Advertising something they do not sell?

twinklyeys

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone had an idea of where you stand when a company advertise something that actually turns out that they do not sell?

I wanted to order a phone set that was advertised on the web page but stated that they would email me when they came in stock.
I called customer service to see if indeed they would get more in stock.
I was told not in the warehouse but they could locate some that were instore.
Went to store that was told they had stock, no stock.
Located and held at other store.
Went to store, no stock and the product code that matched the online code was another set of phones with an additional handset at a higher price!

Called customer service and have now been told that they do not actually stock the phone advertised!!!!!!!:mad:
I stated that I would contact Trading Standards and was told to go right ahead!:o
Shocking customer service at it's best.

pulliptears

twinklyeys wrote: »

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone had an idea of where you stand when a company advertise something that actually turns out that they do not sell?

I wanted to order a phone set that was advertised on the web page but stated that they would email me when they came in stock.
I called customer service to see if indeed they would get more in stock.
I was told not in the warehouse but they could locate some that were instore.
Went to store that was told they had stock, no stock.
Located and held at other store.
Went to store, no stock and the product code that matched the online code was another set of phones with an additional handset at a higher price!

Called customer service and have now been told that they do not actually stock the phone advertised!!!!!!!:mad:
I stated that I would contact Trading Standards and was told to go right ahead!:o
Shocking customer service at it's best.

A company can advertise what they want, but its their choice at the end of the day whether to sell it to you.

Sounds like an error has been made somewhere along the line. Perhaps had you not given them the "ILL CALL TRADING STANDARDS!" attitude and had complained politely they would have given you a discount for future purchases or off the phones they actually do sell.

As it is, its tough I'm afraid.

Andy_L

From what you said it justs sounds like they have c0cked-up their website/database.

Trading standards would only be interested if it was a"bait and switch" ie they advetise one item at a great price to lure you in but then tried to sell you something more expensive instead, however they havn't done that.

Yes, they have shocking customer service. Unfortunatly thats not an offence :-)

System

I am amazed they didn't provide better customer service after you threatened them down the phone.....

pulliptears

goater78 wrote: »

I am amazed they didn't provide better customer service after you threatened them down the phone.....

Precisely my point

"ILL CALL TRADING STANDARDS!!!"

"Click"

VS

"There seems to have been a glitch on your site, I've wasted a morning chasing it up and I wondered if there is anything you could do for me?"

"So sorry sir, here, have a £10 off voucher"

twinklyeys

pulliptears wrote: »

Precisely my point

"ILL CALL TRADING STANDARDS!!!"

"Click"

VS

"There seems to have been a glitch on your site, I've wasted a morning chasing it up and I wondered if there is anything you could do for me?"

"So sorry sir, here, have a £10 off voucher"

I am always amazed at how quickly people are to judge on this website, I asked for help not for a tirade of abuse!

I certainly did not threaten!

I actually had several polite conversations with the person on the end of the phone and only used the Trading standards line as a last resort as they did not seem to be bothered about rectifying the situation!

I go out of my way on this website to help others and for once I have asked for help and this is the way people talk to each other!

powerful_Rogue

When I used to work in retail I loved it when people came out with the "Im going to report this to trading standards" line.

"Would you like the name and contact details for the local office" often left them looking very puzzled!

powerful_Rogue

twinklyeys wrote: »

I am always amazed at how quickly people are to judge on this website, I asked for help not for a tirade of abuse!

I certainly did not threaten!

I actually had several polite conversations with the person on the end of the phone and only used the Trading standards line as a last resort as they did not seem to be bothered about rectifying the situation!

I go out of my way on this website to help others and for once I have asked for help and this is the way people talk to each other!

How did you ask them to rectify the situation? If they dont stock the phone then I cant see what you want them to do apart from apologise, and considering you said you had a polite conversation - Im presuming they must have apologised.

Looksguywalker

twinklyeys wrote: »

I am always amazed at how quickly people are to judge on this website, I asked for help not for a tirade of abuse!

I certainly did not threaten!

I actually had several polite conversations with the person on the end of the phone and only used the Trading standards line as a last resort as they did not seem to be bothered about rectifying the situation!

I go out of my way on this website to help others and for once I have asked for help and this is the way people talk to each other!

Sorry, I don't see a tirade of abuse. I see people who disagree with you. Is that what you mean?

wealdroam

twinklyeys wrote: »

I certainly did not threaten!

Have you called Trading Standards?
What did they say?

If you haven't called them, then you stating that you would contact Trading Standards is a threat.

pulliptears

twinklyeys wrote: »

I am always amazed at how quickly people are to judge on this website, I asked for help not for a tirade of abuse!

I certainly did not threaten!

I actually had several polite conversations with the person on the end of the phone and only used the Trading standards line as a last resort as they did not seem to be bothered about rectifying the situation!

I go out of my way on this website to help others and for once I have asked for help and this is the way people talk to each other!

My sincere apologies for not providing you with a viewpoint that makes you feel all warm and snuggly.

However, if you feel that disagreeing with you is akin to a 'tirade of abuse' I think you need to get out more.

You threatened them with Trading Standards. At this point 99.999999% of stores stop giving a damn.