MSE News: Homebase accused of upping prices hours before discount event

Pincher

You should read about how they fleece rich Chinese tourists.
They arrange a "private viewing" in an upmarket jewellery store, and change/remove the price tags. This is in London and Paris.
The tour guide is paid in cash.

Nada666

theblagger wrote: »

Oldest trick in the book...Argos are currently doing this with microwaves (ironically they own homebase!)

You are Alanis Morissette and I claim my £5.

autumngirl

visidigi wrote: »

woo famous (I still stand by what I said at the time too )

Just read your comments quoted in the MSE article. Whether or not any laws/regulations are broken I still think a retailer has a moral obligation to not knowingly mislead its customers. The timing of promotions is planned so it's obviously not a coincidence that one promo ends as another one starts and Homebase will no doubt be very aware that many of its customers delay planned purchases until these kind of events (15% off etc) come along. I know we don't live in an ideal world but just sticking to the letter of the law is not enough - ethics also count!

Although many people (especially MSErs) are savvy enough to spot dodgy practices and identify retailers' trading tactics sadly there are still lots of people who can't spot a genuine bargain and retailers like Homebase rely on their custom. I have picked up lots of genuine bargains from Homebase over the years but I'm well aware that all is not always as it seems and you have to keep your wits about you!

aimingforadebtfreelife

Watching a bed frame the previous week which was £135.99 reduced from £159.99. No details how long special offer was on for. Then on the Saturday morning the price had gone back up to £159.99 and said below it by using the 15% code would now be £135.99!!!

I emailed customer services and they state:

Thank you for your e-mail regarding our 15% discount weekend.

I am very sorry to learn that the price of the above item has increased, just before our 15% discount weekend.

The Living Puerto Rico Double Bed Frame has recently been reduced for a short time, at the price of £135.99. This reduction has now ended and the item has returned to the original price of £159.99.

However, I can completely understand how frustrating this must be for you and on this occasion I will be happy to honour this discount. Once your order has been placed, please advise of your order number and I will be happy to assist you.

I paid the £159.99 + £8.95 delivery and they have agreed to send a cheque back for £44.40.

theblagger

geordie_joe wrote: »

Argos don't own Homebase. Argos and Homebase are both owned by Home Retail Group.

Cheers Mr Pedantic

Shaunmy2

I bought laminate flooring from there about a year ago, it was £15.15 a pack at the time. It's now £19.99 and thats supposed to be half price!!

katehesk

They did it with a sofa I'd been looking at last year. Price was around the £600 mark, checked a few days later and they had put it up to £1200 for the pre sale.

Argos do this too but not as bad.