Meteor Online Store Down?

pietromas

Has anyone noticed that the Meteor online store (store.meteor.ie) has been done for over a day now? "site maintenance" doesnt take that long!

Anyone know whats going on?

Mimikyu

This post has been deleted.

captain P

I had ordered a phone just before the site went down, so called them to see what the story was. Apparently the couriers are not operating until the weather gets better....
I assume that has something to do with the site being down, they can't provide the service or something.

They didn't hesitate to charge my visa though!!

pietromas

captain P wrote: »

I had ordered a phone just before the site went down, so called them to see what the story was. Apparently the couriers are not operating until the weather gets better....
I assume that has something to do with the site being down, they can't provide the service or something.

They didn't hesitate to charge my visa though!!

Nah that's bullsh*t. Your third party courier being unable to meet usual delivery commitments during extraordinary weather conditions is not a good enough reason to shut down your online commercial site entirely. Something BIG must be going on for them to stop taking orders or at least showing their range. Theyre hardly folding are they? Anyone been into a store lately? Anything unusual going on there?

Ornir

pietromas wrote: »

Nah that's bullsh*t. Your third party courier being unable to meet usual delivery commitments during extraordinary weather conditions is not a good enough reason to shut down your online commercial site entirely. Something BIG must be going on for them to stop taking orders or at least showing their range. Theyre hardly folding are they? Anyone been into a store lately? Anything unusual going on there?

I was in the Athlone store today, looking to get a phone. They didn't have it in stock and said they didn't know when they'd be getting it back in. Hmmmm. It's strange that the site's been down for so long. 3 days now!

Pyro Boy

I think you're reading too much into this. So the online store isn't open that doesn't mean that they are closing down! The snow is the most likely reason.

Dman001

They are the 3rd biggest network in the country, with 750,000 users in '06 they could have 1 million at this stage. Plus they are owned by Eircom so Im pretty sure they are doing fine.

fluffy70

Dman001 wrote: »

They are the 3rd biggest network in the country, with 750,000 users in '06 they could have 1 million at this stage. Plus they are owned by Eircom so Im pretty sure they are doing fine.

Aren`t all 3G stores owned by Eircom?
Eircom closed every 3G store last week,didn`t they???
Eircom are supposed to be looking for a buyer for Meteor.

Dman001

Are you sure they own the 3G Stores? I dont think they do.
As of September '08 they have over 1 Million customers. I wouldnt worry.

namloc1980

I heard that meteor outsource the operation of their online store to a 3rd party company who suddenly went out of business last week. Not sure how true it is but it would explain the store being down. The rest of the meteor website is fine.

rizzee

Why don't you ask their site Admins? They're lots of help :rolleyes:

nazoil

Sigma Wireless own 3G stores and operate the online store. That must be why the online store is closed. I have an order pending and when I called for an update, contact was made with a Dublin store.

namloc1980

nazoil wrote: »

Sigma Wireless own 3G stores and operate the online store. That must be why the online store is closed. I have an order pending and when I called for an update, contact was made with a Dublin store.

That's it...sigma operate 3G stores and Meteor online store. Think they are in trouble...hence 3G stores closed and Meteor online store is down.

brendanuk

suppose thats what happens when you outsource. Must be losing a packet

sml68

Anyone know what the possible outcome would be for someone on a meteor contract if they folded?

Mimikyu

This post has been deleted.

Tarakiwa

+1.
I dount very much that Meteor are folding!

They are owned by eircom, who in turn are owned by a HUGE company from Singapore.

nazoil

Just got this off a confirmation email when I bought there last week:

Meteor Online Store is a business name of Sigma Telecom Ireland (No. 281283), having its' registered address at McKee Avenue, Finglas, Dublin 11 which is the manager and contracting party in respect of this site.

Sigma Telecom Ltd is the leading distributor for mobile and digital lifestyle product and accessories in the Irish market. Sigma Telecom is the exclusive fulfilment and significant channel development partner for Meteor and eircom.

A particular strength is the ability to support the web based activities of our partners and today we provide next day fulfilment and logistics to end users throughout Ireland. Sigma Telecom manages a significant portfolio of independent dealers on behalf of 3 Ireland.

Still waiting for my order to be delivered. 1905 are blaming the weather!!

Mimikyu

This post has been deleted.

nazoil

Captain Morgan wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Luckily I received the packet yesterday.

3G Mobile liquidation hits Sigma Telecom
Friday, 15 January 2010 18:12

Mobile phone retailer 3G Mobile has gone into voluntary liquidation after attempts to secure new investment in the business failed.

Earlier this month, the chain confirmed the temporary closure of all its stores in Ireland. The company had 27 stores nationwide and employed 160 staff.

A statement from 3G Mobile chief executive Tony Boyle said the move was unavoidable, blaming extremely high rents and inflexible leases at a time of difficult economic conditions. The chain has stores in many leading shopping centres and prime city centre locations.
Advertisement

Mr Boyle also said that, as a result of the liquidation, Ulster Bank had been asked to appoint a receiver to 3G Mobile's distribution company Sigma Telecom, putting 115 jobs in jeopardy.

Sigma Telecom, which distributes mobile, fixed and broadband products, was 3G Mobile's main creditor and guaranteed a number of its leases.

Mr Boyle, who also heads Sigma Telecom, said that Sigma Wireless Communications, which provides communications products for the emergency services, would not be affected by today's developments.

3G Mobile has no link to the 3 mobile phone network, which is owned by Hutchison Whampoa.

creamteam

MOBILE PHONE retail chain 3G was wound up yesterday and a bank has taken control of its shareholder Sigma Telecom after the troubled business failed to find a rescuer.
The mobile phone and wireless equipment retailer closed “temporarily” last week as its management continued the search for new investors to rescue the business.
Sigma Telecom has lost one of its biggest customers, Meteor, for which it distributed mobile phones and other equipment. The network’s parent, Eircom, said last night that Meteor has appointed RCI Radius as its new distributor.

Mimikyu

This post has been deleted.

kissmiss

Just to let you know:
I worked for Sigma Telecom for years and now everything is gone. And it's not only Sigma Telecom but Sigma Fonefix also ;-(((((. Yesterday, Friday 15th, one guy from Ulster Bank came over and said: that's it, thank you, all of you.
Even now, I'm still thinking about that and I really can't believe it's over.
Meteor dont like us any more, Eircom took back it's money from 3G Mobile and we're done. Nothing left. It's sad that happend so fast, just one day.
Anyway, if you have problems with Online Returns, just ring Meteor or go to any Meteor Shop - they would help you. This same about phones bought from 3G stores - Meteor is taking them back. Unfortunately, with new company you'll not get such a proffesional service as you got from Sigma.
So, time to move on.

Zonda999

I notice this is still down

Sorry, we are having ongoing problems with our online
store. We will have them sorted soon. In the meantime,
you can still buy from Meteor from one of our 39
retail stores. To find your nearest store click here.

Very annoying because i imagine a lot of people would go to that page just to see what phones meteor have available in store, looks like they have'nt realised that..

godtabh

Zonda999 wrote: »

I notice this is still down



Very annoying because i imagine a lot of people would go to that page just to see what phones meteor have available in store, looks like they have'nt realised that..

Its a pain in the arse. I want to buy the hero but would prefer to do it on line but can't even check out prices or anything

The Sparrow

godtabh wrote: »

Its a pain in the arse. I want to buy the hero but would prefer to do it on line but can't even check out prices or anything

Yeah me too. It's been down for weeks too. Making me doubt switching to a network that can't even sort out their online store.

Shane O' Malley

The Sparrow wrote: »

Yeah me too. It's been down for weeks too. Making me doubt switching to a network that can't even sort out their online store.

Best go down to one of their stores.

My information is that it will be awhile before they are up and running again. Just got new designers in.

Also have a problem with supply of phones. LG ans Samsung not available at the moment.

godtabh

the distance selling thing is why I want to but it on line

The Sparrow

CelticWarrior10 wrote: »

I see that someone here is saying that the RCI Radius have taken over the running of the Meteor Online Shop that Sigma used to run. Check out the website of RCI radius ( www.rci.ie ) for a BIG LAUGH!!!

Are you affiliated in anyway with Sigma Telecom or anyone else to do with this?

The Sparrow

Because you seem to have registered just to slate RCI Radius.

wildefalcon

I suppose that there is a different standard of website for a dealer account site and a site that is going to be selling to the public.

Mind you, the competition isn't too hot either! Anyone send SMS messages from O2 recently?

Wildefalcon.

Pyro Boy

RCI radius also distribute for o2 I think. Here is the reason why they are upgrading their website and why it's taken so long maybe. . . And some information on them too http://www.ebusinesslive.ie/newsletter/Story/4/1446/ob.html/241 and i don't work for them (via mobile boards)

wildefalcon

I would have a different perspective:

Radius are a backoffice fullfilment operation, what matters is their ability to deliver the service to established customers.


Meteor are a shopfront, thus the appearance of the website is fundamental.

Apples and pears

Dodgy perspective photos, whilst a serious failure in their own right, do not detract from the ability of the company to fulfil orders for their existing customer base. Afterall, it is only a portal to an order system.

I suspect that Meteor will be supplying most of the graphics and web design in the new shop = allowing them more control, and radius will be handling the backoffice side of things.

I will reserve my opinion until I order a phone from the new website!!

WildeFalcon.

eileen17

I now hate meteor. I am waiting for a refund and apparently can't give it due to the sight being down. This is ridiculous a joke. and there customer service is awful. I have sent back my phone which i received late and still waiting on a refund 3 weeks later. they were able to take the money our straight away but not able to give a refund due to the online store. a JOKE. this is surly an admin issue.

wildefalcon

You are quite right, of course - there may be good excuses, but at the end of the day it is their job to provide good customer service.

If they haven't then they are failing. Simple as that.

WildeFalcon

eileen17

I put up with excuses for too long from them and their lies about ringing back within 24-48 hours.
They are having problems anybody can understand but their problems are going on too long for a large company. Its worring now.
They should tell us what is happening not us having to chase them up. They are becomming a joke and i for one have no confidence in them anymore

Padraig Mor

Waiting for a refund here too. I reckon Meteor don't actually have a clue what's going on with the various orders. They've rang me three times at this stage asking me details about my order, despite my having cancelled it. The last time the guy even lied to me that my phone was with the courier! All three have said that they will get back to me re the refund. Still waiting....

eileen17

At least they have contacted you. surly this is illegal. I am just going to ring everyday and make an annoyance of myself. I'm really sick of it like and the way i am being treated by meteor.
Ive not been contacted to tell me what the delay is.
when i ring all i get told is the online store but what is that to do with refunding customers.
Sigma closed down maybe they wont give our phones to meteor. annoying

Tarakiwa

Have you thought about making your complaint more formal - instead of ringing put your case in writing to them.

I know from otherposts on this forum that this approach has been successful in the past!!

wildefalcon

Yes, complain formally, it does produce results, especially if there is a risk of poor publicity. All major retailers apply the "Joe Duffy" test to their responses, ie What would Joe Duffy make of it?

A letter in writing with detailed timeline of events is best, keep it simple and spell it out.

Send to

Conor Carmody,
Marketing Director,
Meteor Communications
4030 Kingswood Avenue
Citywest Business Park
Naas Road Dublin 24]

and

Official Complaints Department
National Consumer Agency
4 Harcourt Road
Dublin 2

The NCA will respond within a week, subject to Public Service Go Slow.

Failing that try Conor Pope of the Irish Times, and, of course, Joe Duffy.

WildeFalcon.

The Corinthian

CelticWarrior10 wrote: »

Just a Meteor customer!!

CelticWarrior10 wrote: »

However did you notice that that article was written for the August issue of E-Business Live?

Just a customer who has registered apparently for the sole purpose of attacking a company and appears to be also a subscriber to industry ezines?

Right. Banned.

CelticWarrior10

TALK ABOUT 2 PLUS 2 EQUALS 57!

IT WAS PYRO BOY WHO MENTIONED THE EBUSINESS LIVE THING AND I CLICKED ON HIS LINK TO READ IT....FFFS!!!

(PLEASE CHECK THIS AND LOOK BACK AT ALL POSTS!!!)

I HAVE NOTHING WHASOEVER TO DO WITH THE TELECOMS INDUSTRY, I WORK FOR MYSELF FIXING PCS. I NEVER EVEN HEARD OF RADIUS TIL YESTERDAY WHEN SOMEONE MENTIONED THEM HERE....AND DITTO SIGMA.

I AM HOWEVER A FRUSTRATED METEOR CUSTOMER OF 5 YEARS AND NEED TO BUY A NEW PHONE AS MY SONY ERICSON WENT THRO THE WASHING MACHINE LAST WEEK AND WAS MILDLY INCONVENIENCED BY NOT BEING ABLE TO ORDER ONLINE.

YES I REGISTERED TO COMMENT ON THIS TOPIC BECAUSE I WAS INTERESTED IN IT AND FELT I HAD SOMETHING INTERESTING TO SAY.

YOU ARE COMPLETELY WRONG IN YOUR ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT ME AND I ASK YOU TO DO THE DECENT THING AND UN-BAN ME

REGARDS

BRIAN (CELTICWARRIOR10)

The Corinthian

I must have forgotten to press the ban button...

Tell you what, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but opening an account just to attack a company is still a no-no. 14 days ban to see if he can cool down.

drunkmonkey

CelticWarrior10 wrote: »

I AM HOWEVER A FRUSTRATED METEOR CUSTOMER OF 5 YEARS AND NEED TO BUY A NEW PHONE

Retailers are struggling, will you go down to your nearest bricks and mortar meteor agent or store and buy a phone. Most stores are all now back to normal after the upset last week.

The Corinthian

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Retailers are struggling, will you go down to your nearest bricks and mortar meteor agent or store and buy a phone. Most stores are all now back to normal after the upset last week.

CelticWarrior10 will not be returning.

jv2000

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Retailers are struggling, will you go down to your nearest bricks and mortar meteor agent or store and buy a phone. Most stores are all now back to normal after the upset last week.

Are the Meteor stores actually stocked again? I was in town last friday and tried the store on Henry St but no luck in picking up a Nokia 5530 (apparently none of the Meteor stores have it). Have been trying to get one since after christmas and nearly a month later still nothing. I have actually now given up after asking in what feels like a million Carphonewarehouse, Meteor & 3G stores. No luck online either with Meteor (as we are all aware) or with Carphonewarehouse.

Meteor just weren't delivering the stock to the bricks and mortar shops.

drunkmonkey

jv2000 wrote: »

Meteor just weren't delivering the stock to the bricks and mortar shops.

They are now, Meteor stores and Independent stores have stock again now. They've been delivering since monday. Business as normal except for the webstore.

Johnny Bitte

Anyone know if this would effect a phone being unlocked by Meteor.

Sent a phone off to them 2 weeks before xmas and they still havent sent it back, called 6 times now and its the same story.

"We have the phone and mail has been sent to our administration dep"

jv2000

drunkmonkey wrote: »

They are now, Meteor stores and Independent stores have stock again now. They've been delivering since monday. Business as normal except for the webstore.

I was in the Meteor store yesterday on the top of Talbot St looking for the Nokia 5530 and they told me that they wouldn't have it for a couple of weeks yet and his would be the case for all meteor stores.

Meteor are starting to become a real pain in the backside. If my girlfriend wasn't on meteor and we didn't have the free calls then I would have switched network already, probably back to vodafone. This is just annoying. The phone i Have has been crashing constantly and needs to be replaced.

yogidc26

jv2000 wrote: »

I was in the Meteor store yesterday on the top of Talbot St looking for the Nokia 5530 and they told me that they wouldn't have it for a couple of weeks yet and his would be the case for all meteor stores.

Meteor are starting to become a real pain in the backside. If my girlfriend wasn't on meteor and we didn't have the free calls then I would have switched network already, probably back to vodafone. This is just annoying. The phone i Have has been crashing constantly and needs to be replaced.

The 5530 are going to be in all shops tomorrow

chrislad

jv2000 wrote: »

I was in the Meteor store yesterday on the top of Talbot St looking for the Nokia 5530 and they told me that they wouldn't have it for a couple of weeks yet and his would be the case for all meteor stores.

Meteor are starting to become a real pain in the backside. If my girlfriend wasn't on meteor and we didn't have the free calls then I would have switched network already, probably back to vodafone. This is just annoying. The phone i Have has been crashing constantly and needs to be replaced.

In all fairness, it's hardly Meteors fault that their suppliers went out of business. New suppliers are in now, and stores should have store by midweek at the latest.