Currys - couldn't care less!

jenheiffer

What has happened to Currys? I went into the central Belfast branch recently to ask advice on buying a new laptop and was met with complete disinterest. Now it used to be that as soon as you walked into the shop someone 'pounced' desperate to sell you something - not any more!
Can anyone recommend any other retailer I could try anywhere in NI?

jtk174

I was in Curry's Lisburn yesterday and was approached by 3 different members of staff as I wondered around the store.

ballyblack

why not try tesco direct or amazon ,cheaper than Currys

jenheiffer

ballyblack wrote: »

why not try tesco direct or amazon ,cheaper than Currys

Might do if all else fails, but I prefer hands-on before I buy -and Amazon or Tesco aren't likely to offer me any advice either.

ballyblack

I would ignore any advice from a salesman trying to sell me something.
Post what you require in a laptop on the MSE Tech board and get free independent advice. (and the best place to buy)
Don't forget we have Argos and Tesco Direct.
I bought fromTesco Direct, using their collect in store service. (much cheaper than Currys on the laptop I wanted)

repost ur orginal post here;

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=29

.

BigAl94

Good advice there, there is nowhere in N I that I would buy from or trust for advice. I have always bought direct from Dell in the past. http://m.dell.com/mt/www.dell.com/uk/p/laptops.aspx?un_jtt_v_shop_all_xml=1

D.A.

If you have the money, go to the Apple Store.

ballyblack

If you have the money, go to the Apple Store.

Sorry DA but if you have money and want to keep it?

keep well away from overpriced Apple isheep store:rotfl:



.

D.A.

You get what you pay for. If you want to buy a cheapo piece of plastic running Windows 8 that will grind to a halt after a year, be my guest.

bartonfink_2

I have inside information on Currys and similar stores.

Firstly , there are some very knowledgeable and helpful staff in all stores, like most they work hard to raise families etc and they are not to wholly to blame.

Management are obsessed with sales figures for add ons such as anti-virus and anything happens insurance and the like.
if a sale is made without an add on then its a minus sale and will affect statistics.

So if a member of staff is under the impression you want a laptop off the shelf with no add ons then they will simply ignore you or fob you off to the trainee with no experience who wont have sales performance.

I was in store in the city centre when a man came in looking for 3 laptops as gifts for people who helped him when he was seriously ill in hospital.
as they were gifts he wanted no add-ons , only the 3 laptops and 2 tablets.
he was ignored by every member of both staff and management when he mentioned this! They simply walked away , i quizzed management on this and they said as it was Xmas their figures had to be good and they couldn't help this man!

I ordered him the goods online to be delivered at his home with a saving on the costs.

Another factor is the high turnover of staff , most hate their job and are all waiting for something better to come along , they have no bonuses anymore and are on a daily sales table , they get minimum wage and no cut for selling.

There is little training either , all focus is on the add-ons.
if your buying a laptop you will be expected to buy a set up , anti virus and insurance which can be upwards of £200.
the training is all about how to sell the add ons with no consideration to the quality of the product.

so anyone going to currys or similar i have the following advice.

1. research the item you are going to buy in advance.

2. select several models you wish to look at

3. get a price range from online stores and check currys online as it may be cheaper

4.only go instore to look at the items and check them out for aesthetics etc.

5. if as cheap to buy instore then be firm with the sales staff and do not buy any add ons you dont want or need.

Mistral001

I have bought in Currys and have been served well by the staff in the past, but they definitely will be a bit standoffish. I think there are so many people going into places like Currys with no intention of buying there, that they all have to be a bit careful.