Topshop Stephen's Green

GBA · 08-09-2008 12:39pm #1

Girls!

Have you noticed that the Euro equivalent on the price tags in Topshop in no way equates the sterling price? They did in the past when the Euro was a lot weaker, but Topshop have done nothing to update their pricing system. It absolutely infuriates me!

I don't want to bother complaining to the manager as I would prefer to take it up with their head office. However, I can't find any address to write to about the matter.

Let me know your thoughts.

Cabaal · 08-09-2008 1:05pm

sigh,
different tax rates, shipping etc
use the search function and this is all explained 100's of times before

Lollipops23 · 08-09-2008 1:31pm

Cabaal wrote: »

sigh,
different tax rates, shipping etc
use the search function and this is all explained 100's of times before

bullpoop;why does it cost more to ship to Dublin than Belfast?they and many others are taking the piss when it comes to exvchange rates-they're at the lowest they've been in years and yet they decide that £80 is the same as E120??no way hose...

craichoe · 08-09-2008 1:40pm

Lollipops23 wrote: »

bullpoop;why does it cost more to ship to Dublin than Belfast?they and many others are taking the piss when it comes to exvchange rates-they're at the lowest they've been in years and yet they decide that £80 is the same as E120??no way hose...

ARRRRRRRRRGGGHHHHHHHH ..... Same across Europe ffs, how is Ireland special ???

Different Markets, different customers.

If you don't like it then GO BUY IT SOMEPLACE ELSE.. or else GO TO THE UK AND BUY IT IN STERLING.

Time Magazine · 08-09-2008 1:47pm

Lollipops23 wrote: »

bullpoop;why does it cost more to ship to Dublin than Belfast?

Because Belfast is in the UK and not Ireland. Thus distributors, when signing agreements, will include Belfast in the UK price and up it for Ireland. They don't sign agreements on a city-by-city basis, but on a national basis. Distributors see Belfast as part of the UK nation for these purposes.

hey and many others are taking the piss when it comes to exvchange rates-they're at the lowest they've been in years and yet they decide that £80 is the same as E120??no way hose...

It's not just the exchange rate that matters but the overheads. Our VAT rate is higher than the UK's. Our minimum wages are higher. Our costs of electricity are higher. Our rents, particularly on Grafton Street, are higher.

Finally, we're richer than Nordies, so we're willing to pay more.

Lollipops23 · 08-09-2008 1:56pm

hmm,nope don't buy it!Topshop sell cotton vest for £14 and somehow convert that to E15??how is it they don't mind making a loss on those items but will charge massive rates on others?no consistency!

eth0_ · 08-09-2008 1:58pm

Do what i've started doing:

Try the clothes on in the shop, then go to topshop.com and order online, pay in sterling, £5 delivery to Ireland.

GBA wrote: »

Girls!

Have you noticed that the Euro equivalent on the price tags in Topshop in no way equates the sterling price? They did in the past when the Euro was a lot weaker, but Topshop have done nothing to update their pricing system. It absolutely infuriates me!

I don't want to bother complaining to the manager as I would prefer to take it up with their head office. However, I can't find any address to write to about the matter.

Let me know your thoughts.

craichoe · 08-09-2008 2:07pm

Lollipops23 wrote: »

bullpoop;why does it cost more to ship to Dublin than Belfast?they and many others are taking the piss when it comes to exvchange rates-they're at the lowest they've been in years and yet they decide that £80 is the same as E120??no way hose...

It could be in rupees for all it matters.
Jack and Jones for example always has a price difference between Holland, Germany, Ireland and the UK.

Ireland is .. not .. special. Just because they happen to use Sterling doesn't make any difference. Dell have the same thing when buying in different regions.

Cabaal · 08-09-2008 2:59pm

eth0_ wrote: »

Do what i've started doing:

Try the clothes on in the shop, then go to topshop.com and order online, pay in sterling, £5 delivery to Ireland.

that makes perfect sense, there's somebody using their head

dlambirl · 08-09-2008 3:42pm

Cabaal wrote: »

that makes perfect sense, there's somebody using their head

Exactly!!
Either do that or go up to newry/belfast/enniskillen and do yuor shopping there cos the two prices on the tags will never ever match up no matter who you talk to or complain to

GBA · 08-09-2008 4:45pm

I suppose, it just pisses me off that we're treated like idiots. Why don't they just use the Euro price and we'd be none the wiser...

GBA · 08-09-2008 4:47pm

Plus, I would like to buy the item then and there! Is that a lot to ask??

Guy:Incognito · 08-09-2008 5:50pm

GBA wrote: »

I suppose, it just pisses me off that we're treated like idiots. Why don't they just use the Euro price and we'd be none the wiser...

Because then they would have to start tagging everythign differently and individually for each side of the borde (more costs).

The items are tagged well before they hit the shelves so as well as priceing for the more expensive market (costs are higher in Ireland, just taking minimum wage, ours is 25% more than the uk) they are going to put a price on it that allows for currency fluctuations( we are doing well currency wise now but who's to say it wont take a massiv enosedive at some stage making the € pretty much worthless against sterling and if it does I bet there will be a sharpe decline in the trips to Newry).

eth0_ · 08-09-2008 6:07pm

GBA wrote: »

I suppose, it just pisses me off that we're treated like idiots. Why don't they just use the Euro price and we'd be none the wiser...

GET OVER IT.

GBA · 08-09-2008 6:18pm

because i have some principles. i do apologise...

Danno · 08-09-2008 6:20pm

Go in to local bank, buy STG£80 and hand it in to the shop... see what happens!

axer · 08-09-2008 6:21pm

GBA wrote: »

I suppose, it just pisses me off that we're treated like idiots. Why don't they just use the Euro price and we'd be none the wiser...

We are idiots. People throw out money all sides (at least used to - starting to change slowly). People never used to look at prices and tip when being ripped off - what message does that give?

Red Alert · 08-09-2008 6:34pm

Apparently even if they accept sterling they'll do it by converting the Euro price to a higher sterling value than the UK Sterling value printed on the ticket!

gixerfixer · 08-09-2008 6:53pm

Vote with your wallet. Shop somewhere else.

GBA · 08-09-2008 6:59pm

i know, i have been avoiding it. it's just a shame, because like many girls i really like the shop. goddamit!

eth0_ · 08-09-2008 8:01pm

GBA wrote: »

because i have some principles. i do apologise...

What have principles got to do with it?!?!

You clearly have NO idea about the economy and how retail organisations work!

Topshops collections are created and priced months before they end up in the stores. The exchange rate fluctuates. Topshop have to take this into account. If they had to create a pricing structure and price tags exclusively for Ireland, the prices would go up substantially as it would involve more accountants, changes to their EPOS software, and creating euro only price tags.

I'm sure at times Topshop and other retail stores take a hit when the exchange rate fluctuates to the extent it has right now with Euro Vs Sterling.

I have given you a solution - buy off topshop.com and pay in sterling. You ignoring me, choosing instead to continue whinging about Topshop when they are doing *nothing* wrong.

eth0_ · 08-09-2008 8:03pm

Red Alert wrote: »

Apparently even if they accept sterling they'll do it by converting the Euro price to a higher sterling value than the UK Sterling value printed on the ticket!

They wouldn't accept sterling in their Dublin stores...why should they?

Buy online. Pay in sterling. Save money. Quit whinging when there is an easy alternative (and a better range!) online.

Padraig Mor · 08-09-2008 9:20pm

Wow.....way for everyone to miss the point! The OP is not complaining that items here should be priced at the exact euro equivalent of the sterling but that sterling has been hugely weaker (than the 'traditional' 1:1.50 rate) for many months now with no corresponding reduction in the euro price, i.e. the shops are now taking a higher margin on these items in ROI rather than passing on the rate drop. And I don't for a second buy the 'priced months ago blah blah blah' bull - we've been hearing it for years now and it's just too damn convenient that it's always in the retailer's favour. I have no experience with Topshop but in my experience Debenham's particulary take the proverbial; £30 = €47 (even €50 on some recent items)....I don't think so. Used always shop there but no more....

axer · 08-09-2008 9:24pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

I have no experience with Topshop but in my experience Debenham's particulary take the proverbial; £30 = €47 (even €50 on some recent items)....I don't think so.

Then again do they not say "UK" underneath the £30 and something like "Rep. of Ireland" underneath the €47? Are they really giving a currency conversion rate or a market conversion rate. It sounds like the latter to me which is what they are entitled to do. People are obviously willing to pay the prices thus those shops don't see a reason to change.

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Used always shop there but no more....

The best way to deal with the situation.

Time Magazine · 08-09-2008 10:47pm

Lads, people from Kerry always talk about "Dublin prices" for this, that and the other.

This is the same thing. Higher costs + people willing to pay more = Higher prices.

craichoe · 09-09-2008 11:04am

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Wow.....way for everyone to miss the point! The OP is not complaining that items here should be priced at the exact euro equivalent of the sterling but that sterling has been hugely weaker (than the 'traditional' 1:1.50 rate) for many months now with no corresponding reduction in the euro price, i.e. the shops are now taking a higher margin on these items in ROI rather than passing on the rate drop. And I don't for a second buy the 'priced months ago blah blah blah' bull - we've been hearing it for years now and it's just too damn convenient that it's always in the retailer's favour. I have no experience with Topshop but in my experience Debenham's particulary take the proverbial; £30 = €47 (even €50 on some recent items)....I don't think so. Used always shop there but no more....

The point is I can walk into Jack and Jones in amsterdam and look at a price tag. NL could be 80 Euros and IRL could be 70 Euros. the GB price can be lower or higher.

So wtf has a price being in Sterling got to do with anything

Padraig Mor · 09-09-2008 3:02pm

craichoe wrote: »

So wtf has a price being in Sterling got to do with anything

You're still not getting it. The problem is not with them charging more in ROI but them increasing their profit margin here by not passing on decreases in their costs here. The point (and it's really not that hard to grasp) is that Debenham's (and Topshop?) are UK companies who presumably centralise purchasing in the UK, i.e. they buy in sterling. By not passing on the rate decrease they are increasing their profit margin at the expense of the Irish consumer. Take the Debenham's example:

Shirt / whatever, priced £30/€47.

Sept 2007: cost to Debenham's = (say) £25 = €37.50. Sell at €47. Profit = €9.50. Profit margin = 20%.

Sept 2008: cost to Debenham's = £25 = €31.20. Sell at €47. Profit = €15.80. Profit margin = 33.6%.

The cost to them has remained stable in sterling which means that the equivalent euro price has decreased - but they keep the price the same and pocket the difference!

axer · 09-09-2008 3:15pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

You're still not getting it. The problem is not with them charging more in ROI but them increasing their profit margin here by not passing on decreases in their costs here. The point (and it's really not that hard to grasp) is that Debenham's (and Topshop?) are UK companies who presumably centralise purchasing in the UK, i.e. they buy in sterling. By not passing on the rate decrease they are increasing their profit margin at the expense of the Irish consumer. Take the Debenham's example:

Shirt / whatever, priced £30/€47.

Sept 2007: cost to Debenham's = (say) £25 = €37.50. Sell at €47. Profit = €9.50. Profit margin = 20%.

Sept 2008: cost to Debenham's = £25 = €31.20. Sell at €47. Profit = €15.80. Profit margin = 33.6%.

The cost to them has remained stable in sterling which means that the equivalent euro price has decreased - but they keep the price the same and pocket the difference!

You are not taking into account the higher costs in Ireland and VAT differences thus your example is flawed.

Nody · 09-09-2008 3:23pm

GBA wrote: »

I suppose, it just pisses me off that we're treated like idiots. Why don't they just use the Euro price and we'd be none the wiser...

It is obviously working though as the shop is still there.

GBA wrote: »

Plus, I would like to buy the item then and there! Is that a lot to ask??

And you can as well, the shop is there for you to buy it at the offered price. If you don't like the price you get to go some where else, how is this something hard to understand? If I go into HMV and point out that in China the DVD cost 1 USD do you think HMV should go, oh well then, here you go for the price of 0.75 Euro because it is cheaper some where else?

Padraig Mor wrote: »

The cost to them has remained stable in sterling which means that the equivalent euro price has decreased - but they keep the price the same and pocket the difference!

A company asking for a higher profit on a small low competition market? You surely jest!

Cabaal · 09-09-2008 3:24pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

You're still not getting it. [/I]

You've used the search function right?
If your still not getting it then I don't think anyone can help explain this to you

Padraig Mor · 09-09-2008 3:57pm

axer wrote: »

You are not taking into account the higher costs in Ireland and VAT differences thus your example is flawed.

Cabaal wrote: »

You've used the search function right?
If your still not getting it then I don't think anyone can help explain this to you

I despair really. Is it really that hard to grasp such a simple concept??!!......VAT in Ireland is the same this year as last year! Their costs have not suddenly significantly increased here! The products are now costing them less to supply than last year but they still charge the same price - i.e. they have increased their profit margin at our expense.

A P.S. for those who (yet again) can't read: the problem is not with a higher price here, but retailers taking advantage of currency fluctuations to make off like bandits!

axer · 09-09-2008 3:59pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

I despair really. Is it really that hard to grasp such a simple concept??!!......VAT in Ireland is the same this year as last year! Their costs have not suddenly significantly increased here! The products are now costing them less to supply than last year but they still charge the same price - i.e. they have increased their profit margin at our expense.

A P.S. for those who (yet again) can't read: the problem is not with a higher price here, but retailers taking advantage of currency fluctuations to make off like bandits!

How do you know that it is priced for currency and not market? You just assume that because it says the price in sterling on the same label that the euro price for Ireland should be based on that.

How do you know their costs have not increased? Have you looked at their accounts?

Maybe its your that just doesn't get it.

GBA · 09-09-2008 4:16pm

Thank you Padraig Mor!

Corruptedmorals · 09-09-2008 5:24pm

It does annoy me, but I content myself with getting student discount. I'm so glad you mentioned bringing it up with head office though, and not savaging shop assistants. It gets really really annoying, being blamed for prices you've nothing to do with.

Blisterman · 09-09-2008 6:32pm

Danno wrote: »

Go in to local bank, buy STG£80 and hand it in to the shop... see what happens!

Tried that in a few stores. Doesn't work.

dudara · 09-09-2008 6:53pm

Here's a basic business equation

Profit = Sales - Cost of Sales

See the variable "Cost of Sales" - that varies from country to country. (As does the Sales variable). Therefore there is no guarantee that they are making more profit in Ireland than in the UK.

I don't like the practise of dual pricing, but you have to realise that the sterling price IS NOT MEANT TO EQUAL the Euro price on those tags.

Padraig Mor · 10-09-2008 8:44am

axer wrote: »

How do you know that it is priced for currency and not market?.

I have no idea what that means.

axer wrote: »

You just assume that because it says the price in sterling on the same label that the euro price for Ireland should be based on that.

dudara wrote: »

I don't like the practise of dual pricing, but you have to realise that the sterling price IS NOT MEANT TO EQUAL the Euro price on those tags.

Seriously guys......I've already said three times that I am not saying that the euro price should be equivalent to the sterling price. I don't think I can say it any more clearly TBH. My problem is with UK-based retailers - in the last six months or so - taking advantage of currency fluctuations to increase their profit margins in ROI by not passing on reductions in their cost base. With so many people here (on a consumer forum!) willing to jump to their defence, it's no wonder we get ridden.

And Axer - their costs have suddenly leaped recently? Come off it will ya? Surely you don't actually believe that!

axer · 10-09-2008 8:57am

Padraig Mor wrote: »

I have no idea what that means.

It means that products take different prices in different markets according to what that market is willing to pay and is also linked to competition, supply and demand. If these prices were too high then the shops in question would loose business and they would be forced to lower their prices as a result.

Padraig Mor wrote: »

And Axer - their costs have suddenly leaped recently? Come off it will ya? Surely you don't actually believe that!

I am saying there are higher costs in Ireland, a smaller market and that you do not know what costs they are facing.

Padraig Mor · 10-09-2008 9:08am

axer wrote: »

It means that products take different prices in different markets according to what that market is willing to pay and is also linked to competition, supply and demand. If these prices were too high then the shops in question would loose business and they would be forced to lower their prices as a result..

So basically you're saying they'll rip us off because they know we'll pony up the cash?

I am saying there are higher costs in Ireland, a smaller market and that you do not know what costs they are facing.

I do not disagree that there are higher costs here. Once again: I do not expect them to sell at the exact euro equivalent of the sterling price. What you are seemingly unable to grasp is the fact that their costs have decreased significantly over the last few months but they are pocketing the difference.

axer · 10-09-2008 9:18am

Padraig Mor wrote: »

So basically you're saying they'll rip us off because they know we'll pony up the cash?

I am saying that the market determines the price. Shop with your feet and if enough people think before they buy then the market will change but you cannot call rip-off just because you are not willing to pay the price nor see the value in the item since other people obviously do. Why would someone buy something if they didnt think it was value for money?

Padraig Mor wrote: »

I do not disagree that there are higher costs here. Once again: I do not expect them to sell at the exact euro equivalent of the sterling price. What you are seemingly unable to grasp is the fact that their costs have decreased significantly over the last few months but they are pocketing the difference.

Show how all their costs have decreased in the last few months.

Padraig Mor · 10-09-2008 10:18am

axer wrote: »

Show how all their costs have decreased in the last few months.

I have already shown how their primary cost - the price they pay for an item - has dropped significantly in the last few months. If you think their other costs have suddenly increased to match this you are extremely gullible.

axer · 10-09-2008 10:28am

Padraig Mor wrote: »

I have already shown how their primary cost - the price they pay for an item - has dropped significantly in the last few months. If you think their other costs have suddenly increased to match this you are extremely gullible.

You have not shown their primary cost. You speculated on what you think is their primary costs. Where did you find out how much they pay for items?

Padraig Mor · 10-09-2008 11:14am

axer wrote: »

You have not shown their primary cost. You speculated on what you think is their primary costs. Where did you find out how much they pay for items?

OK you're right. The retailers have faced a sudden huge increase in costs which coincidently happens to be the same as the cost decrease due to currency fluctuation. They're not ripping us off. They're not taking any extra profit. And if they are, they're giving it to the abandoned dogs home or something. Pocketing it? No sireee......

dudara · 10-09-2008 11:37am

Padraig Mor wrote: »

They're not ripping us off. They're not taking any extra profit.

See my previous post about the relationship between sales, cost of sales and profit and try to understand how fluctuations in one or two of the variables can impact the profit.

I would say here at the moment that Sales are down, Cost of Sales are up. I'm open to correction.

As Axer said, the market determines the prices. Not the shops. If you don't like, don't buy.

Biggins · 10-09-2008 12:02pm

GBA wrote: »

I don't want to bother complaining to the manager as I would prefer to take it up with their head office. However, I can't find any address to write to about the matter.

This is a common trend now. Companies are deliberately avoiding stating their direct HQ address, number or details if they can.
Its to shun away from all possible complaints. I'm having a problem with Waterstones at the moment too and have this contact problem as well.

There are many out there in the same boat with other companies.
Me, I learned my lesson. Now I avoid ANY company that is not forwards with whom to contact.

Padraig Mor · 10-09-2008 12:25pm

dudara wrote: »

See my previous post about the relationship between sales, cost of sales and profit and try to understand how fluctuations in one or two of the variables can impact the profit.

I would say here at the moment that Sales are down, Cost of Sales are up. I'm open to correction.

But this is my point! Cost of sales is down - significantly so! An item that used to cost them €100 wholesale now costs them €80 (rough figures).

If you don't like, don't buy.

I don't!

axer · 10-09-2008 12:33pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

But this is my point! Cost of sales is down - significantly so! An item that used to cost them €100 wholesale now costs them €80 (rough figures).

You are only talking about currency. You are assuming cost of sales only equals currency fluctuations. That seems to be the essence of your argument but it is wrong. Cost of sales is the total cost of selling the goods.

Where did you get your figures that wholesale cost of clothes has reduced by 20%?

Padraig Mor · 10-09-2008 1:32pm

You are assuming cost of sales only equals currency fluctuations.

No I'm not.

axer wrote: »

Where did you get your figures that wholesale cost of clothes has reduced by 20%?

Seriously man. I've said it a dozen times. These UK chains buy their stock in sterling. Sterling has dropped approx 20% against the euro. Therefore the cost to the ROI stores - in euro - of obtaining the goods wholesale has dropped approx 20%. It's not rocket science...

craichoe · 10-09-2008 2:26pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

You're still not getting it. The problem is not with them charging more in ROI but them increasing their profit margin here by not passing on decreases in their costs here. The point (and it's really not that hard to grasp) is that Debenham's (and Topshop?) are UK companies who presumably centralise purchasing in the UK, i.e. they buy in sterling. By not passing on the rate decrease they are increasing their profit margin at the expense of the Irish consumer. Take the Debenham's example:

Shirt / whatever, priced £30/€47.

Sept 2007: cost to Debenham's = (say) £25 = €37.50. Sell at €47. Profit = €9.50. Profit margin = 20%.

Sept 2008: cost to Debenham's = £25 = €31.20. Sell at €47. Profit = €15.80. Profit margin = 33.6%.

The cost to them has remained stable in sterling which means that the equivalent euro price has decreased - but they keep the price the same and pocket the difference!

Still don't get it, if theres a Price difference between Ireland and Germany then what is the difference between the UK and Ireland.

Just because the exchange rate changes they should increase their price in the UK ? or decrease in Ireland ? Why should it be cheaper in Ireland compared to the rest of Europe ?

I don't think the exchange rate is the responsibility of a business selling a product for that region, essentially they treat each territory as seperate areas.

axer · 10-09-2008 2:29pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Seriously man. I've said it a dozen times. These UK chains buy their stock in sterling. Sterling has dropped approx 20% against the euro. Therefore the cost to the ROI stores - in euro - of obtaining the goods wholesale has dropped approx 20%. It's not rocket science...

Not necessarily. A friend of mine was in India a months back and bumped into a purchaser for topman there. Apparently they buy a fair bit of clothes from india direct.

I don't think you understand the basic concepts of economics or even business. The products are priced to the market not to the currency. If you can grasp that concept then the world will be a better place.

GreeBo · 10-09-2008 3:38pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

No I'm not.

Seriously man. I've said it a dozen times. These UK chains buy their stock in sterling. Sterling has dropped approx 20% against the euro. Therefore the cost to the ROI stores - in euro - of obtaining the goods wholesale has dropped approx 20%. It's not rocket science...

So their costs are down (you believe) and you are annoyed that they didnt drop their prices?
Would you be just as annoyed if they didnt raise their prices if their costs went up?

Basically your problem is that you think your clothes should be cheaper because sterling is cheaper relative to the Euro and you are buying from a UK shop? For all you know the cost of yarn from Tibet has increased 50%.

Your "argument" is ridiculous. If the shop is too expensive for you then dont shop there.

Topshop Stephen's Green

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