Argos ROI rip-off

Degsy

So like the mydical class shmuck i am i decided i wanted afew of these solar lights for the garden.
Argos in the republic has them here
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/4326508/c_1/1%7Ccat_12159055%7COutdoor+lighting+and+heating%7C12159265/Trail/searchtext%3EGARDEN+LIGHTS.htm

37 euros..

Wheras a half-hour trip to Argos in Newry
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4326508/c_1/1%7Ccat_12107492%7COutdoor+lighting+and+heating%7C12107689/Trail/searchtext%3EGARDEN+LIGHTING.htm

24.45 Sterling.

Given that the difference is about ten cent between sterling and the euro it works out as a considerable saving.

mynameis..

can i use my lazer as a debit card in the shops up North?

PauloMN

Ah sure, it gets worse with more expensive items:

Sony camcorder in ROI:
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5633238/c_1/1%7Ccat_12161348%7CCamcorders%7C12161411/Trail/searchtext%3ESONY+CAMCORDER.htm

and in UK:
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001501&langId=-1&searchTerms=HDR-XR200V+&Submit=GO+%3E

€1230 vs. £812. Even with an exchange rate of 85p to €1, it would only work out at around €955.

Vaseline time.

GreeBo

Nah they wont take laser, CC.
Its usually cheaper to pay in Sterling rather than let them exchange for you.

Degsy

I always pay on the credit card and they adjust the rate that way.
Actually just looking through that catalogue and there's shiitloads of stuff worth getting and the savings are huge.

GreeBo

Degsy wrote: »

I always pay on the credit card and they adjust the rate that way.

Yeah, but some of the shops will have an in-store exchange rate and will offer to charge your card in €. Works out much more expensive, even including the CC comission.

Degsy wrote: »

Actually just looking through that catalogue and there's shiitloads of stuff worth getting and the savings are huge.

I got a TV in Dixons in Newry for €1000 that was €1500 in dixons down here.
2 Laura Ashley chairs that were €1100 here but €500 up there. In both cases we rang the Dublin store and offered to do a deal but they had no interest.

mcwhirter

mynameis.. wrote: »

can i use my lazer as a debit card in the shops up North?

Sainsburys do.

Our man in Havana

As do Asda.

Colonel Sanders

GreeBo wrote: »

Yeah, but some of the shops will have an in-store exchange rate and will offer to charge your card in €. Works out much more expensive, even including the CC comission

you don't have to except that exchange rate (AFAIK), just ask to be billed in sterling (any time I have done this there's not been a problem in fact some ask do I want to be charged in euro or sterling)

meglome

Yeah I was comparing the prices myself a while back and we are paying often considerably more here. Shock horror.

Cammy86

I was shocked with the price difference with some thermobol I brought in the south they want 39.99euros and in the north it is 11.99 sterling.

No wonder people shop in the north. I do all the time.

Degsy

Cammy86 wrote: »

I was shocked with the price difference with some thermobol I brought in the south they want 39.99euros and in the north it is 11.99 sterling.

No wonder people shop in the north. I do all the time.

And it still wont work at any price.
Where do ya buy supplements up north?

Cammy86

Holland and Barrett mainly. Or for a-z supplements and zinc and etc I go boots or super drug normally buy one get one free or 3 for 2

GerardKeating

Colonel Sanders wrote: »

you don't have to except that exchange rate (AFAIK), just ask to be billed in sterling (any time I have done this there's not been a problem in fact some ask do I want to be charged in euro or sterling)

Some stores will insist on charging you on Euro and not offer the choice, if this happens you can get your card issuer to sort it out.

100gSoma

speaking of cross border shopping and the "Laser" card issue... Check out the VISA debit card by Halifax. Accepted worldwide.

Our man in Havana

Only if you meet Halifax's strict requirements.

Degsy

Slightly off topic but Halifax are offering a free 100 euro if you sign up to thisr credit card at the moment.Another offer they have is interest-free option for 6 months.
Thier rate is a lot lower than MBNA(who i'm with) so i've applied for it.

Rebel021

Argos Ireland
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/6703909/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7COffice%2C+PCs+and+phones%7C12160256/c_2/2%7Ccat_12160256%7CComputers+and+laptops%7C12160284/c_3/3%7Ccat_12160284%7CPC+monitors%7C12160291.htm
Argos UK
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6703909.htm
Works out at nearly €55 cheaper

Degsy

Argos Ireland
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/7300349/Trail/searchtext>LAWNMOWER.htm

Argos UK
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7300349/Trail/searchtext>LAWNMOWER.htm

At least 40 quid cheaper

Rael

Ha, forget cross border rip offs. My mother was on her way to Argos to buy a clothes iron, it was €98 in the catalogue & the likes of DID etc didn't have it, on the way she got sidetracked and went into Power City. Same iron was €47 there. I know they're out to make a profit but that kind of mark up is a joke!

DonJose

The following will take some beating, the same vacumn cleaner costs €210 in Argos UK/NI and €519.99 in Argos Ireland, thats €310 more expensive on a €210 item :eek: :eek: :eek:

Argos UK/NI - Dyson DC15 - £195.79/€210
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001501&langId=-1&searchTerms=dyson+dc+15&Submit=GO+%3E

Argos Ireland - Dyson DC15 - €519.99
http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=30001&catalogId=1500001501&langId=-1&searchTerms=dyson+dc+15&Submit=GO+%3E

DonJose

Actually just found another, Silent Night Double Matress. You could buy 3 matresses in UK/NI for the price of 1 in Ireland.

Argos UK/NI - £259.44
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6603377/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CHome+and+furniture%7C12107022.htm

Argos ROI - €784.99
http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=30001&catalogId=1500001501&langId=-1&searchTerms=SILENTNIGHT+FLORENCE+DOUBLE+MATTRESS

knuth

DonJose wrote: »

The following will take some beating, the same vacumn cleaner costs €210 in Argos UK/NI and €519.99 in Argos Ireland, thats €310 more expensive on a €210 item :eek: :eek: :eek:

Argos UK/NI - Dyson DC15 - £195.79/€210
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001501&langId=-1&searchTerms=dyson+dc+15&Submit=GO+%3E

Argos Ireland - Dyson DC15 - €519.99
http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=30001&catalogId=1500001501&langId=-1&searchTerms=dyson+dc+15&Submit=GO+%3E

How very strange, it's £340....

knuth

http://dualpricing.ie/prices/535

I also seen it advertised on askaboutmoney.com, I wonder why the price changed.

foggy_lad

that dyson is now £319 in the uk

talkingclock

maybe the price changes according to how many people open that site and show interest?

not sure if i should set a there TBH...

ben101

KDL46V400 SONY LCD
-Argos ireland 1828 euro's
-argos uk 1175 sterling (1331 euro's)
-curry's 1350 euro's
-Sony centre pavillion (free three year warranty)-1199 euro's.
Come off it Argo's,the old overheads and running costs excuse doesn't cut it any more.Over 50% mark up over the competition is just ludicrous!!!

viking

ben101 wrote: »

KDL46V400 SONY LCD

Whats the Argos catalogue number for that TV, I can't find it on either UK or IE sites?

ben101

viking wrote: »

Whats the Argos catalogue number for that TV, I can't find it on either UK or IE sites?

uk info-Sony 46in KDL46V4000 HD Digital LCD TV 536/6639

it's not in the argos.ie catalogue but is available instore in their updated catalogue but why you'd bother i don't know.I bought one in sony centre but since first of april they are giving away 3yr warranty and some models (not this one)a free BD player.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5366639/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CHome+entertainment+and+sat+nav%7C12108813/c_2/2%7Ccat_12108813%7CTelevisions%7C12108983/c_3/3%7Ccat_12108983%7C46+inch+and+above+LCD+TVs%7C12109002.htm

viking

Yeah, its difficult to see what explanation could be put forward for a e500 price diff on that TV between Argos IE and UK, never mind their competitors selling it for cheaper than either Argos site.

If there was a fixed percentage difference on products sold by Argos in Ireland vs those sold in the UK, then people could accept it as we know the cost of doing business is higher here etc etc... However, the differences sometimes vary so much that there doesn't seem to be any pattern to them that I can see which results in greater confusion and frustration amongst the public in trying to understand why certain price differences exist.

ben101

Yeah, my theory is that the euro was worth 66-68 pence sterling for a long time, as it crept up nobody complained so they just left it ,soaking up profits.There was an independant study done ,taking into consideration higher vat ,higher wages ,rent etc. conclusion was that prices should be ten per cent higher at the most.

ch750536

ben101 wrote: »

KDL46V400 SONY LCD
-Argos ireland 1828 euro's
-argos uk 1175 sterling (1331 euro's)
-curry's 1350 euro's
-Sony centre pavillion (free three year warranty)-1199 euro's.
Come off it Argo's,the old overheads and running costs excuse doesn't cut it any more.Over 50% mark up over the competition is just ludicrous!!!

Keep the facts clean.
'Over 50% mark up over the competition is just ludicrous!!!'
35% markup on 1350 = 1828

ben101

ch750536 wrote: »

Keep the facts clean.
'Over 50% mark up over the competition is just ludicrous!!!'
35% markup on 1350 = 1828

Eh ,you left out "sony centre 1199 euro" that's OVER 50%.you keep YOUR facts "clean" mine are fine.

ch750536

ben101 wrote: »

Eh ,you left out "sony centre 1199 euro" that's OVER 50%.you keep YOUR facts "clean" mine are fine.

Yes, you are correct. Sorry.

That was even after taking alook at that deal and trying to persuade myself that I need a new TV.

ben101

No probs mate ,even 1199 is a lot dearer than uk website prices but its the best price i could find from an irish shop .Still think this offer stands but was in there the other day and ost of the KDL V series offers are sold out and now they have new promotions going for the newer models.Worth finding out if sony ireland are giving away free BD player with some models as they are in other countries.But even if you don't a 3 yr warranty aint too bad either.

ch750536

Ignore the warranty, is pointless.

If you pay a grand for a telly I would expect it to work for 7 years. Either Sony would have to fix it, replace it or argue in court why their TV's are not designed to last 7 years.

ben101

ch750536 wrote: »

Ignore the warranty, is pointless.

If you pay a grand for a telly I would expect it to work for 7 years. Either Sony would have to fix it, replace it or argue in court why their TV's are not designed to last 7 years.

you are dead right ,legally .it's to do with fair usage and the 12 month manufacturers warranty isn't legally binding,you should get at LEAST 5 yrs.But the reason i've ended up with a sony is that my LG plasm died after 3 and a half years.Over 2 and a half grand inc .3 yrs insurance.At the moment i don't have the time,money or energy to chase them through the courts ,even though i've since heard of dozens of similar cases.Seems to be an inherent flaw in LG plasmas(defective SUS boards,i think). but their customer service sucks.I would be interested to hear from other people in the same boat ,Then i might reconsider.

ch750536

I have threatened to do this on 7 or 8 occasions, never gone to court. I have always been quite reasonable and offered to pay half of the shipping costs of the item (never been a telly to be fair). They have always repaired, replaced or given me vouchers to buy something else, which I was happy to accept.

ben101

It was clear LG weren't budging and they don't even have an official repair or service centre here,nearest one is in cragavon,i think.So i cut my losses and bought a sony.If it goes after 2-3 years i can always turn up on the doorstep at the official repair centre HQ ,which i think is in tallaght.
It's a lot easier to hassle these big companies if they have a base here.
Top tip,never buy a product from a company that doesn't have a proper service/repair infrastructure in place.
In LG's case ,Ireland was obviously considered another part of the UK so they never bothered their ar**e to give ireland a proper back up service.

vikingdub

There is a guy called Neil (I think) running a bus from Dublin to Newry, it is a great service and they deliver your shopping to your door in Dublin. He also has a service that enable you to order online from companies who require a UK address / post code. You can then either pick the goods up or have them delivered the address provided in the North. I am not sure if I am allowed to post the web address here http://www.recessionbustours.ie/
but if you google recessionbustours you will find the site. I have no connection with the company, in fact, when I first found it I had some reservations. However, I called the number, asked a lot of questions, received very satisfactory answers and have used the service.

animaal

I recently had a 36" CRT telly go on the blink. I'd bought it 4 years ago from Harvey Norman, with an extended warranty. They've just given me a replacement, a 37" LCD, no problem.

Having had that experience, I'll seriously consider buying from a bricks-n-morter shop again next time. For a TV anyway, maybe not for other equipment.

foggy_lad

ch750536 wrote: »

Ignore the warranty, is pointless.

If you pay a grand for a telly I would expect it to work for 7 years. Either Sony would have to fix it, replace it or argue in court why their TV's are not designed to last 7 years.

legally the store you buy the product is obliged to repair replace or refund even if you buy from a sony store they are most likely a franchise.

animaal wrote: »

I recently had a 36" CRT telly go on the blink. I'd bought it 4 years ago from Harvey Norman, with an extended warranty. They've just given me a replacement, a 37" LCD, no problem.

Having had that experience, I'll seriously consider buying from a bricks-n-morter shop again next time. For a TV anyway, maybe not for other equipment.

this was due to your bought insurance/warrenty but without that extra warrenty you still would be entitled to repair or replacement for faults due to poor workmanship etc anything really barring customer damage and normal wear and tear.

madmoe

vikingdub wrote: »

There is a guy called Neil (I think) running a bus from Dublin to Newry, it is a great service and they deliver your shopping to your door in Dublin. He also has a service that enable you to order online from companies who require a UK address / post code. You can then either pick the goods up or have them delivered the address provided in the North. I am not sure if I am allowed to post the web address here http://www.recessionbustours.ie/
but if you google recessionbustours you will find the site. I have no connection with the company, in fact, when I first found it I had some reservations. However, I called the number, asked a lot of questions, received very satisfactory answers and have used the service.

Hi all,
A word of warning about http://www.recessionbustours.ie/, they are a complete shower of idiots and I hope you do not have the mis fortunate I did in getting mixed up with them.

I ordered a piece of furniture in Argos in the North and wanted them to deliver it to me in Dublin. Firstly, I contacted them through the contact form on their website and asked how much it would be to get said item of furniture delivered to Dublin and I was told no more then €40. I sent them the exact link from the Argos website so they had dimensions, weight etc. Delivery day came and I was then told I had to pay €60 by another person, apparently the guy that runs the show even though I had the e-mail that said €40. Apparently there are a number of people involved and differnt prices are given out....first warning sign!!

He arrived on his own with a van and my piece of living room furnitire in it, I had though he would at least have had one helper as the unit was big and in two pieces (second warning sign). With no one else in sight I had to help him bring it into my place only to discover the top part of the unit was badly damaged?? Anyhow, Argos got the blame and he agreed to take the unit back up to the North with him.

Next day I called Argos and in fairness to them they agreed to send out a replacement no questions asked. So the delivery date for the replacement is set to the following week and they will pick up the damaged top half of the unit and replace with a new one. I called yer fella and told him the deal, he re-assured me that he would be back down to deliver the replacement unit the next day after it was delivered and that he would call me beforehand.

I waited, and waited and once again waited..... and with no word from him (not even that call he promised), I decided to call. Turns out Argos came, something magical happened and once again the unit was damaged.....He was unable to tell me who signed for the unit?? There is no way in hell that Argos would come to replace a unit with a damaged one and no way they would leave the new unit without it being signed for so all I can assume is one of his incompetent staff damaged it again if in fact that is the real story??

The moral of it all is that I would never ever use these shower again and would be worried for anyone else that would, especially when it comes to furniture. I have no idea what they are like with delivering anything else but I can sure as hell tell you I won't be finding out!!

Sorry to rave but you know it does good to get these things off one's chest!!

Cheers,
M

Chuckchuck

I bought an camera up north after comparing prices between Argos up there and here. Saved e150 after exchange rate. paid with Bank of Ireland mastercard and it was no prob. Also bought a few other things while in Argos....everyone of them were cheaper