Damn it Halfails...sorry Halfords
DtpHazzy
Posts: 17
Hey guys,
Had some really pain in the ass service from Halfords today. Went online and reserved a Boardman mtb from them in a store near to where some relatives could pick it up (because it wasnt available in 40miles of me). So its all reserved, they show in the shop, give the number, "Sorry sir we dont have any of those at the moment". Oh come on Halfords if Ive reserved it as in stock then it should be in your shop. To make it worse they rang up another store that according to the website had them in stock but there was none there either.
Now getting one shipped from Wigan to Somerset.
Absolute crap book keeping.
You guys had any problems with them before?
Harry
Had some really pain in the ass service from Halfords today. Went online and reserved a Boardman mtb from them in a store near to where some relatives could pick it up (because it wasnt available in 40miles of me). So its all reserved, they show in the shop, give the number, "Sorry sir we dont have any of those at the moment". Oh come on Halfords if Ive reserved it as in stock then it should be in your shop. To make it worse they rang up another store that according to the website had them in stock but there was none there either.
Now getting one shipped from Wigan to Somerset.
Absolute crap book keeping.
You guys had any problems with them before?
Harry
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Comments
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I think it's called stock taking, not bookkeeping.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
Had similar with PC World online reserve & collect service. Reserved a Sony iPod dock at the only store in the area showing enough stock to avoid errors and sent my Dad up there with the details of the reservation. When he gets there the only one left was the display model that was missing the remote, as it was the display model they would be generous enough to give me £10 discount :shock: You try getting a Sony remote for £10. Ended up getting a pricematch from the local Apple store
I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.0 -
I struggled to find a Team FS in stock when I was looking. Didn't book one online though. Looked up stock, found one at Oxford. Drove there and it was there, on display. Then brought it there and then (much to the annoyance of the wife when I got home).
However, I have used the online system to reserve accessories and clothing. Booked a store in Birmingham as they showed they had the stock and I was working the other side of the city one day, so came back via the store, which was quite a considerable time consuming route. Then when I got there, they found they didn't have stock of all the items.
Then a few weeks later, I did the same and booked another store at Warwick, which coincided with me doing another job there. Had to rush to the store to get there just a couple of minutes before they closed at 8pm. Turned out to again be missing one item from the order.
Both times I went out my way to drive to a store to collect items that I couldn't get in my local store and both times they couldn't complete the order, yet I was emailed and text before hand telling me the items were ready to collect.
Now I'll just pay the home delivery charge instead. I've just ordered some mech hangers and cleaner as all the accessories are on a "buy one, get second half price" offer. Rather than be disappointed again, I've paid the £1.99 to have it delivered.0 -
tbh with online to instore collection its always wise to ring the store, especially for boardmans which are now coming to the end of this gen shelf life, just to check
and give them some credit, they are bothering to get one dhld for you. yes its a pain, but u dont get that kinda service from many lbs's do you?0 -
submityournentries wrote:and give them some credit, they are bothering to get one dhld for you. yes its a pain, but u dont get that kinda service from many lbs's do you?
Oh don't get me wrong, I'm so greatful to the guy for ringing round the shops and getting one down from Wigan. Just wondering if anyone else has has this problem with the online service, the staff are pretty damn brilliant =D0 -
One of the biggest causes of stockfile issues within Halfords are customers who always insist that a JRA is always the fault of the store.
Consequently good stock is cannabalised to satisfy the 'blameless' customer who couldn't possibly wait for a replacement part to be ordered. The cannabalised bike then sits unsellable on the live stockfile until such time as the part appears and is fitted.
Unfortunately, unless the cannabalised stock is moved into a faulty stock bucket it will remain visible for all to see on line.
This is most likely the root cause of your fustration.This is a block of text that can be added to posts you make. There is a 255 character limit.0 -
didnt mean to sound like a bitch about all this =/ just a bit of a pain, but they rectified it quickly, so I'm happy with that, and the servicing of the bike etc, so cant complain too much
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sandy hill wrote:One of the biggest causes of stockfile issues within Halfords are customers who always insist that a JRA is always the fault of the store.
Consequently good stock is cannabalised to satisfy the 'blameless' customer who couldn't possibly wait for a replacement part to be ordered. The cannabalised bike then sits unsellable on the live stockfile until such time as the part appears and is fitted.
Unfortunately, unless the cannabalised stock is moved into a faulty stock bucket it will remain visible for all to see on line.
This is most likely the root cause of your fustration.
Agree entirely, and as a former employee witnessed this many times.0 -
Bill them for your time and expenses, a systemic failure at management level would certainy be worth a threat of the small claims court, at least bend the ear of customer services about failing to provide an advertised service due to incomptance and how it cost you to get there etc.. might get some vouchers.-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Mongoose Teocali
Giant STP0
Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:0 -
captainfly wrote:Bill them for your time and expenses, a systemic failure at management level would certainy be worth a threat of the small claims court, at least bend the ear of customer services about failing to provide an advertised service due to incomptance and how it cost you to get there etc.. might get some vouchers.
That sounds typically American. You didn't do what I want when I want, so i'm going to sue you now.
Yes it was an inconvenience. No it wasn't 100% correct due to the stock taking system. It's not like you flew from America to England to pick it up or something.
People need to just accept that sometimes systems make mistakes, and while it may have caused some discomfort for you, it's not the end of the world.
We need to change "I want it right now, and if I don't get it now i'm vexing" attitude.0 -
captainfly wrote:Bill them for your time and expenses, a systemic failure at management level would certainy be worth a threat of the small claims court, at least bend the ear of customer services about failing to provide an advertised service due to incomptance and how it cost you to get there etc.. might get some vouchers.
Or just pick up the phone and check it's there first.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
If Halfords offer the fancy service then they should make sure it works, why should the customer pick up the phone to confirm that everything is in order?
I had something very similar last weekend with VW, currently thinking about changing my car, went online and specced up both a Golf & a Scirocco. There was a button to click to book a test drive, so I clicked on it, selected my local VW dealer and date & time.
I then received three different automatic confirmation emails. Half a day later I received a personal email confirming everything, the name of the person I'd be meeting and the cars I'd be driving, we agreed to move the time slightly etc.
The evening before I was meant to be going there, I got a call to tell me that I'd been moved to another salesman and that he'd checked and they had neither of the cars available so he would have to cancel. He said that he would sort something out and re-arrange. Guess what... I've not heard another word about it... :roll:XC: Giant Anthem X
Fun: Yeti SB66
Road: Litespeed C1, Cannondale Supersix Evo, Cervelo R5
Trainer: Bianchi via Nirone
Hack: GT hardtail with Schwalbe City Jets0 -
MountainMonster wrote:captainfly wrote:Bill them for your time and expenses, a systemic failure at management level would certainy be worth a threat of the small claims court, at least bend the ear of customer services about failing to provide an advertised service due to incomptance and how it cost you to get there etc.. might get some vouchers.
That sounds typically American. You didn't do what I want when I want, so i'm going to sue you now.
Yes it was an inconvenience. No it wasn't 100% correct due to the stock taking system. It's not like you flew from America to England to pick it up or something.
People need to just accept that sometimes systems make mistakes, and while it may have caused some discomfort for you, it's not the end of the world.
We need to change "I want it right now, and if I don't get it now i'm vexing" attitude.
And that is the attitude that lets companies get away with bad service,
Faiing to providing a service that they offer AND costing you time, causing you inconvenience then why shouldn't you expect to be compensated? If the system doesn't work don't offer the service, don't whinge that mistakes and system problems happen.-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Mongoose Teocali
Giant STP0
Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:0 -
captainfly wrote:MountainMonster wrote:captainfly wrote:Bill them for your time and expenses, a systemic failure at management level would certainy be worth a threat of the small claims court, at least bend the ear of customer services about failing to provide an advertised service due to incomptance and how it cost you to get there etc.. might get some vouchers.
That sounds typically American. You didn't do what I want when I want, so i'm going to sue you now.
Yes it was an inconvenience. No it wasn't 100% correct due to the stock taking system. It's not like you flew from America to England to pick it up or something.
People need to just accept that sometimes systems make mistakes, and while it may have caused some discomfort for you, it's not the end of the world.
We need to change "I want it right now, and if I don't get it now i'm vexing" attitude.
And that is the attitude that lets companies get away with bad service,
Faiing to providing a service that they offer AND costing you time, causing you inconvenience then why shouldn't you expect to be compensated? If the system doesn't work don't offer the service, don't whinge that mistakes and system problems happen.
Yes, they should get the system working. No, they should not provide compensation. While the system is known to be faulty, why do people not call and make sure the stuff is in before traveling there.
Welcome to the world, sh!t happens, so grow up and stop being a little baby about things. Learn to actually do your half of the process to make it run smoothly instead of putting all the blame on other people. Everyone wants compensation for something these days, can people not actually take the time to dgo the extra mile. 1 minute of a phone call to see if everything is in stock is really not actually that hard.0 -
We need to change "I want it right now, and if I don't get it now i'm vexing" attitude.
I wholeheartedly agree, although I fear it's too late... everything is always somenody elses fault these days... nobody's willing to be accountable or take responsibility for anything any more...0 -
Captinfly is a prime example of that. Expecting compensation for not having the parts he wants when he wants.shm_uk wrote:We need to change "I want it right now, and if I don't get it now i'm vexing" attitude.
I wholeheartedly agree, although I fear it's too late... everything is always somenody elses fault these days... nobody's willing to be accountable or take responsibility for anything any more...0 -
Where I agree with you in disliking the compensation culture that is growing all around us, I completely disagree with you re "Learn to actually do your half of the process".MountainMonster wrote:Yes, they should get the system working. No, they should not provide compensation. While the system is known to be faulty, why do people not call and make sure the stuff is in before traveling there.
Welcome to the world, sh!t happens, so grow up and stop being a little baby about things. Learn to actually do your half of the process to make it run smoothly instead of putting all the blame on other people. Everyone wants compensation for something these days, can people not actually take the time to dgo the extra mile. 1 minute of a phone call to see if everything is in stock is really not actually that hard.
Your half of the process is using the facility that the company has made available to you. If it isn't working correctly, it is their responsibility to take it offline, end of story. Yes there might be the odd hicup, but if there is a fundemental problem with their system in terms of stock records they should switch off the system.
Do any of these systems say "Now please call the store to make sure it is in stock even though I have just told you that it is"? I've never seen it...XC: Giant Anthem X
Fun: Yeti SB66
Road: Litespeed C1, Cannondale Supersix Evo, Cervelo R5
Trainer: Bianchi via Nirone
Hack: GT hardtail with Schwalbe City Jets0 -
PaulBox wrote:
Where I agree with you in disliking the compensation culture that is growing all around us, I completely disagree with you re "Learn to actually do your half of the process".MountainMonster wrote:Yes, they should get the system working. No, they should not provide compensation. While the system is known to be faulty, why do people not call and make sure the stuff is in before traveling there.
Welcome to the world, sh!t happens, so grow up and stop being a little baby about things. Learn to actually do your half of the process to make it run smoothly instead of putting all the blame on other people. Everyone wants compensation for something these days, can people not actually take the time to dgo the extra mile. 1 minute of a phone call to see if everything is in stock is really not actually that hard.
Your half of the process is using the facility that the company has made available to you. If it isn't working correctly, it is their responsibility to take it offline, end of story. Yes there might be the odd hicup, but if there is a fundemental problem with their system in terms of stock records they should switch off the system.
Do any of these systems say "Now please call the store to make sure it is in stock even though I have just told you that it is"? I've never seen it...
My point is, it is a well known fact that the system is not reliable. What i'm saying is, if it is well known to have this fault, why do you use it and then get angry and expect compensation for your travels there. It's half as much their fault as it is yours. If I know a chippy doesn't cook food properly and many people have had food poisoning from there, if you go there and get food poisoning, it's half as much your fault as it is theirs.
If you know there are problems, but travel there without doing what you can to make sure the stuff is there (i.e calling the store to check before hand), the blame is also partly on you.0 -
MountainMonster wrote:captainfly wrote:MountainMonster wrote:captainfly wrote:Bill them for your time and expenses, a systemic failure at management level would certainy be worth a threat of the small claims court, at least bend the ear of customer services about failing to provide an advertised service due to incomptance and how it cost you to get there etc.. might get some vouchers.
That sounds typically American. You didn't do what I want when I want, so i'm going to sue you now.
Yes it was an inconvenience. No it wasn't 100% correct due to the stock taking system. It's not like you flew from America to England to pick it up or something.
People need to just accept that sometimes systems make mistakes, and while it may have caused some discomfort for you, it's not the end of the world.
We need to change "I want it right now, and if I don't get it now i'm vexing" attitude.
And that is the attitude that lets companies get away with bad service,
Faiing to providing a service that they offer AND costing you time, causing you inconvenience then why shouldn't you expect to be compensated? If the system doesn't work don't offer the service, don't whinge that mistakes and system problems happen.
Yes, they should get the system working. No, they should not provide compensation. While the system is known to be faulty, why do people not call and make sure the stuff is in before traveling there.
Welcome to the world, sh!t happens, so grow up and stop being a little baby about things. Learn to actually do your half of the process to make it run smoothly instead of putting all the blame on other people. Everyone wants compensation for something these days, can people not actually take the time to dgo the extra mile. 1 minute of a phone call to see if everything is in stock is really not actually that hard.
It has nothing to do with wanting something now and expecting compensation if it isn't avalible, it is about being compensated for time and incoviniemce when you are misinformed by a company which I am pretty sure the consumer protection act covers this.
Why not blame a company who fails to provide a service that they trade on, it doesn't say on their TV adverts that the system doesn't work well so phone up just in case. The only way to get better service from big companies is to complain to customer services, cost them time and money, pretty soon problems get solved. As for my half of the process, paying for service/goods is plenty.-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Mongoose Teocali
Giant STP0
Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:0 -
agree with being annoyed about not having a service you paid for provided. But mistakes do happens. You can't do this or that or somebody won't let you do it, it's because they're worried about people sueing. I don't like the compensation culture either. I'd probably want compensation if somebody knocked me off my bike when on the road though, especially if i was hurt and couldn't do things and my bike/kit was damaged. That's if it wasn't my fault though.0
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This is getting stupid. Suggest you read the Terms of Use of the Halfords Website.
Specifically:
"Due to the changing nature of the information contained in this website Halfords shall have no liability whatsoever for any damages or losses arising directly or indirectly as a result of any of the information accessible via the site not being accurate, complete or up to date."
If you can't read don't complain.
In any event the op was not inconvenienced or out of pocket. His relations may have been, but that's a different story.
Simple solution though - if you are going to make a major trip for something, call and check first.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
Well this just went beyind my point.
I was just wondering if any of you guys had had issues, I didnt know of this rep of Halfords for doing this. I wasnt particually inconvenienced and they sorted it, just a mere enquiry.
But they really do need to sort it out as obviously people have experienced this on a frequent basis.
S'all good though =]0 -
cooldad wrote:This is getting stupid. Suggest you read the Terms of Use of the Halfords Website.
Specifically:
"Due to the changing nature of the information contained in this website Halfords shall have no liability whatsoever for any damages or losses arising directly or indirectly as a result of any of the information accessible via the site not being accurate, complete or up to date."
If you can't read don't complain.
In any event the op was not inconvenienced or out of pocket. His relations may have been, but that's a different story.
Simple solution though - if you are going to make a major trip for something, call and check first.
Saved the day there man! I'm too lazy to search everything through terms and conditions, but on almost everything offered these days online things like that are included to protect themselves.0 -
Happened to me 2 years ago. Done over 150 miles on the assurance that they had a boxed HT Team. They didnt. In two different stores when they said they had.
What I did was phone the next store, they said they had it. I made them go and touch the box, he toddled off for a bit and said he had touched it. Problem solved.0 -
MountainMonster wrote:captainfly wrote:Bill them for your time and expenses, a systemic failure at management level would certainy be worth a threat of the small claims court, at least bend the ear of customer services about failing to provide an advertised service due to incomptance and how it cost you to get there etc.. might get some vouchers.
That sounds typically American. You didn't do what I want when I want, so i'm going to sue you now.
Yes it was an inconvenience. No it wasn't 100% correct due to the stock taking system. It's not like you flew from America to England to pick it up or something.
People need to just accept that sometimes systems make mistakes, and while it may have caused some discomfort for you, it's not the end of the world.
And its that attitude thats led us to this pile of crap in the first place. It IS their fault. Maybe they should be honest and add the proviso in BIG words,,, By the way, chances of us having this in stock despite the fact we say it is, are very ******* slim.
FFS.I'm not fat, I'm big boned......0 -
With your new bike now coming from the North, at least it'll be harder, last longer and not sound weird.
So thank God for small graces. 8) Guinness for strength0 -
Stupidboypike wrote:MountainMonster wrote:captainfly wrote:Bill them for your time and expenses, a systemic failure at management level would certainy be worth a threat of the small claims court, at least bend the ear of customer services about failing to provide an advertised service due to incomptance and how it cost you to get there etc.. might get some vouchers.
That sounds typically American. You didn't do what I want when I want, so i'm going to sue you now.
Yes it was an inconvenience. No it wasn't 100% correct due to the stock taking system. It's not like you flew from America to England to pick it up or something.
People need to just accept that sometimes systems make mistakes, and while it may have caused some discomfort for you, it's not the end of the world.
And its that attitude thats led us to this pile of crap in the first place. It IS their fault. Maybe they should be honest and add the proviso in BIG words,,, By the way, chances of us having this in stock despite the fact we say it is, are very ******* slim.
FFS.
Yeah, and if you know it isn't working, why use it? So it IS also you fault. Maybe you should be honest and admit your part of the blame and learn from your mistakes, I.E. not using the system again?0 -
I don't, mate. Happened to me with argos years ago and I thought sod this.
It appals me that they are allowed to get away with it by the advertising authorities. Then again so does a lot of other stuff......
Being really old I can remember when things were a bit more ...... erm.......less deceptive.I'm not fat, I'm big boned......0
