Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

POWERCITY

Options
  • 01-10-2009 8:45pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1


    Hi,
    Yesterday I boutht a laptop in Powercity. 499 Euro, Toshiba Satelite. When starting it up, the keyboard proved to be faulty. I went back to the store and had to speak to <SNIP>. He said because I broke the seal, (to open the box) I could not bring it back. I told him that it doesnt say so on the seal. (by the way, are we all supposed to have super-natural gifts to be able to 'know' that what is in the box is what you are buying? they can put the wrong product inside and get away with this) He said they dont take 'sales' back. I asked him for the terms and conditions. He said there is no copy available in the store. This is illegal!
    In short, reading all the treads here, Powercity is a big scam, they sell faulty goods, knowing its faulty, and dont take it back. If you ask for a manager, there is no manager in the store (e.g. who is the keyholder, who does the case register etc? they dont answer these questions, so they know exactly what they do). Unfortunately, this is all possible in Ireland and the authorities are well awar of it, but do nothing. I am going to a sollicitor, and report this to any official consumer rights institute I can find (I am not Irish, so dont know yet where to go, but I will find out) to try to get my money back. I have send letters with all the details to the head office, but you dont get a response. All the phone numbers you can find are auto-answered, and you can only leave your number and they will call you back, but they dont.
    On the receipt it says: "Return/Exchange within 28 days. Box. Packaging and Receipt required." It doesnt say anything about not being able to bring it back if you break a seal.
    if you wish to join me in this complaint, please contact me at <SNIP>. I will try to get interviews with newspapers, radio stations and tv. In this climate of economic recession, where we all have to be carefull with money, and Powercity is abusing people who try to buy cheap by selling them faulty products and not taking any responsibility for it. its a matter of principle to stop this, as they will continue this fraudulant kind of business.
    If you read the several chains on this boards.ie, there are many victims!
    gerald


Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 763 ✭✭✭F-Stop


    I've never had a problem with Power City but haven't used them for a while. Maybe things have changed, but in the past they were always a preferred place to go. They are obliged to take it back and provide you with a working laptop as long as nothing was done that voids the warranty. The sticker thing is nonsense and is only to do with the software licence as far as I know.

    Anyway, you can take it to a Toshiba repair centre. They'll repair/replace if it is in warranty at no cost. bms.ie is one Toshiba repair centre I've used, there may be others.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,683 ✭✭✭Kensington


    First off, it is not fair to be naming the salesperson involved on a public forum. Plus, I don't think it's even allowed under the forum charter?

    Go back to the store and demand for a call to be logged with the Consumer Manager in head office. The guy you were speaking to wasn't lying to, te guys in store really don't have the authority to process returns, particularly of such high value - all such returns are authorised through the company Head Office in Bray.

    Also, if you sent head office a letter about a faulty laptop you bought yesterday, can you honestly expect a response already? If you sent it by post they probably haven't even got it yet. If it's by e-mail, then they may not have read it yet.


  • Registered Users Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    gboot - please do not post staff names in the thread or provide your own email address. Posters can use the PM function to contact you, if they wish
    gboot wrote: »
    Hi,
    Yesterday I boutht a laptop in Powercity. 499 Euro, Toshiba Satelite. When starting it up, the keyboard proved to be faulty. I went back to the store and had to speak to <SNIP>. He said because I broke the seal, (to open the box) I could not bring it back. I told him that it doesnt say so on the seal. (by the way, are we all supposed to have super-natural gifts to be able to 'know' that what is in the box is what you are buying? they can put the wrong product inside and get away with this) He said they dont take 'sales' back.

    If the product is defective, or not fit for purpose, then you are entitled to refund, replacement or repair. This is your basic consumer entitlement.
    I asked him for the terms and conditions. He said there is no copy available in the store.
    The store's T&Cs don't matter here. Consumer law overrides T&Cs.
    In short, reading all the treads here, Powercity is a big scam, they sell faulty goods, knowing its faulty, and dont take it back.

    That is a very big allegation to make. Just because you read a few bad reviews on the internet doesn't mean that the business is into scr*wing the consumer.
    I am going to a sollicitor, and report this to any official consumer rights institute I can find (I am not Irish, so dont know yet where to go, but I will find out) to try to get my money back.

    You don't have to get a solicitor involved. In fact, you haven't even tried very hard to sort things out. Go back to the store knowing your consumer rights and give them a chance to sort it out correctly. Visit the National Consumer Agency for information.
    On the receipt it says: "Return/Exchange within 28 days. Box. Packaging and Receipt required." It doesnt say anything about not being able to bring it back if you break a seal.

    That is correct. Breaking a seal does not matter when a product is defective. Go back to the store and deal with them reasonably.
    if you wish to join me in this complaint, please contact me at <SNIP>. I will try to get interviews with newspapers, radio stations and tv. In this climate of economic recession, where we all have to be carefull with money, and <SNIP>
    gerald

    Don't go running off to the press half-cocked, unless you have exhausted all reasonable avenues with the retailer.

    I have edited the rest of the thread as I feel that you are making allegations without basis. Consumer Issues urges posters to attempt to deal with businesses and attempt to resolve the issue correctly rather than simply posting about it.

    Good luck


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,739 ✭✭✭✭starbelgrade


    An Boards Snip? (sorry, couldn't resist it... I'll just get my coat).

    Anyways - yep.. yr entitled to a replacement or refund. Sounds like you got some bad customer service & are understandably worked up, but just take a moment & breath in - it's a fixable problem (as pointed out above).


  • Registered Users Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    Kensington's post moved to this thread.

    OP - please only discuss this matter in one thread.

    dudara


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,956 ✭✭✭consultech


    gboot wrote: »
    I will try to get interviews with newspapers, radio stations and tv.

    :confused:


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,100 ✭✭✭eightyfish


    gboot wrote: »
    When starting it up, the keyboard proved to be faulty.

    All posters make sense. If it's broken they will have to help you. Can I just ask, what do you mean by this? Was the keyboard not working at all?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,045 ✭✭✭Rev. Kitchen


    Im confused is it the worng product in the box or is it broken ? Either way they have to fix it they cant sell broken items.


  • Registered Users Posts: 988 ✭✭✭manutd


    Go this website http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/consumer-affairs/consumer-protection/consumer-rights/consumer_protection_organisations.

    You can to write to Consumers Association of Ireland and the The National Consumer Agency http://www.consumerconnect.ie/eng/Get_Your_Rights/Make_a_Complaint/.

    You can also take PowerCity to the Small Claims Court http://www.consumerconnect.ie/eng/Get_Your_Rights/Going_To_Court_Guide/

    Hope this helps. I have no porblems with PowerCity and i find them every good.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 316 ✭✭reverandkenjami


    Have never had any problems with power city! Maybe i'm lucky :D


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,373 ✭✭✭✭foggy_lad


    gboot wrote: »
    Hi,
    Yesterday I boutht a laptop in Powercity. 499 Euro, Toshiba Satelite. When starting it up, the keyboard proved to be faulty. I went back to the store and had to speak to <SNIP>. He said because I broke the seal, (to open the box) I could not bring it back. I told him that it doesnt say so on the seal. (by the way, are we all supposed to have super-natural gifts to be able to 'know' that what is in the box is what you are buying? they can put the wrong product inside and get away with this) He said they dont take 'sales' back. I asked him for the terms and conditions. He said there is no copy available in the store. This is illegal!
    In short, reading all the treads here, Powercity is a big scam, they sell faulty goods, knowing its faulty, and dont take it back. If you ask for a manager, there is no manager in the store (e.g. who is the keyholder, who does the case register etc? they dont answer these questions, so they know exactly what they do). Unfortunately, this is all possible in Ireland and the authorities are well awar of it, but do nothing. I am going to a sollicitor, and report this to any official consumer rights institute I can find (I am not Irish, so dont know yet where to go, but I will find out) to try to get my money back. I have send letters with all the details to the head office, but you dont get a response. All the phone numbers you can find are auto-answered, and you can only leave your number and they will call you back, but they dont.
    On the receipt it says: "Return/Exchange within 28 days. Box. Packaging and Receipt required." It doesnt say anything about not being able to bring it back if you break a seal.
    if you wish to join me in this complaint, please contact me at <SNIP>. I will try to get interviews with newspapers, radio stations and tv. In this climate of economic recession, where we all have to be carefull with money, and Powercity is abusing people who try to buy cheap by selling them faulty products and not taking any responsibility for it. its a matter of principle to stop this, as they will continue this fraudulant kind of business.
    If you read the several chains on this boards.ie, there are many victims!
    gerald

    leave out all the superficial ranting and people will understand the issue better and offer advice and helpful comments.

    if this item was bought in ireland and was faulty when it was opened you are entitled to a remedy from the seller which may consist of repair replacement or refund. you have a statutory right to this!

    reeturn to the store and inform them that your brand new laptop was broken straight out of the box and if they are any use at all they will have someone there to look at it and confirm what you have told them, they should then offer you a new unopened replacement or a full refund.

    failing this you should write a letter fully explaining the problem to the store addressed to the store manager and hand deliver this getting the staff to sign to acknowledge receipt. in this letter you should give them ten days to resolve the issue failing which you will take action in the small claims court to get your rights.


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 jacinta65


    i went to powercity fonthill thursday to get ipod,tv areil, phone, radio with fm connector , i know i was not spending 100s of euro, but the services i got was appalling firstly asked about stereo with fm conector told rather briskly dont do them anymore not true,asked another man about a tv areel all he could say was dont know to any question and did not look up from paper he was reading,then ask woman about ipod dock told me no dont fit nano then ans her phone an walked off,disgracefull
    i would hope i never have to buy there i would rather pay extra few bob for a better level of services


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,216 ✭✭✭cojomo2


    I bought a toshiba laptop from powercity a short time ago.

    After opening it and using it, I realised the battery was a bit lose...

    I rang powercity, they told me they couldn't take it back straight away, they told me to ring toshiba first (they gave me the no)... I rang, explained the problem..they guy I was speaking to got similar laptop and tested it and confirmed the battery was not lose on his model, and that it shouldn't be lose on mine.

    He then said to ring powercity and tell them that Toshiba have authorised and exchange...I did this and it was then exchanged with no questions asked.

    When picking up the replacement, I told they guy if I got another dud one that I think I would opt for a refund, at which he replied 'no problem'...

    This was about 6 weeks ago...I find powercity have good prices, give you discounts without having to even ask for them, and their returns policy is grand...It is a bit of a pain having to contact the manufacturer and get authorisation for a replacement tho..this step should be done by powercity themselves..


  • Registered Users Posts: 26,412 ✭✭✭✭noodler


    jacinta65 wrote: »
    i went to powercity fonthill thursday to get ipod,tv areil, phone, radio with fm connector , i know i was not spending 100s of euro, but the services i got was appalling firstly asked about stereo with fm conector told rather briskly dont do them anymore not true,asked another man about a tv areel all he could say was dont know to any question and did not look up from paper he was reading,then ask woman about ipod dock told me no dont fit nano then ans her phone an walked off,disgracefull
    i would hope i never have to buy there i would rather pay extra few bob for a better level of services

    Suspicious first post.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 18,320 CMod ✭✭✭✭Nody


    cojomo2 wrote: »
    This was about 6 weeks ago...I find powercity have good prices, give you discounts without having to even ask for them, and their returns policy is grand...It is a bit of a pain having to contact the manufacturer and get authorisation for a replacement tho..this step should be done by powercity themselves..
    Legally you don't have to but contacting the manufacturer directly tend not only to speed things up but you actually get to talk with someone who has a clue about the product and problems it may have.

    Personally I'll rather deal with the manufacturer directly (short of refunds) then talk to the stores people who tend to be sales people with no/limited technical knowledge.


  • Registered Users Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    noodler wrote: »
    Suspicious first post.

    Leave it to the mods to determine that.

    There is no need for posters to comment on all the first posts made in this forum. Every regular contributor to boards had a first post.

    Additionally, it is usually only the people who have a complaint to make who will go to the bother of registering and posting. Satisfied customers are always less likely to post.

    It is usually apparent, though not always, when we're dealing with a shill and when we're dealing with a genuine case.

    dudara


  • Registered Users Posts: 25,459 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    I think there are two things people need to bear in mind when in a Power City store...

    1. They stock a huge number of items so every sales assistant can't be an expert on everything. If you've done some research beforehand and the guy says something you know to be untrue then maybe you should just quietly correct him and ask if one of his colleagues has more specialised knowledge on the product you're interested in. More to the point, you can usually do all the research that's necessary on the web and just walk in and buy the product, that's what I do because if you ask the sales people on the floor for advice they will always point you at the product that gives them the biggest commission, wouldn't you do the same in the same situation?

    2. They are a magnet for tyre kickers (time wasters) because of the store format (open plan, no counter) so the sales assistants are probably a bit on the defensive most of the time, hence the 'get lost' attitude on the part of some of them


  • Registered Users Posts: 9,205 ✭✭✭Gringo180


    To OP hope you get this sorted out, as it is a lot of money to be out of pocket coming into the xmas time, and a note on power city I bought a universal laptop charger from there store on the fonthill road and a week later it didnt work silly me never kept the receipt tho, it was only 35 euro's i should of knowing better as a top quality laptop charger range in between 90-130 quid:rolleyes:


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,505 ✭✭✭ElNino


    cojomo2 wrote: »
    I bought a toshiba laptop from powercity a short time ago.

    After opening it and using it, I realised the battery was a bit lose...

    I rang powercity, they told me they couldn't take it back straight away, they told me to ring toshiba first (they gave me the no)... I rang, explained the problem..they guy I was speaking to got similar laptop and tested it and confirmed the battery was not lose on his model, and that it shouldn't be lose on mine.

    He then said to ring powercity and tell them that Toshiba have authorised and exchange...I did this and it was then exchanged with no questions asked.

    When picking up the replacement, I told they guy if I got another dud one that I think I would opt for a refund, at which he replied 'no problem'...

    This was about 6 weeks ago...I find powercity have good prices, give you discounts without having to even ask for them, and their returns policy is grand...It is a bit of a pain having to contact the manufacturer and get authorisation for a replacement tho..this step should be done by powercity themselves..

    Your contract of sale was with Power City and they should have dealt with Toshiba directly and not involved you. You got a good result but they unnecessarily created extra hassle for you.


  • Registered Users Posts: 71 ✭✭jthrppel


    Just to note that I had bought (from powercity Blanch) a Sanyo 900W microwave in January 2009 and it went dead November 2009. These items are sold 1 year parts and labour warranty. I only have the credit card statement as evidence of purchase. I e-mailed the customer service on Sunday (yesterday) morning 10ish and I got a call back before noon which I missed and second call after an hour. The wonderful person on the other end said to take the item back to Blanch and will be looked after. I did take it to Blanch later on Sunday, the guy up there could retrive the purchase details from credit card number, gave credit for the item and we exchanged it for another microwave of similar price range with no questions.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 415 ✭✭matt70iu


    gboot wrote: »
    Hi,
    Yesterday I boutht a laptop in Powercity. 499 Euro, Toshiba Satelite. When starting it up, the keyboard proved to be faulty. I went back to the store and had to speak to <SNIP>. He said because I broke the seal, (to open the box) I could not bring it back. I told him that it doesnt say so on the seal. (by the way, are we all supposed to have super-natural gifts to be able to 'know' that what is in the box is what you are buying? they can put the wrong product inside and get away with this) He said they dont take 'sales' back. I asked him for the terms and conditions. He said there is no copy available in the store. This is illegal!
    In short, reading all the treads here, Powercity is a big scam, they sell faulty goods, knowing its faulty, and dont take it back. If you ask for a manager, there is no manager in the store (e.g. who is the keyholder, who does the case register etc? they dont answer these questions, so they know exactly what they do). Unfortunately, this is all possible in Ireland and the authorities are well awar of it, but do nothing. I am going to a sollicitor, and report this to any official consumer rights institute I can find (I am not Irish, so dont know yet where to go, but I will find out) to try to get my money back. I have send letters with all the details to the head office, but you dont get a response. All the phone numbers you can find are auto-answered, and you can only leave your number and they will call you back, but they dont.
    On the receipt it says: "Return/Exchange within 28 days. Box. Packaging and Receipt required." It doesnt say anything about not being able to bring it back if you break a seal.
    if you wish to join me in this complaint, please contact me at <SNIP>. I will try to get interviews with newspapers, radio stations and tv. In this climate of economic recession, where we all have to be carefull with money, and Powercity is abusing people who try to buy cheap by selling them faulty products and not taking any responsibility for it. its a matter of principle to stop this, as they will continue this fraudulant kind of business.
    If you read the several chains on this boards.ie, there are many victims!
    gerald

    To be honest, it sounds to me as if there has been a misunderstanding here. Are you absolutely sure the sales rep was fully aware that the product was faulty? The reason I ask is because his actions suggest that he was not. As previously stated, if you go into them armed with diplomacy, with the rights sword at the ready, I am sure you would be able to get this resolved, best of luck.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 Ciara Brien


    When you brought back your laptop they normally send them 2 the manufactor to be repaired free of charge if it is still under 1 yr. Like most of the products power city sell they are not allowed give out a new product untill the manufactor has had a look at it or tried to repair it. The manufactor wont let them. If they can they try and fix them in the shop if it is just a software problem. I find them normally helpful if anything is wrong and I find people give out and shout at the customer service people when there is nothing they can do. They would give you a new one if they could, its not like they like people shouting at them. Im sure no one would like to go into a job to be shouted at. I go to the coolock branch and find that they are nice and helpful and if they dont have what you are looking for normal try and find out where locally had the product your looking for even if they do send you to a competitor as the sales person said to me if they dont have it there not loosing your business cause you are not going to buy it there anyway and then you will go back there for you next product cause they where nice and helpful to you.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 35 volauvent


    Just wondering, I bought a microwave in power city a few days ago.
    I wanted to bring it back but I opened the box so I could measure the length. Yeh I know could have done that in the shop but wasnt a planned purchase.
    I read afterwards on the receipt the won't take anything back if the box was opened. That seems to be a severe customer service policy. I want to bring it back to swap it for a smaller. It hasn't been touched except box opened. Anyone know whether or not I should bother trying?


  • Registered Users Posts: 134 ✭✭steod


    They should have no problem swapping the microwave as long as it is in the condition you say it is, fully boxed and packaged and just needs to resealed with tape. If the box is ripped or packaging missing showing its obviously been opened before they may still accept it back but will need to put a small restocking charge on it because it would have to resold as display model with discount off full price.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 11,255 ✭✭✭✭Esoteric_


    Bear in mind, though, that they are under absolutely no obligation to take the microwave back or offer anything like a replacement or refund.


Advertisement