Companies That You Expect to Disappear Soon

[221101 Voyager]

Ashford: J Lewis with rubbish customer service (but a very big car park).

Well like I say not every store is perfect sadly. JL at their worst couldn't be as bad as Currys surely?

 

[Journeyman]

BBC: "Paperchase, which has 127 stationery stores and some 1,500 employees, is on the brink of administration. It's filed a notice to appoint administrators as it tries to rescue the business."

Paperchase used to be really good, but it's a bit rubbish now, so I'm not surprised it's struggling. I still write a lot of letters - and I mean a lot, running into hundreds a year - so I get through a lot of writing paper. They used to have an excellent selection in a very wide range of styles, but now it's all sparkly planners and notebooks with cheesy motivational slogans on them, aimed at a particular type of woman. The writing paper has pretty much disappeared, and Ryman and WHSmith are much better for that now.

 

[dgl]

I find that with a lot of store, like currys, it helps to know exactly what you want before you go in or know how to interpret spec sheets, then you can make sure you are getting what YOU want and not what the sales person has been asked to flog.

Also when doing research read the manuals for the products you are interested in, a manual will tell you more about the features of a product than any website summary ever will.

 

[SuspectUsual]

I find that with a lot of store, like currys, it helps to know exactly what you want before you go in or know how to interpret spec sheets, then you can make sure you are getting what YOU want and not what the sales person has been asked to flog.

Also when doing research read the manuals for the products you are interested in, a manual will tell you more about the features of a product than any website summary ever will.

Features are what they’re told to push. Ask them what the benefit is and it’s an entirely different answer. I can remember back in the 80s going with my mum to get a new telly from Comet and the sales go was telling my mum how ace this expensive telly was because “it does picture in a picture” (ie a second channel in a box about 4 inches by 3 in the top corner of the screen). When my mum asked him what use that was, given how small the picture was, he had no answers

But apropos Curry’s - the one in Halifax is awful now. Too few staff, those that are present are disinterested and no use, and the amount of stock seems very low which to me is a sure fire sign of a struggling business.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I'd generally agree with this, John Lewis in general are a cut above other department stores. The exception being the relatively new one in Leeds which is unremarkable (although it looks nice) and felt more like a branch of House of Fraser.

I have a lot of respect for John Lewis. Our Croydon branch was fairly new and we were getting used to, more or less, treating it as a destination store. They always matched Currys on price. Just such a shame it has closed as I doubt we will trek further afield for a fix.

The Croydon House of Fraser is dead on its feet. I picked up some reduced price clothing where it transpires Primark might have been better quality !. It must have been stock brought in to get rid of. I no longer go in to House of Fraser for fear of disappointment.

 

[_toommm_]

I've recently tried to use Currys, and I've got to say it's really annoyed me. Instead of having a central warehouse, you're browsing either lots of tiny warehouses or store stock on their website. Graphics cards are widely unavailable due to scalpers, so it meant that I couldn't even get them from Currys as no stores in my area stocked them, they don't do home delivery, and they don't transfer store-to-store.

 

[johntea]

My problem with shopping in store is the sale assistants are on targets to flog the store card / extended warranty / accidental damage cover / ripoff cable or accessory to go with the item

At least online I can just ignore the offers or click decline

Also returns can be a pain, compared to when I had a faulty item from Amazon they refunded me the same second that the Post Office had scanned the return label!

 

[221101 Voyager]

I've recently tried to use Currys, and I've got to say it's really annoyed me. Instead of having a central warehouse, you're browsing either lots of tiny warehouses or store stock on their website. Graphics cards are widely unavailable due to scalpers, so it meant that I couldn't even get them from Currys as no stores in my area stocked them, they don't do home delivery, and they don't transfer store-to-store.

As I say upthread, I would avoid Currys at all cost they are about a useful as a chocolate teapot!

If you are looking for PC parts, I recommend a company called Scan Computers.

I've used Scan twice once to buy parts for my personal PC build and a 2nd PC build which I ordered and built on belhalf of someone else who then paid me for buying the parts and for building it.

On both occasions I had a very positive experience with them. If I had an issue or query they gave me the time of day and wnet above and beyond to ensure I was happy.

An friend of mine said he had ordered 3 systems from them over the years and he also had no issues.


So I highly recommend them as a result.
Here is their website. Good luck in finding a GPU, is it an Nvidia RTX 3000 you are after by any chance? If so, they are like gold dust right now!

Hope this helps.

SCAN UK | PC components and online computer shop

Scan is the UK's leading supplier of computer hardware and PC components. Customise PCs for gaming, music production, video editing and graphics creation

www.scan.co.uk

 

[_toommm_]

As I say upthread, I would avoid Currys at all cost they are about a useful as a chocolate teapot!

If you are looking for PC parts, I recommend a company called Scan Computers.

I've used Scan twice once to buy parts for my personal PC build and a 2nd PC build which I ordered and built on belhalf of someone else who then paid me for buying the parts and for building it.

On both occasions I had a very positive experience with them. If I had an issue or query they gave me the time of day and wnet above and beyond to ensure I was happy.

An friend of mine said he had ordered 3 systems from them over the years and he also had no issues.


So I highly recommend them as a result.
Here is their website. Good luck in finding a GPU, is it an Nvidia RTX 3000 you are after by any chance? If so, they are like gold dust right now!

Hope this helps.

SCAN UK | PC components and online computer shop

Scan is the UK's leading supplier of computer hardware and PC components. Customise PCs for gaming, music production, video editing and graphics creation

www.scan.co.uk

You know, it is a 3000 series (or a 5700XT)! The one place that had them in stock allegedly (Viking Direct) bailed on me due to an issue with the supplier.

Ive had to go for a decidedly last generation 1080TI, but it should hold up to most games at 1440p for now.

 

[43096]

Going back to the original question, has anyone suggested the Trump Organisation yet? We can but hope...

 

[Journeyman]

Going back to the original question, has anyone suggested the Trump Organisation yet? We can but hope...

After yesterday's shenanigans, I think he's finished. It's just a matter of time.

 

[221101 Voyager]

You know, it is a 3000 series (or a 5700XT)! The one place that had them in stock allegedly (Viking Direct) bailed on me due to an issue with the supplier.

Ive had to go for a decidedly last generation 1080TI, but it should hold up to most games at 1440p for now.

Just think though, any dedicated GPU is better than having those rubbish integrated graphics low end systems have!

Where did you end up getting the 1080Ti from?

 

[jon0844]

Dont suppose you’re talking about Oxford Street or Cardiff are you?

(It’s okay if you don’t want to answer if it gives away your location).

Welwyn Garden City in this case, but I think this is an aspiration for most of the stores where it would be possible (as in owning the buildings). WGC already has a number of residential properties within its main building(s).

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Jan 2021 ==

Paperchase used to be really good, but it's a bit rubbish now, so I'm not surprised it's struggling. I still write a lot of letters - and I mean a lot, running into hundreds a year - so I get through a lot of writing paper. They used to have an excellent selection in a very wide range of styles, but now it's all sparkly planners and notebooks with cheesy motivational slogans on them, aimed at a particular type of woman. The writing paper has pretty much disappeared, and Ryman and WHSmith are much better for that now.

You know you've done something wrong if WH Smith is a better place to go for something!!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Jan 2021 ==

As I say upthread, I would avoid Currys at all cost they are about a useful as a chocolate teapot!

If you are looking for PC parts, I recommend a company called Scan Computers.

I've used Scan twice once to buy parts for my personal PC build and a 2nd PC build which I ordered and built on belhalf of someone else who then paid me for buying the parts and for building it.

On both occasions I had a very positive experience with them. If I had an issue or query they gave me the time of day and wnet above and beyond to ensure I was happy.

An friend of mine said he had ordered 3 systems from them over the years and he also had no issues.


So I highly recommend them as a result.
Here is their website. Good luck in finding a GPU, is it an Nvidia RTX 3000 you are after by any chance? If so, they are like gold dust right now!

Hope this helps.

SCAN UK | PC components and online computer shop

Scan is the UK's leading supplier of computer hardware and PC components. Customise PCs for gaming, music production, video editing and graphics creation

www.scan.co.uk

Many purchases will be distress purchases, like the TV blows up, the PC fan dies or whatever. Assuming you know what you need (and order in advance to collect) you probably don't see how bad they can be for other people.

Being able to turn up and buy something there and then is what gives/gave Currys an advantage over Amazon or any other mail order business. Sometimes you'll think of buying something for ages (so clearly no rush) then one day decide to take the plunge, and if you act on impulse then - again - they can get your business.

But now Amazon is increasingly doing same day deliveries (albeit if you order before 12-2pm) and Argos is also doing the same, which can often allow even later ordering. I got a TV delivered at 9pm that I ordered at 3pm. Cost: £3.99 on top.

Amazon offers the same day delivery to Prime customers, and I am not sure it's even an option for non-Prime customers? So, in that regard, Argos is perhaps in the best position for impulse buyers - especially during a pandemic. [Less chance perhaps of getting something that was opened and returned to a local store too].

Edit: I should add that in some cases Argos are now competitive with Amazon (or maybe Amazon is less competitive now it has so many customers) so price isn't even a factor a lot of the time - it's who offers the most convenience.

 

[SS4]

Edit: I should add that in some cases Argos are now competitive with Amazon (or maybe Amazon is less competitive now it has so many customers) so price isn't even a factor a lot of the time - it's who offers the most convenience.

I've noticed this too and products are often in stock at Argos for near immediate collection (I've actually ordered something in the queue and got it by the time I was at the front). As you say they're also competitive on price and for me having the item in my hand near immediately is worth a few quid in itself

I also find that Amazon don't really care as much as they used to; from doing next to nothing about fake reviews to item pooling so the item you thought you got from a reputable vendor is actually some off brand from China. Their return policy is good but I'd rather not have to return anything which seems more common than it should be in my experience. The only place I find it better than Argos is in the range of products they sell.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

After yesterday's shenanigans, I think he's finished. It's just a matter of time.

Or perhaps the last five years (campaign and presidency) were just the world's most elaborate marketing campaign? For all the dislike expressed by people, there's now a huge band of people who believe he can do no wrong and will probably buy anything with his name on it once he's out of the White House. Expect a relaunch of Trump Steaks along with Trump Cruises; Trump Wristwatches; Trump Cologne...

(Actually that last one has the wrong ring to it this side of the pond)

 

[matacaster]

Features are what they’re told to push. Ask them what the benefit is and it’s an entirely different answer. I can remember back in the 80s going with my mum to get a new telly from Comet and the sales go was telling my mum how ace this expensive telly was because “it does picture in a picture” (ie a second channel in a box about 4 inches by 3 in the top corner of the screen). When my mum asked him what use that was, given how small the picture was, he had no answers

But apropos Curry’s - the one in Halifax is awful now. Too few staff, those that are present are disinterested and no use, and the amount of stock seems very low which to me is a sure fire sign of a struggling business.

Halifax Curry's is still much better than Huddersfield's which as far as I am aware is still abandoned due to a major fire caused, I believe, by faulty electrical equipment!

 

[trebor79]

I also find that Amazon don't really care as much as they used to; from doing next to nothing about fake reviews to item pooling so the item you thought you got from a reputable vendor is actually some off brand from China. Their return policy is good but I'd rather not have to return anything which seems more common than it should be in my experience. The only place I find it better than Argos is in the range of products they sell.

I'm starting to really dislike Amazon. I have always avoided where possible. My wife uses them extensively and has learned not to pay for next day delivery as stuff frequently arrives next day anyway, or several days later even if next day has been paid for.
I don't like the wastefulness of 2 or 3 vans delivering to us on the same day.
Mother in law bought a job lot of Duracell batteries. When they arrived they were "Procell" branded. She hadn't realised it wasn't Amazon selling but "someone else".
I also find their website is useless for buying anything at all specialist as there aren't enough filter options, or the filter options are not relevant or useful. I guess a lot of it is done by algorithm, doesn't always make good choices.

 

[mcmad]

Procell is the professional grade whereas Duracell is the consumer grade.

 

[Journeyman]

I'm starting to really dislike Amazon. I have always avoided where possible. My wife uses them extensively and has learned not to pay for next day delivery as stuff frequently arrives next day anyway, or several days later even if next day has been paid for.
I don't like the wastefulness of 2 or 3 vans delivering to us on the same day.
Mother in law bought a job lot of Duracell batteries. When they arrived they were "Procell" branded. She hadn't realised it wasn't Amazon selling but "someone else".
I also find their website is useless for buying anything at all specialist as there aren't enough filter options, or the filter options are not relevant or useful. I guess a lot of it is done by algorithm, doesn't always make good choices.

I won't touch Amazon with a barge pole, and I haven't used them for years. I think their business practices, tax avoidance and unethical behaviour in driving competitors out of business are just too much to stomach.

I got given a £100 Amazon gift card by my mother-in-law for Christmas. I politely returned it, with an explanation as to why I couldn't use it. She thinks I'm an idiot anyway, so I had nothing to lose. She completely understood and gifted me the cash instead.

I've never been disadvantaged by refusing to deal with them. They don't sell anything you can't find elsewhere.

 

[dgl]

Procell is the professional grade whereas Duracell is the consumer grade.

Which AFAIK are just as crappy as regular Leakycell's. Buy the VARTA ones if you are on Amazon, cheap and made in Germany.

 

[Dai Corner]

I think Amazon are rather off-topic for a thread about '

Companies That You Expect to Disappear Soon'?​

 

[route101]

I bought a laptop in October, and there was very little availability across the board. On Amazon sold out or waiting for months for it to come back into stock. PC World, both online and instore hardly anything, in the end I bought Laptop from John Lewis. Sometimes you need something very quick and to be in stock.

 

[Journeyman]

I bought a laptop in October, and there was very little availability across the board. On Amazon sold out or waiting for months for it to come back into stock. PC World, both online and instore hardly anything, in the end I bought Laptop from John Lewis. Sometimes you need something very quick and to be in stock.

Oddly enough that was exactly my experience (although I didn't try Amazon first because I won't buy from them). My old laptop died in September and I urgently needed to replace it. It turned out to be surprisingly difficult.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

I think Amazon are rather off-topic for a thread about '

Companies That You Expect to Disappear Soon'?​

Think that some posters would rather it be "Companies That You'd Like to Disappear Soon"?!

 

[route101]

Oddly enough that was exactly my experience (although I didn't try Amazon first because I won't buy from them). My old laptop died in September and I urgently needed to replace it. It turned out to be surprisingly difficult.

Yes, I high demand for laptops last year was too blame. Lucky I wasn't at Uni with a deadline !

 

[Busaholic]

Think that some posters would rather it be "Companies That You'd Like to Disappear Soon"?!

I jealously guard a newspaper headline from the Indepedent in 2001 - 'What if Amazon fails?', which was quite feasible then the way they were apparently leaking money. It had pride of place in my bookshop window for many years, quietly yellowing as the likelihood of it happening diminished by each succeeding year. Well, it gave me satisfaction, anyway.

 

[Westcountryman]

Which AFAIK are just as crappy as regular Leakycell's. Buy the VARTA ones if you are on Amazon, cheap and made in Germany.

Is this true or is it the old 'it's made in Germany so it must be the best'. Several years ago I had a carpenter in my daughter's house to fix a sagging floor. He told me that he was using German screws because they are better because of German Engineering.

 

[dgl]

Is this true or is it the old 'it's made in Germany so it must be the best'. Several years ago I had a carpenter in my daughter's house to fix a sagging floor. He told me that he was using German screws because they are better because of German Engineering.

It's generally reckoned that all but cheapo chinese batteries or Zinc carbon ones are better than Duracell batteries.
Oh and one of the reasons I am drawn to Varta is that my Mum used to work for them when they were in Crewkerne.

 

[WelshBluebird]

I jealously guard a newspaper headline from the Indepedent in 2001 - 'What if Amazon fails?', which was quite feasible then the way they were apparently leaking money. It had pride of place in my bookshop window for many years, quietly yellowing as the likelihood of it happening diminished by each succeeding year. Well, it gave me satisfaction, anyway.

The biggest problems that would cause these days wouldn't be for people buying things online, or even their thousands of employees - it would be for websites and other online services hosted by AWS!

 

[LOL The Irony]

The biggest problems that would cause these days wouldn't be for people buying things online, or even their thousands of employees - it would be for websites and other online services hosted by AWS!

This. If AWS went down, half the internet would cease to work, that's how widespread Amazon is.