Posted on: 17-09-12 11:50:34
Quote:
Originally posted by rajcanada
Yes it is an escape clause. In Futureshop's defense, since customer is requesting price match, onus is on the customer is to find out and show which store has stock. If a store in Sarnia has stock, customer has full right to ask Futureshop to call Sarnia and they should honor their policy.
Some stores would advertise low prices (even at a loss) to drive the traffic in but it is very hard to get the item because they have very limited quantities. The guess is that once you are in the store, you will buy something else too and that should cover the loss on one item. That is why most retailers do not price match items that say limited quantities or out of stock items.
Raj - I have price matched dozens of things at Walmart here in Canada (and across many stores in the US) and never run into this "out of stock" clause. An advertised price in the flyer is good enough.
I don't agree that the customer needs to go hunting for an "in-stock" location, that is a huge inconvenience for a policy designed in the spirit of customer convenience. What if you find it in-stock somewhere when you call from home and then when you go to the FS to price match it, it is sold out? The "in-stock" situation is very fluid and I personally think any policy based on this is wide open to manipulation. Finally, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that things will go out of stock for a really good deal - so then what's the point of having this policy?
I do know that it is FS's policy though and they tweak it at their discretion. Likewise, where I spend my hard-earned money is at my discretion. And not a single dollar has gone to FS in the past few years for this and other reasons which make me feel like they are not customer-centric.
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Quote:
Originally posted by BlueLobster
Raj - I have price matched dozens of things at Walmart here in Canada (and across many stores in the US) and never run into this "out of stock" clause. An advertised price in the flyer is good enough.
I don't agree that the customer needs to go hunting for an "in-stock" location, that is a huge inconvenience for a policy designed in the spirit of customer convenience. What if you find it in-stock somewhere when you call from home and then when you go to the FS to price match it, it is sold out? The "in-stock" situation is very fluid and I personally think any policy based on this is wide open to manipulation. Finally, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that things will go out of stock for a really good deal - so then what's the point of having this policy?
I do know that it is FS's policy though and they tweak it at their discretion. Likewise, where I spend my hard-earned money is at my discretion. And not a single dollar has gone to FS in the past few years for this and other reasons which make me feel like they are not customer-centric.
I have never had any luck with finding electronic items that go one sale at Walmart. They are only a few in stock and that are gone in minutes or even previous day as people would come for price adjustment when it goes on sale. I guess FS would get pretty badly hurt if they price matched Walmart's out of stock items, as Walmart has very limited inventory of electronic items in general and especially of items that go on sale.
Walmart also tweaks its policy every now and then, they would refuse to price match electronics during Boxing week sale.
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Give free food http://www.thehungersite.com ||
Call 'Source Electronics' and ask them to price match Staples/Walmart and they will do it immediately (on phone/online only) or you can pre-order at staples and they will deliver it in couple of weeks.
Quote:
Originally posted by rajcanada
I have never had any luck with finding electronic items that go one sale at Walmart. They are only a few in stock and that are gone in minutes or even previous day as people would come for price adjustment when it goes on sale. I guess FS would get pretty badly hurt if they price matched Walmart's out of stock items, as Walmart has very limited inventory of electronic items in general and especially of items that go on sale.
It partially depends on the location/neighborhood of the Walmart you shop at -I have found that some have a shopping experience that is much better than others. If you've shopped at the Oakville Walmart and the Sq. One Walmart, the whole experience (availability included) is very different.
Also WM might run out of items in its own flyer, but price matching is usually with a competitor's flyer and I have done this successfully in the past without any hassle at all and with reasonable stock availability.
I wouldn't go to Walmart to buy very high end electronics but for things like a $115 tablet, printers, storage devices etc - they are very good at price matching. None of this "call the competitor to find out if item in stock" stuff. And they're not doing me any favors, the end result of this is I end up spending a LOT more money at Walmart than other stores. So it is a win-win.
And I think this will only get better with Target arriving.
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Quote:
Originally posted by BlueLobster
Quote:
Originally posted by san-hugo
Future Shop refuses to pay the price difference because Walmart does not have stock. Walmart refuses to show the stock for 118 $s but will be selling the BB 32 GB wifi for 148$s
So they didn't refund your money? That sounds like a scam. How the hell would they be able to say for sure if ALL Walmarts across the GTA are out of stock?
Did they actually show you fine print in their poilcy that has this stupid "out of stock" clause? If not, I'd write an email to their complaints dept. Or write a letter to some vp's in their corporate office, usually the most effective way of doing it. I would. Not for the measly 40 bucks, but just on principle.
Hope the trip to LCBO happened anyways, that would've been a really serious consequence of the Future Shop scam if not
I actually went to lcbo first , did not want any kind of refusal to take a toll on my weekend booze plans. :-)
The attendent told me that they always call first, eveyday, and find out the stock status.
Not sure of other shops but future shop has covered her ass so tight, only cry out loud tantrums will work, if one is capable of. Not only they have 'out of stock' clause but also they intend not to entertain 'limited time' offers by competition ( refer text below). Thus even if I take a stand or write letters they will always come out clean with carefully defined clauses. On top I searched almost all ontario WM stores online the wording they use is - 'likely not in stock'. All these shops are playing tricks to kjeep the customers confused as well as interested !
lack of time on my part else would have given a thought of doing more... as I do feel scammed.
-------- CLAUSES----- on FS website
If you made your purchase in the last 30 days.
Present us with your original receipt and tell us which competitor is offering that price.
Our associates will verify that the item is in stock and available for immediate sale and delivery at that price.
We will refund you the difference and give you an additional 10% of the difference
Our Price Beat Promise does not apply to Boxing Day prices, advertising errors or misprints, special educational prices, restricted offers, mail order offers, rebates, coupons, premiums, free or bonus offers, OEM products, limited or minimum quantity or limited time offers, close-outs, liquidations, clearances, and financing offers.
The terms and conditions of our “Price Beat Promise” are subject to change without notice
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buggers !!
I did my price match with WM on last Friday without any hassles....FYI
I had bad experience with FS in past so i always avoid to go FS unless or until items are only available at FS and i need it right away.
most of FS assosiates are A******E too, why?? b'cos all are on sales commission basis and if you buy something from him or her than They are very helpful but once you purchased the items and even very next day if something goes wrong and go to the same person than you will find big diffence in his or her attitude.
Sometime you are completely right still in first shot always try to convince you that it is your mistake and now we are giving you a big favour to do this now.
Quote:
Originally posted by RBO
I did my price match with WM on last Friday without any hassles....FYI
+1
For small scale electronics purchases, WM is your best bet - without doubt. Not only is their price match hassle free, the return policy is extremely good so long as you have the receipt.
For the bigger electronic purchases where Walmart just does not have the selection (i.e. big screen TVs, home theater systems etc.), I am much more inclined to go to a shop like 2001 Audio Video than FS or Best Buy. They have way better selection, MUCH more knowledgeable reps AND (brace yourself), better prices if you are able to negotiate. Follow up support post-purchase is much better too.
Quote:
I actually went to lcbo first , did not want any kind of refusal to take a toll on my weekend booze plans. :-)
Good call!
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