Buyer Beware: Big Al's Calgary

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by intarsiabox

Of coarse they have all these expenses to worry about. On-line stores have huge warehouses that they have to pay to have the goods shipped in, orders over $35 ship free from Big Al's so guess who's paying for the shipping, the warehouse doesn't come for free (lease, taxes, utilities), lots of warehouse people to pay salaries to, plus customer service reps and people doing the accounting/billing. They have all the expenses of a retail store but since it's on a much larger scale and don't have customer wandering around the warehouse it can be done more efficiently and they also don't have the live animals to deal with reducing costs further.

+1, people commenting on the contrary to what I am trying to explain are not realizing this, thanks for this point of view. In my opinion, I don't think online or local should be a factor... If they sell the same product, and they carry it as stock, who then cares if it is online or not. Things to consider as the retailer and customer is the cost of shipping. This is why I was accounting a cost for overhead and shipping, even though the selling price would most likely already have a padding for some of this stuff.

Originally Posted by abcha0s

I wonder why the other LFSs that many of us frequent are so untouchable. I've had the same experience with EVERY LFS in Calgary - bar none. It is very disheartening to price something with JL, drive to a LFS only to be quoted 20% more. I've just accepted that buying locally means paying more. The sad part is that this also means that I avoid buying locally.

I know that there is loyalty pricing offered at the stores here in Calgary. I'd like the owners of these stores to read this and understand that this approach is counter productive. If I had been offered the best price from the start, I would have spent A LOT more money locally.

As an extreme example: when I looked for quotes for my new tank, our favorite store here in Calgary felt that it was appropriate to mark it up by $1200 and then had the balls to tell me that they were doing me a favor? All they were actually doing was brokering the deal with the builder. It's unfortunate all around, but I haven't been back to that store.

I am a believer that price things fairly. You may not make the big cash on each product, but then do the volume. It is funny you stated this, because if I didn't already have a business, I would seriously consider opening up a LFS in the South of Calgary, and if I did, watch out.... But it isn't happening, at least for now. Anyone want to buy an internet/hosting biz? HEHE

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Anyone want to buy an internet/hosting biz? HEHE

Will you price match?

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Well, we expect that if one has a concern with one of our vendors, that they express their concerns and/or compliments in that vendor's forum. That's the purpose of the sponsors having forums.
For non-sponsoring vendors, please keep reviews accurate without name calling, and use reasonable judgement in your post. If you're upset about impulse shopping, try not to impulse post about it.
Also keep in mind that should you receive good service from a store, you mention that too.
We want to strive towards sharing knowledge within the community, but we want to ensure a respectful and mature approach to it.

Aquattro,

There is no reason for poking at me for impulse buying... That isn't what this thread is about, so why keep changing what this thread is about.

CUSTOMER SERVICE, OR LACK OF
PRICE PROTECTION GAURANTEE, AGAIN OR LACK OF
OVER PRICING, OR PRICE GOUGING

Sorry, but I feel you are out of line. I know you are a moderator, but please use some judement yourself.

That is the problem with all forums, it is too easy to take a fragment and run with it, twist it to your purpose. It is too easy to attack because we are all hiding behind a computer screen.

Basically in my case, with all that is posted, you should get what I am trying to say. Sorry if it may be fragmented, but it is all there. Overall it isn't the money, I really don't care. I have money, lots of it, so again I REALLY DON'T CARE! But what I do care about is the principals of life, being treated fairly. And with my case with Big Al's, they promote certain things, I felt comfortable based on what policies they promote. But when called upon to use these policies, it fails miserably. SO IT IS THE PRINCIPLE OF THINGS, and telling others of this is my right. You are correct about promoting good service, and I do that also. It does work both ways.

[Aquattro]

I understand what you're saying, and I agree, customer service is lacking and as a manager of a store I would have made it right for you. But, this store is not willing to do that, and as a consumer you need to shop elsewhere. It's that simple.
If service and pricing are priorities in your purchasing plans, you need to investigate beforehand, which you did not.
Big Al's service has been discussed for years, and everyone knows they're more expensive. so in my mind, the mistake was yours for making the purchase. It was an impulse buy that you regret, and aren't willing to take the blame for.
It's also been stated many times in this thread that people have been happy with their experience at this store, especially certain staff. So buyer beware is a bit out of line. I think it's more like "Impulse Buyers Beware" because if you make a mistake, the store won't correct it for you.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by lastlight

Will you price match?

HEHE, yes I would... This is what I believe Price Matching Criteria would be. Do remember I ran retail stores, and this is what I had based things on in the past.
- If it is an advertised sale price, is it in stock and ready for sell... Remember you can advertise/quote any price, but if they don't have stock, they are not prepared to sell it to you.
-If it isn't advertised, but ticketed in the store or online. Check online to see price, or call the location. Also verify that if I come down now/order now online, is it in stock. If so, price match, or even beat.

The big thing I would consider when matching/beating an online price, is the shipping. If the online presence includes shipping then you match or beat the online price. If the customer has to pay shipping, then the retailer should be able to remove that from the matching price, as this is a legitmate cost to him to bring in product. The retailer would even benefit, remember this, shipping for him would be cheaper, as he is bringing in bulk, not just one. So the shipping cost is divided into the number of units, it would almost always workout cheaper then.

I hope this makes sense, very basic... Easy to understand, and works for all parties. Also remember, I am not just making this up... It is what I use to do at Visions, Soundsaround... I have family at FutureShop/Best Buy and they have the same approach.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I understand what you're saying, and I agree, customer service is lacking and as a manager of a store I would have made it right for you. But, this store is not willing to do that, and as a consumer you need to shop elsewhere. It's that simple.
If service and pricing are priorities in your purchasing plans, you need to investigate beforehand, which you did not.
Big Al's service has been discussed for years, and everyone knows they're more expensive. so in my mind, the mistake was yours for making the purchase. It was an impulse buy that you regret, and aren't willing to take the blame for.
It's also been stated many times in this thread that people have been happy with their experience at this store, especially certain staff. So buyer beware is a bit out of line. I think it's more like "Impulse Buyers Beware" because if you make a mistake, the store won't correct it for you.

Point taken, and I agree.

I don't think buyer beware is out of line... I am stating with all these posts, that don't put any validness in their pricing gaurantee that they promote in store. So BEWARE!!! If you find it cheaper, have fun trying to collect. Again it has nothing to do with impulse buying, so I don't accept that...

Let me throw it at you differently. Say I am happy with the price I paid, but lets say the price went down $100 after one month. Let's say, the online Big Al's website was cheaper by that amount. Let's say the manufacturer also was cheaper, and lets take it further and say Oceanic Coral had it in stock and also dropped it by $100. If Big Al's didn't honor the price gaurantee, then how is my current situation any different to say a month down the road. It really isn't.

[sphelps]

This is probably one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read. Buying online is almost always cheaper than purchasing locally. You purchase locally for convenience, service and to support local buisness. The service you received sounds more than fair, they did more than they had to by giving you a credit. If you want ma and pa service then shop at a ma and pa store.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by sphelps

This is probably one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read. Buying online is almost always cheaper than purchasing locally. You purchase locally for convenience, service and to support local buisness. The service you received sounds more than fair, they did more than they had to by giving you a credit. If you want ma and pa service then shop at a ma and pa store.

Then I don't know what LFS you deal with (actually I probably do, but won't mention any other names here, tired of being beat up by you all). I have spent probably close to $20K on fish stuff over the years (mostly locally) and find my LFS are generally inline with online presences. If you don't see that, then you need to find new LFS's... Any LFS that isn't inline, will usually match prices like JL to get the business... At least for me they do.

I can recommend one in Calgary if you need it... An no, it isn't Big Al's... And before you all bash me on this statement. Shame on me, I should of just ordered it from him. Oh well.

Boy I can see why sponsors like Oceanic Corals left.... comments, attitudes and ignorance like this makes me want to bash my head against a brick wall...

I think I am done here, take my experience as you wish all, have fun... If you choose to buy from Big Al's, again I say DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Boy I can see why sponsors like Oceanic Corals left.... comments, attitudes and ignorance like this makes me want to bash my head against a brick wall...

Are you joking? The only comments, attitudes and ignorance that are out of line here are your own. WOW!

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Are you joking? The only comments, attitudes and ignorance that are out of line here are your own. WOW!

No comment. We have a difference of opinion.