Timpsons - massive ripoff

grayme-m

Joe_Horner wrote: »

The problem with that is that you pay double, or more, for the "lifetime" battery service and they know that the chances are high that one of the following will happen in the (say) 3 years average that the new one lasts:

(a) You'll get another watch because you fancy a change and stick that one in a drawer, so never go back to claim.
(b) You'll lose your paperwork so won't be able to claim on the free replacement
(c) The watch will get damaged in some other way and you'll replace it.
(d) The watch will develop a fault so that, when you go for the replacement, you'll be told "Sorry, it's not the battery" and your "lifetime" service expires at that point.

The chance of one of those happening during the 6 year + life of the first TWO batteries (which you've paid for in the first place) is very high indeed, especially when you think that the recommended service interval for most quartz watches is about 5 years, you've already had 3 years out of the original (or possibly more), and those two from Timpsons would take it to 9 years since the watch was made. So the chance of it "not being the battery" by the end of the second is well into odds-on territory.

Don't forget that the actual cost for the most popular cells (in bulk) is well under £1 per cell for good quality brands so, even if you manage to get a third one against the odds, it's going to take no more than £1 and about 5 minutes out of their profits that day. Good marketing, but not a bad gamble from their point of view

We're onto our third battery.

grayme-m

sabrinas707 wrote: »

Very expensive. I've had keys cut and shoes reheeled at various branches over the years. Its been when there are no other shops around that I could go to instead. If I have a choice I wouldn't go there as it is very poor value for money.

Could it be that those that are spending a whole day doing two keys for £12 are not making enough money to keep going, hence they close leaving the shops that charge closer to what they need to to survive?

FWIW, my advice to all is to keep going to the smaller cheaper shops while you still can, Timpson will probably still be there when the independent closes down.

hollydays

When I think timpsons I just think cheap plastic shoes. If I want those I'd go to primark.

Joe_Horner

grayme-m wrote: »

We're onto our third battery.

Good to hear someone beating the odds. Obviously it does happen sometimes - someone wins the lottery most weeks as well but that doesn't stop it being a very good deal for Camelot