Timpsons - overpriced, if they think you're well off

ianfreeman

I went into my local branch of Timpsons to get a replacement battery for my
Raymond Weil watch. I was quoted an unbelievable £13.95 to supply and fit
it!

I went down the road to a small jeweller, who charged me £5.90.

I emailed Timpsons asking about the difference, and got this reply:

+++++++++++++++++

All Timpson branches have a price list for watch repairs including batteries
and re-seals, which is based on the make of the watch.

This enables us to ensure that guarantees can be put into place to cover
accidental loss or damage to the watch whilst it is in our possession.

We also try to ensure that genuine like with like components are used to
which we then offer up to 2 years guarantee on the work that has been
completed, with no questions asked if the watch is returned to us during
this time.

Assuring you of our best intentions.
Yours sincerely
xxxxxxxx
Customer Care Controller
TIMPSON LIMITED

++++++++++++++++

I sent a reply back, with a copy to their MD, saying that I'm not keen on their policy of charging higher rates if the watch is a good one, and saying that I think it's nonsense anyway to offer guarantees for a battery. I told them I went to a shop that doesn't means-test its customers and saved myself £8!

He sent me back a cryptic e-mail as follows: "All high street jewellers charge varying prices for watch repairs (samuels etc). It is a bit like servicing a bentley or a skoda."

Not sure about the analogy there, but at least he replied!

Ian

Mr_Skint_2

My local branch wanted to charge 11.95 so I went to
Abrahams the local jeweller and they did it for 3.95

Rikki

You have to pay more if you want the unit to be resealed and waterproof. Could this of caused the higher charge?

ianfreeman

Not in my case, no. The watch is not waterproof.

Trow

Is it their 'insurance' against them damaging the watch while they are doing the repair?

Its just one more arguement to use the local supplier, I guess!

ianfreeman

I think that's it, yes. It's a 'guarantee' - aka a means of getting huge sums of money from people for no good reason!

I've never understood what makes people who repair shoes so good at cutting keys and mending watches, anyway! ;-)

Ian

KathrynPenguin

Thanks for that explanation. I asked about getting a battery and strap in a Timsons outlet and he said he could "do both for £20". I said no thanks - the place my Mum usually takes it can do both for £5 and he said ah yes but our work is guaranteed. I said I'd rather pay less and take my chance (never been a problem in the past).

My watch is a Raymond Weil, so your post really clears that up for me - I might ask about my cheap no-mark fashion watch next time and see what they charge for that!

ianfreeman

I'd really like to see Martin exposing Timpsons as a bunch of rippers-off. <grumpyoldmen>It's the only language they understand.</grumpyoldmen>

Fifer

Alternatively, buy a card of 16 watch batteries from a poundy shop and fit them yourself.

CIS

My local cobbler charges a flat rate of £3.00 to fit new battery and test the watch.

He told me that the bateries cost about 25p -50p to buy in, the most expensive is well less than a £1.

greenwich

I am always amazed at the rip-off prices for fitting watch straps. Not being too bothered about whether I wear a flash watch, I have started to treat watches as disposable items. A few months ago both the battery and the strap went on my watch at the same time. Instead of spending £5 each on battery and strap, I got a new watch (a Lorus) from Half Price Jewellers for £11. Tells the time just fine.