'Mrs MSE's a Robo-shopper!' blog discussion

ask66

A.Jones wrote: »

I regularly look in independents (or chains) at goods, ask questions, then buy online from someone else if they don't price match. If they disappear, then that's their problem. If I can get it cheaper elsewhere, then I will buy elsewhere. If they disappear, then I will rely on online reviews. I spent a hour or so last week trying out camera lenses in Jessops with no intention of buying from them, since they are significant savings online.

Maybe it would be nicer if, in future, you inform the independent retailer at the start that you will be demanding an internet price match, then see whether or not he/she chooses to spend time giving you valuable advice. I once worked for a small family business, and I think the closure of small family businesses is a big loss to society.

winnoch

I agree with the posters who remind people how rude (and actually quite hurtful to an employee) Robo-shopping can be. I used to work in a medium sized business selling cameras (smaller than Jessops!). Every single one of the staff absolutely HATED with a passion the people who literally stuck two fingers up at you after all the advice and time, saying; 'right I'm off to buy online'.
Or more often than not, they wouldn't actually say it but you learned to spot them. The shop was small enough that you recognised people, so when they came in week after week looking asking about different parts of an SLR system, but never actually buying anything from you.... well it was obvious.
Or the ones who you spent an hour or so with whittling down the options till they arrived at their choice, then... " oh, em, i'll just go and think about it". never saw 'em again....
Yes I can understand the reasons for doing it, but as others have mentioned, the logical conclusion to robo-shopping is 'no-robo-shopping', cause all the bricks-and-mortar 'showrooms' have closed down and their staff left in disgust.

unholyangel

spikeydudeuk wrote: »

If you're buying furniture that's made to order, you have to be careful. Regulation 13 of the DSRs states that the right to return within 7 days doesn't apply to contracts:



Maybe DFS are stretching this, but a lot of furniture, and particularly sofas, are definitely made to order - and if this is the case, it's fairly clear that the DSRs won't apply. If you're ordering from Argos or Tesco, you're probably fine - but other retailers (including M&S) build furniture to order. If it's built to order, then don't rely on your right to return it!

Nor do DSRs usually apply to contracts that havent been concluded entirely at a distance (ie examining it in a shop as martin suggests here). Not sure if Martin or anyone else has mentioned that but perhaps wise to warn people that if "roboshopping".....they best not admit that they examined the item in store.

From OFTs DSR guide:

Would the DSRs apply where a consumer has examined
goods in my shop and then orders the same goods from me
via distance means?
2.13 This depends on the circumstances, but we consider the DSRs would not normally apply where a consumer examines goods at your
premises and later orders those goods by distance means, even if the goods are slightly different, for example, ordered in a different colour from those actually examined.


From DSRs:
“distance contract” means any contract concerning goods or services concluded between a supplier and a consumer under an organised distance sales or service provision scheme run by the supplier who, for the purpose of the contract, makes exclusive use of one or more means of distance communication up to and including the moment at which the contract is concluded;


Old thread I Know but i came across it while looking for something else.

Toxteth_OGrady

I notice Martin's weekly email today 12th December has the following about DSRs:

4. Buy online and you DO have a right to change your mind. The Distance Selling Regulations mean if you order online or by phone, you have 7 days to return goods, even if not faulty - unlike in-store purchases. This is why many are now becoming roboshoppers. Yet some items are excluded...

I believe you have more than 7 days. The DSRs allow you to notify the seller that you intend to return the goods and you have 7 working days (excludes Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays) from the day after you receive them just to inform them. Having notified the retailer I don't think there is a maximum specified time limit to actually get the goods back to them.

StaffsSW

Jessops, Comet, HMV, Ethel Austin, JJB Sports, Walmsleys Furniture, Choices DVD, United Carpets, Optical Express, Hein Gericke, Fultons Furnishings, Allders, Clinton cards, Game group, Peacocks, La Senze, Past Times, Blacks Leisure, Hawkins Bazaar, Barretts Shoes, MFI, Habitat, Focus DIY and many other high street names have all gone under since this article was first published.

When will [STRIKE]Martin Lewis[/STRIKE] his team of writers start looking at the bigger economic picture and try to find ways to help stop the decline of the retail industry and the loss of thousands of UK jobs?

Percy1983

StaffsSW wrote: »

Jessops, Comet, HMV, Ethel Austin, JJB Sports, Walmsleys Furniture, Choices DVD, United Carpets, Optical Express, Hein Gericke, Fultons Furnishings, Allders, Clinton cards, Game group, Peacocks, La Senze, Past Times, Blacks Leisure, Hawkins Bazaar, Barretts Shoes, MFI, Habitat, Focus DIY and many other high street names have all gone under since this article was first published.

When will [STRIKE]Martin Lewis[/STRIKE] his team of writers start looking at the bigger economic picture and try to find ways to help stop the decline of the retail industry and the loss of thousands of UK jobs?

Is it Martins fault said businesses aren't run very well and haven't changed with the times?