Argos wanted me to pay for a watch just to view it

[Electric_Andy]

It's funny, I've been going into Argos occasionally for the last 10 or so years, and I've only just noticed the disappearance of the watch and jewellery cabinet. I suppose in some areas they had a problem with theft so decided to apply the draconian measures to all stores.

I don't really have a problem with Argos for other things, it is quick and easy if you want to buy something there and then (i.e. not want to wait for an online delivery), it's hepled us out a lot on holiday for example, things like swimming goggles and headphones. There are not a lot of stores who stock the range that Argos do all under one warehouse roof.

I would think the watch situation is somewhat of a "shot yourselves in the foot" though. If it were me, I would rather go to H Samuel or something where they do the same thing at the same price range and you can actually look at the watches and try them on.

 

[Alex321]

It's funny, I've been going into Argos occasionally for the last 10 or so years, and I've only just noticed the disappearance of the watch and jewellery cabinet. I suppose in some areas they had a problem with theft so decided to apply the draconian measures to all stores.

No, it was because the watches and jewellery used to be run by Elizabeth Duke, as a separate operation within the store, with its own staff and storage area.

I don't really have a problem with Argos for other things, it is quick and easy if you want to buy something there and then (i.e. not want to wait for an online delivery), it's hepled us out a lot on holiday for example, things like swimming goggles and headphones. There are not a lot of stores who stock the range that Argos do all under one warehouse roof.

Indeed. And they are often (but not always) the cheapest place on the high street.

I would think the watch situation is somewhat of a "shot yourselves in the foot" though. If it were me, I would rather go to H Samuel or something where they do the same thing at the same price range and you can actually look at the watches and try them on.

But H Samuel have acompletely different business model, and the specialise in only selling watches and jewellery.

 

[fossyant]

Our only local Argos, no longer staff's the watch/jewellery counter so no big deal TBH.

 

[classic33]

Screw fix took up that mantel

They've followed Argos down the touchscreen tablets and done away with the pens and slips of paper, and the instore catalogues.

 

[presta]

Our Argos is now a small counter in the corner of Sainsburys, there doesn't even appear to be much room to keep the stock.

 

[Rusty Nails]

Given their new business model it makes no more sense to criticise Argos for not letting customers look before they buy than than to criticise Amazon or any other online selling company. The fact that they have a bigger click and collect/return physical presence is a bonus compared to other sellers.

 

[Beebo]

In the 90s Argos in Kingston was a massive display store. It had most items out on display, but they weren’t for sale. You still had to pay with the slip and mini pen, and watch your item being delivered down a conveyor belt from the store room.

 

[Electric_Andy]

In the 90s Argos in Kingston was a massive display store. It had most items out on display, but they weren’t for sale. You still had to pay with the slip and mini pen, and watch your item being delivered down a conveyor belt from the store room.

yes I remember that in our stores down in Devon. There were big displays of toys etc around the edge of the shop. I once saw something I wanted on the display, so took it to the till, and they filled out a slip for me and I paid, then had to wait in the normal waiting area whilst the till lady put it back on the shelf. They also had a lot of homeware on display (sofas, coffee tables, rugs, TVs etc) until not too long ago but they have all gone now

 

[Drago]

In the 90s Argos in Kingston was a massive display store. It had most items out on display, but they weren’t for sale. You still had to pay with the slip and mini pen, and watch your item being delivered down a conveyor belt from the store room.

Modelled on the Generation Game.

 

[MontyVeda]

I'm not particularly surprised. It's Argos. They are a catalogue shop. You look things up in the catalogue and then you are given them. It wouldn't occur to me to want to see stuff other than in the catalogue in Argos. That's not how they work.

I worked for Argos 20 years ago and don't recall any such 'no view unless you pay' policy.

If that is the case then it's no wonder they're on their arse.

 

[markemark]

I imagine it's also a way to stop people people 'trying on' a watch/jewellery etc then running off with it on. Something I suspect Argos has a big problem with.

 

[Alex321]

I imagine it's also a way to stop people people 'trying on' a watch/jewellery etc then running off with it on. Something I suspect Argos has a big problem with.

I doubt they have nearly as much of a problem with it as stores that do let you look at the physical merchandise before buying.

 

[Alberto Balsam]

Not Argos, but a few weeks ago my missus was interested in buying a Toyota Aygo from Motorparks in Preston. The salesman wouldn't let us test drive it until we'd committed to buying it. He said if we wanted a test drive we could go to the Toyota dealership, test drive one of theirs then come back and buy this one...!! Yeah right. Needless to say we went elsewhere. I've never heard the like of that before.

 

[DRM]

Not Argos, but a few weeks ago my missus was interested in buying a Toyota Aygo from Motorparks in Preston. The salesman wouldn't let us test drive it until we'd committed to buying it. He said if we wanted a test drive we could go to the Toyota dealership, test drive one of theirs then come back and buy this one...!! Yeah right. Needless to say we went elsewhere. I've never heard the like of that before.

I’d have told him, no problem, I will do that & buy it off them, stick your car where the sun doesn’t shine, if that’s their attitude prior to purchasing, it doesn’t bode well once it’s yours

 

[Mike_P]

Paying for something and then getting an almost immediate refund which is what was being proposed to view and decline can have an advantage using a credit card. In this case their would be a £50 debit and a £50 credit. If the credit occurs before the payment date for the last statement and you have that payment set up as a variable direct debit you will be charged £50 less and hence the £50 stays with you possibly earning a smidge of interest until the next payment is due.