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Old 19-03-2007, 19:04
pixel_pixel
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I in was in Argos the other day and they had a sign up saying something like only one mobile phone per customer. Did not really pay much attention at the time - what's all this about?
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Old 19-03-2007, 19:09
bradisace
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It means that only one person can have one mobile phone.

It is the sort of rule that is just there for the people that take the p**s with it i.e. buying vast amounts each week.
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Old 19-03-2007, 19:23
pixel_pixel
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Originally Posted by bradisace
It means that only one person can have one mobile phone.

It is the sort of rule that is just there for the people that take the p**s with it i.e. buying vast amounts each week.
Why would anyone want to buy in bulk?
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Old 19-03-2007, 19:35
bradisace
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Well when there is a sale and some phones are sold at an OK price there used to be a lot of people coming in just to buy the phones and then sell them on abroad.
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Old 19-03-2007, 23:51
Unwritten
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Originally Posted by pixel_pixel
Why would anyone want to buy in bulk?


Independant shop owners = buy half prices phones in Argos = sell on for full price.
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Old 20-03-2007, 00:03
pixel_pixel
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A sale is a sale isn't it?
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Old 20-03-2007, 00:05
iDan
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Yes, for customers, not for abusers.
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Old 20-03-2007, 08:37
Unwritten
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Originally Posted by pixel_pixel
A sale is a sale isn't it?
Oh dear.

Customer comes to shop. No phones left because some trader bought loads. Customer goes elsewhere. Remembers previous experience with Argos having no phones in stock. Doesn't buy from them again. Tells friends Argos never have phones in stock. Other people avoid Argos and buy phones elsehwere. Argos loses customers.

Come on it's not rocket science.
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Old 20-03-2007, 08:57
wernroe
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Originally Posted by Unwritten
Oh dear.

Customer comes to shop. No phones left because some trader bought loads. Customer goes elsewhere. Remembers previous experience with Argos having no phones in stock.....
....customer then uses Argos' stock checker on website next time
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Old 20-03-2007, 09:05
Unwritten
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Originally Posted by wernroe
....customer then uses Argos' stock checker on website next time
But that would still have the same outcome. Whether you check instore or go online, there'll still be no mobiles left and people will still go elsewhere.
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Old 20-03-2007, 09:40
wernroe
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So just because one store would be sold out, all others in the surrounding areas would too?!

Ever heard of Argos' home delivery service?

You seem to be saying that just because they don't have one item in stock that customers will never buy from them again.

To be honest mate I think you're trying too hard to prove a very tenuous point.

Last edited by wernroe : 20-03-2007 at 09:41.
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Old 20-03-2007, 16:44
Unwritten
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Originally Posted by wernroe
So just because one store would be sold out, all others in the surrounding areas would too?!

Ever heard of Argos' home delivery service?

You seem to be saying that just because they don't have one item in stock that customers will never buy from them again.

To be honest mate I think you're trying too hard to prove a very tenuous point.
I'm just saying that for those who don't shop on the internet, and for those who don't want to inconveniently have to travel to another store possibly in another town, then it's going to create a bad impression.

Of course my opinion isn't valid though. You're right, you know the truth.
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Old 20-03-2007, 17:04
DXRulz
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If i need to buy something from Argos, i reserve online then pay and pick up in-store the next day. That way im guaranteed to get what i want
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Old 20-03-2007, 17:20
wernroe
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Originally Posted by Unwritten
I'm just saying that for those who don't shop on the internet, and for those who don't want to inconveniently have to travel to another store possibly in another town, then it's going to create a bad impression.

Of course my opinion isn't valid though. You're right, you know the truth.
Don't be so facetious - your opinion is as valid as anyone elses. The point I'm trying to make is you need to look at this matter a little more realistically.

The scenario you describe certainly would create a bad impression in some but do you honestly think it would happen enough to make any noticeable dent in Argos' finances? Anyone who abandons use of one particular retailer due to a product not being on a certain branch on one occasion certainly has a very curious outlook on shopping.
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Old 20-03-2007, 17:23
Unwritten
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Originally Posted by wernroe
Don't be so facetious - your opinion is as valid as anyone elses. The point I'm trying to make is you need to look at this matter a little more realistically.

The scenario you describe certainly would create a bad impression in some but do you honestly think it would happen enough to make any noticeable dent in Argos' finances? Anyone who abandons use of one particular retailer due to a product not being on a certain branch on one occasion certainly has a very curious outlook on shopping.
I see what you mean. I don't think it would create much damage to the companies' finances, but, as a company, wouldn't they rather have more happy customers than fewer?
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Old 20-03-2007, 17:39
wernroe
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I'm sure if they lifted their stance on wanting to make a profit, and decided lower all prices to 50% of cost then they'd have even more happy customers.

It's all about practicalities. They don't want to disappoint anyone however they have to weigh that up with common sense.
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Old 30-03-2007, 21:55
Ben Williams
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Originally Posted by pixel_pixel
Why would anyone want to buy in bulk?
Because most of the time when you buy in bulk you get a discount.
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Old 31-03-2007, 08:18
prking
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Originally Posted by wernroe
Don't be so facetious - your opinion is as valid as anyone elses. The point I'm trying to make is you need to look at this matter a little more realistically.

...
Nonsense, retailers do this for various reasons. You are ignoring other consequences.

Do you think that retailers have these policies just to be awkward.
1)To prevent bulk buying, despite what you say, customers do complain. They will even go to the ASA/trading standards/watchdog when an advertised offer isn't available. Retailers have been fined before because of this. Much of the value of a retail company is in brand and goodwill.

2)In the case of mobiles, providers are wary of phones being sold on. Both abroad and by dodgy sellers.

3)The VAT rules are different for wholesalers and retailers.
Etc. Etc
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