End to online bargains as Sony forces prices higher

Wonder what proportion of Dixons/PC World/Currys/Comet etc sales are from their websites?
Given that they all regularly give 'Internet only/Special Web price' etc deals which are cheaper than you can get in their high street outlets (or should we call them warehouses?), and most will price match anyway, I'm not sure how this idea will work at all? Sounds like bollo***

 

I think HiFi shops are a very different type of retailer to the normal Sony/Pana/Philips electrical retailer. The products for a HiFi dealer are not widely available in the high street nor the internet. It's not an apples and apples comparison. Can you buy Linn, Naim, Rega, Sugden etc on the web?

 

Manufacturers do spend a decent amount on training programs for the retail store staff. There's also sales literature and web resouces including on-line training academies. You can lead a horse to water etc etc.

The difficulty is getting the HQ's and store managers to allocate time for training at branch level. Once you're there you then have to contend with the limited attention in a busy retail environment and the fact that these guys are working on a low wage made up with commision on sales. Highest commision products get the most attention, regardless of brand or quality. On top of that you have a high turnover of staff. It's rare to find floor staff with enough depth of knowledge on product and the industry to cope with an enquiry from an informed consumer. But then again most shed sales come from customers who just want a big telly, so perhaps they've got the balance right.

As for returns policies, that's nothing to do with the manufacturers.

Regards

Hex