So I went to go buy a GPS today.... Sun May 04, 2008 10:22 pm
And here is how the conversation went. Sometimes it is way too hard to buy a GPS even when you know exactly what you are looking for.
Me: I want to buy a "Brand Series Model"
Salesman: That GPS doesn't exist.
Me: But I saw it on your website earlier today.
Salesman: I'm a supervisor in the electronics department here, there is no such model.
Me: But I saw it on your website earlier today.
Salesman: There is no such thing, maybe you saw something else, or maybe it is online only.
Me: But your website says this store has them in stock.
Salesman: We don't have them, let me show you on our computer-- see, it isn't there.
Me: But you spelled the model incorrectly, take out the space.
Salesman: Yup, still nothing.
Me: But now you spelled the brand wrong.
Salesman: Okay, here it is in our database, but I'm sure we don't have any here because I've never heard of it before.
Me: Can you check?
Salesman: Oh wait, it says we have 5. Let me go look for it. -- I can't find any, it must be a mistake.
Me: I see one, right up there high on the top of that shelf.
Salesman: Yes, there it is... I'll go get a ladder.
Last edited by Tim on Mon May 05, 2008 12:17 am; edited 1 time in total
They are not across the street. By "retail", I thought you were asking why would I purchase a GPS as opposed to getting them from the manufacturer. I have no problem at all with web vendors.
I was in Italy last weekend in a town called Alba. I saw an electronics store and looked in to see their selection. They had the usual TT, Garmin, Becker VDO and a few others.
So I ask about the x30 series and the guys says, niente, nada, nothing, never heard of it. I said , ah well and moved off. I was perusing the rest of the store and saw the sales flyer. Guess what was advertised BOLDLY on the front page...a TT 730 with price and all. I went back to the GPS counter, the salesman shouts at the cashier, enquiring about it. The answer, as far as I could tell was ..oh yeah, it has not come in yet!
Last edited by infama on Mon May 05, 2008 8:52 pm; edited 1 time in total
Tim, just wanted to mention something for some of the new members. Your policy of buying "off the shelf" rather than accepting manufacturer gifts is one major point setting this site apart from any of the others. Much less "slant" to the advice and reviews, as you don't owe anything to any of them. Congrats on doing it the right way.
While I'd love to say it is a decision based 100% on ethics, that isn't the whole story. It is a big part of it. However the standard deal from GPS manufacturers is to loan GPS devices out to reviewers for a period of 15-45 days depending on the manufacturer and product availability. 15 days isn't often quite enough time-- plus, I like to hold onto the GPS so I can later go back and answer questions, make comparisons with other newer models as they are released, etc.
Therefore the "loaner" type concept just doesn't work for the way I work. It certainly helps to take the "high road" so to speak when someone thinks I might be influenced by a particular company or getting a "cherry picked" device. But it is also about holding onto the device so I can better answer future questions, etc.
Now I've just got to figure out what to do with this pile of used GPS devices I have laying around...
Yeah, while I could just unload them on eBay I'd rather come up with something fun, creative, and with a "promotion" twist. But beware before you come to the garage sale, one map vendor has a road nearby really screwed up.
See, this is why I absolutely loathe going into the big box electronics stores. Unless I find exactly what I want, I try not to ask. Even when you know what the staff are really clueless. There are the occassional few that know what they are talking about, but they are far too few and far betwee.
Yeah, while I could just unload them on eBay I'd rather come up with something fun, creative, and with a "promotion" twist. But beware before you come to the garage sale, one map vendor has a road nearby really screwed up.
Maybe, I will win one of those old Garmin and see what the Gator fuss is all about. LoL
I must say though, I am not sure I coulda passed up on that Presskit iPaq at CES. However, I understand why you did.
Another site owner took it and promised a review. That review is still non-existent since February, despite my sending periodic reminders. That is why I dont read that "rag" very often.
Yeah, while I could just unload them on eBay I'd rather come up with something fun, creative, and with a "promotion" twist. But beware before you come to the garage sale, one map vendor has a road nearby really screwed up.
Uhoh! That would mean that Gator would need Road Avoidance!
See, this is why I absolutely loathe going into the big box electronics stores. Unless I find exactly what I want, I try not to ask. Even when you know what the staff are really clueless. There are the occassional few that know what they are talking about, but they are far too few and far betwee.
Mark
But, if you have problems with the unit you have a store to go into that handles it vs having to mail it somewhere or god forbid you buy it on E-Bay. Despite the hassle of buying the unit at a brick and mortar it is a lot easier when a problem arises.
For $40 I bought an extended in store warranty. I can walk in to the store I bought my 4250 at any time over the next 4 years and get a replacement without hassle if it fails. If the model is DQ'd I get upgraded to the replacement or another GPS of similar value.
So, it is a trade off. Pain in the butt when buying but much better warranty/problem resolution.
See, this is why I absolutely loathe going into the big box electronics stores. Unless I find exactly what I want, I try not to ask. Even when you know what the staff are really clueless. There are the occassional few that know what they are talking about, but they are far too few and far betwee.
Mark
But, if you have problems with the unit you have a store to go into that handles it vs having to mail it somewhere or god forbid you buy it on E-Bay. Despite the hassle of buying the unit at a brick and mortar it is a lot easier when a problem arises.
For $40 I bought an extended in store warranty. I can walk in to the store I bought my 4250 at any time over the next 4 years and get a replacement without hassle if it fails. If the model is DQ'd I get upgraded to the replacement or another GPS of similar value.
So, it is a trade off. Pain in the butt when buying but much better warranty/problem resolution.
The few times I've had problems was well after the warranty period, so I had to send it away for repair anyway. To me, it's not worth the extra time & hassle of driving to the store not to mention electronics are often cheaper even with shipping. Also, as a general rule I don't buy extended warranties. If I did that for every electronic I've purchased, I wouldn't have as much stuff
If I need something faster than a few days, I'll go to a brick & mortar. For the most part, I've found shopping online works well for me.
Tim, didn't even realize the new TT's were in stores yet. Guess a review is coming up soon from you. (Didn't catch on which one you were refering to until a few minutes ago)
I actually buy most things online. Bought my Garmin handheld GPS online. Just felt more comfortable buying the auto GPS at a brick and mortar with the EW.
Bought my digital camera at the same store with the EW and actually had to use it. Just walked in, handed them the failed one, and walked out with a brand new one. Took 10 minutes. I use my camera a lot for work and being without it for a couple weeks while I mailed it off was not good.
"Customer Assistance Specialist": Ma'am, can I help you?
Me: Yeah, I didn't see that you had any, but I wanted to make sure you don't carry Navigon or Mio?
Him: We actually never carried those brands.
Me: Yes you did. I tested out a Navigon here a few weeks ago that you were selling on an Open-Box deal.
Him: Oh. Um, where's Janessa? You said it was Navo and Mio?
Me: No. Navigon and Mio.
Him (speaks into headset): Janessa, where are you? Do we carry Navigon or Mio? (pause) (speaks to me): She advises that we longer carry those brands.
Me: Ok Thanks.
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By "retail", I thought you were asking why would I purchase a GPS as opposed to getting them from the manufacturer. I have no problem at all with web vendors.
