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Is this wrong to ask?
- Thread starter OptimusPrime
- Start date
I could be wrong, but isn't this the same as bait and switch? I know that it typically is bringing someone in for a cheap item and then selling them a more expensive one, but this seems the same to me. If they had an advertisement for a specific price (print a copy of it for proof) and they will not honor it, file a complaint with the BBB. I bet they'll honor the price rather than having that mark against them.
I should have taken a screenshot of the page last night when it said $240. Stupid me.
I don't think it has anything to do with manipulating anyone. While this store may not be legally bound to sell the item to you for any price, an asking price is an asking price, whether it's a big store or me. Ethically speaking, they can come down on the price, but they can't go up. And enough of this "ask them to come back down to somewhere close to their advertised price" crap. They sell it to you for the price they offered the item originally, or you tell them to go pound sand. Period. And send them this link, and tell 'em I said so.
Nuts.
Matt
I'm a retail manager at a very famous outlet mall in new york. I cannot tell you how many times a day i get customers complaining about prices, asking me to discount a certain item, or simply arguing over price with me. You know what though, sometimes (as mentioned previously in this thread) we incorrectly mark certain items, and guess what, thats our fault. So when a customer calls me out on it, i HAVE TO BY LAW give them the advertised price.
So the answer to your question is, no. Its not wrong to ask, in fact, you should DEMAND they sell it to you at the advertised price. You should not be held accountable for their pricing mistakes.
I would not hesitate to handle this matter in a manner thats a little less than polite if i were you.
Just my thoughts.
So the answer to your question is, no. Its not wrong to ask, in fact, you should DEMAND they sell it to you at the advertised price. You should not be held accountable for their pricing mistakes.
I would not hesitate to handle this matter in a manner thats a little less than polite if i were you.
Just my thoughts.
It's not the same as bait and switch, but who cares. It's bad business. And, yes, contact the Better Business Bureau if you feel like taking it that far. They'll at least call them directly on this bad business practice.
Matt
When I inquired about the ---------- the other day, the price was listed at $239. When I received your email back the next day, you jacked the price up to $300. I was ready to buy when I thought the price was lower. I'd appreciate it if you would honor that price. I'm ready to pay your advertised price that was listed last night. Honestly, the advertised price is what I should pay and not a penny more. I'm completely ready to take my business elsewhere. Like I said, I'll be disappointed that you would list one price and not honor it.
Too nice? To mean? To repetitive? Oh yeah, I totally stole some of you guys lines.
Too nice? To mean? To repetitive? Oh yeah, I totally stole some of you guys lines.
Yeah ... too repetitive. Man, I should have paid attention when we did those "editing circles" in English class.
sounds like a crappy company.
the place i work for will do the price if that's what was listed on our site. even if the price has been changed.
the place i work for will do the price if that's what was listed on our site. even if the price has been changed.
Should I add a short line about how most companies honor whatever price they have listed on their website?
EDIT: Should I add a "thank you" at the end?
EDIT: Should I add a "thank you" at the end?
IME you get nowhere fast if you come out swinging, so DON'T BEGIN with the whole "I'll take my business elsewhere" ruse. The less words the more likely they are to read the whole thing, and the less chance there is for reading between the lines. Be calm and passive yet assertive.
"I am interested in item_X which was advertised on your website on <insert date & time> for $XXX. When I made an email enquiry the price quoted by your employee was $YYY.
I am ready to order the item immediately at the price listed on the website, but the email-quoted price is out of my budget. Will you accept an immediate (PayPal?) order at the advertised price of $XXX?"
If they say no, then they are already expecting to loose the sale - your silence will confirm it for them. Walk away.
"I am interested in item_X which was advertised on your website on <insert date & time> for $XXX. When I made an email enquiry the price quoted by your employee was $YYY.
I am ready to order the item immediately at the price listed on the website, but the email-quoted price is out of my budget. Will you accept an immediate (PayPal?) order at the advertised price of $XXX?"
If they say no, then they are already expecting to loose the sale - your silence will confirm it for them. Walk away.
No. Just stick to the facts, don't editorialise - keep your emotions out of it, or you'll risk getting their hackles up.
Use "Regards..." or something else - a "thank you" is out of place here.
