Shameful Practices of Toys R Us

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I was originally shocked by the ripoff pricing they had for the Countdown Ultra toys earlier and was pleased to see a catalogue arrive in the mail box.

BUT
My pleasure was soon dissapated by the deceptive nature of the catalogues, they are trying to make the consumer think they have have a bargain when it is not. It goes to show that Toys R Us are either nasty or incompetent.

It amazes me that they have "hot price" tags or "great value" tags on all the movie toys listed and yet they are what looks like normal retail price. Leaders are priced at $99.99 (Hot price) and I remember seeing them before the sale for the princely sum of $109.99. Yet animated Leaders were only $99.99 for the full price. Why the increase in $10 for a full price toy?

Added to that it they seem toy class the G1 Mighty Muggs as "Transformers 2 Mighty Muggs." Well they don't look like any Tfs in the TF2 movie that I have spotted so far. Deceptive efforts to sell these ugly blocks of plastic.

About the only saving grace is that they appear to have abandoned their ridiculous pricing of $39.99 for Animated Deluxes, which have now dropped back to $29.99 ("Hot Price" despite all the new Movie deluxes coming in).

$149.99 for Ultimate Battle Charged Bumblebee! "Huge Value" more like massive rip-off!

No wonder they are still trying to get rid of last 2007's transformer movie toys.

You disgust me Toys R Us. I shall now hereby forever refer to you as "Toys R WHAT?????" as you are either evil or incompetent. I will not spend a single cent on your movie figures and I will encourage my friends and family to spend their money else where when they are shopping for toys.

Thanks I for reading, I just needed to get that off my chest.:o
Might email this (or something along the same lines) to toys r us as well, now that I think of it


*Update*
Turns out they don't supply a contact email address on their website. Now I will write a letter. Wooo I love to have a complain every now and then.

[TheDirtyDigger]

It amazes me that they have "hot price" tags or "great value" tags on all the movie toys listed and yet they are what looks like normal retail price.

Check the supermarket shelves next time you're in Coles or Safeway. They do a similar thing.

[blackie]

as soon as you put a disscount sticker on something, no matter what the reduction, people will buy it :)

i do it at work all the time, take 50c of an item, sells like hotcakes :P

[TheDirtyDigger]

as soon as you put a disscount sticker on something, no matter what the reduction, people will buy it :)

i do it at work all the time, take 50c of an item, sells like hotcakes :P

He's not talking about a discount sticker or reduction. He means that stickers are put on that imply a reduction but are actually the normal price.

[blackie]

He's not talking about a discount sticker or reduction. He means that stickers are put on that imply a reduction but are actually the normal price.

sometimes, so am i :P

[G1Optimal]

.........

You disgust me Toys R Us. I shall now hereby forever refer to you as "Toys R WHAT?????"...........

That was good :D lol
I wonder if it would of been any better if "World 4 Kids" was still around..?:confused:
"and no, i don't mean the toy section in Kmart "that's" all that has become of it"

I've heard speculations (more, than likely true IMO :) )...

That sometime before a sale that they increase the price then decrease it slightly during the sale?:confused:

[jaydisc]

I'm going to sound like a defender or apologist, but I don't see these guys to be any more nasty than any of the others, and I disagree with some of your findings (or at least they were different for me).

1. Hot Price
I think the general intention here is to showcase a product. The difference between whats being showcased vs. what's on sale is very clear. If somethings on sale, it immediately and clearly tells you either how much you save in dollars or what percentage off. I find the difference to be quite clear. Also, you will find this is practiced by the others as well, as recently as the Bumblebee 3-pack at Big W. $48 is their regular price.

2. ROTF Leader Pricing
These have been $99.99 at my TRUs since May 28th.

3. Animated Deluxe Pricing
These (and all other Deluxes) have been $29.99 at my TRUs since I started collecting in 2007. Perhaps you're confusing with Myer's increase to $39.95 or TRU's Voyager increase from $49.99 to $69.99?

4. Ultimate Bumbelebee
Yes, $149 is a hugh rip-off. To me, $50 for that toy is a huge rip-off! :D But again, for the point of comparison, it's listed in Kmart's catalogue for $199, although I don't believe any have been sighted there yet.

All that being said, they're still extortionists and I wish they'd just get be able to realize that if they sold for less, they would sell, more, and thus make more.

[Golden Phoenix]

I wish they'd just get be able to realize that if they sold for less, they would sell, more, and thus make more.

Logic isn't allowed in some stores

[16364279]

sounds like a mixture of psychological sales techniques.

Just like when they pulled the bait catalogue over 10 years ago advertising g2 megatron tank for $20 where in fact they were understocked but had plenty of other crappy over priced stock of unwanted characters.

toys r us ur on the list ! j.k

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I'm going to sound like a defender or apologist, but I don't see these guys to be any more nasty than any of the others, and I disagree with some of your findings (or at least they were different for me).

1. Hot Price
I think the general intention here is to showcase a product. The difference between whats being showcased vs. what's on sale is very clear. If somethings on sale, it immediately and clearly tells you either how much you save in dollars or what percentage off. I find the difference to be quite clear. Also, you will find this is practiced by the others as well, as recently as the Bumblebee 3-pack at Big W. $48 is their regular price.
I understand about the percentage off and savings, but when I first saw the catalogue, it came across to me that these were supposed to be good prices. The phrase "Hot Price" sounds like a try at a deal sales pitch. The same with "Great value". We all know that $17.99 isn't great value for an Activator, so is appears they are trying to con someone into thinking it is.
As for the Bumblebee at Big W, I assume that it was a "special buy" and won't be carried all the time, so that sort of thing is to be expected.


2. ROTF Leader Pricing
These have been $99.99 at my TRUs since May 28th.
I checked these the week before the catalogue as I was looking for HA Bumblebee. They were definately $109.99 on the shelf price at my local


3. Animated Deluxe Pricing
These (and all other Deluxes) have been $29.99 at my TRUs since I started collecting in 2007. Perhaps you're confusing with Myer's increase to $39.95 or TRU's Voyager increase from $49.99 to $69.99?
Nope, not confused.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k313/Wootnchoo/SP_A0607.jpg
Dodgy picture from old phone, but that peg has correct stock on it.


4. Ultimate Bumbelebee
Yes, $149 is a hugh rip-off. To me, $50 for that toy is a huge rip-off! :D But again, for the point of comparison, it's listed in Kmart's catalogue for $199, although I don't believe any have been sighted there yet.

All that being said, they're still extortionists and I wish they'd just get be able to realize that if they sold for less, they would sell, more, and thus make more.
Didn't know that ultimate Bumblebee was 199 elsewhere. Still too pricey though.

I guess Toys R What became the brunt of my rant as the other chains have had specials of some sort or the other on the movie toys already. That and the level of service is fairly poor and the $39.99 animated deluxe, which really got my goat.

My mind isn't changed, but thanks for the views fellas. I have quite a few peeves with shops of various forms, part of being a grumpy old man. One thing that has annoyed me lately is the shrinking of packets. Why does a 45gm bag of chips look the same and cost the same size as a 50gm bag of chips. Its things like these that seem under-handed IMO.

[TheDirtyDigger]

Why does a 45gm bag of chips look the same and cost the same size as a 50gm bag of chips. Its things like these that seem under-handed IMO.

It's not just your opinion, it's the absolute truth. It is underhanded, deceptive and greed driven.


1. Hot Price
I think the general intention here is to showcase a product. The difference between whats being showcased vs. what's on sale is very clear.

It's clear to informed, intelligent, thinking creatures such as you and I Jd but to the general idiot populace and all the (mainly) mums out there buying these toys for their kids it is not. They see an oversized ticket, they mentally and immediately equate that with being an item on special. It is a sneaky marketing ploy.


I wish they'd just get be able to realize that if they sold for less, they would sell, more, and thus make more.

Hey fair go mate. This is Australia where people are still getting used to such concepts as colour television and being able to take a crap somewhere other than the backyard. We'll eventually cotton on to that whole 'sell cheaper, sell more' thing you Yanks do.

[roller]

being able to take a crap somewhere other than the backyard. o.

you mean like

the front yard right? :confused:

and whats a television?

[jaydisc]

Wow Tets, your pricing is clearly different. I wonder if it's a general WA thing or specific to your store. As bad as my TRU is, it ain't that bad.

What are the Animated Deluxes at other people's TRUs?

[Sleeve]

WOW Sight and Sound have had similar practices over the last few years. I work in a computer/electrical store so we're constantly looking at competitors catalogues, and one incident I remember was in the MP3 Player section of their catalogue all the 'sale' prices were the recommended retail prices, and they had simply added $20-30 on and said that was the rrp.

They did the same when XBOX 360's came out. The customer got a bonus pack with a game, wireless controller and face plate all worth $150, but they got it for free. WOW advertised if you paid $499 instead of $649 (the retail price on release), you got the bonus pack. Deceptive advertising.

When a former high-level staff member went for a job interview at the ACCC, he told them everything over the course of a few hours, never got the job, and the ACCC went to town on WOW.

[valkyrie_76]

One of the best price reduction tags was from Big W recently (well about 3 months ago anyway) and it was the Telstra Pre-Paid Broadband USB stick from $149 down to an amazing $148.99 with a grand saving of 1 cent.

[d*r*j*]

Was at Toys R Us yesterday... the one in Frankston. I really like this TRU because when the classics were scarce it was the only place that stocked them... or the only place that hadn't been depleted totally of stock. It's the TRU that time forgot.
Yesterday I saw premium starscream and some of those bad repaints from the first movie. Never really see children there... just the occassional adult with a mobile stuck to their ear... no doubt getting updates on the hot toys out there.

Getting back on topic. When the first movie came out TRU had a sale with leaders at $70 and deluxes at $20... can't remember the voyagers... didn't get any. I remember that TRU were leading the pack in terms of pricing, now they seem to have gotten greedy, but maybe the great prices on the first movie didn't do them any favours... Maybe having the hottest prices on the most popular toys just left them with empty shelves and poor excuses. I'm sure it didn't help their bottom line, especially during the xmas sales having such a poorly stocked line in the store... I mean, if you have to go to K mart/ Target or Myer to get your kid his Transformers... why not just get the rest of his (or maybe her) toys there as well? I think the new TRU prices are a much smarter way to go.

[kup]

Was at Toys R Us yesterday... the one in Frankston. I really like this TRU because when the classics were scarce it was the only place that stocked them... or the only place that hadn't been depleted totally of stock. It's the TRU that time forgot.
Yesterday I saw premium starscream and some of those bad repaints from the first movie. Never really see children there... just the occassional adult with a mobile stuck to their ear... no doubt getting updates on the hot toys out there.

Getting back on topic. When the first movie came out TRU had a sale with leaders at $70 and deluxes at $20... can't remember the voyagers... didn't get any. I remember that TRU were leading the pack in terms of pricing, now they seem to have gotten greedy, but maybe the great prices on the first movie didn't do them any favours... Maybe having the hottest prices on the most popular toys just left them with empty shelves and poor excuses. I'm sure it didn't help their bottom line, especially during the xmas sales having such a poorly stocked line in the store... I mean, if you have to go to K mart/ Target or Myer to get your kid his Transformers... why not just get the rest of his (or maybe her) toys there as well? I think the new TRU prices are a much smarter way to go.

You must be from a mirror universe in which Toys R Us are good :p

I have never seen TrU (at least the stores I visit) do anything but overcharge even during TF1. The only time they have something of acceptable value is when they make a pricing mistake.

[jaydisc]

Other than the recent AniVoyagers at $70, AniDeluxes at $40 (Only in WA?) and UniExclusiveUltras at $80, I haven't seen true overcharging per se. Toys R Us has pretty much charged exactly the Manufacturer's RECOMMENDED Retail pricing.

[dirge]

The "Hot Price" and "Great Value" and similar claims are not limited to TRU, but as DD alluded to, they're sneaky marketing ploys designed to fool the less savvy customer. They appeal to the desire to get a bargain while avoiding actually offering one.

I'm not going to point to TRU because this tactic is far too common - Coles, Woolworths, Dick Smith Electronics all do it (and likely many others I haven't noticed), but I find it an abhorent practice.

[d*r*j*]

You must be from a mirror universe in which Toys R Us are good :p

I have never seen TrU (at least the stores I visit) do anything but overcharge even during TF1. The only time they have something of acceptable value is when they make a pricing mistake.


When I found all of those (sold out?) Classics in Frankston, so many moons ago, the retail price was $24.95... this is a very good price in Australia. When I went to TRU in Northland to enquire about the TRU Soundwave the staff were very helpful. I ended up getting Soundwave from ebay (local seller/ pick up) but that was my fault for been late to that party. I found Masterpiece Starscream when it first came out for $100 in TRU with no problems.
In my world TRU are great... I don't rely on them and don't even go there on a regular basis, but without them I wouldn't have many of my favorite transforming toys.

I laughed when they had g1 movie jazz for $50, because movie jazz is one of my least favorite toys... only got it because my girl really liked jazz in the movie. They have some good sale items sometimes.

I don't understand this board sometimes... there are a lot of members that condone and endorse the manipulation of store policies to gain personal advantage... yet everyone is up in arms when the stores don't treat you like loved and trusted friends.

[Paulbot]

Was at Toys R Us yesterday... the one in Frankston. I really like this TRU because when the classics were scarce it was the only place that stocked them... or the only place that hadn't been depleted totally of stock. It's the TRU that time forgot.
Yesterday I saw premium starscream and some of those bad repaints from the first movie. Never really see children there... just the occassional adult with a mobile stuck to their ear... no doubt getting updates on the hot toys out there.

Say hello next time, it might be me :)

But I agree whenever I visit the Frankston TRU (and this would only be on Saturday/Sundays after seeing a film) it always seems deserted compared to say the Knox or Chadstone TRU.

[blackie]

It's clear to informed, intelligent, thinking creatures such as you and I Jd but to the general idiot populace and all the (mainly) mums out there buying these toys for their kids it is not. They see an oversized ticket, they mentally and immediately equate that with being an item on special. It is a sneaky marketing ploy.



The "Hot Price" and "Great Value" and similar claims are not limited to TRU, but as DD alluded to, they're sneaky marketing ploys designed to fool the less savvy customer. They appeal to the desire to get a bargain while avoiding actually offering one.



and that is why when i print out price rise tickets at work they all go on the 'special' paper :D

[Gutsman Heavy]

Why does a 45gm bag of chips look the same and cost the same size as a 50gm bag of chips. Its things like these that seem under-handed IMO.

I was having a chat to the smiths rep at work the other day about this, he said its because super markets like set price points for popular snack items, so they can always put the big pack o chips on special at $1.99 to entice customers into the stores, so rather than put the price up, and piss off the big super market chains they will put the size down.

Its basically the same as walmart wanting deluxe TFs at a set price so the paint apps go down rather than price up.

I'd prefer a price hike over quality/size cut but that'd make the powers-that-be angry so that's the end result :(

[Borgeman]

dunno if anyone else has seen this, but on several occasions ive gone into Target and they have small discounts on random things throughout the store - like 13% off this 22%off that, 7% off here, they put this orange tag with the %off and new price over the top of the rrp tag - anywho, amoung all these i have come across the golden 0% off tag, where the orange tag actually says 0% off, now $19.99, and upon looking at the white tag underneath, the price on it also says $19.99 :D

ive taken a 0% off tag once to show to ppl, but lost it....

George

[jaydisc]

And let us not forget Kmart's recent clearance pricing with a saving of..... $0:

http://lindalane.com/temporary/tf/IMG_0030.jpg

* Universe Combiner - regular price $62.95 - clearance price... wait for it.... $62.95!!!!!
* Universe Ultra - regular price $59.95 - clearance price... wait for it.... $59.95!!!!!
* Movie Voyager - regular price $45.99 - clearance price... wait for it.... $45.99!!!!!

Hot diggity!!!!!

It's interesting the different things we as individuals value, and even how those things change over time.

I remember when Paulbot did the OTCA awards at the beginning of '80. For favorite retailer, I chose Myer (probably by myself). Back in those days, Myer also strictly priced their items at RRP. They also only had mediocre sales, but there were a few things that were important to me:

1. They made every effort to have stock for the items on sale. I remember getting there a day or two before a sale, finding empty shelves and asking a manager if there were any TFs. She said yes, but she had to wait to put them out to make sure they were available for the sale. Kmart either never intended on doing that, or didn't have staff consicous enough to know what day is was.

2. Myer was one of the only options that didn't accuse me of being a thief every time I left the shop by attempting to conduct a civilian search on me. Granted, I don't let any non-police office search me or my possessions, so it doesn't matter, but it at least saved me the angst of walking out of a store with my laptop bag around my back it didn't get stolen out of my car.

Unfortunately, Myer then introduced their Stupid Pricing (tm), and had almost as little stock as Target throughout 2008, so they lost their throne with me, and my loyalty had swung to Kmart. Why?

Besides Big W, Kmart had pretty low every day prices. They also had constant sales, sometimes even back-to-back. And, last, but definitely not least, there was the Lowest Price Guarantee! But alas, again, times changed.

When the wave of toys including the Universe Combiners, Special Editions and Animated Twins came out, Kmart had abandoned having every day low prices and instead was using their regular sales to drive traffic, and pricing their items so that they were overpriced pre-sale, but more inline with what used to be their standard pricing during the sale.

Universe Combiner
$63 Kmart Standard Price
$50 20% off Kmart Price
$50 Standard Toy Kingdom Price

Universe Special Edition and Animated Twins
$37 Kmart Standard Price
$30 20% off Kmart Price
$30 Standard Toy Kingdom Price

(seem like someone's planning a 20% sale? heh? Heh?)

This trend continue and now Kmart sells at RRP, or best, $1 below it (using ROTF as the example).

And, to anyone that tried to take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee, you know how akin it is to pulling teeth. The whole policy, JUST like TRU's Hot Price, is complete bullsh1t in order to get you to think that Kmart rules. Will they stand by it? Rarely at best.

And then, the final icing on the cake was when Kmart brought their return policy in line with Target, only offering a refund for 30 days from the date of purchase. So, more policy changes to get you in to the store, get you to pay more, prevent you from changing your mind, all while making you think you're paying less!

And, by the way, have I mentioned how I can't tolerate them accusing every patron with a bag of being a thief? I can't!

So now, fast foward to a couple months ago, and I have a new favorite. Can you guess who? Toys R What!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Why?

1. They don't accuse me of being a thief
2. They price match (even though they don't have a publicly documented or advertised policy like someone else!!!!)
3. There is no statute of limitations on getting a refund if the items is still sealed and you have a receipt!!!

Now, if I had to deal with the price gouging that TC has revealed is happening in WA, it might sway me, but probably not, because there's always point 2. And guess what, even if there wasn't, and I overpaid for a figure, only to fing it on at Kmart for 60% off clearance? I can return my old one back to TRU with a smile ;-)

TOYS R WHAT?!?!?!

TOYS R THE BEST!!! ;-)

[dirge]

So now, fast foward to a couple months ago, and I have a new favorite. Can you guess who? Toys R What!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Why?

1. They don't accuse me of being a thief


I'd recommend avoiding TRU Hurstville. On a few occasions I've been yelled at for walking out and _not_ waiting for the security guard to finish chatting to the manager (or whatever) so they can have their token peek into my backpack which they have no right to demand anyway.

[roller]

whaddya expect in Hurstville?! :D

[Paulbot]

And, by the way, have I mentioned how I can't tolerate them accusing every patron with a bag of being a thief?

I did notice in the US that no one ever asked to check my bags when leaving a store, and it felt odd. And maybe it's just me that I've been asked less and less lately for a bag check in our stores. I used to offer all the time but now just strut on out and haven't been challenged once.

[jaydisc]

I'm going to get a T-shirt made that says:

"It is a condition of my patronage that I be given $20"

So when I refuse to be searched and they tell me that it was a condition of entry, I'll just show them my T-shirt.

[griffin]

1. They don't accuse me of being a thief

Don't blame the stores, blame the theives. It's opportunistic crime, prevented only by catching people trying to sneak out with items. If they don't limit theft from bag checks that inconvenience people who choose to enter someone else's premises, we would end up paying more to compensate for it.
So which do you prefer - bag checks or higher prices. Prevent the crime or pay for it, there is no other alternative.

[MV75]

"Accuse me" "no right"

C'mon guys, stop being so dramatic, self centered and naieve.

Shock flash, those that look the best well off are usually the ones stealing.

As for my TRU rant, I don't agree with their new bag charge policy. I don't see a reduction in price for not using a bag, nor do I see (as usual with Australian retailers), a paper option. Until then, they can shove their "environmentalism" up their a****.

[jaydisc]

Don't blame the stores, blame the theives. It's opportunistic crime, prevented only by catching people trying to sneak out with items. If they don't limit theft from bag checks that inconvenience people who choose to enter someone else's premises, we would end up paying more to compensate for it.
So which do you prefer - bag checks or higher prices. Prevent the crime or pay for it, there is no other alternative.

In the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin:

"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Or slightly modified for this situation:

"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a cheaper Transformer, deserve neither Liberty nor cheap Transformers." :p :D

[MV75]

"A bag check is as an essential liberty as nail clippers on an airplane".

- MV.

[jaydisc]

Not even close.

One is the right to privacy and protection from unreasonable search and seizure (although I doubt these are provided under Australian law).

The other is the right to groom. :rolleyes:

[roller]

i always felt discriminated against when id visit them after school

Always target me cause i had a uniform and bag on

bunch a ageists

[MV75]

Not even close.

One is the right to privacy and protection from unreasonable search and seizure (although I doubt these are provided under Australian law).

The other is the right to groom. :rolleyes:

No, that's just being asinine.

It's not unreasonable search nor is it a violation of your privacy. People that scream about "privacy laws" rarely have any clue on what privacy really is because they're just too lazy to follow very simple procedures. You gotta stop getting your law information from watching today tonight.

Would you prefer that they adopt the airlines new "3d xray" scanners at their stores? I wouldn't.

Being a stuck up a-hole about people seeing if you have their goods in your bag is as an essential liberty as nail clippers on a plane.

[Fungal Infection]

I worked in retail and a few years back and undercover security caught this lady shoplifting. We dragged her back to the manager's office and asked her to remove the contents of her bag. In it were cans of tuna and a bag of peanuts. Now this lady didn't look like a stereotypical shoplifter, in fact she looked like an upperclass snob, probably about mid-60s, dressed in a fur-like coat, pearl necklace, nice jewellery and a Louis Vutton handbag. When we asked her if there was a reason she had taken the items without paying for them she replied, "This is a joke, I demand to call my lawyer", to which my store manager replied, "The only joke I can see here is a lady who obviously has the means to pay for this, is instead shoplifting" after which she shut right up until the police arrived at the store and took her away. Most times I visit a store I'm lugging around my daughter with a backpack with her stuff it in, and her in my arms yet even I know and understand that stores will still have to check bags as part of store procedure. I don't even get angry or upset because they are doing their jobs. And most times I offer to let them check too even though I'm carrying her in my arms and have to put her down and open my backpack. If I don't have a problem with it, I don't see why anyone else would. It is store policy for most stores that bags need to be checked so unless you have a problem with that, I'd suggest you find another outlet to grab your stuff from.

[jaydisc]

[Original post removed]

While I would love to discuss the merits of this intelligently and unemotionally, I don't think that's possible with you MV75.

[SMHFConvoy]

He's not talking about a discount sticker or reduction. He means that stickers are put on that imply a reduction but are actually the normal price.

Which is illegal and you can approach the ACCC about that. I'm constantly taking down tickets that the staff have made at work that have not been sent from our national ticket writing office.

[1AZRAEL1]

On a lighter side of things, I know a perfect name for TRU

"Toys R Overpriced"

haha, saw it on Family Guy last night.

[Dylbot]

The toys r us at knox city only ever has one register open, even when there's twenty people waiting to be served. Once i walked over to a register with two girls standing around talking about thier weekend, and they ignored me for about a minute, and then said "sorry, this register is closed" TRANSFORMERS PURCHASES HAVE PRIORITY OVER YOUR WEEKEND DISCUSSION!

[blackie]

The toys r us at knox city only ever has one register open, even when there's twenty people waiting to be served. Once i walked over to a register with two girls standing around talking about thier weekend, and they ignored me for about a minute, and then said "sorry, this register is closed" TRANSFORMERS PURCHASES HAVE PRIORITY OVER YOUR WEEKEND DISCUSSION!

+a zillion
they have one of the worst customer services of any place ive been
maybe i should get a job there........:rolleyes:

[1AZRAEL1]

+a zillion
they have one of the worst customer services of any place ive been
maybe i should get a job there........:rolleyes:

and worst of all, NO LAYBY!!!
I would have spent a buttload there a couple of months back, but they didnt have layby. Getting rid of it was "The Worst Idea Ever" (spoken like comic book guy)

[dirge]

"Accuse me" "no right"

C'mon guys, stop being so dramatic, self centered and naieve.


I stand by my comment. Any store that employs someone who is willing to humiliate the store patrons runs the risk of scaring paying customers away. The issue I've encountered at this store are not that they ask for a bag check - it's more a case of the security guard will blatantly embarrass a patron for not submitting to a bagcheck (which is, from a legal POV, voluntary).

It's not the anti-theft measures that I object to, it's the tactics employed at this store.

[fatbot]

I stand by my comment. Any store that employs someone who is willing to humiliate the store patrons runs the risk of scaring paying customers away. The issue I've encountered at this store are not that they ask for a bag check - it's more a case of the security guard will blatantly embarrass a patron for not submitting to a bagcheck (which is, from a legal POV, voluntary).

It's not the anti-theft measures that I object to, it's the tactics employed at this store.


From memory, retailers are allowed to ask if they can check your nag as you are exiting the premises, the public have the right to tell the person wanting to check said bag to bugger off. However the retailer can hit back and ban you from the store, remember it is still private property. The catch, however is that, IMO, they need to ask nicely, and not treat everyone as a potential theif

[GoktimusPrime]

My understanding is that bag checks are indeed voluntary and merely a courtesy thing, but isn't legally enforceable. Similar to waiver forms at martial arts schools and permission notes for school excursions - these things in _no_ way protect schools from liability but are merely a courtesy to let people know of any potential risks/hazards.

[kup]

This chat reminds me when we came out of TrU after the last Parra Fair and Kuzzy got stopped at the exit by this security guard who already had the attitude that he was thieving because he found a 2007 no longer in stock Classics Mirage in his bag from the fair. The guys manner was more of a bouncer than a guard.

[Lord_Zed]

This thread is getting a bit ugly.

I must admit, while i'm no fan of Toys R Us due to their prices and the local stores limited stock, I've NEVER had a problem with their security guys. Not locally anyway only at Parramatta, after the toy fair and even then I didn't think it was a problem. They rarely ever seem to bother checking my bag at Hurstville, and never at Miranda.

Dirge must look suspicous in those regions. :p

[dirge]

This thread is getting a bit ugly.

Dirge must look suspicous in those regions. :p

And you reckon the thread is getting ugly? Enjoy your walk to Parramatta :p

I've only had trouble from the twerps at Hurstville. I've never had a problem at Miranda, Moore Park or Parramatta. Whether it's a TRU Hurstville thing or the firm supplying the guard, that sort of cr4p leaves a bad impression on potential (or actual) customers, which is not in the store's best interest.

[Robzy]

I was having a chat to the smiths rep at work the other day about this, he said its because super markets like set price points for popular snack items, so they can always put the big pack o chips on special at $1.99 Correct!

Price point is the single most important thing... it's better for companies to lower the quantity of what you're getting rather than raise the price! Latest perfect example - Cadbury's chocolate - same price, but it's gone from 250g to 200g! It happens all the time!!


I'm going to get a T-shirt made that says:

"It is a condition of my patronage that I be given $20"

So when I refuse to be searched and they tell me that it was a condition of entry, I'll just show them my T-shirt.That is an EXCELLENT idea! :D

I can guarantee (having personally worked as an undercover security shopper in Melbourne), Bag-Checkers and even Security Guards cannot search your bags if you don't want them to! If they are rudely persistent, just ask them if they're implying that you've stolen something... watch what happens! :p Companies (and the actual employees themselves) can be sued for defamation/slander! The whole idea is not to catch you, but to scare you!

[Autocon]

so if i go into a shop that has a sign all bags must be searched blah blah you dont have to show them, even when they ask? also what about when they say you have to leave the bags at the front of the shop?

[Robzy]

That's right... You don't have to show them at all! It's a "condition of entry" but, as others have pointed out already, that means nothing really. The worst that could happen is that you get banned from the store, but I seriously doubt that would happen unless they suspected you of theft. They wouldn't ban you for refusing to show your bag.

As for leaving bags at the front, they can't enforce that either! Just ask them if they will GUARANTEE that your bag won't get stolen or lost and they will tell you they can't guarantee anything! Door Greeters/security don't get paid to mind your bags, so they won't (sometimes staff members change positions or their shift ends, so your bag could be left unattended at the front of the store!). It's just a precaution they take (usually with "evil gangs" of school kids) to stop them from shop-lifting.

Stores rely upon people being ignorant about their rights as consumers!

[kaiden]

The TRU stores I go to in SA dont have bag checkers.

Their prices are typically high, but whne there's a genuine sale its really cheap for all things and not just transformers. You just have to know what you are really saving in the end.

And the thing about students is that they are notorious for stealing. They're under 18, bored of school and want to look cool/make some money by reselling to classmates/addicted to stealing. So it no wonder they get targetted.

I dont have a problem with TRU because I don't actually shop much. I'm too lazy to wake up early for sales plus my kids are always running off when i get distracted by shiny new toys.

[Lord_Zed]

And you reckon the thread is getting ugly? Enjoy your walk to Parramatta :p


Everyone else was doing it so I had to throw my hat in the ring to. :D

To be honest as stated by some I've rarely seen bag checkers at either of my local Toys r Us.

Personaly I find JB HiFi have the most gung ho bag checkers of all, though I imagine theft would be a big issue there. When I worked at one such store way back when, the security guards while zealous were still nice guys.

[TheDirtyDigger]

.

Personaly I find JB HiFi have the most gung ho bag checkers of all, though I imagine theft would be a big issue there. When I worked at one such store way back when, the security guards while zealous were still nice guys.

I think it'd be the opposite. JB are so gung-ho that incidents of theft would be minimal.

[Paulbot]

The TRU stores I go to in SA dont have bag checkers

Same in Victoria. Knox, Chadstone, Frankston... none of these Toys R Us stores have anyone on the doors. Is that just a NSW TRU thing?

[dirge]

Maybe some NSW stores. I've never encountered one at Moore Park. Rarely at Miranda - and even then it's not a security guard like Hurstville or Parramatta, just a duty manager.

[d*r*j*]

Same in Victoria. Knox, Chadstone, Frankston... none of these Toys R Us stores have anyone on the doors. Is that just a NSW TRU thing?


I'm pretty sure I've seen security at the Frankston one... not all the time... just the weekends and late night shopping.

[blackie]

I'm pretty sure I've seen security at the Frankston one... not all the time... just the weekends and late night shopping.

this doesnt surprise me :p
i never get checked at TRU, kmart on the other hand.. all the time

[Tabias Prime]

talking about TRU shameful practices .its just not transformers as well, My wife went in there the other week to buy their $30 box of nappies they had on special in the catalogue, what they didnt tell you in the catalogue is you had to spent another $30 else where in the store to get the nappies at that price.:mad::mad::mad:If it was in the catalogue she didnt see it. Just remember this, TRU are a multination company who care nothing about what the customer thinks of there prices and only cares about the bottom line...

[jaydisc]

Just remember this, TRU are a multination company who care nothing about what the customer thinks of there prices and only cares about the bottom line...

Sounds like every company.

[STL]

Sounds like every company.

Correction, at least some companies pretend to care b/c it hurts their bottom line.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

talking about TRU shameful practices .its just not transformers as well, My wife went in there the other week to buy their $30 box of nappies they had on special in the catalogue, what they didnt tell you in the catalogue is you had to spent another $30 else where in the store to get the nappies at that price.:mad::mad::mad:If it was in the catalogue she didnt see it. Just remember this, TRU are a multination company who care nothing about what the customer thinks of there prices and only cares about the bottom line...

They just seem to suck more and more. I was lead to believe that they were aiming towards the "baby market" so to speak, but they treat that one just the same.

[d*r*j*]

You can't please collectors most of the time. People bring all these problems on themselves... With all this buying/ swapping/ returning/ price matching that goes on with toy collectors, add the many constant questions and demands for unprovidable information. Why would anyone want to cater for this type of consumer? It's too much hassle. They only buy things when they are priced cheaply and in a condition that most modern toy manufacturers struggle to maintain.

Why don't you go to a comic store or independant toy shop and behave like this? Because the people there will just tell you where to go?

It kinds of sucks that this hobby is so retail based most of the time. It sucks that a lot of people that are involved in this hobby are impolite, self-important, anti social, grown up spoilt brats.

[kup]

You can't please collectors most of the time. People bring all these problems on themselves... With all this buying/ swapping/ returning/ price matching that goes on with toy collectors, add the many constant questions and demands for unprovidable information. Why would anyone want to cater for this type of consumer? It's too much hassle. They only buy things when they are priced cheaply and in a condition that most modern toy manufacturers struggle to maintain.

Why don't you go to a comic store or independant toy shop and behave like this? Because the people there will just tell you where to go?

It kinds of sucks that this hobby is so retail based most of the time. It sucks that a lot of people that are involved in this hobby are impolite, self-important, anti social, grown up spoilt brats.

I don't think that the attitude of collector's has anything to do with the poor practices of TrU which do affect collectors but at the same time it also affects everyone else.

I am sure Tetsuwan is not into Nappy collecting for the hell of it.

[d*r*j*]

I don't think that the attitude of collector's has anything to do with the poor practices of TrU which do affect collectors but at the same time it also affects everyone else.

I am sure Tetsuwan is not into Nappy collecting for the hell of it.

I think the attitude and manner of collectors has a lot to do with the way collectors are treated and collectables are priced.

The thing with the nappies... it's designed to get you in the door. I am under the impression that the sale price of nappies cannot be beaten, so why not tie it to a purchase? You buy their baby equipment, candy, video games, toys there and become a loyal customer... They are not a clearance center and it seems that they don't want to act like one. TRU have a lot of very nice baby gear and sometimes the prices are very competitive.

[kup]

I have a feeling that you could be TrU bestest costumer ever with a hundred thousand dollars worth of buys and they would still treat you the same once you walk in through that door - loyalty works both ways.

[d*r*j*]

I have a feeling that you could be TrU bestest costumer ever with a hundred thousand dollars worth of buys and they would still treat you the same once you walk in through that door - loyalty works both ways.

It all depends when you are talking about the way people treat you.
In my experience every single time I have spoken to a TRU employee they have spoken back to me nicely and tried to help me to the best of their (very limited) ability. Everytime I have asked about something specific they have told me what the computer tells them (Commemorative Soundwave, MP Starscream)... the computer is usually just wrong.

[dirge]

In my experience every single time I have spoken to a TRU employee they have spoken back to me nicely and tried to help me to the best of their (very limited) ability. Everytime I have asked about something specific they have told me what the computer tells them (Commemorative Soundwave, MP Starscream)... the computer is usually just wrong.

I think this says a lot about TRU - and TRU specifically. Their (plebian) staff are poorly supported/trained, and really while the individual may be quite helpful, they're not empowered to be able to assist customers with specific questions.

The fact that they hire 17 year olds also lends itself to the staff having less of a vested interest in knowing the product range. A 17 year old working at TRU on a Thursday night (or a 19 year old at days off from uni) is unlikely to have the same dedication to the job they're doing as they would to their career after school/uni. This isn't the fault of the kids, but this hiring policy has a flow on effect to TRU's customers.

The net effect is staff who lack a vested interest in going above and beyond what's required, since the job is temporary, and a low requirement from the company. Which means that the service ends up being poor.

Personally, I rarely need to consult with TRU's staff anyway - the pricechecker tells me what I need to know 99% of the time. But considering that TRU are usually more expensive than places like Big W and K-Mart (for Transformers _and_ other lines), if I'm unable to find what I need at TRU, I'll give up pretty easily and head down to Big W - if they do have what I want, it'll probably be cheaper anyway. So yeah, TRU's staffing policies effectively push me away. I've found other chains (particularly Target) to be more helpful, so I'll put more effort into spending my money there. It's not a loyalty thing perse, but Target's extra effort gains my loyalty in effect.

[jaydisc]

I suspect that all of these many corporations have done some research to decide if the extra expense required to either more effectively train staff or hire more qualified staff most likely does not result in a proportional increase in revenue, and thus, the law of diminishing returns quickly applies.

[dirge]

I suspect that many corporations have done some research to decide if the extra expense required to either more effectively train staff or hire more qualified staff most likely does not result in a proportional increase in revenue, and thus, the law of diminishing returns quickly applies.

True enough. Many of us are voting with our wallets as far as TRU is concerned, and making a habit of dealing with a competitor is the most powerful statement a consumer can make.

I suspect TRU make their money on large margins and low staff costs, and they're entitled to do so. Big W (as an example) on the other hand have lower prices and while the margins are likely to be lower, they rely on a larger net sales volume to make their money. Each company will make their business decisions, and will live and die by those.

You've only got to look at how much traction JB HiFi has made in recent years to see how these decisions can affect the fortunes of a retail chain.

A deep catalogue and low prices - even on the deep catalogue stuff - have done wonders for their CD/DVD base. On the other hand, Brazin (owners of Sanity & Virgin, as well as Bras & Things) bought HMV a few years back. They promptly cut away the catalogue depth and have since then HMV stores have been closing at an alarming rate as they can no offer the deep range of stock. Consumers will check JB HiFi first because 1) they have a broader range and are more likely to have the item desired and 2) the perception is that their prices are lower anyway.

[nettie!]

Target's extra effort gains my loyalty in effect.

see. that's cos i'm awesome :D lolol

[1AZRAEL1]

True enough. Many of us are voting with our wallets as far as TRU is concerned, and making a habit of dealing with a competitor is the most powerful statement a consumer can make.

I suspect TRU make their money on large margins and low staff costs, and they're entitled to do so. Big W (as an example) on the other hand have lower prices and while the margins are likely to be lower, they rely on a larger net sales volume to make their money. Each company will make their business decisions, and will live and die by those.

You've only got to look at how much traction JB HiFi has made in recent years to see how these decisions can affect the fortunes of a retail chain.

A deep catalogue and low prices - even on the deep catalogue stuff - have done wonders for their CD/DVD base. On the other hand, Brazin (owners of Sanity & Virgin, as well as Bras & Things) bought HMV a few years back. They promptly cut away the catalogue depth and have since then HMV stores have been closing at an alarming rate as they can no offer the deep range of stock. Consumers will check JB HiFi first because 1) they have a broader range and are more likely to have the item desired and 2) the perception is that their prices are lower anyway.

Good point on JB Hifi, I normally go there because they stock on a huge range of music that I am into, that other stores don't get. Alot are imports and sometimes a little on the expensive side, and I expect to pay more on them but I have found a few good cds that I have never seen anywhere else, and most likely will never again. Rare cds of not well known bands and such. I hate importing cds, they do it for me :D

[d*r*j*]

True enough. Many of us are voting with our wallets as far as TRU is concerned, and making a habit of dealing with a competitor is the most powerful statement a consumer can make.

I suspect TRU make their money on large margins and low staff costs, and they're entitled to do so. Big W (as an example) on the other hand have lower prices and while the margins are likely to be lower, they rely on a larger net sales volume to make their money. Each company will make their business decisions, and will live and die by those.

You've only got to look at how much traction JB HiFi has made in recent years to see how these decisions can affect the fortunes of a retail chain.

A deep catalogue and low prices - even on the deep catalogue stuff - have done wonders for their CD/DVD base. On the other hand, Brazin (owners of Sanity & Virgin, as well as Bras & Things) bought HMV a few years back. They promptly cut away the catalogue depth and have since then HMV stores have been closing at an alarming rate as they can no offer the deep range of stock. Consumers will check JB HiFi first because 1) they have a broader range and are more likely to have the item desired and 2) the perception is that their prices are lower anyway.

Yeah I kind of agree. I think the thing with the cds is that importing laws were changed and that changed the whole $29.99 rrp that the industry had established. Also the technology took some time to take off and is now almost redundant... so they are strengthening their presence in the electronics part of the market.

There are a couple of points here with regard to TRU (Australia)... I don't think they want toy collectors as customers, G1 coloured Jazz was $50, sure it was an exclusive and it sold... but come on. I believe they want to concentrate on selling to parents, that's why the 'nappy' strategy and the fact that I get way more babies'r'us than toys'r'us catalogues in the mail. It just makes sense.

[d*r*j*]

Good point on JB Hifi, I normally go there because they stock on a huge range of music that I am into, that other stores don't get. Alot are imports and sometimes a little on the expensive side, and I expect to pay more on them but I have found a few good cds that I have never seen anywhere else, and most likely will never again. Rare cds of not well known bands and such. I hate importing cds, they do it for me :D

I don't go to music stores that much anymore... I find much more variety online than any store could provide, and would probably find much, much more if I wholely accepted the digital medium. Are you into black metal?

[dirge]

There are a couple of points here with regard to TRU (Australia)... I don't think they want toy collectors as customers.

Perhaps. Either way, I still question how little support is given to their staff. If I was a customer after a specific item for my child's birthday and went to TRU for assistance, I would be thoroughly unimpressed by the complete lack of knowledge the staff have. The answers such as, "We're not getting another delivery for weeks" and "We don't know what we're getting till it arrives" (both of which I have received) would not inspire confidence. I'd be spending my money elsewhere, where I felt that the employee was willing to (okay, able to, but it's perception that matters here) take ownership of my query.

[1AZRAEL1]

I don't go to music stores that much anymore... I find much more variety online than any store could provide, and would probably find much, much more if I wholely accepted the digital medium. Are you into black metal?

That I am indeed, how can you tell? :D
(My avatar is of Abbath and Demonaz of Immortal)

True you can find more variety on the net, I have ordered cds on the net before (from amazon) and it was a bit of a hassle.
I also order some cds through stores, I did it with Lordi's first 2 albums (before they made it big at Eurovision)

And as for the digital medium, I prefer to have the cd in hand, even though I don't use them often. More for the value of having the original cd music rather than downloads.

[1AZRAEL1]

Perhaps. Either way, I still question how little support is given to their staff. If I was a customer after a specific item for my child's birthday and went to TRU for assistance, I would be thoroughly unimpressed by the complete lack of knowledge the staff have. The answers such as, "We're not getting another delivery for weeks" and "We don't know what we're getting till it arrives" (both of which I have received) would not inspire confidence. I'd be spending my money elsewhere, where I felt that the employee was willing to (okay, able to, but it's perception that matters here) take ownership of my query.

Much like going to Good Guys or something and them asking you if you need assistance. Yes I know they get commission out of it as well, but they know there stuff.
Even when I have been walking around other stores like Myer (and JB Hifi) looking for something, they ask me if they can help meand they know there stuff.
I will say, Toys R Us are the worst when it comes to not giving a s*** about there customers, in my experience anyway.

[nettie!]

myer and jb hifi have permanent staff ie not just pimpley kids working extended trade.

tru, bigw, kmart, target all have casual employees to work extended trade, and even the part timers (note. there are no full time employees, even managers are considered PT due to the hours worked per week.) are given very little information in regards to delivery of stock

store and receiving and possibly line managers are told when and what is being delivered, they tend to feel that this information is not necessary to anybody else.

if anyone were to come to my layby counter and ask me about deliveries i would think they were a tool, but would suggest they speak to the store manager as no-one else would even consider answering their requests for knowledge that they themselves don't even have.

[d*r*j*]

Perhaps. Either way, I still question how little support is given to their staff. If I was a customer after a specific item for my child's birthday and went to TRU for assistance, I would be thoroughly unimpressed by the complete lack of knowledge the staff have. The answers such as, "We're not getting another delivery for weeks" and "We don't know what we're getting till it arrives" (both of which I have received) would not inspire confidence. I'd be spending my money elsewhere, where I felt that the employee was willing to (okay, able to, but it's perception that matters here) take ownership of my query.

That's my point. They don't want customers with specific queries. In regards to say... Animated when it was big (last christmas)... they had very big displays with leaders on sale. They would prefer you bring little 'johnny' in, ask him what he wants, 'johnny' points out leader 'bulkhead' and says "that one (mummy/ daddy/ grandma etc)" Then either leader Bulkhead is purchased, or 'santa' ducks in later to purchase it.

[dirge]

Kids can be just as specific as collectors when it comes to wanting a certain toy, however. TRU are doing themselves a disservice if they're trying to avoid helping customers after specific items.

It's a lot easier to p*** someone off and lose their future business than it is to win them back. It's also hard to measure - and limit - the damage to the brand if that parent tells friends about their porr experience at TRU.

I'm not saying that TRU should bend over backwards for customer looking for a specific item, but generally they're quite unhelpful, because of the way they set themselves up. Target & Big W on the other hand, are more helpful - and even if the end result is the same (customer unable to obtain item), the customer isn't left with the bad taste in their mouth.

[d*r*j*]

That I am indeed, how can you tell? :D
(My avatar is of Abbath and Demonaz of Immortal)

True you can find more variety on the net, I have ordered cds on the net before (from amazon) and it was a bit of a hassle.
I also order some cds through stores, I did it with Lordi's first 2 albums (before they made it big at Eurovision)

And as for the digital medium, I prefer to have the cd in hand, even though I don't use them often. More for the value of having the original cd music rather than downloads.

Yeah I'm not that keen on european metal. My main exposure to black metal would have to be Venom and Cradle of Filth. I also covet the hard copies unfortunately... but vinyl is always the best option.

I think that with jb it all depends who is doing the stocking... for example Northlands and Epping have much more european metal than camberwell. They usual have metalheads doing the stocking aswell... so that helps.

[nettie!]

They usual have metalheads doing the stocking aswell... so that helps.

that's the thing, at jb the staff can put orders through, whereas tru, target etc cant.

[TheDirtyDigger]

It sucks that a lot of people that are involved in this hobby are impolite, self-important, anti social, grown up spoilt brats.


Hey I resent that!!!

I do NOT consider myself grown up!

[d*r*j*]

Hey I resent that!!!

I do NOT consider myself grown up!

How did you know I was thinking about you?

[Robzy]

The answers such as, "We're not getting another delivery for weeks" and "We don't know what we're getting till it arrives" (both of which I have received) would not inspire confidence. I must have heard these lines a zillion times... and the other classic - "If we have it, then it would be out on the shelves" :rolleyes:

Target & Kmart employees say this stuff all the time too!

[nettie!]

I must have heard these lines a zillion times... and the other classic - "If we have it, then it would be out on the shelves" :rolleyes:

Target & Kmart employees say this stuff all the time too!

BECAUSE IT IS TRUE!

believe it or not, we do not have big storage warehouses. When we get stock, it gets put on the floor asap as we do NOT have the space to store it!

[MV75]

That poor stock. You need to be ashamed to not have adequate storsge for it. Poor things. :p

But when you get inventory of xboxs, you could store them like this:

http://kotaku.com/5334465/might-want-to-wash-that-360-once-you-get-it-home

[Robzy]

BECAUSE IT IS TRUE!

believe it or not, we do not have big storage warehouses. When we get stock, it gets put on the floor asap as we do NOT have the space to store it!Actually, it's not always true... I worked at Target for many years (both on the Floor and in the Receiving Room) and I know what goes on.

Not all the stock is always put out at once... sometimes there simply isn't enough space on the shelves!

Aside from that, there's always the laziness and/or ignorance of staff members when it comes to actually checking. You work in retail so I presume you would have encountered this first hand. Some staff are clueless in regard to what items they have in their areas. Others just can't be bothered looking... It's easy for staff to say they don't have it out the back, rather than go and look for it when they've got a Dept Manager breaking their balls in regard to getting the latest planagram done! ;)

And don't get me started on phone inquiries... I've actually seen staff say to customers "Hang on - I'll go and check" and then put the phone on hold, stand there and talk to other staff, and then go back on and say "Sorry - we don't have that one!". :rolleyes:

[nettie!]

I am layby supervisor at target.

Well I am proud to say that all of our staff aren't retarded, are all capable of holding conversations, know their stock and also know better than to call our line managers everytime someone asks if there are more .... out the back :)

I realise I shouldn't generalise all stores based on mine but I feel it's better than no insight at all.

[GoktimusPrime]

During the 90s a lot of stores used to let me into the back room to look for cases, and quite a few times I'd find them sitting on palettes. So I'm inclined to agree with Robzy.

[nettie!]

During the 90s a lot of stores used to let me into the back room to look for cases, and quite a few times I'd find them sitting on palettes. So I'm inclined to agree with Robzy.

gee isn't it a pity that we're more than halfway through 2009.. :rolleyes:

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I don't think that the attitude of collector's has anything to do with the poor practices of TrU which do affect collectors but at the same time it also affects everyone else.

I am sure Tetsuwan is not into Nappy collecting for the hell of it.
First point yes and I dont actually get nappies at all.

I suspect that all of these many corporations have done some research to decide if the extra expense required to either more effectively train staff or hire more qualified staff most likely does not result in a proportional increase in revenue, and thus, the law of diminishing returns quickly applies.
I have come to that conclusion about quality of products as well. It seems to me that companies see it as cheaper to replace a broken/faulty unit than to actually put some decent quality control on the items.


There are a couple of points here with regard to TRU (Australia)... I don't think they want toy collectors as customers, G1 coloured Jazz was $50, sure it was an exclusive and it sold... but come on. I believe they want to concentrate on selling to parents, that's why the 'nappy' strategy and the fact that I get way more babies'r'us than toys'r'us catalogues in the mail. It just makes sense.
But the Nappy thing just irritates customers as well. They are traeting parents with the same contempt as collectors.

... It's easy for staff to say they don't have it out the back, rather than go and look for it when they've got a Dept Manager breaking their balls in regard to getting the latest planagram done! ;)
I never understand when companies/workers sit there and ignore customers due to other things. Sure the planogram is important, but if there are no customers, there is no need for a planogram.

[Golden Phoenix]

I never understand when companies/workers sit there and ignore customers due to other things. Sure the planogram is important, but if there are no customers, there is no need for a planogram.
You have to remember that staff from head office sometimes don't see how practical the things they ask are.
At the cafe I work at our area manager (and inturn some supervisors) bust my balls because the the tables need to be cleared, even though we focus on takeaway coffee and the is a line of +10 people.
This happens a lot in the mornings and I'll get my ass kicked either way.

[kup]

I never understand when companies/workers sit there and ignore customers due to other things. Sure the planogram is important, but if there are no customers, there is no need for a planogram.

I think that's at the core of the problem. Traditionally if a store offered you bad service and high prices you simply stopped shopping there and this would eventually hurt the business. Nowadays that is not a factor, no matter how dodgy your product or service may be, masses will still be flogging into your store to buy it if you have good marketing and a perceived monopoly.

TrU more or less has a monopoly in NSW and kids will always want to go in to visit it because they are the only full toy store nearby and drag along their parents. The parent is not going to know if Target or Big W has it cheaper so they will always buy it there turning a profit for the store.

Yeah they could profit a little more if they get their act together but the present formula is good enough for them so they won't bother with the hassles of training staff or promoting a friendlier attitude to costumers since they know they will come in anyway regardless.