Called Maplins and ordered a 12v DC to 5vDC converter. When I picked it up I asked, as it's just a smooth black unit, if they could identify the
pins. She was unable too and after some pressure reluctantly called their tech desk. She then said the tech man knows but wouldn't tell me
because it's company policy, as if they are wrong they are open to being sued. On my return home I called customer services who told me to call
their help line (at 50p a min - don't think so). I insisted I spoke to a manager who after some persuasion called the tech dept and gave me the
info I needed. Why do they act like this, either train their staff or at least have a spec sheet for the product. I bought some stuff from Rapidtech
who's tech advice was free and they couldn't be more helpful. And another thing, bought 4 flashing LED's from Maplins only two worked,
Maplins should have stayed in the Holiday Camp business - Hi De Hi
[Edited on 31/1/09 by LBMEFM]
Did you check out their website? Sometimes they have technical stuff on there. Or is that where you ordered it from? Their only trained to sell stuff over the counter, most of them don't know what anything does. Not surprising really.
The trouble is if they were trained they would have to pay them real money instead of peanuts.
Maplins are fine if you go into a shop, or order something sim ple on their web site, anything else like phoning them and they are a complete nightmare..... never again for me either.
Had the same conversation yesterday in shop when asking for advice on whether to go for one resistor 1.6watt or a 2 watt version?? Numptie workers on
numpty wages I'm afraid.
Same thing as well " we could be sued for wrong advice"
I find that the chaps in the Bradford branch are all too happy to help, 2 of 'em even seem to know what they are talking about.
Maplins used to be a great place when I was starting to get into electronics. They catered primarily for hobbyists and the stores had helpful and knowledgeable staff. The catalogue was brilliant, full of pictures and full specs for components. Then they sold out and became just another retail outlet selling shoddy Chinese tat
I agree, they've become a big toy shop nowadays.
I lost faith when I tried to order a 7p surface mount transistor and was told I'd have to pay almost a fiver for delivery as they couldn't
have one sent to the shop
quote:
Originally posted by stuart_g
The trouble is if they were trained they would have to pay them real money instead of peanuts.
I find any big shop you go to buy something you have a reasonable knowledge about you will find the staff completely useless.
Halfords is another example. Most are young staff probably not old enough to hold a driving license and only interested in the mountain bikes.
Problem is, if they trained the staff to know what they were talking about, they would have to pay them more, then we would have to pay more for the
goods and then we might as well go to a proper specialist shop!
quote:
Originally posted by Jasper
Maplins are fine if you go into a shop, know exactly what you want and it's in stock and on a shelf on the shop floor