Should I support my partner's employer or buy the cheapest?

gaving7095

I concur with what many others are saying, namely:
1) Your custom won't keep the store afloat.
2) There's good reason to use the cheaper alternatives such as Amazon.com.
3) Your partner would be well-advised to look for another job (sadly).

KxMx

Ebenezer_Screwj wrote: »

I would buy these items as cheaply as possible from wherever. You are a money saver aren't you?

Money saving is not always about getting things the cheapest at all costs.

As have been demonstrated by other posters, the customer service can be well worth paying a little extra for.

If an electrical item breaks down, you can take it back to the shop to see what they can offer. Or email/phone an online retailer to sort it out, wait in for a courier/lug it down the PO yourself, wait for the outcome, wait for the replacement....

takman

KxMx wrote: »

Money saving is not always about getting things the cheapest at all costs.

As have been demonstrated by other posters, the customer service can be well worth paying a little extra for.

If an electrical item breaks down, you can take it back to the shop to see what they can offer. Or email/phone an online retailer to sort it out, wait in for a courier/lug it down the PO yourself, wait for the outcome, wait for the replacement....

I had some Logitech headphones that I bought in a store and when they went faulty after 15 months I went in and they said because it's after 12 months they can't do anything and offered me a replacement for £30 which I declined. I then emailed Logitech and they asked for a copy of my receipt and then a few days later I got a new pair sent in the post free of charge without even sending back the original. You can't get better service than that!.
Buying online is cheaper and shops are only open certain hours and I would have to make a special trip to take back a faulty item at least 12 miles away. To send an item back online I visit the local parcel shop which is in a garage down the road open 7 am to 11pm everyday which is much more convenient.

takman

ToriTeTo wrote: »

I realised the hard way, that cheaper isn't always best. Most cheap things are cheap for a reason & don't last, so is often a false economy, as you have to replace it again. My Dad is in the process of selling off his stock & shutting a shop thats been open for over 40 years. he's having to do this, due to people thinking that they can buy better & cheaper in stores that are part of big chains. However, unless they have big deals on, their stock wasn't cheaper, and he'd bend over backwards for any customer, to make sure they got what they wanted, or something better. I've never had that sort of service from a bigger chain. Please people, remember that you're local shops can't survive if you don't use them. I'd rather buy better quality, than cheap cheap things that won't last, and really try to buy from local shops than big chains.

People arnt on about buying cheaper items. They are on about buying the exact same item but at a lower price online. I also find big chain stores expensive so I avoid them.

forzaitalia

I love to support local businesses, but sometimes they are their own worst enemies. They sometimes do not provide "expert" advice - just charge more for an item. I can remember a friend ordering a beautiful, expensive table and chairs from a local family run furniture store. They promised a delivery date of 10 weeks. The table and chairs did not arrive. After many phone calls and visits to the store they finally got them 5 months later. They constantly fobbed them off, did not return phone calls and really my friend should have cancelled but didn't. Give me a well run online store anytime!

ronangel

Nowadays if you know what you are doing technical wise and it is a well known brand name with good reputation research product on the internet for best possible price. Find out if it comes with an onsite manufactures parts and labour guarantee.
If you want good sales service and are not technically minded and don’t mind paying extra for advice and personal after sales service then the small place very near where you live is the answer maybe at slightly higher (negotiable after pointing out big store prices).
Big stores like Curry’s have as well as the manufactures guarantee their own one. The sales people do not get a commission on sales but have to meet targets. however they do get a commission on sale of store warranty so you can say to them if I can get a discount on whatever I will buy your 3 year warranty ect they will ask a manager about discount because it is in their interest or you can suggest will go elsewhere or on line (Bluff.. or not).Always worth a try and I have found works plus you have no servicing problems with large item. Maybe your friend could apply for a job in a big store as has right experience; regretfully small outlets will be a thing of the past soon.

alggomas

Up to you really. It's your partner.
If you are poor and cannot afford these luxury items buy elsewhere.