Get Some
General => General Chat => Topic started by: benlav on January 25, 2014, 10:38:41 am
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As early as last week, I was stating in these forums how I was a PB Tech fanboy. No longer.
Today, I needed a powerline adapter so went directly to PB Tech, my regular North Shore store. I was aware there was a 3 day sale on for Auckland anniversary day, but wasn't expecting what I wanted on sale, but would check out other wares.
The store was just littered with yellow "3 day sale stickers". So out of curiosity, I wanted to see what kind of deals were available. I just lifted up the sticker to see what was behind. Of the approximately 1/2 I came across that had discounts, it wasn't much, but there was a price difference. But this got my blood boiling, how dumb do they think their customers are??
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/62/iem9.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/1qiem9j)
I bought this item on the 18th of January, 2014, hmmm, look how much I paid vs the big 3 day sale sticker.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/138/kyu5.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/3ukyu5p)
The evidence.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/707/bcli.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/jnbclij)
No matter how many stickers I moved, the numbers just stayed the same...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/834/g0of.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/n6g0ofj)
I was getting angry, I should have taken photos with some items which were different, but it never occurred to me how rampant this was.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/546/o3o1.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/f6o3o1j)
and more
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/849/m46c.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/nlm46cj)
and more
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/716/sfcq.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/jwsfcqj)
oh, another one. No matter how many stickers I uncovered, over half were simply NOT on sale.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/268/59dv.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/7g59dvj)
I am sifting through the fair trading act now, as I am sure that deceptive selling is covered by this behaviour. I had a word with the girl on the counter, being careful not to be an ass as it isn't her fault. But if no one complains, it'll continue to happen. Hence why I am posting here. I made sure all customers in line knew that the sale was not a sale, unless they boxed shit up and put it in the entrance.
Spread the word. Voice your thoughts.
Fuck you PB Tech.
Boom - here it is
http://www.comcom.govt.nz/fair-trading/fair-trading-act-fact-sheets/pricing/ (http://www.comcom.govt.nz/fair-trading/fair-trading-act-fact-sheets/pricing/)
Sales
In the mind of the ordinary consumer, the word "sale"¯ means an opportunity to buy goods at reduced prices for a limited time.
There are many different types of sales. All sales, however, imply that a lower price than usual is being charged. Any goods or services a business promotes as part of a sale must be priced below normal levels. If a sale does not include stock already on sale or discounted, then this must be clearly disclosed. Likewise, unless a business clearly discloses that a sale is limited to certain products, consumers are likely to consider that most, if not all, of the business' stock is being offered at sale prices.
Businesses should also take care when promoting goods ordered specifically as sale stock. A business should not promote these goods using "was/now"¯ prices, as they have not been sold prior to the sale.
Businesses must also be able to prove that how they have described a sale is truthful. "Liquidation"¯ or "receivership"¯ sales imply that the business running the sale is closing down. If a business advertises a "closing down"¯ sale, with no intention of closing, it will breach the Fair Trading Act.
Example: A bicycle retailer advertised closing down sales at two of its stores but had no plans to close down either store. The retailer brought in extra stock for the sales and kept the sales running for several months. The Commission issued the company with a warning.
A sale represents a special buying opportunity and consumers often change their ordinary shopping habits to take advantage of such an opportunity. A sale must be for a short duration and only for the period stated, unless unforeseen circumstances lead to the sale being extended or shortened. If a business advertises a sale as "last three days of the sale"¯ for several weeks, consumers would be misled about the opportunity available to them.
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Never again PB tech tbh.
Our software company bought two of their custom PCs at the end of last year and BOTH of them had dodgey hard drives. We sent them both back and they were fixed/replaced, but having almost 2 weeks without 2 computers in a software company doesn't really work.
And then my mate had his problem. His PC died after a power cut one night (plugged into a surge protector). He sent it to PB tech in Wellington who then broke his case and PSU trying to diagnose the problem (he was there), but they would only fork out for the PSU replacement.
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wow, looks like dragon pc with their low prices and shitty service aint so bad after all!
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Looking at this, if they had some items on sale they weren't breaking the law. The yellow stickers didn't say that the individual items were on sale, just that the store was having one.
It's somewhat misleading, but not illegal.
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Disagree. See the first line of the fair trading act quote.
All stickers and labels were the same. So how can a consumer differentiate between a sale and non sale item? There were items that didn't have a giant yellow sticker on them and were 'normally' priced. So those items clearly weren't on sale.
You can't advertise a specifc item and say "sale" on it, if it isn't on sale. I hear what you're saying, but there is no technicality here. It is deceptive, misleading and illegal.
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Disagree as well. Stickers say Sale and then under underneath "Today cash price" $ That is a clear indication the item is on sale as the normal white stickers don't say that at all, giving the impression that price is only for Today.
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That sure seems dodgy to me, I think I may flag them for any future purchases.
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Disagree as well. Stickers say Sale and then under underneath "Today cash price" $ That is a clear indication the item is on sale as the normal white stickers don't say that at all, giving the impression that price is only for Today.
It's tricky, but it's not in breach.
I agree it's misleading in this case, but I think it's been very carefully worded. Look at Benlavs first image. Where on that ticket does it say the Samsung adapter is on sale? It says PB Tech is having a sale. It states what the price for the adapter is today, but thats about it.
It still takes a devious mind to go around changing ALL the stickers for the sale though.
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I still don't think your argument holds water.
Likewise, unless a business clearly discloses that a sale is limited to certain products, consumers are likely to consider that most, if not all, of the business' stock is being offered at sale prices.
btw - I'm not trying to be a dick, I just don't agree. I think they have breached the act and therefore broken the law.
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I'm with Benlav on this, though I understand where Clin is coming from.
Warehouse Stationery use to do the same when I worked there, have a sale, put up actual proper sales ticketing, but also put up "everyday great value" ticketing that looked quite similar. They would also often advertise a product at it's normal price and let the consumer assume it's on special. When you read the flyer properly no where on the page did it say this product was any cheaper than usual.
Benlav there is a group you can contact with information on this, fucked if I can remember their name right now. Send an email with your experience and pictures.
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Fuckit, point the Com Com at them.....at least then it'll be confirmed either way...
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wow bunch of sly wankers, CL looks to be getting more of my business simply because others are dropping the ball.
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The line of text on each ticket that says "Today's cash price", on the ticket the same as on actual sale products, points to me as misleading
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*waits for BenZene to chime in (extensively)*
PB is typically the cheaper of the tech store options out there, but as a consumer, if I'd seen a yellow sticker, and not been curious like benlav, I'd have expected that item to be selling at a lower price. HOWEVER, due to experience with a variety of stores, AND knowing the filthy practices of other stores (intimately), much like benlav, I'm always skeptical as fuck. I'll wander most tech stores with pricespy's website close at hand. You can actually throw a rotten stereotype on most retail stores in the PC/tech industry, and it's shit that it happens, but the practice is rife overseas due to the tiny margins available on technology for the main part.
I'll be interested to read BenZene's commentary on this one.
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btw - I'm not trying to be a dick, I just don't agree.
Me too bud. All friends here.
(http://i.imgur.com/UdxdN2l.gif)
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I'll be interested to read BenZene's commentary on this one.
(Disclosure: I play a piano in a whore house, and sometimes I play this type of tune)
To me this looks like a clear breach of the Fair Trading Act. The Act prohibits (amoung other things) (a) conduct, in trade, that is likely to mislead or deceive (or actually is); (b) conduct that is liable to mislead the public in relation to goods; (c) making false or misleading representations about the price of goods.
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0121/latest/DLM96439.html (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0121/latest/DLM96439.html)
(See sections 9, 10 and 13 respectively)
I don't think its misleading per se to have a sale and then not discount your product (although you have to be careful about headlines like "50% off"). But they have gone further and attached a big yellow sale price tag. This will probably give a significant number of consumers the impression that the price has been reduced. For me the missing bit of information (EDIT: I see you mention it later) is what labels did they have on the items that were actually on sale? If they were the same, its a slam dunk. But even if they didn't, a lot of people would look at the big yellow tag and understand that to mean the product is on sale because its Auckland Anniversary, as in its price has been reduced.
The Commission has taken action around this kind of this before. For example:
* Kathmandu were fined 28,000 in 2006 for claiming things were on sale when they were available at the same price immediate before the sale:
http://www.comcom.govt.nz/the-commission/media-centre/media-releases/detail/2006/kathmandufindsoutthetruecostofsale (http://www.comcom.govt.nz/the-commission/media-centre/media-releases/detail/2006/kathmandufindsoutthetruecostofsale)
* Progressives were warned in 2012 about their "20% off" beer and wine sale, where they were selling things at 25% off RRP, notwithstanding that Progressives almost always charges below the RRP:
http://www.comcom.govt.nz/the-commission/media-centre/media-releases/detail/2012/commerce-commission-warns-progressive-enterprises-over-misleading-sales-claims (http://www.comcom.govt.nz/the-commission/media-centre/media-releases/detail/2012/commerce-commission-warns-progressive-enterprises-over-misleading-sales-claims)
You could get in touch with their contact centre on Monday (in Wellington, so will be open!) or submit a complain online via here:
http://www.comcom.govt.nz/the-commission/making-a-complaint/online-complaint-form/ (http://www.comcom.govt.nz/the-commission/making-a-complaint/online-complaint-form/)
However the Commission receives thousands of complaints a year, and is funded to investigate maybe a hundred at most, and to prosecute 10-20 a year max (sometimes less). So they prioritise, and this would only end up getting prosecuted if this was an area of priority for them, or if they had received a lot of complaints about this store (ie if they are a repeat offender, or if this particular incident affected a lot of people).
Incidentally, while I'm on my soap box:
(a) a lot of businesses go wrong because they think that as long as its true, its not a breach of the law. But you can mislead people without lying, and its still misleading. Which means its still illegal.
(b) the law has been tightened up, starting in about 6 months, and soon it will also be prohibited to make claims about your products without reasonable grounds to do so. That is going to kill some snake oil merchants. Good luck with selling homeopathy or magnetic blankets for example.
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There you have it.
I was wrong.
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There you have it.
I was wrong.
Like I say, just my view. And I'm sure PBTech can find a much more expensive piano player than me to agree with them ;)
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Another minor part I failed to mention. Before giving the girl grief at the counter, I did explicitly ask her if the yellow stickers meant the item was on sale. To which she said yes. So their intention from her perspective at least was that yellow sticker equal sale. I then replied that half the shit is the same price as it was last week. Poor girl didn't know what to do.
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Another minor part I failed to mention. Before giving the girl grief at the counter, I did explicitly ask her if the yellow stickers meant the item was on sale. To which she said yes. So their intention from her perspective at least was that yellow sticker equal sale. I then replied that half the shit is the same price as it was last week. Poor girl didn't know what to do.
Was she surprised?
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Another minor part I failed to mention. Before giving the girl grief at the counter, I did explicitly ask her if the yellow stickers meant the item was on sale. To which she said yes. So their intention from her perspective at least was that yellow sticker equal sale. I then replied that half the shit is the same price as it was last week. Poor girl didn't know what to do.
Was she surprised?
Yeah, but in a way that she didn't really get paid enough to care.
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Did she have nice tits?
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Did she have nice tits?
I think this right here is the question we all want the answer to.
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Did she have nice tits?
Pics or HoS
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I like how this thread went from pbtech being dicks to wanting to see the pbtech girls tits
Well played, mentlegen
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sorry lads, was too fired up to enjoy the scenery.
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Does their website have an "our team" page?
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sorry lads, was too fired up to enjoy the scenery.
With good reason
The whole thing is fucking trash, glad you brought it to everyones attention, not that I ever bought from them anyway after last time I tried to deal with them and their staff were super rude lol
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sorry lads, was too fired up to enjoy the scenery.
With good reason
The whole thing is fucking trash, glad you brought it to everyones attention, not that I ever bought from them anyway after last time I tried to deal with them and their staff were super rude lol
That, and the unreliability. winter ordered from them some headphones on like a Friday, hadn't arrived by the following week... I think he cancelled the order in the end, but they keep fucking up, so no use putting up with it.
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Last time I went in PB the bird that served me had a rather nice behind, I knew where the dvi leads were I just wanted her to lead me over to them :D
I mean yea, fuck pb.
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This practice is super common. Supermarkets do it all the time, but they normally have enough below-minimum-wage slaves to remove the existing prices.
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This practice is super common. Supermarkets do it all the time, but they normally have enough below-minimum-wage slaves to remove the existing prices.
Not true for the Foodstuffs markets x)
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This practice is super common. Supermarkets do it all the time, but they normally have enough below-minimum-wage slaves to remove the existing prices.
Not true for the Foodstuffs markets x)
They don't have enough below-minimum-wage workers? Bet they work the rest of you to the bone then!
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This practice is super common. Supermarkets do it all the time, but they normally have enough below-minimum-wage slaves to remove the existing prices.
except supermarkets have clued up marketing and sales managers who know to use ticketing that is similar but not the same.
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I've definitely seen the same behaviour at supermarkets, as others have mentioned.
As others have also mentioned, just makes the reasons for buying from Computer Lounge even more compelling.
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What i love about big supermarkets and places like the warehouse is you see a special and then in small print it's like "you save $0.07" I just think why the hell don't you have a proper special.
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Meh, I just call up our Account Manager to get me a good deal - as to whether its misleading or not - I expect that 2 lawyers will have a very expensive arguement as to whether it was or not, then laugh all the way to the bank.
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8% off CL if anyone is looking.
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For me, always CL, if they don't have it, email and they can normally get it.
From time to time I use Playtech, but normally only if I need the item that day, as they are closer to me for pickup.
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I have also dealt with annoying staff from the Manukau branch, Most of it was me being an idiot and just falling for a trap, but it still fucked me off.
When I got my new pc parts from them, the man who was helping me grab them said "Do you want an OS with it? Windows 8 is only 80$". He showed me the little display of napkin looking windows 8 cd's, saw it was "windows 8 upgrade only". Now, This is where I'm an idiot for believing him, but I said that it was a new build, Fresh install, rarara, He understood, he told me "No, no it's fine. It just says that, It still legitimately works. I've tried it myself, Just put the cd in for a fresh install, and it will install"
Get home, build PC, Install windows 8, Fucking hate windows 8, but I figured i'm just too in love with the 'old way'. Turned Pc on the next day and I get the whole "You need to activate your windows 8" bs. Re enter my registry key... "This key works for upgrades only...rararara.... You don't have access to every feature and we're going to full-screen annoy the fuck out of you with this message everytime you start your pc, or are trying to do something."
This is getting a bit too long for such a short and simple story, Took it back, complained to the guy, he said "no you just installed it wrong", "it definitely works, i've tried it myself" "Bring your pc in and i'll install it for you"
"No. It definitely doesn't work. I want my money back."
He wouldn't do it. I ended up swapping it with my computer repair guy (F**k you, I'm not smart enough to fix my computerised bullshit all the time ;P).... Ended up swapping it for windows 7 Ultimate edition + 50$ or something.
Moral of the story, Who the f**k buys a OS.
Funny how I know we're all grown men here (*ehem*) yet I still feel bad about swearing. Must be because of the new clean look.
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Tastech for me, local, guy is really friendly.
edit: I don't give a fuck about swearing btw Kayne.
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For me, always CL, if they don't have it, email and they can normally get it.
From time to time I use Playtech, but normally only if I need the item that day, as they are closer to me for pickup.
Pretty much me right there. CL is default, maybe a little bit more expensive but more than worth it for the piece of mind and excellent service.
And I get the occasional item from playtech if its cheaper than CL. Got my last gfx card there, and a new SSD recently.
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EXPOSED. Shame on you PB Tech, Shame.
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Pity nothing will ever come of it
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I will never buy from PBtech again.
I'm not giving up anything, but it's the thought that counts.
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So where do I get the sweet dealz from now? I need 4TB!
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Tastech for me, local, guy is really friendly.
edit: I don't give a fuck about swearing btw Kayne.
I used to use compulink (before they shutdown) simply because I knew the owner who was a massive GC. He may not have been the cheapest but that was countered by the simple fact it was a joy to visit him and throw money about. I usually ended up walking away having spent more than I previously intended too, sly bastard :P
Now its CL for specialized shit and PC Force for all other little things ( they are literally 2mins drive from home and not all that bad to deal with + support the local etc)
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Tastech for me, local, guy is really friendly.
edit: I don't give a fuck about swearing btw Kayne.
Has the Tastech guy gotten better? He use to pretty fucking useless.
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Tastech for me, local, guy is really friendly.
edit: I don't give a fuck about swearing btw Kayne.
Has the Tastech guy gotten better? He use to pretty fucking useless.
He sells Zoons now
I don't actually know
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Has the Tastech guy gotten better? He use to pretty fucking useless.
He's always been good to me, I first purchased with him maybe 7 years ago?
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Last time I went in PB the bird that served me had a rather nice behind, I knew where the dvi leads were I just wanted her to lead me over to them :D
I mean yea, fuck pb.
dat double entendre...
Has the Tastech guy gotten better? He use to pretty fucking useless.
He's always been good to me, I first purchased with him maybe 7 years ago?
Grant's always been good to me, except when he didn't answer my emails once (not a big deal, he just missed out on a sale rather than ignoring support requests or whatever - he spreads himself a bit thin sometimes I think). Usually he's a good chap to deal with. But being one guy working from home, if he gets sick... etc.
Supported local, he's a good guy, fair for returns and all that stuff (dead hdd once, still just in warranty).
Other than that Computer Lounge have always been a boon to deal with. Usually for bigger items that Tastech didn't have, my old gaming headphones, this netbook I'm using now, etc.
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On the "Not the cheapest but absolute good cunts" line, I'll just throw in a mention of Kerry at http://easytechnology.co.nz/ (http://easytechnology.co.nz/) in Hamilton. If your based in Hamilton, you will not get better service from anyone.
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I think you mean "If your base is in Hamilton"
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On the "Not the cheapest but absolute good cunts" line, I'll just throw in a mention of Kerry at [url]http://easytechnology.co.nz/[/url] ([url]http://easytechnology.co.nz/[/url]) in Hamilton. If your based in Hamilton, you will not get better service from anyone.
That website is so horrendous I've never noped faster in my life
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On the "Not the cheapest but absolute good cunts" line, I'll just throw in a mention of Kerry at [url]http://easytechnology.co.nz/[/url] ([url]http://easytechnology.co.nz/[/url]) in Hamilton. If your based in Hamilton, you will not get better service from anyone.
That website is so horrendous I've never noped faster in my life
I am saving that Website to show my students how to not make Websites
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"How to nope, by Tiwa"
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In his defence:
A: I've seen worse
B: it was actually MUCH worse under the previous owner
C: At least he has a website.. so many small local business these days just don't.
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In his defence:
A: I've seen worse
B: it was actually MUCH worse under the previous owner
C: At least he has a website.. so many small local business these days just don't.
I just noticed the website is built by "terribly named SEO company.com" which on further investigation is in fact the former owners wife.
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i usually go pb to buy tiny things like flash drives and usb cables for dj mixers etc. but for everything else i spend a little more and deal with Dove electronics in penrose. just that extra bit of service saves so much hassle when there's a problem. Screw havign to deal with a bunch of people who don't realyl care about the customers.
i remember buying my asus essence stx of those guys in computer lounge. i think afro dizy was getting sponsored by them or soemthign back then. nice people to deal with.
also btw.... the rational consumer is a myth, there wil always be people who buy things just because the price lable is a different colour to the rest.
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When this happened I sent a link to the commerce commission. I never heard back from them, or so I thought until now! I just linked them this thread and they obviously thought it was worth looking into. I think the response is fair and outcome appropriate.
Good morning Ben,
Thank you for the information you provided the Commerce Commission regarding PB Technologies Limited (PB Tech).
Since receiving your complaint, the Commerce Commission has met with PB Tech and have been advised that changes have been made to ensure that ‘sale stickers’ will now only be printed for discounted items. Several PB Tech stores have subsequently been visited during ‘sales’ and no issues have been identified.
We have now completed our investigation and PB Tech have been sent a Compliance Advice Letter. This letter informs PB tech of the potential breaches of the Fair Trading Act and provides information to assist them to comply in the future.
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Choice bro.
PS, what a fuck'n nark.
(lol jks, good on you.)
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Awesome.
PB Tech is a scummy place to shop. I visited their Botany store (do they have a Botany store? Is that where I was? I dunno, I was probably high) and was eyeballed by 3 different staff as I strolled through the shop. On top of that, I've never had a decent experience with them as a customer. Another store who have run out of fucks to give when it comes to satisfying customers, and instead treat you like cattle.
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i had issues with PB tech (only HIS video card importers) once with 6970 card that fans went faulty in trying to blame me for fan failure..
i replaced the fans bearing myself sold the card and went to CL and got 580's at the time.
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I wont deal with PB tech. various reasons, but it all comes down to...
Shit prices, awful badly implemented service.
Maybe they are ok as a reseller, but their distributor side is a joke.
http://easytechnology.co.nz/website-design/ (http://easytechnology.co.nz/website-design/) I lolled.
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THE SYSTEM WORKS!
No seriously the commerce commission do an excellent job.
10/10
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I see no problem here - overzealous marketing, commerce commission did the right thing (not too heavy handed,) everyone wins
and I still have a PBtech Account manager who is awesome
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Awesome.
PB Tech is a scummy place to shop. I visited their Botany store (do they have a Botany store? Is that where I was? I dunno, I was probably high) and was eyeballed by 3 different staff as I strolled through the shop. On top of that, I've never had a decent experience with them as a customer. Another store who have run out of fucks to give when it comes to satisfying customers, and instead treat you like cattle.
I agree with this - this is my experience with them as well. Maybe it's our good looks and strong whiteness Rii...
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I want to shoot you with my strong whiteness.
EEEEEAAAAAGGGLLLLEEEEE!!!!
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@Arsey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iek02NtfH_4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iek02NtfH_4)
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@Arsey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iek02NtfH_4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iek02NtfH_4)
haha! it had certainly ocurred to me.
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Reviving a dead thread just to slam PB Tech again.
Which is rich as both the monitors I am using are from PB Tech....
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/105203161/pb-tech-charged-for-extended-warranties-warned-for-bait-advertising (https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/105203161/pb-tech-charged-for-extended-warranties-warned-for-bait-advertising)
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We were talking about this in discord last night, should join :D
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I have become wary of these guys in recent weeks, and heard this on the radio today. Not a good look.