Argos - contract of purchase

OlliesDad

earthstorm wrote: »

the number is for the online CS staff who's system should have all the details of the order . Once you pay then you are forming a contract relationship link between the retailer and buyer, so any issues you go to retailer and not their supplier.

Yes the front line CS will have all the details for the OP's order, but unlikely details of the order between Argos and the supplier (especially not consignment details in order to be able to track the order).

I agree it should be Argos chasing, however, that does not mean that the contract has been formed yet. With distance sales a retailer can set in their terms when the contract is formed (to account for the fact that systems are automated and therefore they need the opportunity to review the order and decide whether to accept or reject)

earthstorm

OlliesDad wrote: »

Yes the front line CS will have all the details for the OP's order, but unlikely details of the order between Argos and the supplier (especially not consignment details in order to be able to track the order).

I agree it should be Argos chasing, however, that does not mean that the contract has been formed yet. With distance sales a retailer can set in their terms when the contract is formed (to account for the fact that systems are automated and therefore they need the opportunity to review the order and decide whether to accept or reject)

Argos Frontline CS is totally different to Argos Direct/Online staff. even going into an Argos store their main till system does not have these details, but they have a separate system that staff use to set up repair services etc. It is this system that staff have access too that hold such information that will give staff the details of which supplier used and consignment numbers etc.

OlliesDad

earthstorm wrote: »

Argos Frontline CS is totally different to Argos Direct/Online staff. even going into an Argos store their main till system does not have these details, but they have a separate system that staff use to set up repair services etc. It is this system that staff have access too that hold such information that will give staff the details of which supplier used and consignment numbers etc.

By front line CS I am referring to the front line call centre staff. From my many years of call centre experience, I highly doubt they either a) have access to consignment numbers or b) have authority to call the couriers directly to chase.

CynicalScotsman

You made the purchase with Argos and not the supplier, so as soon as payment is made a contract is formed between you and Argos. It is then Argos who place the order with their supplier which forms a contract between Argos and their supplier to deliver the goods to you (dropship). I find it very hard that Argos say they have no details as everything is dealt with by the supplier as Argos should have order details they provided the supplier along with consignment details

Argos will have to do all the chasing, but having worked for them I am aware that call centre staff (AD/CS) have no access to 3rd party systems. In order for the staff to find out information/cancel these deliveries they have to contact the 3rd party by email/phone. As it is a bank holiday weekend these suppliers may not be open until tuesday.

As there is case law to prove, the contract is not formed until dispatch. The test case was actually brought about by Argos in the late 90's. Search Argos TV case.