Collect @ Store

[ivorbiggun]

PC World have a system where you can order online and then collect the item in-store at the internet price. They have their usual disclaimers added to it in that the item may not be available subject to stock theft, systems errors etc.

Anyway I ordered a DSLR camera online and reserved it for collection the next day. Drove to PC World and a numpty member of their sales staff sold my "reserved" camera to a member of the public. I complained to the manageress who was the usual chocolate fireguard.

Anyway I fired off a letter of complaint and claimed 40p per mile for my wasted return journey. This totalled about £6.40. I said that I'd waive the mileage charge if they donated £10 instead to Cancer Research. This gives them an opportunity to embrace customer goodwill and its tax deductible for them. Instead they offer 25p for petrol costs only and say that a cheque will arrive within 14 days. A few days later I receive a letter from them with a £10 PC World voucher attached. Like I want to shop there ever!

The next day I had an idea. I ordered the DSLR I wanted from 5 different PC World stores using their Collect @ Store service. When I turned up the next day at the first store I saw 4 camera boxes waiting for me on their reserved shelf (I ordered 4 times from this storeusing different names). I asked the guy if my camera was here and gave my real name. "Yes it is" he replied, pointing to the shelf. "OK. I'll browse around for a few things and come back."

So I walked out of the store and bought the camera from Comet.

Anyone know of any charities that would want a tainted £10 voucher?

[spikeachu]

Congratulations. The store still have four cameras to sell, all you could possibly have achieved is disappointing another member of the public that might have actually wanted it.

But anyway, give yourself a pat on the back. I assume you posted this story to acquire such accreditation and accolades.

[Jimbo44]

Originally Posted by spikeachu

Congratulations. The store still have four cameras to sell, all you could possibly have achieved is disappointing another member of the public that might have actually wanted it.

But anyway, give yourself a pat on the back. I assume you posted this story to acquire such accreditation and accolades.

My thoughts, but expressed far more succinctly!!

[ivorbiggun]

Originally Posted by spikeachu

Congratulations. The store still have four cameras to sell, all you could possibly have achieved is disappointing another member of the public that might have actually wanted it.

But anyway, give yourself a pat on the back. I assume you posted this story to acquire such accreditation and accolades.

OK maybe at the time I didn't consider that I could have deprived other members of the public. And for that I apologise. PC World did have at least 10 cameras under the glass counter.

My point wasn't for self laudation but to illustrate how poor customer service is at PC World and their arrogance in thinking I'd want to shop with them again. I've returned to supporting a small conmputer shop nearby for everything from ink to hardware.

[Pornsalad]

Spikeachu is absolutely correct; this is a pathetic attempt to gain attention on this forum. The only wrong doing in this story is by the poster, there was a mistake or theft...get over it! Why are you entitled to compensation? If you are entitled to it then you owe it to me because A)I may have missed out on an item/staff assistance due to your childish actions and B)you have wasted my time reading your big headed boast which has caused me stress/used my electricity and caused wear and tear on my equipment etc. Let’s say a million pounds should cover it, ridiculous? Of course it is like you and you six quid. I would love to see you open your mouth to some independent retailers who aren’t in fear of their jobs from management like PCW staff are, as they don’t have to nod and smile regardless of how they feel (which people like you take huge advantage of RE: Chocolate fireguard comment,) because most of them would just humiliate you (easily) then ban you from their shop. But of course you will as always go back to PCW next time because the truth is that you enjoy complaining don't you.

[demon_x_slash]

OKay, this thread REALLY didn't need resurrecting. Leave the guy alone, it was November last year.

[Rich44]

agreed perhaps people could think twice before resurrecting a dead thread just to have a go at the original poster so they can get their tuppence worth in - Pornsalad I have to say this was a very poor first post joining the forum

[Pornsalad]

What I said is no less relevant than when it happened as others will still read this thread, customer service should be a two way experience and people need to be told when their actions are pointless and foolish not to mention offensive.
I'm sorry if my post did not fit into the 'trend' on here as my understanding was that this site is about results, not a competition focused on what you say and how often you say it and how it gets you a gold/platinum status etc. (Presumably gold status means it’s more fun to lord yourself over basic posters?)

[sheepdemon]

This is simply a case of the system failing, it is supposed to be impossible to reserve items in store unless there are at least 3 of said item in the shop you try to reserve in. This is to allow for exactly this type of thing happening, so there are spares in store in case customers come in to buy the thing that is reserved.

Also there is supposed to be a "Collect@Store Champion" in each shop (stupid management speak ) whose job it is to collect all the collect@store items as and when they are ordered.

Did the manager you spoke to offer to source the camera from another PC World store, or offer any form of renumeration in store at all? I know if this happened in my store I would attempt to offer discount from another camera of similar spec, after all it was our fault!