problems with my purchases, the shop, delivery or any of the staff, perhaps I'm unique, or perhaps I was polite and patient and so go better service ?

My mum works in a shop so I know it's hard work, like any job involving the "general" public, therefore I have the proper respect for shop assistants.

I agree with you here it all boils down to the fact that if you give respect you will receive respect I have dealt with all of these shops in question and have had no trouble at all the rudeness of some of these 'customers' is breathtaking.

I agree Nick2 and d71146,
I have bought loads of things from these places over the years. Recently I got my money back from a smashed mobile phone which I bought for my girlfriend, From Currys. Knowing that she is extremely clumsy, took out their all risks policy. Any-road-up,.. nokia with broke screen, left with them a couple of days, sorry sir we can't repair, would you like a to choose a current model or refund. She took tokens and bought some kitchen things like toaster or something and with what was left, 2 bottles of sherry from big W.

The best place to buy something electrical from is Tesco. You get a huge bandle of points when you buy and if it goes wrong within a year, they give you your money back to buy the item again - which is usually cheaper than when you first bought it! AND you get more points again!

A guy at my work did that with a Freeview box. He paid £80 for it last year. When it broke he returned it, got his £80 back and bought the same model again for just £49.

Originally posted by alchresearch
The best place to buy something electrical from is Tesco. You get a huge bandle of points when you buy and if it goes wrong within a year, they give you your money back to buy the item again - which is usually cheaper than when you first bought it! AND you get more points again!

A guy at my work did that with a Freeview box. He paid £80 for it last year. When it broke he returned it, got his £80 back and bought the same model again for just £49.

Yes Tesco are a good place to shop.

ROBBIE....get a sense of humour! they may try to help, but as i said they must be given poor training because anytime i have been in they usually shake there heads or as the original post said, keep you waiting around for far too long.

im always polite to staff but this doesnt guarantee anything, sadly kicking up a fuss gets you more it seems. wish i was more abrupt with people then i may get a decent service.

i deal with customers everyday and i treat them as i would anyone else and they apprieciate that more then a robot.

buy stuff online, avoid poorly informed staff.

I used to work in a shop so have learnt how to get the service I require. be polite but stay in full view of the person who has gone on the tannoy asking for an assistant to come and help. However in these shops that sell electrical goods the staff could do with more training. I have a friend who amongst other things is a 'systems analyst' and he designs computer games for fun so he's very experienced with the pesky machines. I went into some of the shops and he made a bee-line for the computers and started to play around with them. The unknowing shop assistant would appear and try to make out that they were computer whizz kids, my friend would then tie them up in knots by asking question they couldn't answer or worse still patiently explaining things when they told him incorrect information. Pushy shop staff get what they deserve sometimes.

Well done Wallbuilder,
When I was a student doing Electronics, A few of us used to go into Dixons at the top of Fargate, (Yes it's been there that long!) and ask them exactly why the ghetto blasters, they were selling, claimed they could produce 120w of music power when they only used 6 x 1.5v batteries. Which only would develp about 6 watts.
Even the Manager of the branch didn't have a clue. Let alone any raw 16 year old assistant.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Well done Wallbuilder,
A few of us used to go into Dixons at the top of Fargate, (Yes it's been there that long!)

My mum used to work in that shop when it was a womens wear shop (with a great glass arcade in the front), before Orchard square was built, then later when it was Millets. The building has got about 3 levels of huge cellars under it, that go almost to the Yorkshire bank on the other side.

Nothing to do with the thread, just something I remembered.

I bought a TV online from Currys (big saving and free delivery).
No problem for 9 months and then it went belly up.I contacted the relevent customer non service department, spent ages on hold being sent from one place to another.Eventually I managed to force someone to get me a supervisor,his answer was "TAKE IT BACK TO SHOP YOU BOUGHT IT FROM".He could not understand why I kept asking where's that then ? Finally he gave me a number for a specific person who was a Dixons manager, He sorted it straight away and tv was collected and replaced 2 days later. I gained a stand because the invoice said exchange tv.

just one other thing, why do the pc world people insist on employing retards that do not know anything about computers? Got a pc game pad once, and while in there saw staff giving people 'advice' and their info was all wrong.

Guess if they knew that much about computers they wouldn't be working in PC World would they. Thats a big generalisation from me though, I've worked with loads of people who were massively over qualified for the kind of work they do so I try not to judge.

If PC World, Dixons and the lot are so awful how come they've got so many shops then?. Surely if they're so naff then nobody would buy from them twice. Had some good service from both Currys and Pc World

Originally posted by Cols
Why do people still put up with this kind of service. Take a trip to Cole Bros if they sell what you want. No arsey sales staff and no pushey kids trying to sell you warranties etc.

Originally posted by NJMUK
And no IKEA thanks to their resistance to any competition and Sheffield Councils reluctance to allow anything that may result in them moving away from Sheffield!

You were saying that Coles had a hand in getting the council to turn away IKEA. What did they do? I thought it was just the daft council who screwed it up all by themself.

Have not got a clue really, just heard rumors to that effect but it could be just putting 2 and 2 together based on them being the only decent dept store in town.....

I would have though IKEA (cheap flat pack furniture and simple housewares at low prices) would be able to co-exist with Coles (sell: Everything - lawnmowers to iPods, even has a haberdashery still).

Especially when you consider that Coles is a city centre department store and IKEA would, likely as not, be an out of town consumer warehouse.

Originally posted by Cols
Why do people still put up with this kind of service. Take a trip to Cole Bros if they sell what you want. No arsey sales staff and no pushey kids trying to sell you warranties etc. Which shop were you in????

I'm a dyed in the wool Partnership customer who they alienated on my first day back in Sheffield. And thier general manager is rude beyond belief!!! I complained to my account holding branch and they said 'oh, Mr Roberts?. Yes, we've had a problem with him before.

I now shop in Peterborough, Nottingham or Cheadle, but haven't stepped foot in Coles in the four years I've been back.

His attitude also probably explains why his rank and file partners were always snotty when I made interbranch calls from Peterborough. It's the only store in the partnership I've had this problem with.