Never knowingly undersold

OlliesDad

rogercr wrote: »

The problem with these forums is you can't can't help but wonder if some of the writers have a vested interest in a company that is being complained about?

Correct, likewise, you do not know if the posters have a vested interest in discrediting a company

rogercr

KeithP mentions a leaflet -
If the John Lewis advertising and promotions were open, upfront and honest they would not need the get out clauses in their leaflets. Contrary to the impression given by their current advertising campaign they knowingly sell items at far higher prices than other shops if they are outside an 8 mile radius.

wealdroam

rogercr wrote: »

Contrary to the impression given by their current advertising campaign they knowingly sell items at far higher prices than other shops if they are outside an 8 mile radius.

I know nothing about their 'current advertising campaign'.

But I can see nothing wrong with anybody trying to sell something at whatever price they can get. Can you?

Digressing...
I have just been to buy a tyre. The guy said £39.00. Oh too much says I. Is £35 ok? he says. Deal done.

rogercr

wealdroam wrote: »

I know nothing about their 'current advertising campaign'.

But I can see nothing wrong with anybody trying to sell something at whatever price they can get. Can you?

Digressing...
I have just been to buy a tyre. The guy said £39.00. Oh too much says I. Is £35 ok? he says. Deal done.

You've missed the point - it's all about John Lewis's advertising.

DCodd

rogercr wrote: »

I wish to correct you - the lady from John Lewis stated that they do check prices and try to match those within an 8 mile radius of a store. The problem with these forums is you can't can't help but wonder if some of the writers have a vested interest in a company that is being complained about?

rogercr, you have to ask yourself why yu are getting so upset about this. If you can find a product cheaper than JL within 8 miles of the JL shop then, with respect, go and buy it at their competitors. If you really want to buy it from JL then there must be a reason for this and you have to ask if that reason outways other considerations.

I have no vested interest in JL, I just really can not see the problem. You have all the power as far as you can take your custom anywhere you choose.

wealdroam

rogercr wrote: »

You've missed the point - it's all about John Lewis's advertising.

Ok. I've now seen a John Lewis advert.
Is this the one you are upset about?

If that's the one, then they say nothing. Its just a song.

The only words that appear on the screen are...

Never Knowingly Undersold
on quality, price and service

Price commitment excludes online-only retailers. Terms and conditions apply.

Our lifelong commitment to you

John Lewis
johnlewis.com

Did you see the bit "Terms and conditions apply"?

This much the same as most other adverts.
If advertisers spelt out every term and every condition in every advert, wouldn't life be boring?

The Terms and Conditions are in that leaflet that KeithP linked to.
Including the eight mile stuff.
Have you read it?

rogercr

DCodd wrote: »

rogercr, you have to ask yourself why yu are getting so upset about this. If you can find a product cheaper than JL within 8 miles of the JL shop then, with respect, go and buy it at their competitors. If you really want to buy it from JL then there must be a reason for this and you have to ask if that reason outways other considerations.

I have no vested interest in JL, I just really can not see the problem. You have all the power as far as you can take your custom anywhere you choose.

With respect you haven't read the previous posts - I have purchased a camcorder from a shop in Windsor and saved myself £143.00 compared to John Lewis, plus I have a 5 yr Panasonic warranty which John Lewis were not offering. My complaint relates to John Lewis's advertising and the perception that their prices can be trusted. I have spent a lifetime shopping there believing just that, only to have it shattered when John Lewis informed me that they only compare prices in an 8 mile radius of their shops and that their slogan 'Never Knowingly Undersold' is just a slogan and not factual. John Lewis's high price for this camcorder and their indifference to the fact that it's much cheaper at several other stores disappoints me immensely. - A TRUST LOST

wealdroam

rogercr wrote: »

My complaint relates to John Lewis's advertising and the perception that their prices can be trusted. I have spent a lifetime shopping there believing just that, only to have it shattered when John Lewis informed me that they only compare prices in an 8 mile radius of their shops and that their slogan 'Never Knowingly Undersold' is just a slogan and not factual.

Amazing.

You never compared JL's prices?
Even if you believed they were always cheaper, you never even thought that they may slip up once every now and again?

A lifetime always paying the amount asked... I'm almost speechless.

stugib

rogercr wrote: »

My complaint relates to John Lewis's advertising and the perception that their prices can be trusted.

You'd have to be exceptionally naive to believe a shop is going to be the cheapest for every product, particularly a premium brand like JL. Not least the admin and overheads in making that happen and the fact they'd probably go bust within a year if they automatically lowered prices to match the cheapest anywhere (possibly a month if you expect them to match online!).

Yes, strictly it's not true as written given that they'll price match for individuals and then not lower to that price for everyone else, but it's really not a big deal.

rogercr

wealdroam wrote: »

Amazing.

You never compared JL's prices?
Even if you believed they were always cheaper, you never even thought that they may slip up once every now and again?

A lifetime always paying the amount asked... I'm almost speechless.

Your sarcasm is unbecoming. In my earlier shopping years I placed John Lewis on a pedastal, above all other shops and I believe their high standing was well deserved. Occasionally when buying a carpet or TV I did find small price differences but rarely asked for a price match because the difference was so small. I built up a trust which I held for over forty years. It is genuinely sad that is now lost.