B&Q not playing fair?

Worried_of_wakefield

I recently did a cost reccie of my local garden centre against B&Q. To take advantage of the 'Diamond' club card discount of 10% on wednesdays I decided to take my business to B&Q for this years potted plants and stuff.

Having made my purchases (over £100) I returned home and due to the large number of small items did a quick check against the reciept. To my surprise I had recieved only half the discount I expected. I returned next day and enquired why this was, the response was that the a large number of the plants were labled " 4 for £10" and were deemed to be "on offer" and not subject to further discount and that retailers are allowed to describe an offer for up to 6 month of the year.

I argued I didnt accept this was a 'special offer' due to the following:-
a) the 4 for £10 description was part of the packaging on the individual item not a sticky added that day/week or month.
b) the individual item cost was on the same lable but at least 50% smaller in the bottom corner.
c) These plants are seasonal so are only on sale for part of the year, at no time are they ever on sale at the £2.99 which is the individual price.
d) the 4 for £10 was a bulk buy standard price not a promotional offer

As anticipated, I was directed to T&Cs and head office

Whilst the reduced discount is disapointing , I'm particulary annoyed at being tricked into placing my business with B&Q rather than supporting my local garden centre.

I assume the wording of the sale of goods act covers their interpretation?

foxtrotoscar_2

If you buy one, two or three you'll be charged £2.99 for each therefore they are on sale for £2.99.

tomtontom

17.0 The Diamond member discount may not be used in conjunction with any other discounts, promotions, TradePoint cards, any other non-B&Q Club discount cards, friends and family vouchers or for the purchase of B&Q gift cards.

4 for £10 is a discount, permanent or otherwise. They are available to buy at full price. The exclusion is clear to me.

Would you rather have paid the full price with a 10% discount?

If you complain they may send you a voucher as a goodwill gesture, or they may simply explain how your interpretation is incorrect.

meer53

How did B & Q trick you into shopping there ?

wealdroam

Worried_of_wakefield wrote: »

I assume the wording of the sale of goods act covers their interpretation?

The Sale of Goods Act isn't applicable.

pinkshoes

You live and learn...

I stopped using B&Q a couple of years ago after they were really rude over a product that was blatantly faulty, but they refused to replace/refund.

For the sake of £10 to replace a clip on light that could not be clipped to anything because the plastic snapped under the spring force (so not fit for purpose...) , then have lost my custom.

I was also loud enough complaining that many in the queues also sided with me.

They may be convenient, but they are certainly not cheap, and although some of their staff are nice, their overall customer service is rubbish!

I have since discovered that local garden centres and Screwfix are much better value.

bris

pinkshoes wrote: »

Screwfix are much better value.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Screwfix is B&Q.

mjm3346

The parent company want you shopping at Screwfix so job done

Screwfix was once again the star performer with full-year like-for-like sales surging by 15.3 per cent, while B&Q comparable sales rose 1.9 per cent.

While it is shutting B&Q stores, the group is ramping up expansion of its 457-strong Screwfix chain and said it believes there is potential for around 600 outlets

unholyangel

The T&C's of the club state:

17.0 The Diamond member discount may not be used in conjunction with any other discounts, promotions, TradePoint cards, any other non-B&Q Club discount cards, friends and family vouchers or for the purchase of B&Q gift cards.

It doesn't have to be a special offer because its still a discount.

Worried_of_wakefield

Maybe not been clear, I understand I shant get a discount on a 'promotion' my argument is how can it be a promotion when the item is never ever described as anything other than "4 for £10", this is a permanant bulkbuy price for a seasonal item.

Next time you're in B&Q look at the lables you maybe a little more sympathetic to my whinge......or possible not!

bod1467

Can you buy 3 of them rather than 4?
If yes, how much do you pay? £9.97?

Just because they're labelled 4 for £10 matters not ... if you can buy them in multiples fewer than 4 then it's still a discounted product.